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I recently attended a retreat on Lectio Divina given by Dr. Thomas Richard, it was wonderful.
Scripture is so much richer to me now and more personal. Dr. Richard and his wife Deborah are so knowledgeable
about Church teachings and the Bible I feel I have a much deeper understanding of my faith. I want to thank them
for all the wonderful insights they shared with us. It truly was special weekend
- Sheila Cowart, Christ the King.
We just attended the most interesting retreat this weekend
on the First Letter of John. It was our first experience on Lectio Divina. It was very rewarding. After reading
the letter a few times everything started to fall into place, our thoughts began to be in order and we were able
to identify some issues we had before. WE CAN ACTUALLY SAY THAT WE WERE RECONFIRMED ON OUR FAITH and feel much
more relaxed after that.
It was a great opportunity to talk about various subjects that we were unclear about, in our experience as Catholics.
We did not know what to expect in the retreat, but after attending other Faith Formation opportunities in our Parish
with Thomas and Deborah, we did not expect anything less. Our first experience with them was through the RCIA which
Thomas directed, as we volunteered for sponsors. How well prepared, because of RCIA, were those Candidates and
Catechumens! Also we attended Thomas's sessions on The Our Father, on his Journey of Faith and also his presentations
on his book The Ordinary Path to Holiness. Thomas, Deborah our most sincere Thanks.
- Agustin & Mariblanca, Christ the King
Church, Tampa
Thomas and Deborah - the Lectio Divina retreat that you led for us this past weekend was truly a gift from God!
Your presentation on this excellent method of reading, listening, and discerning Scripture brought special light
to the word of God. We will forever read and listen to Scripture with new eyes and ears! Under your leadership,
we were able to personally feel the First Letter of John, and to fully grasp how God wants us to live. Your special
enthusiasm, deep knowledge of Scripture and the teachings of Church scholars, and true devotion to the people of
God made this the best retreat experience we have ever had. Thank you so much!
- Steve and Suzanne Cooper, Tampa
Deborah and Thomas - The Lay Carmelites of SC would like to thank you for a wonderful spirit-filled Day of Recollection.
The correlation of the Our Father and Interior Castles was truly enlightening for all. Everyone commented that
they were so happy to have your books available to purchase. This will allow us to read and digest the materials
more deeply and have a better understanding of this spiritual journey we are all on. God bless you both in your
ministry.
- Patricia Whitlock, Regional Coordinator
of SC & NC
The Richards have opened my eyes to the Lord's Prayer in
such a marvelous way that I'll never be able to pray it in the same way again. Thank you, Thomas and Deborah, for
such rich soul food - and God bless you in your grace-filled ministry.
- Pastor, Sacred Heart Church, Groton CT
"I want to say thank you, Thomas and Deborah, for
such an inspiring presentation. You know that we are to live so that others can see Christ in us, and we were all
allowed to see this as you both carried us through the program. Step by step you took us and presented the liturgical
information so that it all made sense: how the proclaiming of the word was not an act in itself, but a gathering-in
of all present to lead us to the full reception of the Eucharist. Like the apostles on the way to Emmaus, my eyes
were opened. I saw Christ in the two of you and your message. I strongly recommend this day of reflection to all
parishioners, so that they may understand and enjoy the celebration of the Mass more fully. I would not change
any part of the day."
- Jimmie Savarese Chair of the Liturgical
Committee, St. Peter' Church
I'm so glad I was able to attend your "Renew The Church!"
It was so inspiring - I will never say the "Our Father" in the same way. It means so much more now....
A.N., Parishioner, St. Mark Church
"Thank you so very much for making our Ladies Day of Recollection here at Holy Family
so meaningful this year! We continue to hear many positive comments on your wonderful program, and I know that
many are now reading your book! What a wealth of information and inspiration it includes -- it truly is a beautiful
roadmap for our own journeys. We appreciate so much your giving of your time and of yourself, and we enjoyed getting
to know both you and Deborah. Please let us know when your next book on the Lord's Prayer is available, as much
interest was also expressed in that! Again, thank you for being such a blessing to us! We will look forward to
staying in touch with you."
- Kathy Donnelly, Ladies Guild Chair, Holy Family Church
"We have been blessed to have participated in numerous retreats, conferences and lectures presented by Dr.
and Mrs. Thomas Richard. Thomas and Deborah have a keen sense of the proper role of the laity in the Church and
an appreciation of how the laity builds up the Body of Christ through their response to the universal call to holiness.
They are a faith-filled couple - true witnesses to Christian marriage, a positive example of Christian unity in
today's darkened world. Each brings a unique gift to audiences, challenging both minds and hearts with their complementary
approaches. Always faithful to the Magisterium, Thomas's and Deborah's presentations are sure to awaken hearts,
inspire minds and stir up a thirst for wisdom and holiness. Their thoughtful reflections inspire us to change our
hearts, turn to God and build up the Church. "I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you,
taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts." (Ezek 36:26)"
- Mark King, Permanent Deacon, Diocese of Norwich
"Why attend adult catechesis? Dr. Thomas Richard is presenting a series on the Gospel of John for the parish.
His knowledge of the scriptures and the traditions of the Church have helped to enlighten and inspire many of us
in the parish. God wants us to know the Word and to study His Scriptures. We have a wonderful opportunity at St.
Peter's to learn from this theologian and teacher and should take advantage of this. Thank you, Dr. Richard."
- Thomas Hetherington, St. Peter's Parishioner
"What a gift are these Days of Reflection, opening us to the mysteries of Faith.
I earnestly recommend the Days of Reflection offered by Dr. Thomas and Deborah Richard. To date I have attended
the one for catechists and the one on the Mass. The presentations in both Days were rich with quotes from Scripture,
Catechism and Church Documents, and Tradition, including an abundance of quotes from the saints, and their experiences.
The presenters are passionate, sincere and inspired in their message. They are animated with enthusiasm and humor.
As the two presenters alternate talks, participants are kept engaged. The format was well-paced with 40 min. sessions,
followed by breaks for prayer and reflection. After lunch, a facilitated small group discussion prepared for summary
and specific application ideas in a closing large group discussion. The Days reflection culminated with a Closing
Prayer including meaningful intercessions. Thank you."
- Barbara Stanley, DRE, St. Peter's Catholic Church, Beaufort, SC
"Permit me to express my appreciation for the "Listening to the Gospel of John" series that Dr.
Thomas Richard is presenting. It is proving to be an enlightening series. I am pleased that St. Peter's has made
Adult Education such a priority. We are very fortunate to have someone with Dr. Richard's expertise and background
to be in charge of Adult Education at St. Peter's."
- Michael Brannen, St. Peter's Parishioner
"Over the years, we have learned the hard way that faith must be nurtured like a plant which grows large and
strong when actively cultivated and, conversely, which tends to weaken and even die, when it receives only weekly
ritual attention. We cannot say enough about the refreshing presentations conducted by Thomas and Deborah Richard.
Their well-prepared discussions and supporting materials have increased the scope and depth of our knowledge about
Catholic teaching while correcting many surprisingly common misconceptions. Held to only one hour, what we learned
in these sessions leaves us better prepared to explain and defend our faith."
- John and Charlene Sprague, St. Peter's Parishioners
"I attended the RCIA at Christ The King Catholic Church with Deborah and Thomas.
It was the greatest learning experience for my husband and me. The course was very informative and we had some
awesome group discussions. They have a wealth of information and are more than willing to share with everyone.
They are great teachers and great friends!!!"
- Brittany Payne (parishioner at Christ the King Tampa, FL)
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