Finding God in Our Addictions, Attachments, and Afflictions
February 29, 2020

What: Our second iEncounter, which is a day set aside to hear God’s voice, reflect in prayer, and grow in virtue.  It is a common human experience to find ourselves entangled in addictions, unhealthy attachments, and any variety of afflictions. If we examine these carefully, we may encounter Jesus and be drawn closer to Him in the healing process through the power of the Holy Spirit. This day of reflection will guide the traveler through a process of spiritual and psychological growth into a deeper life of grace.

Who:  All are welcome!  Bring your non-Catholic friends!
When:  Saturday, February 29, 2020, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where:  Parish Hall and Church
Lunch:  Order a box lunch online directly from Jason's Deli ($5.66-$10.52 per meal).
Register:  Please RSVP online here.


Presenter:  Dr. Kenneth E. Buckle, Psy.D., who is a Psychologist and the Founder & Executive Director of Gratia Plena Counseling.  Dr. Ken is a native Houstonian and is licensed to practice Psychology in Texas.  Dr. Ken obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.  He then completed his graduate studies in the Chicago area.  He and his wife are parishioners at St. Laurence in Sugar Land. He works in the Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area and sees mainly adults, but some adolescents in crisis, addressing mental illness and addictions.

Session 1: Introduction to Encounter and Affliction

This session outlines our human condition and encountering God in the process of suffering and healing. “Look upon me, have pity on me, for I am alone and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart; bring me out of my distress. Look upon my affliction and suffering; take away all my sins." -- from Psalm 25:16-18

Session 2: Encounter in Noticing, Searching, and Reconciling

This session explores the initial phases of awareness of ourselves and the movement of the Holy Spirit stirring us into healing action. "Urged to reflect upon myself, I entered under Your guidance the innermost places of my being; but only because You had become my helper was I able to do so." -- from St. Augustine's Confessions

Session 3: Encounter in Surrender, Examining, and Healing

In this section, the middle phases of the transformational process are outlined. "...trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will..." -- from Reinhold Neibuhr's "Serenity Prayer"

Session 4: Encounter in Integrating, Loving, and Living

Finally, this portion covers the end phases of the healing process, in which humility propels the person into greater involvement in building the Kingdom of God. "I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him."  -- St. Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini

Schedule

8:00 am                Gathering
8:45 am                Opening Prayer (15 minutes)
9:00 am                Session One (one hour)
10:00 am              Morning Break/Meditation (15 minutes)
10:15 am              Session Two (one hour)
11:15 am              Lunch Break/Meditation (90 minutes)
12:45 pm              Session Three (one hour)
1:45 pm                Afternoon Break/Meditation (15 minutes)
2:00 pm                Session Four (one hour)
3:00 pm                Adoration & Confession (one hour)
3:50 pm                Benediction
4:30 pm                Vigil Mass