"It was Autumn, and incessant
Piped the quails from shocks and sheaves
And, like living coals, the apples
Burned among the withering leaves."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Can you believe that it’s November already? Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of.” It’s cold and rainy today and forecasts speak of snow. I’d really welcome that thinnest yellow light right now. Welcome to the November newsletter.

AMAZING GRACE

Some years ago, I was reading a church bulletin and news of an upcoming retreat took up half of the page. It was the Christ Renews His Parish retreat. CRHP, or Chirp as they call it, seemed like a silly thing to this old man. From the description, it seemed like a group hug while singing touchy feely songs. I figured it was just for the young crowd and I passed on it.

The next year, a friend from my Stephen Ministry class signed me up. I figured I would humor him and get through the weekend and that would suffice. Then I was roped into the weekly meetings where a bunch of guys did “faith sharing”. I thought, “Oh how painful” as I saw a bunch of guys from very different backgrounds open up slowly but surely about various aspects of their lives that lead them to search for Christ.

The experience was far from the group hug and singing silly songs I anticipated. Still, each man in the group had the same lame expectations that I had and went through it to please others. The weird thing is that each of us could have quit at any time but we kept going. We didn’t realize it right away but were being reborn into a family much larger and closer than our birth families. Sure, there were growing pains but these are my brothers; make no mistake about that and they will be forever.

I found it strange that in a time in history where evil and indifference lurks around every corner and people are afraid to show their faith because of brutal attacks on Christianity, a group of men came together with weak expectations and walked away strong because of God’s grace.

Those that know me know that I am weak at remembering names. I keep meeting guys through past and present CRHP’s and at times it’s embarrassing. They know me well enough but outside of CRHP 23, I say to myself, “There’s good old what’s his name, from whatever CRHP”. Putting names to faces has become tougher because of the stroke but they know how I am and forgive my shortcomings.

I may have trouble with names but I never forget the character and abilities they have shown me since I met them. When I think back I remember seemingly quiet guys step up to do brilliant work organizing the next retreat with a feeling of showmanship and great attention to detail. I saw guys who seemed reserved and quiet give witnesses that would brings tears to the most cynical heart. They are truly an extraordinary group and only by the grace of God I call them my brothers.

The other day, I was talking with one of my brothers on the phone. He heard the song, Amazing Grace in the background as we talked. He remembered that song being included in my witness to the guys in CRHP 24. That was a long time ago and in this world of indifference and cynicism I found it profound that a young man would care enough to remember such a thing; but that’s another example of the strong character I see in each of them. The thing is, that sense of character was dormant before CRHP gave us that feeling of caring through God’s grace.

CRHP originated in the Catholic Church along with similar retreats such as Kairos and Walk to Emmaus. Our granddaughter attended Kairos and a dear friend just went through his weekend at a Walk to Emmaus. Both had very positive experiences and I pray that those retreats are equally successful at spawning such a feeling of rebirth and newfound family for all that attended. We need it in this world.

I used to regret the time I wasted floundering through life without such an extended family but if I had gone through it at any other time, I wouldn’t have met those exact guys that are my brothers. Through God’s amazing grace I have an amazing family to help me through this crazy world.

Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.
Job 10:12

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7