Franciscan Spiritual Center

	Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Programs/Retreats

Taizé Prayer - June 5, September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, 2008 - January 8, February 5, March 5, 2009 Program begins 7:00 P.M. Departure: 8:00 P.M. This type of prayer includes songs, readings and shared silence in an atmosphere of simplicity and tranquility. To this prayer we bring the needs of our loved ones and our world that we may all be transformed by the love of Christ. Join us in Our Lady of Angels Chapel. Free Will Donation Facilitator: Andrea Likovich OSF
Blessed Grieving Support Group - November 11, December 9, 2008; January 13, February 10, March 10, 2009 Program begins 7:00 P.M. Departure: 8:15 P.M. For further information on the support group, call (610) 558-5372 or send us an e-mail. Free Will Donation Registration Deadline: one day before the event Facilitators: Jean Ustasiewski OSF and Mary Lou Pappolla
Journey into God (Series) - September 11, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2008 Two program times are available: 9:30 - 11:00 A.M. or 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. The book, The Journey into God: A Forty Day Retreat with Bonaventure, Francis and Clare by Josef Raischl SFO and Andre Cirino OFM, offers persons an at-home opportunity to personally pray through the themes of Bonaventure’s classic spiritual writing, The Soul’s Journey into God. This series offers participants the opportunity to gather with others who wish to make the journey this book provides. Participants will gather for an introduction to the process and six weekly sessions designed to share their experience. Limited to six persons. $50, series ($10 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: August 28, 2008 Facilitator: Helen Budzik OSF Required text: The Journey into God: A Forty Day Retreat with Bonaventure, Francis and Clare by Josef Raischl SFO and Andre Cirino OFM. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2002
Exploring the Psalms as the Cries of the Human Heart - September 14, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. This program is the reschedule of our previously canceled March 2, 2008 event. Those who previously registered do not need to re-register. Please note the change of topic from the original event. The afternoon will be divided into three sections: The Cry of Delight: Psalms of Praise and Thanksgiving The Cry of Pain: Psalms of Lament and Supplication The Cry of Longing: Psalms of Zion and of Wisdom During this time we will explore the poetic techniques, structures, and progress of thought in selected psalms in each category. We will note how the Church has used these psalms in the liturgy and offered them to the faithful for their devotions. We will also sing together and listen to musical settings of the selected psalms as a way to be open to their spiritual impact. $20 (due with registration) Registration Deadline: September 5, 2008 Presenter: Fr. Jan Michael Joncas
Is Spiritual Direction for You? - September 17, 2008 Two program times are available: 9:30 - 11 :30 A.M. or 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. Do you want to deepen your relationship with God? Have you heard about spiritual direction and wondered if it is for you? We invite you to meet with a member of our retreat team to consider these and other questions you may have. The session will include centering prayer, praying with scripture, and a process for helping you find a spiritual director. Free Will Donation Registration Deadline: September 3, 2008 Presenter: Mary Walsh OSF
Ongoing T'ai Chi Chih - October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 2008 7:00 - 8:15 P.M. During these sessions, participants will refine their movements and explore the relationship between T’ai Chi Chih and real life situations as they learn ways to enhance their TCC practice. The movements may help to reduce stress, improve overall health, increase concentration and creativity, and lead to an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all things. Wear comfortable clothing. $70 for the series ($30 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: September 18, 2008 Presenter: Mary Griffin OSF
Yoga - October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 2008 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. The practice of yoga brings one to union, harmony, and peace. During these sessions Basic Hatha Yoga will be presented. Relaxation techniques, classical postures and stretching with emphasis on deep breathing will be included. $40 series ($20 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: September 22, 2008 Presenter: Maryanne Williams
Focusing I - October 8, 15, 22, 29, 2008 Two program times are available: 9:30 - 11 :30 A.M. or 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. As a culture we have lost the art of listening, of focusing within. We listen to the radio, TV, movies, and read the newspaper. But rarely so we listen inwardly to what our body’s unique felt senses are trying to tell us. Focusing is a way to pay attention to the hidden wisdom that lies deep within our bodies. Participants will learn the skill of Focusing: being in presence with your feelings. $40 series ($10 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: September 24, 2008 Presenter: Mary Walsh OSF
Into Great Silence - October 14, 21, 28, 2008 or March 3, 10, 17, 2009 Two program times are available: 9:30 - 11 :30 A.M. or 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the world’s most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Groning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Groning, with no crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks’ quarters for six months, filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. One of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created, *Into Great Silence,* dissolves the border between screen and audience with a total immersion into the hush of monastic life. Free Will Donation Registration Deadline: September 30, 2008 Facilitators: Marie Angela Presenza OSF and Theresa Yanda OSF
Themes from God's Extravagant Love - October 22, 29, February 10, 11, 2008 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. These evenings explore some of the key aspects of Franciscan theology from a pastoral perspective. The presentations and sharing invite participants to cherish the uniqueness of the Franciscan tradition, find a common language to speak of God, creation, and the dignity of the human persons, and provide an opportunity to integrate this treasure of faith into daily life. For those interested in a weekend experience of the four themes, see our preview sheet for more details. $30 per evening ($10 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: two weeks before each event An Historical Overview - October 22, 2008 Presenter: Patricia Smith OSF Primacy of Love, of Christ -October 29, 2008 Presenter: Helen Budzik OSF Creation and the Humility of God - February 10, 2009 Presenter: Julia Keegan OSF Dignity of the Human Person - February 11, 2009 Presenter: Julie McCole OSF
Compassion: The Fruit of a Grateful Heart - November 18, 2008 5:00 - 8:30 P.M. A grateful heart is one that is alert and receptive to the unfathomable gift of God’s extravagant love. When one practices an "attitude of gratitude," an amazing thing happens: gratitude spills over into compassion and we move "with passion" to cherish both ourselves and others. The prime focus of this retreat evening will be on allowing compassion to well up within us and follow where God leads us. This short retreat will highlight stories of the heart that will help us to "feel" compassion and add a few daily rituals to our life to help us develop the strength to be compassionate. $20 includes dinner ($10 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: November 4, 2008 Presenter: Julia Keegan OSF
Centering Prayer - November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2008 or March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2009 Two program times are available: 9:30 - 11 :30 A.M. or 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. What is centering prayer? Is God calling me to this form of prayer? How do I do it? Will it really change me? Is the fact that I can’t quiet my mind a problem? Centering prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer, rather, it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. During these sessions, there will be input on centering prayer and its practice. $30 series ($10 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: November 11, 2008 Presenter: Mary Walsh OSF
Young Adult Evening of Reflection: Be Still and Know That I Am God - November 29, 2008 5:00 - 8:30 P.M. "Be still and know that I am God." Advent is a time of waiting in hopeful expectation. For what are we waiting? For what are we hoping? In this season of Advent, we are called to step back from the hectic and frenetic activity of the holiday season and listen with great attentiveness for the Word that God long to speak within each of our hearts. So, take some time to go to that sacred place and space within each of our hearts where God longs to dwell and Jesus longs to be born. $10 includes dinner (nonrefundable, due with registration) Registration Deadline: November 15, 2008 Presenter: Mary Beth Antonelli OSF and Margie Winters
Advent Evening of Reflection - December 10, 2008 5:00 - 8:30 P.M. In honor of the year dedicated to St. Paul (June 29, 2008 - June 29, 2009) this retreat will consider the saving themes of Advent in the context of St. Paul’s letters. Participants are asked to bring a bible. The evening will consist of prayer, input, sharing, and time for quiet reflection. $20 includes dinner ($10 deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: November 26, 2008 Presenter: Anne Amati OSF
Young Adult Evening of Reflection: From Hearts of Stone to Hearts of Love - March 24, 2009 5:00 - 8:30 P.M. Jesus came to preach the Good News of God’s unconditional love for us. Do we really believe that God loves us just as we are? That is Good news! Lent is a time to focus on God’s desire to change our hearts into hearts of love. The invitation is there, all we have to do is respond. . .During this evening of reflection, we will focus on ways which held us to hear this invitation and respond. Are you ready, willing, and able? The journey is worth it. $10 includes dinner (due with registration) Registration Deadline: March 10, 2009 Presenters: Mary Beth Antonelli OSF and Margie Winters

Rooted in the Gospels. . . We welcome all as Sister and Brother.