A Circle of Dancing

I was on retreat last week at the Qu'Appelle House of Prayer in Ft Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan. I have been going there for 21 years. It is run by a Roman Catholic priest and nun who have become my good friends over the years. We have shared a lot together. 
The chapel is nestled in the trees on the hillside. Sitting inside the inviting chapel you can look out over the Qu'Appelle valley and Echo Lake, and up the hill to the cross. 

There is a hand painted sign that greets you as you enter the chapel: "take off your shoes, you are on holy ground". Just inside on the wall is a large mural - a circle of dancing, smiling people of different dress, different culture, different religion. Thirteen religious symbols representing major faith traditions are scattered amongst the dancing people. Along with the Christian cross are symbols from Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, Native Canadian, Shinto, Taoist, Jewish, Jain and Hindu traditions. 

All are welcome here. All are welcome to share reflections on the scripture readings, to bless the sacraments, to share peace with one another. 

It is mostly Christians who come to the House of Prayer, but there are some from other faiths, and some who profess no faith who come for a brief time or a longer time to be in community. 

When we sit together in community, sharing spoken word, chants, silence and eucharist  we share a deep connection to the mystery that in our tradition we have come to call God. Whatever you call that mystery, nurture it within you and share it with those you love. That's what I did during my retreat last week.