In Gratitude, news from the director

Dear Community of the Ignatian Spiritual Life Center,

Today I write to you a letter of gratitude. This month marks two years since I began my journey with all of you, with the Children’s Faith Formation program and the Ignatian Spiritual Life Center. In that time, you have formed me as a minister, shown me what it means to be church and given me the courage to continue to say yes to God’s call in my life. In short, my heart is full. As I have said before, I am in awe of the Community of St. Agnes and the openness of our hearts as the Spirit, constantly and unfailingly, moves us to love God and our neighbors ever more deeply.

One of my spiritual companions, Thomas Merton, eloquently articulates the gratitude that I have for all of you:
To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything God has given us -and God has given us everything…
Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive,
is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise the goodness of God.
For the grateful person knows that God is good,
not by hearsay but by experience.
And that is what makes all the difference. (Thomas Merton)

All in all, my brothers & sisters, you have given me new eyes to see the beauty, love and heart of God. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Today I also write to you to share some news that comes after a challenging discernment this Fall. After hearing clearly God’s call for me to embark on a road not yet travelled in God’s journey for me, I will be transitioning out of ministry at St. Agnes & the ISLC at the end of December. Throughout the next two months I look forward to spending time with you and to preparing the Children’s Faith Formation program and ISLC for all that God has in store next. Dearest St. Agnes Community, my heart is full. As Merton says, because of my experience in community with you,  you have awoken me to wonder and to praise the goodness of God.

In Gratitude,
Natalie