After seeing a notice in a diocesan publication on a retreat specifically aimed at people in my line of work, I sought my pastor's approval and signed up for this 'diocese-sponsored' retreat. (A day of retreat is written into our contracts each year.)
I wasn't sure it was a good idea since I was afraid it would just be a groan fest. I was more convinced it was a bad idea when I arrived. First of all, the thing started 30 minutes late. After I arrived 20 minutes early. Never a nice thing for those of us polite enough to be on time.
Second, a former supervisor who has turned on me for reasons I haven't quite figured out was there. She went out of her way to avoid me and completely ignored me when I tried to make some polite conversation with her.
Third, the speaker was less than motivational. His message was that you are doing important work and don't forget that. That was it. No helpful tips or tricks or ideas for rejuvenation. He first talked about himself, and then he showed us videos of others in our very group, in that very room, talking about themselves, why they entered ministry, and their experiences of that ministry. The small group sessions were chances only to hear others brag or gripe about their jobs. I didn't learn a single thing. That is very frustrating when I devote my entire day to such events. And the speaker kept whipping out a guitar and singing songs he had written. Mmm hmm.
Lunch was quite nice but we were not allowed to sit with our friends there. Instead, we had to sit with random strangers based on colour-coded nametags.
The straw that broke the camel's back came right after lunch. The speaker started talking about a higher, organized intelligence, perhaps driven by people high up in the US government, who wanted to see the Catholic Church systematically destroyed because this intelligence hates how the Church controls our minds.
Yeah, I'm not making that up.
That will be my last 'diocese-sponsored' retreat day for a while. I made a break for the door and didn't look back, and showed up at work instead to finish out the day -- at least before Pastoral Bored Committee tonight.
It did just occur to me that the speech given by the person receiving an honorary doctorate at my MDiv convocation spoke about aliens. Maybe this will be a recurring theme in my ministry encounters: paranoia and paranormals. I hope not.
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2 comments:
This is just so sad. Pathetic even. People in your line of work need so much support and this would seem to be an ideal opportunity for sharing ideas, or maybe just a time for some spiritual nourishment.
Gah...what a waste of a day. Sorry you had to go through it.
It was a waste and I won't make that mistake again. Fortunately I have since found some very nice ecumenical people I am looking forward to sharing and praying with, in addition to planning and brainstorming with, so that's a relief.
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