Patrick MacAskill attended Made for More at the beginning of a new life in the Catholic Church. He had been baptized only three weeks earlier at the Easter Vigil after completing Alpha and then OCIA.

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The period leading to baptism involved substantial learning, preparation and spiritual movement. Made for More arrived at the right moment. It gave Patrick an opportunity to bring the different parts of his journey together and to become quiet after a major spiritual event.

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The retreat helped him step away from the noise and pressure of daily life so that he could listen to God. One lesson became especially important: slow down, pause and take a break from the battle of life. Rest is not a failure to progress. It can be the place where focus and strength are renewed.

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As a new Catholic, Patrick could easily have felt pressure to understand everything immediately or move quickly into the next commitment. Instead, he discovered that spiritual growth is not a race to the finish line. It is acceptable—and necessary—to take time building a relationship with God.

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Made for More became a bridge between baptism and the continuing journey of discipleship. Patrick could rest, refocus and consider what the next steps of his spiritual life might be.

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His testimony is particularly encouraging for those who are new to faith, returning to the Church or emerging from an intense period of formation. There is no need to rush. God continues working through seasons of learning, celebration, rest and discernment.

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Patrick recommends Made for More regardless of where someone may be on their spiritual journey. His own experience reveals that the retreat can help a new beginning take root and become a patient, lasting walk with God.