2006 St. Peter and
Paul Parish Retreat
11 Nov 2006
The Ss. Peter & Paul Parish held its inaugural Retreat
on the October long weekend (September 29th – October
2nd). Following months of preparation and anticipation, everyone
was anxious and excited as the time had finally arrived.
Almost 50 people of all ages gathered at St. Hurmidz Cathedral,
engaged in conversation, eager to jump on board the coach.
7:30pm couldn’t have come quicker as everyone said
their goodbyes and had their names were marked off. Prior
to departure, our beloved Parish Priest, Reverend Father
Genard Lazar led us all in prayer, asking our Lord to be
with us for a safe journey.
Upon arrival at Wombaroo Adventure Centre, everyone assembled
in the hall were we were given information in regards to
the weekends’ program. Everyone was then on their way
to their cabins where they could unpack and unwind.
We were then called to dinner, it was BBQ time! Awaiting
us was a traditional Aussie BBQ (sausages and steak) prepared
by our great Chef. We all thanked God for blessing us with
food; we ate and enjoyed our dinner around the blazing camp
fire. After dinner, it was lights out, where very little
sleep was had!
The next morning (Saturday 30th), we woke up to a beautiful
sunny day. Some showered, some got dressed while others just
came in their pyjamas to the main hall where breakfast was
served. After breakfast we were addressed by Reverend Genard
Lazar. As we all sat outside in the open, he reflected on
our Parish; spoke about how it all began and how he was so
joyous to see the Parish grow from a small Bible study. He
also encouraged us by saying that the Retreat was a time
to get away from the ‘normal’ world and really
get to know one another on a personal level and to also enjoy
ourselves in fellowship.
We then all assembled into our chosen activity groups, where
we were split into 4 equal groups
all having 12 people.
Groups 1 and 2 had their first activity for the morning,
a giant swing and high ropes. Each of the sessions lasted
two hours, whilst groups 1 and 2 were doing their activities;
groups 3 and 4 were undertaking their workshops.
Each group’s workshops consisted of various topics
including, Gossip, Envy, Division and Selfish Ambition. Each
group had the task of discussing each topic, how it could
begin, how it would affect people and how it would affect
the Church. The groups were then broken up into sub groups,
containing 3 people to a group and were given a topic. A
role play had to be created for each topic.
Once the morning sessions were completed, all four of the
groups gathered in the hall where lunch was served. After
lunch, there was some free time, where we could speak to
one another and talk about our experiences so far. Once the
free time was over, the groups swapped activities. After
the activities and workshops were over, there was a game
of soccer, while others opted to nap.
That night, we had another camp fire. We all gathered around
and roasted marsh mellows, while in the hall, Assyrian music
was provided thanks to our Maestro. Some of us sang and some
danced into the night.
Sunday morning (1st October), we woke up at around 8am and
got ready for Mass. We met in the cabin court yard, where
Shamasha Michael led us to the outdoor bush Chapel. As we
took our seats, the Raza began. The outdoor service was something
special, it was a rare occasion to see the Raza conducted
outside and it gave us the opportunity to view everything
After the Holy Eucharist was offered, we all greeted each
other with a Holy kiss and everyone spoke about how touching
and moving the Mass was. People shared their warm feelings
with each other regarding the Mass, which was powerful and
even led some to tears. Sunday morning was truly a memorable
moment in our lives.
After Mass, we all got ready for the activities and free
time. When groups 1 and 2 had their physical activities,
the other 2 groups had their free time, where groups 3 and
4 entertained themselves with a game of soccer, tackle footy
or sat around in the sun, while some just simply took photos.
Come dinner time, we all gathered in the hall and prayed
and ate. During this time, affirmations were introduced to
us. This is known as simply writing something to someone,
whether it may be encouraging words or just a thank you.
This gave us all the opportunity to open up a little more.
After dinner some sat around outside as some people watched
the Rugby League final.
This was our last night at Wombaroo, so some of us made
the most of it by staying up late, while some didn’t
sleep at all.
Monday morning (2nd October) came; we woke up and got ready
for breakfast. After breakfast we all helped clean the site,
our cabins and the pumpkin seeds that were left on the ground.
During free time some played cricket and some played soccer
while others just sat under the trees in the shade and watched.
For lunch we had another sizzling Aussie BBQ, but this time
it was prepared by the staff at Wombaroo. Right after lunch,
before it was time to say our goodbyes, we all opened up
our envelopes and began to read our affirmations. Reverend
Father Genard Lazar thanked the Ss. Peter and Paul Parish
Major Activities Committee for their hard work, time, effort
and commitment in organisation the Retreat. We all then hugged
and kissed each other and said a little thank you to one
another.
It was that time that no one wanted to know about, time
to leave. Some begged and pleaded to stay, no one was looking
forward to leaving. On the journey home, some were tired
and slept, while others still had energy to sing and talk.
The retreat was a touching, memorable and awesome experience
that none of us will ever forget. We all formed closer relationships
and we all felt like we were at home like one big family.
Special thanks to our beloved Parish Priest, Reverend Father
Genard Lazar who encouraged us to organise the Retreat. A
big thank you to all those who attended, it wouldn’t
have been possible without you.
God willing we will see you all again at next year’s
Retreat!
St. Peter and Paul Parish conduct the following ministries
for members, all welcome to attend:
Wednesday nights Bible Study from 7.30pm
St. Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School
St. Hurmizd Cathedral, Greenfield Park
Friday night English Preaching from 8pm
St. Mary's Church, Fairfield
Sunday English Mass from 6pm
St. Hurmizd Cathedral (Please see service times on homepage
for alternate locations).
For further details, or if you would like to talk to someone
personally, please contact
Father Genard Lazar on:
Office: (02) 9753 4185
Mobile: 0403 215 553
Email: revglazar@assyrianchurch.com.au or coregroup@assyrianchurch.com.au
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