On Monday, May 30, the catechists of New Grant journeyed to Point Fortin for their annual retreat.

The New Grant catechists meet monthly. It was at one of these meetings that the theme of this year's retreat was suggested. Sisters Erica Barnett and Helen Pino-Dickson thought that the theme should take into consideration the fact that this was the Year of the Eucharist. Thus, the theme chosen was “The Power of the Eucharist in Our Daily Lives”.

After much consideration, Veritas House was selected as the venue for the retreat. On the morning of May 30, we met at New Grant and set off for Point Fortin.

Our maxi-taxi driver was not a catechist, but a Eucharistic minister and choir member of the New Grant community.

Along the way, we prayed, sang hymns and said the Rosary and the Mercy chaplet, asking God's guidance for the day's proceedings.

Promptly at 8.45 a.m., we arrived at our destination. The ambience was refreshing. Our driver was tired and said she would remain in the maxi-taxi and rest. But to our surprise, she joined us a little later.

Our surprise speaker was none other than the “indomitable” Lystra Yuille. Oohs and aahs followed her introduction, for we had heard and read much about this worker of God and we felt Spirit-filled to be in her presence. We quieted down, sang choruses to the Holy Spirit, including the beautiful song “Majesty”. Thus began our day's retreat.

We were given seven bits of advice to help us transfer the benefits of the Eucharist into our everyday lives. One of the points that stood out was that about “lacking depth of faith”.

We were urged to ask the Lord to help us to understand and appreciate that He is present in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, to believe that this is the greatest human act of worship -- to be united with the risen Jesus in Holy Communion.

We were being so nourished by the Word that lunchtime seemed to have crept up on us. I can't begin to tell you of the abundance of sharing that took place concerning the talk. Our dear driver was ecstatic that she had decided to be part of the retreat.

After lunch, Miss Yuille continued in the same way she had begun. ‘Prepare well for each reception of Jesus in Holy Communion', was the advice given.

Communicate with the Lord -- just “ask” for healing or any need, remember Jesus is sacramentally present. Take one idea from the Mass to reflect upon. Walk with the Eucharistic Jesus within you and share the love.

There was so much learnt during that day's retreat. Some time was also spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament; we reposed in His love.

The final advice given by Miss Yuille was to “let Jesus be seen in your life.”