Companions, continued from page 5
to reflect and discern what their own apostolic works
would be. This year, Fr. Joe Nassal challenged the
Companions who participated in the days of reflec-
tion or retreats that were held across the country to
begin to discern what it means to be a new creation.
At each retreat and day of reflection we listened to
the song, “I Am for You” by Rory Cooney. The theme
for the retreat and its message was clearly seen in one
of the lines of the song, “There is a world that waits
in the womb; There is a hope unborn God is bear-
ing.” The Companions reflected about what it means
to be part of God’s dream—especially if they were
willing to serve the new life that waits in the womb.
Recognizing that this new creation is something that
God is bearing and that we are needed to make this
new creation a reality allowed the Companions to
begin to comprehend that the new creation was not
something they are supposed to watch the commu-
nity do. Rather, each of them is called to participate
in making the new creation a reality. The sentiment
in the song gave all those who participated a fresh
idea of what “new creation” means. Opening up this
dimension for the Companions sparked new energy
and creativity regarding the role of the Companions
in the new creation of the community. During each
of these special times the energy in the room was pal-
pable as participants began to dream about the new
things that they would like to see Companions ac-
complish, and how they saw God’s dream being born
anew in them as individuals and in our community.
The message of both these retreats continues to
resonate with Companions, especially as the com-
munity explores the possibilities of what it means to
be a new creation. Companions across the country
are discerning and dreaming about the possibili-
ties that may become reality. Companions continue
to treasure the relationships that they have with the
community and hope that the new creation allows
everyone to deepen these relationships. They also
dream of the possibility of working hand to hand
with members in different apostolates around the
country. They look forward to building a new cre-
ation where everyone’s gifts and talents are freely
used for the benefit of all. The words of the song that
I quoted at the beginning of this article are coming
to life. Companions honor and respect all those that
came before them in the Companion movement and
6 • The New Wine Press • April 20