Koinonia begins on Friday evening with a prayer service and a meal. It is a time to meet the other participants and to remove ourselves from the outside world. It is a time for discernment and a time to reflect on God’s goodness and His love for us: a love so great that He sent His son to live among us, to suffer and die and to rise from the dead. He lives among us still in His Word, His sacraments, in His church and in His people who believe in Him, love Him and strive to live their lives in accordance with His will.

A group of individuals who have made Koinonia in the past function as guides during the weekend. Several talks meant to instruct and inspire are given by team members. Each talk reveals something of God’s plan for our lives; a plan that, if we faithfully follow, will bring us the unimaginable joy that will be ours when we see Him face to face. To live the lives that God desires for us isn’t easy but "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. Living a life that is holy takes a lot of effort and is a continuous process of growth.

Susan Mize, in her talk, pointed out the stumbling block by telling this story. One day the Lord said to His children. "I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is….You have been given the right to make your own choices. The bad news is….You have been given the right to make you own choices."

Cathy Ray spoke of her belief that we are all called on a daily basis to live as Christians. This means listening to our personal call of the spirit and making a commitment to grow in a personal relationship with our Lord, and to grow in love for His people. Each day we are called on to live the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Paschal Mystery.

Rita Walter spoke about signs and symbols as a means of communication between God and His people, people and God, and between persons. The 7 Sacraments use basic human symbols that signify a spiritual change within us, she explained. The weekend is filled with signs and symbols that lead us to a deeper appreciation of the sacraments that Christ left with us to strengthen and help us in our journey to Him.

Scriptures and prayer are important parts of each weekend; each morning begins with scripture reading and prayer and continues throughout the day and ends each evening. Music is also very much a part of every weekend; songs offered as prayer and songs that bind us into a community. Sharing, laughter, tears, old friends, new friends, delicious food, being a part of a loving supportive community, surprises, wonderful memories and a closer relationship with our God…..that is Koinonia.

"I was ready for something like this. It was so personally and spiritually uplifting for me. It gave me a lot of food for thought and issues to work on. It was really special to spend a whole weekend on God and to form a real bond with the people." - Mary Pat Blandford.

"Koinonia made me realize that people you see frequently are living very spiritual lives and I found comfort in knowing this. I realized that living a Christ-like life takes more than morning, noon and nighttime prayers plus Mass on Sunday. Christ belongs in our lives through all the days of our lives." - Elizabeth Loyd.

"My faith is strengthened when I share it with others. Koinonia provides an opportunity to hear others’ faith stories and to share with them. I felt that to be very supportive. I feel that Koinonia is a great gift for the people to have as an opportunity to share their faith with others and to be renewed in the basics of our Catholic faith. It was important for the team to share their faith and minister to others." - Fr. Larry McBride.

Two of the individuals who participated in the weekend came from Campbell, Missouri. They want to introduce Koinonia to their parish. Koinonia has been in the Owensboro Diocese for several years. It has provided a means for individuals to deepen their relationship with God and to build and strengthen the parish communities. The weekend begins on Friday evening and continues through Saturday and Sunday. Those attending return home each evening. The cost is minimal to cover food and supplies. I would urge anyone who can to attend a Koinonia . The weekend was a special time for me, a time to spend with my Lord, to renew my commitment to follow His way and to share this experience with my son, my daughter-in-law, several old and very dear friends and to make some new friends.