June 8-15, 2012

Developing a Heart Moved with Compassion

Michael Crosby, OFMCap

In almost all the great religions, compassion is the goal of the spiritual life. The Dalai Lama has said “compassion is the greatest power” in the world. This retreat will probe the power of compassion and how we can become more aware of the obstacles to growing in care and compassion in our lives, relationships and world. It will offer ways we can grow in the silence that cultivates a compassionate heart and how our hearts can be “moved with compassion.”

Michael Crosby is a Capuchin Franciscan. He lives in community with other friars in a downtown Milwaukee parish that serves the urban poor, homeless and marginalized. His own ministry revolves around his attempt to proclaim the gospel of God’s Trinitarian reign and the need for conversion that is needed to bring about Trinitarian relationships of equality at all levels “on earth as it is in heaven.” Michael’s preaching and writing on contemporary biblical discipleship has taken him around the world. He holds a PhD in Theology and has authored numerous award-winning books.

Click here for registration form, pricing & more info

Growing in Faith and Prayer through Contemplation of Nature

Bill Stoeger, SJ

This retreat will explore what the natural sciences reveal about our amazing universe – its vastness, history and intricacy, our profound
connection with it, and God’s active and loving presence within it. Our personal experience with Scripture, theological understanding and guided prayerful reflection will enrich these experiences. The retreat aims at developing a deeper appreciation and awareness of the Mystery of God’s love and of creation and its divinely given freedom, integrity and dynamism; its fertility, transience and fragility.

Bill Stoeger, SJ has been on the staff of the Vatican Observatory since 1979, as an astrophysicist, cosmologist and writer on theology and science. He holds a PhD in astrophysics and an STM in theology. He is also a spiritual director and has lectured widely on the relationship between Catholic Theology and the natural sciences.

July 6-13, 2012

Spirituality and Prayer in a World of Technology

Marilyn Wilson, BVM

How might we be nourished in relationship with our God, self and others in our fast-paced, cyber-spatial, computer-driven world? How might we find inner peace and make a difference in the everyday of our lives within a global world? During this retreat we will explore contemplation and prayer through our connections with nature and the universe story; with the sacredness of physicality/our body; within the aesthetics of poetry, art and drama; and with the inspiration of music, song and dance. Scripture, literature and prayer will inform our time of reflection, meditation and sharing. In our search for integration, may we find new ways to live peace-filled, vibrant lives in a more and more complex environment.

Marilyn Wilson, BVM, a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a spiritual director, retreat facilitator, educator and peace and justice advocate focusing on women’s issues. Retreat ministry includes such groups as parish staff and councils, religious congregations and Associates, parish/diocesan catechetical and liturgical staffs, school faculties, women’s organizations and women in prison. Currently, in addition to the ministry of spirituality, she is an Instructional Aide at St. Frances Cabrini School in San Jose. She has a degree in English/Communications and Theology.

July 16-23, 2012 [FULL]

A Virtual Pilgrimage at Santa Cruz, California

Guide for the Journey: Lorna Cooney, SNJM

With the book “A Pilgrimage of the Heart with Mother Marie-Rose to our SNJM Sacred Sites” in hand, we will set out on a journey, in silence, and in the company of others. As pilgrims, our destination will be renewed openness to the Holy One as we walk with one another and with Mother Marie Rose.

Lorna Cooney, SNJM, is the director of the SNJM Charism Office, which published the Congregational resource, A Pilgrimage of the Heart. Lorna’s formation, studies and ministries are in the areas of religions, theology and spirituality. Ritual, music and retreats are of special interest to her, and throughout the years she has had vast experience in these ministries. Currently, she is responding to requests to lead retreats of various lengths based on this book.