Coming to the franciscan Spirituality center in November and December

Coming in November

Franciscan Solitude
Saturday, November 6 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Presenter: Andre Cirino, OFM
Investment: $18
From the earliest days of his conversion, St. Francis sought God out in the caves surrounding Assisi. He would frequently seek out places of solitude in order to commune with God in silence. When the earliest brothers joined him, he continued this practice of praying in solitude. While the brotherhood was small, they were able to learn this form of prayer by observing what St. Francis did. When the brothers were several thousand, St. Francis wrote down simply and succinctly a way for them to seek God in solitude. Today that writing is known as his Document on Solitude.
Andre Cirino, OFM, is a contemporary Franciscan itinerant preacher whose ministerial experience includes parish work, Franciscan formation and high school education. He also worked at the Little Portion Retreat House for the poor in Bronx, NY, for eight years. He edited a journal on the writings of Francis, In the Womb of the Cave. He and Josef Raischl, SFO, have jointly published an anthology on Franciscan Solitude; The Journey Into God: A Forty-Day Retreat with Bonaventure, Francis and Clare. He lectures at the Franciscan International Study Centre, Canterbury, England. See his website: www.assisijourney.com.

Register online now!

Reclaim Your Intuition
Saturday, November 13 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jean Kasparbauer, FSPA
Investment: $65 includes lunch. Class size limited to 14.
This is a repeat session of the October offering. See October description.

Register online now!

Wholistic Living Retreat- Integration of Mind, Body and Spirit for Optimal Health
Saturday, November 20 9:00 a.m. – Noon
8:30 am, opening meditation and connection for participants
Presenter: Bernice Olson-Pollack
Investment: $30
The word “wholistic” conveys the idea that the whole is best when there is a balance among the parts. In health, it means to consider the entire person… lifestyle, behaviors, physical and emotional challenges as well as strengths. By tapping into your inner wisdom, you have the innate ability to survive life’s challenges and then transform, grow and thrive as a result of them. The Wholistic Living Retreat offers interactive opportunities for learning. You are also invited to share your insights for the benefit of the group experience. By integrating life-enhancing changes suggested throughout the day, you will begin to open yourself to a greater sense of passion, purpose and peace.

Coming in December

Advent Retreat: Breaking the Silence of God’s Goodness
Saturday, December 4 9:00 am – 1:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Joan Weisenbeck, FSPA
Investment: $30 includes materials and lunch
God is Good! Do you believe it? Can you sing it? Living in the spirit of Advent is a great time to ponder the mystery on how Divine Love came to live among us and to be one with us. Bring a friend and an open, creative, and joyful heart to this day of retreat. We will discover ways to witness to the blessing of God’s goodness, particularly in the midst of Advent and Christmas celebrations

Advent Afternoon for Married Couples
Saturday, December 4 1:30 – 6:00 pm
Facilitators: Linda Kerrigan and Barb Kruse
Investment: $50/couple
Limited to 20 couples.
Based on past highly successful Valentine-themed programs for married couples, here’s a new option. Focusing on Advent themes of joy, peace, faith and love, we will explore topics of communication, faith life, and healthy living relevant to married life.
This deeper look into the story of your life together will provide an opportunity for learning, discussing, and alone time as a couple sharing what is most alive in your marriage. Food, fun, laughter and celebration promise to be abundant. Includes refreshments and concludes with social time, beverages and appetizers.

A Retreat for Widows

Friday, December 10 (7:00 – 9:00 p.m.) - Saturday, December 11 (8:00 a.m. – noon)

Presenter: Marci Madary

Investment: $95 Limited bedrooms available at $36/night

While widows do not wear a black veil in our culture, the stigma can be just as jarring. It is a specific and distinct way of being in the world that "non-widows" can struggle to understand. This weekend will offer time for stories as we explore the paschal mystery: suffering, death, and new life.