FERNANDEZ REYES

makes the space feel welcome for all when we have our inter-denominational group meetings in the chapel. At Father Joe’s Villages, no one is required to attend any faith services to receive help, but if you wish, and no matter your faith, our chapel can serve as a quiet contemplative space for you.

Inside the chapel there is a small water fountain with the statue of St. Francis of Assisi with animals. St. Francis was known to be of humble heart and placed himself in God’s providential care and encouraged others to do the same. The sound of trickling water provides a soothing balance. The chapel services that are offered have become prayerful moments of brief interactions with the people, seeing the light in their eyes and feeling their sense of hope.

The weekly mass offered in the chapel gathers staff, volunteers and the resident community who live at Father Joe’s together in communion with the Holy Trinity, along with the angels and saints. Priests who serve at different parishes celebrate mass assisted by both Deacon Jim Vargas and Deacon John Roberts, both ordained ministers of the Catholic Church who work at Father Joe’s Villages. Music accompaniment is provided, with all voices raised in joyful songs of praise.

The Ignatian Spirituality Project group provides a sacred and confidential space for men and women to encounter God’s love, hope, and healing. This is an hour of meditation on a reading for that day and individual sharing on what resonated from the reading: a word, an image, a phrase. The sharing of personal experiences is a hope to transform spiritual lives. The project is uniquely suited for those recovering from homelessness and substance use addiction. In it, we believe recovery is for everyone. Recovery is a path of transformation, renewal and rediscovering the divine spark within each of us. The project lets us walk together on the journey of healing and recovery.

This October, a few men and women residents at Father Joe’s, who have regularly participated in these group sessions, were able to attend a weekend retreat at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside. Participants enjoyed the peaceful area that surrounded them, having their own rooms, the delicious food served, and that this unforgettable retreat gave them love, hope and healing.

Other programs include the Rosary Group, which provides an hour of praying together and contemplating on the life of Jesus and his Mother, Mary. It’s a special time away from other life’s distractions and to breathe in the scent of spiritual roses. The word “Rosary” means a chain of roses and the roses are prayers.

The Circle of Life Bilingual Women’s group, which I lead, touches on the various aspects of a woman’s life journey and offers a space to share, listen and set personal goals. This process hopes to bring the mind and heart connection stronger for each to envision a new purposeful life.

The chapel offers a quiet and peaceful, sacred space for anyone. I usually sit in the chapel for at least 30 minutes before Mass and these three group sessions. I meditate and pray — “Here I am, Lord. Grant me to be your feet to carry your message to the world, your lips to announce the good news of your gospel, your arms to bring my brothers and sisters to you. Let me be your instrument in leading the souls redeemed by your precious blood to an encounter with you. Extend to us your healing hands and keep us in your loving arms.” Each moment is a blessing!