Schedule January to June 2012
Registration is needed for all programs one week prior to the date scheduled. You can register online. If you have questions, call 250-964-4475 or email .
- January 2012
- February 2012
- March 2012
- April 2012
- May 2012
- June 2012
January 2012
Christian Meditation
Come and experience the ancient tradition of prayerful stillness. We begin by listening to a short audio tape by Abbot John Main, OSB. This is followed by thirty minutes of silent sitting and concludes with a short audio CD from Laurence Freeman, OSB. The group is open to both experienced meditators and those who would like to learn to practice Christian Meditation.
Mondays, January 9, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7,
June 4
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
No Fee
Facilitator: Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Bridges to Contemplative Living
Bridges to Contemplative Living is a six-week program intended to help us live more fully into our primary vocation—becoming fully human. Using the writings of Thomas Merton and others we will reflect on who we are called to be, what prevents us from growing, and how we can more fully open ourselves to a greater awareness of God’s transforming presence in our lives and in the world around us. Participation in previous Bridges programs not required.
Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 1
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
Fee: $5 per session
Booklet # 6 Writing Yourself into the Book of Life purchased separately
Facilitators: Ven. Peter Zimmer and Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Returning to Spirit Seminar Series
The Returning to Spirit Seminar Series builds upon the breakthroughs created in the RTS Workshops and continues to challenge individuals to create the future powerfully in every area of their lives.
Tuesdays, January 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 13, 27; April 3, 17; May 1, 22 and June 5
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm each day
except: Jan 17 at 5:30 to 9:30pm; Jan 31 at 6:00 to 9:30 pm and June 5 at 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $5 per session
Trainer: Susan Campbell
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964- 4475
Watercolour Made Easy
Come delight in the world of watercolour made easy! This watercolour workshop will offer techniques for simplifying the watercolour process. You will learn the basic principles of watercolour, discover the versatility of the medium and create washes that convey mood and atmosphere. There will be demonstrations, one on one instruction, critiques and group sharing. Bring your own supplies. Watercolour list available upon request. Enrolment limited.
Tuesday, January 17
Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Fee: $35.00 (
Bring a bag lunch. Beverages provided.)
Facilitator: Gisele Bauche
Gisele Bauche holds degrees in Education, Theology and Art. She leads retreats in biblical spirituality, art and prayer, and resides in Saskatoon.
NOTE: Each workshop $35. Come to both for $60.00
Grief is a Journey– Finding Life Again
Grief is a natural and normal reaction to loss of any kind. The death of a loved one is perhaps the most devastating loss one may experience, yet grief occurs following any change in our lives. These sessions will assist those experiencing grief to understand what is happening within and to receive the support of others who share the journey.
Wednesdays, January 18, 25
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $5 or by donation
Registration is essential
Facilitator: Donna Dolan , RSCJ Certified Grief Counselor
Experiencing the Wonder of Acrylic
This acrylic workshop will inspire you to “loosen up”, have fun and paint more! You will experience new skills, techniques and approaches to painting with acrylic. Through this workshop you will experience the wonder of acrylic that will help you conquer your fear of painting. There will be demonstrations, one on one instruction, critiques and group sharing. Bring your own art supplies. Enrollment limited.
Thursday, January 19
Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Fee: $35.00
Bring a bag lunch. Beverages provided.
Facilitator: Gisele Bauche
Gisele Bauche holds degrees in Education, Theology and Art. She leads retreats in biblical spirituality, art and prayer, and resides in Saskatoon.
NOTE: Each workshop $35. Come to both for $60.00
Introduction to Spiritual Direction
No matter what age you are, life’s journey begs a response from you that can be life-giving or deadly. The choice is yours. Sometimes it helps to ask questions such as: Is there meaning in my daily living? Do I sense something more that I can grow and live into? Do I experience general discontent, and if so, do I know why? Or are you alive with passion and purpose?
Spiritual Direction explores a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. A spiritual guide can offer support and guidance to enable a person to notice God’s presence and action in his or her daily life. If you have questions or doubts, or a hunger for something which you are unable to name, or you are wondering what direction your life should take, or other similar questions, then perhaps spiritual direction is for you.
This session will explain what Spiritual Direction is and how a spiritual guide can walk with you on your journey of life and help deepen your relationship with God.
Tuesday, January 24
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 am or 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Fee: $5
Facilitator: Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ is a trained spiritual director with a MA in Christian Spirituality. She has ministered in the area of spiritual direction for a number of years and is looking forward to offering this ministry here.
February 2012
An Introduction to Contemplative Seeing (Visio Divina)
We all learn in different ways. “Contemplative seeing” emphasizes learning through the observation of images. This presentation is an introduction and invitation to the practice of spending time with an image, entering into the image and asking some questions. For example, how does the image strike you? Can you see some aspect of yourself in the image? Some aspect or truth about God? About God’s creation? At least one of the images will be a picture of a Biblical story event. At least one of the images would not be considered as a “religious picture”, but still has much to say about God and creation.
Following a general discussion and observation, there will be an opportunity to practice visio divina. Participants will be given copies of the images discussed so that they can continue to practice skills learned.
No previous artistic or extensive Biblical knowledge is required only a curiosity and openness “to look and to see”.
Wednesday, February 1
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am or 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Fee: $10.00 or by donation
Facilitator: Rev. Herb Hilder
Rev. Herb Hilder is presently minister of St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Prince George and a long time advocate of the use of visual images to help people to “see” the wonder and mystery of God in all of life.
Bridges to Contemplative Living
Bridges to Contemplative Living is a six-week program intended to help us live more fully into our primary vocation—becoming fully human. Using the writings of Thomas Merton and others we will reflect on who we are called to be, what prevents us from growing, and how we can more fully open ourselves to a greater awareness of God’s transforming presence in our lives and in the world around us. Participation in previous Bridges programs not required.
Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 1
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
Fee: $5 per session
Booklet # 6 Writing Yourself into the Book of Life purchased separately
Facilitators: Ven. Peter Zimmer and Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Images of God
Our image of God has tremendous influence on how we pray, how we love, how we forgive, how we see each other and the world. Take some time to explore your image of God. Explore some images from scripture. What might the scriptures ask of you? What about the lesser gods in your life? Is there room for growth? Come and deepen your relationship with God by joining us in a journey through the scriptures.
Friday, February 3
Time: 9:45 am to 3:00 pm
Fee: $25 Lunch provided.
Facilitator: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI and Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, is pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Vanderhoof.
He has a background in retreat giving, spiritual direction and spirituality.
Christian Meditation
Come and experience the ancient tradition of prayerful stillness. We begin by listening to a short audio tape by Abbot John Main, OSB. This is followed by thirty minutes of silent sitting and concludes with a short audio CD from Laurence Freeman, OSB. The group is open to both experienced meditators and those who would like to learn to practice Christian Meditation. Mondays, January 9, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
No Fee
Facilitator: Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Tuesdays with Rolheiser
As we mature, our search for meaning increases. We turn to the God within who invites us to give ourselves more deeply to the living out of our Baptismal promises. To discover this renewed call to discipleship, please join us for a video experience and sharing on this important Christian topic.
Father Ron Rolheiser, a renowned teacher and speaker, invites us to discover how to live now so that our life (and death) will make a difference and be a blessing for others.
Tuesdays, February 7, 14
Time: 9:30 to 11:00 am
Fee: $5 per session or by donation.
Facilitator: Dorothy Ryan, CSJ and Irene Baker, CSJ
Sister Irene Baker and Sister Dorothy Ryan are Sisters of St. Joseph from Peterborough. They have spent many years in religious formation and have given numerous presentations on the topic of spirituality in the 21st century.
Returning to Spirit Seminar Series
The Returning to Spirit Seminar Series builds upon the breakthroughs created in the RTS Workshops and continues to challenge individuals to create the future powerfully in every area of their lives.
Tuesdays, January 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 13, 27; April 3, 17; May 1, 22 and June 5
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm each day
except: Jan 17 at 5:30 to 9:30pm; Jan 31 at 6:00 to 9:30 pm and June 5 at 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $5 per session
Trainer: Susan Campbell
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964- 4475
Book Discussion: “Falling Upward—A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life” by Richard Rohr
In the first half of life, we are naturally and rightly preoccupied with establishing our identity—climbing, achieving and performing. Those concerns do not serve us as we grow older and begin to embark on a further journey, one that involves challenges, mistakes, loss of control, broader horizons and necessary suffering that actually shocks us out of our prior comfort zone. Eventually we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way.
Drawing on the wisdom from time-honored myths, great thinkers and sacred religious texts, Fr. Richard Rohr explores the two halves of life to give us an understanding of our own journey home.
Tuesdays, February 21, 28; March 6, 13, 27
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 am
Fee: $5 per session or by donation
Facilitator: Claire Petrucci
Book purchased separately.
Fr. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest who founded the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1986. He is the author of more than twenty books, an internationally known speaker, and a regular contributor to several magazines.
A Lenten Journey:
Finding Your Voice Through Art, Healing, Spirituality
Art is an expression of our inward journey. Art and Healing come from the same place, the human soul. Art sooths, inspires, heals and restores our whole person as it is loved by God. Art is an expression of our life and the world around us and an insight into ourselves. This retreat will explore ways that you can nurture and heal through creativity and spirituality, and help you to discover your creative “voice”. There will be creative activities and exercises, group sharing , prayer and meditation.
Thursday, February 23
Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Fee: $35 Bring a bag lunch. Beverages provided.
Facilitator: Gisele Bauche
.
March 2012
Bridges to Contemplative Living
Bridges to Contemplative Living is a six-week program intended to help us live more fully into our primary vocation—becoming fully human. Using the writings of Thomas Merton and others we will reflect on who we are called to be, what prevents us from growing, and how we can more fully open ourselves to a greater awareness of God’s transforming presence in our lives and in the world around us. Participation in previous Bridges programs not required.
Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 1
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
Fee: $5 per session
Booklet # 6 Writing Yourself into the Book of Life purchased separately
Facilitators: Ven. Peter Zimmer and Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
How to Pray
Have you ever wanted to do more than recite prayers?. Have you ever heard someone talk about praying with scripture, music, art or a short story? Have you ever wondered how you could do that? This day will explore a method for praying with scripture, an experience, music or a short story. It has been called the 5 P’s of Prayer by Fr. Armand Nigro, SJ. The five include a passage, a place, a posture, prayer and praise. This day is a how to do it day. We will talk about it, we will do it and then we will talk about how the experience was. Come and join us!
Friday, March 2
Time: 9:45 am to 3:00 pm
Fee: $25 Lunch provided.
Facilitator: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI
RCIA Alumni
The Christian vocation is a journey of on-going conversion. During this time we will reflect on the conversion journey of persons who have been initiated into the faith in recent years, and look at some particular aspects inviting further attention.
Sunday, March 4
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Fee: donation
Presentor: Bishop Wiesner, OMI
Christian Meditation
Come and experience the ancient tradition of prayerful stillness. We begin by listening to a short audio tape by Abbot John Main, OSB. This is followed by thirty minutes of silent sitting and concludes with a short audio CD from Laurence Freeman, OSB. The group is open to both experienced meditators and those who would like to learn to practice Christian Meditation.
Mondays, January 9, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7,
June 4
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
No Fee
Facilitator: Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Book Discussion: “Falling Upward—A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life” by Richard Rohr
In the first half of life, we are naturally and rightly preoccupied with establishing our identity—climbing, achieving and performing. Those concerns do not serve us as we grow older and begin to embark on a further journey, one that involves challenges, mistakes, loss of control, broader horizons and necessary suffering that actually shocks us out of our prior comfort zone. Eventually we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way.
Drawing on the wisdom from time-honored myths, great thinkers and sacred religious texts, Fr. Richard Rohr explores the two halves of life to give us an understanding of our own journey home.
Tuesdays, February 21, 28; March 6, 13, 27
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 am
Fee: $5 per session or by donation
Facilitator: Claire Petrucci
Book purchased separately.
Fr. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest who founded the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1986. He is the author of more than twenty books, an internationally known speaker, and a regular contributor to several magazines.
A Retreat for Busy People:
Creating Sabbath Space in Our Lives
All of us yearn for a “sabbatical”, a time to rest and get away from the ordinary of our busy lives. A retreat is meant to be just that—it is a Sabbath time when we rest...stop doing what we normally do...celebrate life...and become personally and spiritually enriched. Through this video retreat, Father Ron Rolheiser invites us to ‘come away’ to a relaxed and informal setting to be nurtured and refreshed. As we journey through this program, we are presented with numerous possibilities to create the “un-ordinary” times in our lives, to enjoy life more fully and to receive the gift of forgiving one another and “letting go” of all that holds us back from true happiness.
Thursday, March 8 to Monday, March 12
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm Thursday, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Friday to Monday
Fee: $100. Lunch provided.
Facilitators: Irene Baker, CSJ and Dorothy Ryan, CSJ
Sister Irene Baker and Sister Dorothy Ryan are Sisters of St. Joseph from Peterborough. They have spent many years in religious formation and have given numerous presentations on the topic of spirituality in the 21st century.
Returning to Spirit Seminar Series
The Returning to Spirit Seminar Series builds upon the breakthroughs created in the RTS Workshops and continues to challenge individuals to create the future powerfully in every area of their lives.
Tuesdays, January 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 13, 27; April 3, 17; May 1, 22 and June 5
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm each day
except: Jan 17 at 5:30 to 9:30pm; Jan 31 at 6:00 to 9:30 pm and June 5 at 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $5 per session
Trainer: Susan Campbell
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964- 4475
Returning to Spirit—Aboriginal
This RTS workshop is unique and cutting edge in its approach to healing and reconciliation. The workshop is designed for Aboriginal people who continue to experience the legacy of residential school. The workshop benefits survivors, families of survivors, and anyone who wants to move beyond healing to reconciliation and discover the spirit of who they are.
Monday, March 19 to Friday March 23
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen, OP (250) 964-4475
The Prodigal Son: A Family’s Journey
Some parables in the New Testament speak to us of God’s love for us; others speak to us about our need to love others; still others, like the Prodigal Son, combine these two great commandments, namely, the love of God and the love of the neighbour. Tonight, our Lenten reflection will follow the painful journey of a family—a family perhaps much like your own. We will come to know the heartache of a mother who has lost her son; to recognize ourselves in the younger son and/or the older son, and, more importantly, we will come to understand how all of us are called to be like the Father.
Wednesday, March 28
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Fee: $10 or by donation
Facilitator: Dorothy Ryan, CSJ and Irene Baker, CSJ
April 2012
Christian Meditation
Come and experience the ancient tradition of prayerful stillness. We begin by listening to a short audio tape by Abbot John Main, OSB. This is followed by thirty minutes of silent sitting and concludes with a short audio CD from Laurence Freeman, OSB. The group is open to both experienced meditators and those who would like to learn to practice Christian Meditation.
Mondays, January 9, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7,
June 4
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
No Fee
Facilitator: Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Returning to Spirit Seminar Series
The Returning to Spirit Seminar Series builds upon the breakthroughs created in the RTS Workshops and continues to challenge individuals to create the future powerfully in every area of their lives.
Tuesdays, January 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 13, 27; April 3, 17; May 1, 22 and June 5
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm each day
except: Jan 17 at 5:30 to 9:30pm; Jan 31 at 6:00 to 9:30 pm and June 5 at 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $5 per session
Trainer: Susan Campbell
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964- 4475
Holy Thursday Retreat Morning
Our journey through Lent to Easter has been a time to intensify our desire to be more in tune with God’s vision of what we and our world are called to be. The readings for today as well as some reflections by Thomas Merton and others will help us to connect with our own life experiences and guide us as we enter The Triduum in a more conscious way.
Thursday, April 5
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Fee: $10 or by donation
Facilitator: Donna Dolan, RSCJ
Retreat Day for Artists
Has your sense of gratitude been expanded through developing your own form? When you think about happiness do you often associate it with your art? What is the connection between happiness and gratitude? Following a brief thematic discussion there will be time for personal artistic expression and personal reflection. Bring your particular medium.
Wednesday, April 11
Bethany House #110
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Fee: $15. Bring a bag lunch; beverages provided.
Facilitator: Donna Dolan, RSCJ
Engaged Encounter Weekend
A wedding is a day. A marriage is a life time, This is a weekend designed to give couples planning marriage the opportunity to dialogue honestly and intensively about their future lives together-their strengths, weaknesses, desires, ambitions, goals; their attitude about money, sex, children, family, their role in the church and society – through private discussion with one another.
Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15
To register please call Anita and Jeremy Comba (250) 964-2805 or the Engaged Encounter Website
For more information call Martha and Allan Primus at (250) 997-4874
First Nations Retreat:
Topic and date to be determined.
Returning to Spirit Non–Aboriginal
This RTS workshop is unique and cutting edge in its approach to healing and reconciliation. The workshop is designed for non– aboriginal people who interact with the Aboriginal community or who experience the legacy of residential school in Canadian society. The workshop benefits anyone who is in need of healing and reconciliation in any area of life and helps one to discover the spirit of who they are.
Monday, April 23 to Friday, April 27
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964-4475
May 2012
Returning to Spirit Seminar Series
The Returning to Spirit Seminar Series builds upon the breakthroughs created in the RTS Workshops and continues to challenge individuals to create the future powerfully in every area of their lives.
Tuesdays, January 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 13, 27; April 3, 17; May 1, 22 and June 5
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm each day
except: Jan 17 at 5:30 to 9:30pm; Jan 31 at 6:00 to 9:30 pm and June 5 at 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $5 per session
Trainer: Susan Campbell
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964- 4475
Devotion to Mary
The Church traditionally honours Mary during the month of May. In this presentation we will reflect on the five Joyful Mysteries which provide us with a more human relationship with our Blessed Mother.
Thursday, May 3
Time: 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Fee : Donation
Presentor: Bishop Wiesner, OMI
Christian Meditation
Come and experience the ancient tradition of prayerful stillness. We begin by listening to a short audio tape by Abbot John Main, OSB. This is followed by thirty minutes of silent sitting and concludes with a short audio CD from Laurence Freeman, OSB. The group is open to both experienced meditators and those who would like to learn to practice Christian Meditation.
Mondays, January 9, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7,
June 4
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
No Fee
Facilitator: Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Walking Retreat
Not all retreats are silent and some venture beyond the retreat house grounds. While we enjoy the exercise and the beautiful scenery of The Ancient Forest, we can pause to pray and be aware that we are on a spiritual journey. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who finds the Divine in nature and in one’s inner self. Eucharist will be celebrated in the forest setting as part of our retreat.
Thursday, May 24
Time: Leave 9:30 am.
No Fee Bring a bag lunch; wear comfortable shoes
Retreat Guide: Fr. Richard Beaudette, OMI
Meeting Place: St. Mary’s Church parking lot– Freeman Street
Returning to Spirit -
Reconciliation Workshop
This Reconciliation workshop is a five-day intensive workshop. Both non-aboriginal and aboriginal people participate in the two-day preparation workshop separately but concurrently. Both groups are prepared for the “coming together”, a three day workshop for communication and completion. The requirement for participation is to have completed a five day RTS workshop.
May 28 to June 1
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day
Trainers: RTS Team
Place: Diocesan Centre
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964-4475
June 2012
Christian Meditation
Come and experience the ancient tradition of prayerful stillness. We begin by listening to a short audio tape by Abbot John Main, OSB. This is followed by thirty minutes of silent sitting and concludes with a short audio CD from Laurence Freeman, OSB. The group is open to both experienced meditators and those who would like to learn to practice Christian Meditation.
Mondays, January 9, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7,
June 4
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
No Fee
Facilitator: Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ
Returning to Spirit Seminar Series
The Returning to Spirit Seminar Series builds upon the breakthroughs created in the RTS Workshops and continues to challenge individuals to create the future powerfully in every area of their lives.
Tuesdays, January 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 13, 27; April 3, 17; May 1, 22 and June 5
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm each day
except: Jan 17 at 5:30 to 9:30pm; Jan 31 at 6:00 to 9:30 pm and June 5 at 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $5 per session
Trainer: Susan Campbell
Please contact Jean Marie Lehtinen (250) 964- 4475