Testimonials

Testimonials

Nolan Maloney

The service project that I dedicate the most time to and that is the most important to me is working on the new retreat center for the youth of the Austin area, Eagle’s Wings. On this donated plot of land, small teams including myself have spent much of the last four years clearing the land, cleaning the foundation spaces, building the facilities, maintaining the trails and grounds, and preparing for events that our church sponsors on the grounds. This specific project is very important to me for three reasons.

The first is that the retreats in my experience within my church provided for the most passionate and emotional times in my faith. At every retreat I attended, I was able to connect more spiritually with those around me, through the open outdoors that provided space to meditate, walking trails, and reflection gardens. Because the opportunity for retreats has impacted me so much in my faith, I feel an obligation to provide the same opportunity to those that will follow.

Another similar reason that I dedicate so much time to this project is that though my retreat experiences undoubtedly epitomize the peak of my spirituality, the Diocese of Austin is limited in where it is able to hold retreats. Many a time retreats have been cancelled and countless teens have been denied participation because the other religions in the area charge more for the use of their retreat centers in order to further promote their religions. Because of this monopoly, our church and my experience have been limited. I know the glory of retreats and I dedicate numerous hours a month to ensure that our Diocese will be able to provide teens to come with something better than what I had.

Finally, Eagle’s Wings is important to me because it holds our annual festival, Godstock. Here, many Catholic artists from around the country come to hold a concert that brings the Diocese of Austin and more together in praise and worship. The strongest part of my faith is my ability to worship through music and community, so this facility is the embodiment of my method of adoration.

Rebecca Pishner

“I am a Cross Country runner for Belton High School. I had a difficult decision to make. We had a meet the same day as my retreat. Oh no! What in the world should I do? Cross country? Retreat? Cross Country? Retreat? What a decision to make. Being dedicated to the sport, as I am, I didn’t know what to do. I mean God gave me this gift, so I should use it right?

Hi, my name is Rebecca Pishner. My first retreat at Eagle’s Wings was astonishing. It took me away from all the day to day items like T.V., phones, malls, and drama. Eagle’s Wings takes you to a place where you can see the creation of God’s given hand, Mother Nature. Going on the retreat was a hard decision for me to make, as I had explained in the beginning. I contemplated on my options for a couple of days. I talked to my friends and family and most of all I did a lot of praying. It came down to the day when I had to tell my coach the answer and I told her I was going to sit this one out. I wanted to cry and I really didn’t know why. Some of my team members tried to talk me out of it but I didn’t give in. Saturday of the retreat came and I was having second thoughts and the words of my mom kept playing through my mind, “You won’t regret that you went.” It turned out that I didn’t have any regrets. Going there helped me look deeply into my life and see what areas needed a little spark.

The theme of the retreat was ‘Come to the Water.’ My surroundings at the camp showed me how much I really didn’t need those things I had given such value to in my life like trends, money, trying to stay up with the demands of society and all of those other teenagers’ situations. It showed me that even though people might judge me on those things that my Savior won’t. I came to realize that those materials won’t get me past those pearly gates of Heaven.

From the talks we had, from our wonderful leaders to basically connecting with our fellow brothers and sisters made the experience unforgettable. One thing that stuck with me the most was the talk we had about God’s invitation. We are told as followers of Jesus to accept God’s invitations every time he throws one at us. God will send you invitations through many different phone lines until you finally pick up the phone. He has sent you many invitations on expanding Eagle’s Wings and He has sent us here today to help you pick up the phone, so you can receive the message. Please let the plans go through for more buildings at the retreat center. “Let the children come to me and do not stop them because the kingdom of god belongs to little children like these.” Luke 18:15-16. Let all his children come to Him and let them find Him at Eagle’s Wings. Don’t make Eagle’s Wings have to turn down his children due to lack of space. If you think that would be heart breaking to do, then take the call for us, the disciples of Jesus. God has given you this invitation and you shouldn’t reject it and if you do who knows whether He will send you another. Build on His rock! God had sent me the invitation to go on the retreat, and like always, he has never let me down. I have been successful in growing my faith and I’m still competing in cross country…

Have you ever felt alone, like there is no one that you could tell your problems to and have them understand them also? Has the trouble of the world, family and friends been a burden on your life? Has God seemed like He has disappeared out of your life and let you stray? There is a place of peace, comfort, renewal and hope and its here on earth. It’s called Eagle’s Wings. I will keep you in my prayers, my brothers and sisters, and I hope the Holy Spirit helps you make the right decision.