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FEEDBACK FROM RETREAT PARTICIPANTS
Anto Pallikunnel I loved the retreat. Personally, I had not had a spiritual experience in almost three years and this was the first and best one I had. It was fun because I had my fellow Knanayits there, but it was more fun because of the commitment and spirituality of the retreat leaders. From the first night, I could tell the speakers and the coordinators of the retreat were serious about us experiencing a spiritual revolution as well as a safe trip. There were strict rules, no time to waste and daily mass. However, these rules and regulations helped keep the retreat focused on God. Sabu Uncle prepared it well to make sure we paid attention and even let us stay up on the last night before we left. I was truly touched and I could not have prayed for a better group of speakers. Jenson Chettai and Asha Chechi also were amazing speakers and Mark Nimo was the most inspiring spiritual man I met. I am so glad I went to this retreat and I would repeat it again if I had the opportunity. I thoroughly look forward to the next one and I thank God for calling me to it. Jocelin Indikuzhy Pondering about the outcome of the retreat, one would find themselves in frustration towards a whole three days worth of sheer boredom. When asked about expectations, participants agreed they wouldn’t be entertained. But to our surprise, the retreat included numerous amounts of fun activities such as icebreakers, skits, entertaining presentations. Another aspect of the retreat that was really enjoyed was the Adoration. This was the first time many of us attended Adoration and it was a very special experience. The last night of the retreat was when we played the famous game of Kabadi! Whether you were a spectator or a participant, the last night was memorable. Ultimately, the retreat was a success and the youth should be looking forward to others in the future. Steby Indikuzhy The Knanaya Youth Ministry Retreat held in Rockford was a prime example of the direction the youth of our community is headed spiritually and morally. Our Youth was put into a solemn environment which focused on growing closer to Jesus, and also providing knowledgeable education about our faith. Us as Catholics can easily forget about the importance of practicing special and vital parts of our religions such as The Act of Reconciliation, frequent prayer, keeping holy the Sabbath day, and can even forget the agony Jesus faced as he died on the cross in order for us to have eternal life. This Retreat reminded us that being a Knanaya Catholic is an honor just as much as it is a duty. It is our duty to keep holy the word of God, and it is our duty to praise and worship, and it is also our duty to strengthen our relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Our Mother Mary. In the beginning of the retreat, I including many others was skeptical about taking part in another boring retreat. But by taking part in the prayers, songs, and dances; the gift of the Holy Spirit allocated everyone to become closer to God through ways that were fun and exciting. I can sincerely testify that every single person changed after the retreat in a positive way. We have made it an understanding that Jesus is number one in our lives. All in all, this retreat was a big step moving forward for our Youth Ministry. Finu Puthenpurayil On arrival at the Rockford retreat center I was curious to know what we were doing and what kind of activities we would be doing. Having had bad experiences with other retreats I was eager to see how this one would be conducted. As the Retreat progressed though it became more fun and I even learned more about myself and my friends. On the first day we had time to set up our beds and do an icebreaker to get to know each other better. Curfews were set and we set our alarms early for the next day. The second day we woke at 5:45AM and went to mass. On that day we met a few motivational speakers and heard useful advice from them. Among them was Mark Nimo, who was an energetic man from Ghana who had traveled to over thirty seven countries. Biju was another talented man from Miami who led us musically. He helped lead us in praise and worship with Asha, a young charismatic person from Miami who shared with us her story of coming back to the Catholic Church; and Dr. Manoj a man from Southern Illinois who talked to us about relationships. All the lectures that they gave us for the two days were informal and presented well. There were break times in which all the people in the retreat and the leaders would have time to play team games and leadership challenges. These games were both fun and educational and everyone enjoyed them including me. On the final night we had an Adoration and special blessing; this time was special to all and we all took advantage of the opportunity to pray in Jesus’ presence in the Holy Eucharist. On the same night our curfew was extended and we were given the chance to play games. Throughout the whole retreat all of our bonds became stronger and we became closer with the people around us. I really enjoyed the privilege to have attended this gathering and to have met so many people. The retreat was entertaining and I learned more about myself and my abilities from it.
Merril Idiyalil When I first heard about the retreat, I honestly wasn't looking completely forward to it. I had already thought of going to Detroit and was hoping to go, until Father said that all teachers should go if they could. So I took a second thought and ended up signing up because I realized that though I am a CCD teacher, I'm not as close to God as I want to be. A week before the retreat, I started to get these random feelings of excitement for this retreat. While most people weren't looking forward to it, I was beginning to feel that this was going to be a great experience. And now, I can whole-heartedly say that this truly was an amazing experience. I didn't know what to expect but all I could think of was long lectures and long days ahead. But when we got to the retreat center, it was started out with introductions, a fun icebreaker, and great music. From the start, we had set goals of having fun, growing spiritually, and growing closer to the adults like Father Mutholath and Sabu Uncle and Johnny Uncle. By the second day, these goals were all met. The young adult team leaders were great because they were our chechis who we could connect and talk with and be comfortable with and not hold back with. Throughout the retreat, we had "Praise and Worship" times where we all had fun with the action songs that the retreat team taught us. The songs were all memorable and I don't think any of us will forget them. The retreat team was made up of some fantastic people. They shared stories and lead activities that inspired us and kept us going throughout the retreat. They gave us fun activities to do like coming up with funny skits, songs, and commercials. The skits were really fun to watch and perform because all had some comical aspect with still giving out the message of faith. With the commercials, we were supposed to sell Christianity. It was interesting to see how the different groups would "sell" Christianity to a non-believer and all of them would have worked! Both nights, there was a time for adoration. I truthfully think that this is one of the parts of this retreat that really affected me. During the adoration, it gave some one on one time with our Lord. It was very powerful, especially with the wonderful music played in the background and the atmosphere of the room. I truly felt a connection with God on both nights. The second night of adoration was even more special. All of us participants and leaders went through a "Prayer Tunnel" where the leaders stood in the isle of the chapel and prayed over each one of us one at a time. It felt really good because only positive light was shown on us and the feelings that were brought are indescribable. Even during our "social times" it was really fun because everyone would come together and just hang out and play games. The last night, there was a big game of Kabadi and you either watched, or you played. That was definitely an interesting experience in itself! But all in all, this retreat deserves nothing but positive comments. It was extremely successful and I don't doubt that a single person left unaffected. I just hope that more kids show enthusiasm in our community and come out to these events more so they can learn more about God and still have tons of fun!
Jenson Joseph Aikkaraparambil and Jasmine Lukose Puthenpurayil (Group BLUE DaBaDeeDaBaDoo or BLUE Bible Bombers) Retreat means to step back. It is a time we focus on one subject so that we can better thoroughly understand that subject. During this spiritual youth retreat, the subject was the love of God. Starting with icebreakers to skits to games to songs and dance, to lectures and finally worship, prayer, and adoration, the first KCYM retreat was a tremendous success. As the future leaders of our Knanaya community, we feel that this retreat not only provided us with spiritual enrichment but it also established closer bonds among our fellow Knanaya brothers and sisters. Each day was filled with numerous activities that were focused on important lessons. On the evening we arrived at Rockford, we decided to set goals for the group that we wanted to accomplish by the end of the retreat. The environment of the retreat center was quiet and secluded from any distractions so that we could be completely focused and attentive. Our first day began very early by attending the Syro-Malabar Qurbana in English led by our pastor Fr. Mutholath. The day continued with Fr. Mutholath’s teaching about the Catholic Church, Hierarchy, and Faith Formation. This provided us with more knowledge about this topic. We prayed and worshiped throughout the retreat and Biju Thoppil played amazing music that put us in the perfect mood. Our retreat was not only prayer and worship. We also played exciting games that connected to the purpose we came to the retreat. We were fortunate to have a life experienced man who had yearned to feel God’s love. This man is the famous Mark Nimo, from Ghana, West Africa. He shared his life experience and taught us the importance of repentance after sin. Asha Makkora prepared us for confession and inspired many of us to believe what a strong sacrament confession is. Jenson Kollaparembil introduced each group with a Bible passage. Each group created a skit which presented the message of the passage. We ended the day with the Eucharistic Adoration by emerging ourselves into God’s love and spending that time alone with Jesus Christ. Our next day again started fresh with the Qurbana. Dr. Manoj Nariamparambil shared with us the importance and the role of Mary in the Catholic Church. A panel discussion was held in which Asha Chechi, Fr. Mutholath, Femia Puthenpurayil, and Mark Nimo shared their experiences about their calling to God. Dr. Manoj also talked about Chastity, Purity, Morality and Dating and the role these elements play in our belief and the scripture. Who ever thought making up songs would be so much fun? Jenson Chettai provided us with the proper guidance and we executed the work by creating songs that expressed worship to God. During both days, we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet which is a very powerful prayer. Making our own skits and songs were one way of helping us understand the connection with God. Another fun activity we took part in was creating our own commercials promoting Catholicism. Our day ended with adoration which was the most holy, solemn and emotional part of the whole retreat that filled us with the Holy Spirit. Each and every one of us went through a tunnel, down the center aisle of church, where the adults and team leaders laid their hands upon us and prayed for the Holy Spirit to come into our bodies. We came to a fast and unwanted end to the retreat with activities that made us closer to one another as a community. We also received the chance to reflect on the retreat and even play “Kabadi”. Overall, this retreat has been a highlight for many of us and one that none of us regrets. It was one event that created a connection with God that we have never felt before. It made us feel alive and full of the Holy Spirit. The works of the talented guests such as Dr. Manoj, Asha Chechi, Jenson Chettai, Mark Nimo, and Biju Thoppil definitely helped us seek a more spiritual relationship with God. We thank all who put their time and effort behind this event such as Fr. Mutholath, Sabu Mutholath, Johnny Thekkeparambil, and all the leaders and chaperones. There was not even one minute wasted in this retreat and everything we did was a beneficial aspect of our young lives. We learned about others, about ourselves, and most importantly about God’s love. What we learned and experienced at this retreat will be with us as we draw a closer bond with the creator, God. GOD IS GOOD…ALL THE TIME ALL THE TIME…GOD IS GOOD Praise the Lord!
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HEART & ST. MARY'S KNANAYA CATHOLIC PARISHES, CHICAGO
