Monthly Series

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FRIENDS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA

     9 Wednesdays      9:30 – 11:30 AM

     September 8     December 1     March 16

     October 6          January 5         April 13

     November 3     February 2         May 11 

St. Teresa has the great gift of writing about her relationship with God in such a way that helps us know that intimacy with God is an invitation and gift to us all. Come join us as Teresa leads us on our journey to full union with God. This journey is for all of us. Each session includes 20 minutes of Centering Prayer and a brief tape by Keith Egan. This year we will read Entering Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle and Let Nothing Disturb You, a booklet of daily meditations for our reading between sessions. Donation: $175. 

THE BOOK OF JOY

     9 Wednesdays      1:00 – 2:30 PM

     September 8     December 1     March 16

     October 6          January 5         April 13

     November 3      February 2       May 11 

Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama invite us to live in joy by the witness of their joyful spirits in the midst of suffering. We will read this delightful book as we choose and practice joy in our daily lives. Do you want to be a more joyful person? I know this series will increase your capacity and practice of joy. Donation: $175.

HONORING YOUR CONTEMPLATIVE SOUL
MERTON AND KEATING TOGETHER

     9 Thursdays      9:30 – 11:30 AM

     September 9     December 2     March 3
    October 7          January 6         April 7
    November 4      February 3        May 5

This year we will use Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton for the content of our Thursday morning retreat. Each month we will focus on one of the 8 booklets in the series as a means of understanding and experiencing your intimate life with God. The morning will also include a 

20-minute video by Thomas Keating and a 20-minute session of contemplative prayer. Donation: $175. If you can, make a day of it by attending the St. John of the Cross series at 1:00 PM.

WELCOME HOME

     4 Thursdays      9:30 – 11:00 AM

     September 9     October 7     November 4      December 2

God's first communication to us was through our created world. God has never stopped speaking to us of God's Love. Are you listening? Come, join us as we practice the art of listening more deeply to what God still says to us through Mother Earth. Christine Valters Paintner's book, Earth: Our Original Monastery, will guide us. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan, SSJ. Donation: $75.

STUDY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS

      9 Thursdays      1:00 – 3:00 PM

     September 9     December 2     March 3

     October 7          January 6         April 7

     November 4      February 3        May 5

John is all about God and God’s insatiable desire and pursuit of us. He is about love and union with God, not asceticism or annihilation as popularly believed. We continue our study of St. John this year by focusing on Iain Matthew’s Impact of God. We will review The Dark Night in St. John of the Cross for Beginners by William Meninger, OCSO. We end with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Donation: $175. If you can, make a day of it by attending the Thomas Merton series from 9:30–11:30 AM.

FRIDAY MORNING RETREAT
NON-VIOLENT COMMUNICATION: A LANGUAGE FOR LIFE 

     9 Fridays      9:15 AM – Noon

     September 10     December 3     March 4

     October 8            January 7         April 1

     November 5        February 4        May 6

There may be more violence hidden under our words than we are aware of. We will learn to listen to ourselves closely, be attentive to our real feelings and notice how we are expressing what we are trying to say. Our communication with God, ourselves and others will become gentler and more respectful, more inclusive and less reactive. We will begin and end each session with Centering Prayer. How about giving it a try! We will use the textbook and workbook by Marshall Rosenburg, Non-Violent Communication. Donation: $200.

TEILHARD READING GROUP

     9 Fridays      1:00 – 2:30 PM

     September 10     December 3     March 4

     October 8             January 7         April 1

     November 5         February 4       May 6

Our study of Teilhard continues this year with the reading of Louis Savary’s Teilhard de Chardin’s The Phenomenon of Man Explored. Please join our lively discussions about Teilhard’s vision of our human predicament and God’s plan for the ongoing growth and evolution of all creation into full union with God in Christ. Donation: $175.

LIVING CONTEMPLATIVELY

     9 Saturdays      9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

     September 11    December 11     March 5
    October 16         January 8            April 2
    November 13     February 5          May 7 

This program calls out to those who desire to live more contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and others, and to become more aware, intentional, and free. God liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative prayer. Wonderful spiritual reading will support our contemplative prayer throughout the year. It’s worth a day a month and an hour a day. Bring a bag lunch. Tuition: $325

JESUS: THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

     10 Mondays      9:30 – 11:30 AM

     September 13     December 20      April 4

     October 11          January 10          May 2

     November 8         February 7          June 6

                                    March 7

Have you ever wanted to visit the Holy Land or to return there for another experience? You won’t need a passport to do it! Join us for a series filmed on location in the Holy Land to learn more about the person of Jesus and his life. The lessons will bring the Gospel stories to life and help you get to know Jesus in a new, deeper way. Led by S. Pat Mensing, SSJ. Donation: $175.

LEARNING TO PRAY: A GUIDE FOR EVERYONE

     9 Mondays      1:00 – 2:30 PM

     September 13       December 20      March 7

     October 11            January 10           April 4

     November 8           February 7           May 2

Have you ever wondered if you were praying “the right way” or wondered if you were praying at all? Father James Martin’s newest book, Learning to Pray, answers those questions and assures readers that “Everyone can pray.” Fr. Jim describes different types of prayer, what actually happens when you close your eyes to pray, distractions, and help in discovering God’s voice in prayer, and more! Led by S. Pat Mensing, SSJ. Donation: $175

LET’S TALK ABOUT RACISM
   (ZOOM ONLY!)

     9 Mondays      7:00 – 8:00 PM

     September 13      December 20       March 7

     October 11           January 10           April 4
    November 8         February 7            May 2

The increasing acts of violence committed in our country point to the need to look deeply at racism in the U.S. Robin DeAngelo’s book, White Fragility: Why It Is So Hard to Talk about Racism, guides us to understand how racism as a practice is not limited to just a few. She helps us move forward into having productive conversations about this important topic. Led by S. Pat Mensing, SSJ. Donation: $100 

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS
35 WEEKLY MEETINGS – ON ZOOM

     Tuesdays      3:00 – 4:30 PM

     September 14 – May 17

On Zoom to alleviate travel each week. In this full version, we will experience the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius which correspond to a 30-day retreat at a retreat house. You are committing to one hour of prayer every day and the weekly meeting. Donation: $400

CLASSICS ON CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER

     9 Tuesdays      6:30 – 8:30 PM

     September 14       December 14        March 8 

     October 12           January 11              April 5

     November 9          February 8              May 10

This series is for those who want to learn and practice centering prayer and have it become a way of prayer for them. You will notice that it changes your life radically. The evenings include two 20-minute Centering Prayer periods, with some Scripture between. We will view a short Thomas Keating video on Centering Prayer and use Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird between sessions. This is a wonderful group of pray-ers. All are welcome! Donation: $175.

LECTIO DIVINA: DIVINE CORDIALITY AWAITS YOU

     (ZOOM ONLY!)

     4 Tuesdays       7:00 – 8:30 PM

     September 14     October 12      November 9     December 14 

Our fast-paced emailing and texting world exacts a high price from us. We are out of touch with loved ones, friends, nature, God and even ourselves. No worries! God is ever ready to reconnect with us. Through the gift of Lectio Divina, a heart-to-heart encounter with God, we rediscover the warmth of cordiality and the gift of knowing and being known. Through our reading of Lectio Divina by Christine Valters Paintner and our practice of Lectio, we will find a deep peace. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan, SSJ. Donation: $60.

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS

     9 Wednesdays      3:00 – 4:30 PM

     September 15     December 8       March 9

     October 13          January 12         April 6

     November 10       February 9         May 4

If you need or desire a retreat but simply cannot get away, please give yourself the gift of this retreat that invites you to pray with Scriptures each day using the format of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. We will meet monthly for sharing and input on the next month’s prayer. This is a wonderful way to experience the Spiritual Exercises. Donation: $175.

SABBATICAL SERIES
ONE DAY A MONTH

     10 Thursdays       8:45 AM – 5:00 PM

     September 16     December 9         March 31 

     October 14          January 13           April 21

     November 11      February 10          May 19

                                   March 10

A Sabbatical of a kind, a year of growth for those wishing to intensify their life with God and sharpen their spiritual tools for the journey ahead. It will be a year of insight and intimacy within a community of faith. The day covers 5 topics: 

           · 12 Step Spirituality for Everyone

           · The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

           · 9 Ways to Pray

           · Discernment of Spirits and Decision Making

           · Enneagram Study

It is well worth a day a month if your life permits it! Give God (and yourself) the time. God does the rest. Donation: $750. Call Sister Marcy to apply.

THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE 12 STEPS FOR EVERYONE

     10 Thursdays     8:45 – 10:15 AM

      September 16       December 9       March 31 

      October 14            January 13         April 21

      November 11        February 10       May 19

                                      March 10

The 12 Steps are for all of us, as we all have attachments and addictions and desire freedom from them. This Program will take us through the traditional 12 Steps that teach us to rely on God as our Liberator. We will read selections from the Big Book, and review Keating’s Divine Therapy & Addiction for further support between sessions. We will also view Keating’s Contemplative Dimension of the 12 Steps. Whether you are new to the 12 Steps or are very familiar with them, you are welcome. Led by Mary DeJoseph and Deacon Bill Wilson. Donation: $175.

DISCERNMENT COURSE
    (ZOOM ONLY!)

     10 Thursdays      12:30 – 1:30 PM

     September 16     December 9       March 31 

     October 14          January 13         April 21

     November 11      February 10       May 19

                                   March 10

The non-negotiables for a discerning life are knowledge of the Ignatian Rules for Discernment and the practice of Examen. We will use Timothy Gallagher’s Discernment of Spirits and Mark Thibodeaux’s Re-imagining the Ignatian Examen to guide our study and practice. Donation: $175.

ENNEAGRAM STUDY: 9 PATHS TO HOLINESS & WHOLENESS

     10 Thursdays      3:00 – 5:00 PM

     September 16     December 9       March 31

     October 14          January 13         April 21

     November 11      February 10       May 19

                                   March 10

Years ago I offered this in-depth study of the Enneagram. People still refer to that experience as one of their most life changing events. I am excited to offer it again. The Enneagram, as I know it and teach it, leads to understanding and compassion for yourself and others as you live out the call of Jesus to love one another as God loves you.  Donation: $200.

THE MATURING OF YOUR SOUL: PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAST THIRD OF LIFE

     4 Fridays       9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

     September 17     October 15     November 12     December 10

Join with other 65+ to share the experience of these precious years. You will find support, camaraderie, laughter and encouragement in these monthly meetings. To make the pilgrimage together is a blessing. We will use short portions of Ronald Rolheiser’s videos on Aging Gracefully and read Winter’s Graces between sessions. Donation: $100. 

FRIDAY NIGHT SPIRITUAL READING GROUP

     9 Fridays       6:30 – 8:30 PM

     September 17      December 10      March 4
    October 15           January 7             April 1
    November 12      February 4             May 6

Good spiritual reading is a must for spiritual growth. Companions on the journey help with the practice of this spiritual exercise. This will be fun as well as fruitful. Can you devote one Friday night a month to this pursuit? As usual, we will feast on a variety of spiritual gems. Donation: $175

     The Reckless Way of Love………Dorothy Day

     Boundless Compassion………Joyce Rupp

     Learning to Pray………James Martin, SJ

     Hinds’ Feet on High Places………Hannah Hurnard

THE UNIVERSAL CHRIST

     (ZOOM ONLY!)

     9 Mondays      7:00 – 8:30 PM

    September 20      December 20        March 21

    October 18           January 17             April 25

    November 15        February 21           May 23

Enjoy discovering Christ who is at the center of our lives and who permeates all creation throughout the universe. Richard Rohr, OFM, draws on Scriptures, mystics, and saints to show how the love of God is at the heart of everything in the cosmos. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan, SSJ. Donation: $100

THE ARTIST’S WAY: DISCOVERING & RECOVERING YOUR CREATIVITY

     (ZOOM ONLY!)

     12 Thursdays      7:00 – 8:30 PM

     September 23     November 18          January 20

     October 7            December 2              February 3

     October 21          December 16           February 17

     November 4        January 6                 March 3

The spiritual path to higher creativity is an exciting journey for those who desire to cooperate with God’s liberation of their creative energies. Come to know the great dynamic of creativity that is God’s gift to you through our study of Julia Cameron’s classic on creative living, The Artist’s Way. 

Donation: $200.

THE PATH TO TRANSFORMATION THROUGH LOVE & SUFFERING 

     4 Mondays      9:30 – 11:30 AM

     September 27      October 18      November 8      December 6 

God does not send struggle and suffering into our lives, but God invites us into deeper union, faith and trust through it. We will explore Jesus’ example of how to lean into God through our suffering and to let go of all that blocks us from His love, mercy and peace. Excerpts from the writings of Teilhard, Richard Rohr and Ilia Delio will be used. Donation: $100, includes materials.

MONDAYS WITH MERTON

     4 Mondays      1:00 – 2:30 PM

     September 27      October 18      November 15      December 20 

Thomas Merton will be our guide to the contemplative way of life. In this series, we will use Bridges to Contemplative Living, booklets #5 – #8. Time will also be given to experience Lectio Divina and contemplative prayer. Donation: $60.

GANDHI AND THE CROSS OF JESUS

    9 Wednesdays      9:30 – 11:00 AM

    September 29      December 22      March 30

    October 20           January 19           April 27

    November 24       February 16         May 18

Gandhi calls God “Truth,” truth that is manifest in love. Over his lifetime of prayer, he was convinced that the way of non-violence was the way of “Truth.” He won independence for India without violence and helped South Africa on its journey against Apartheid. A key aspect of faith, according to Gandhi, is “love of one’s enemies.” Gandhi reflected often on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and lamented that from where he stood, Christians had generally missed the mark on the non-violent Jesus as shown in his teaching and crucifixion. We will explore Gandhi’s writings against the backdrop of Jesus’ Last Supper discourse in the Gospel of John. Book: Mohandas Gandhi – Essential Writings edited by John Dear, SJ. Led by Gerald Washko. Donation: $175. 

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR CERTIFIED SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
WITH SUPERVISION

    9 Wednesdays      1:00 – 4:00 PM

    September 29      December 22       March 30

    October 20           January 19            April 27

    November 24       February 16           May 18

Those who care for others need also to care for themselves. Those who help others pray need also to take time to be nourished. This monthly gathering will provide just that: time for prayer, sharing and peer supervision to enrich and nourish the gracious listeners who give themselves so generously as spiritual directors. We will review Examen and Ignatius’s Rules for Discernment and read Spiritual Direction 101 by Teresa Blythe and Spiritual Consolation by Timothy Gallagher, OMV, between sessions. Donation: $225. 

A PRACTICUM FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS

     9 Thursdays      9:30 – Noon

    September 30     December 16     March 17

    October 21          January 20         April 28

    November 18      February 17        May 12

This program is a refresher course in the art of spiritual direction for those who are newly certified or experienced. We aim to sharpen our skills in listening and discerning in order to further our development and better assist those we serve. Donation: $225.

THE WISDOM PATTERN WITH RICHARD ROHR

     9 Mondays     1:00 – 3:00 PM 

     October 4           January 3       April 4

     November 1       February 7      May 2

     December 6       March 7           June 6

Richard Rohr, OFM helps us to see how order, disorder and reorder is a universal pattern which opens us to transformation as individuals and as communities. We will use Rohr’s book, The Wisdom Pattern, as well as excerpts from his daily meditations, as our guides for prayer and discussion this year. We will also spend time in contemplative prayer each session. Donation: $175

DOROTHY DAY SERIES: THE RECKLESS WAY OF LOVE

     (ZOOM ONLY!)

     3 Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:00 PM

     November 3, 10 and 17

Where did Dorothy Day receive the strength to stay true to her God-given call despite her own doubts and inadequacies and the demands of her active life? What was the unquenchable wellspring of her deep faith and her love for humanity? We will read her short book, The Reckless Way of Love, to discover her heart’s journey. A great pre-holiday read, and a good stocking stuffer! Donation: $50.