Franciscan Spiritual Center


	Longer Programs/Retreats

Triduum Retreat - April 1-4, 2010 Arrival: 6:00 P.M. Retreat begins with orientation before Holy Thursday Services. Departure: After breakfast on Easter Sunday morning Reside in the contemplative environment of the Spiritual Center while attending Triduum services at Our Lady of Angels Convent. $160 ($30 non-refundable deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: March 14, 2010
Preached Retreat: Living in the Present Moment - May 22-29, 2010 Arrival: 5:00-5:30 P.M. Retreat opens with dinner at 5:30 P.M. first night. Departure: 11:00 A.M. last day This retreat will focus on our call to embrace the present moment - the place where God lives and fills us with grace. During these days of retreat we will be guided by the wisdom of Jean Pierre de Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence, Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, The Practice of the Presence of God, and Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now. Sts. Francis and Clare will model for us what it means to be fully absorbed in God’s energy as manifested in the sacrament of the present moment. $350 ($75 non-refundable deposit, due with registration) Registration Deadline: May 8, 2010 Presenter: Tony Ciorra OFM Retreat is nearly filled. Contact us to confirm space available.
Preached Retreat: Luke Live! - June 14-21, 2010 Arrival: 5:00-5:30 P.M. Retreat opens with dinner at 5:30 P.M. first night. Departure: 11:00 A.M. last day Experience the Gospel of Luke proclaimed to you in lively, dramatic ways - the spoken word, music and chant. In keeping with the objective of the Paulist Fathers to "Give the WORD a voice in the 21^st Century", Fr. Jim uses his background in drama, music and theatre to bring the Gospel of Luke to life! Accept this invitation to praise God in new and wondrous ways. Come be rejuvenated spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. There will be time and space for quiet reflection and solitude. You are in for an exciting adventure. $350 ($75 non-refundable deposit, due with registration) Registration Deadline: May 31, 2010 Facilitators: Helen Budzik OSF and Jean Ustasiewski OSF Retreat is nearly filled. Contact us to confirm space available.
Franciscan Solitude Extended Experience at Clare House / Hermitages - June 14-21, 2010 Arrival: 6:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. first night Retreat begins 7:00 P.M. first night Departure: 11:00 A.M. last day This experience invites you to "sit at the feet of Jesus" as you enter into solitude, based on the Gospel images of Martha and Mary. Following St. Francis of Assisi’s insights wherein all of your needs are tended to, Franciscan solitude offers an opportunity to be deeply attentive to Jesus while sharing your experience with others who seek peace and quiet in their busy lives. Each day includes Mass, Morning Prayer, and Evening Prayer with optional sharing. Limited to five persons. $340 ($75 non-refundable deposit, due with registration) Registration Deadline: May 31, 2010 Facilitators: Helen Budzik OSF and Jean Ustasiewski OSF
Guided Retreat: "Spread the Tablecloths"--Hospitality as an Evangelical Option - July 5-12, 2010 Arrival: 6:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. first night Retreat begins 7:00 P.M. first night Departure: 11:00 A.M. last day This guided retreat will offer us the invitation to reflect on and pray with our own experience of table-sitting and its implications for choosing hospitality as a response to the Gospel call to live in right relationships as sister and brother. Through a process of engagement with passages from the Gospel of Luke and significant events in the lives of SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi, we will be led to discover how to create a welcoming space where all, especially the stranger, can find a place of belonging. Please bring your bible. All other readings will be provided. $340 ($75 non-refundable deposit, due with registration) Registration Deadline: June 21, 2010 Presenter: Clare D'Auria OSF
Directed Retreat - July 5-12, 2010 Arrival: 6:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. first night Retreat begins 7:00 P.M. first night Departure: 11:00 A.M. last day This retreat provides time for prayer, liturgy, and a daily session with a certified retreat director. $380 ($75 non-refundable deposit, due with registration) Registration Deadline: June 21, 2010 Directors: Ann David Strohminger OSF and Mary Walsh OSF
Mini Sabbath: Creative Contemplation July 16-August 6, 2010 This 3-week mini-sabbath will attempt to explore and encourage "developing and claiming" a contemplative stance toward life. A clear focus will be to deepen the contemplative dimensions of one’s life so as to live life "from the Center/Source" - GOD. Participants will be encouraged to "be still and know" during their Sabbath time while also being free to socialize with others as the need is felt. Mornings will be devoted to workshops/presentations: afternoons and evenings are free (with options offered). Available as options (and encouraged choices): art work, exercise, massage, body prayer, film, poetry, quiet time, personal reading, journaling, group dream work, etc. Integral to the mini-sabbath are opportunities for daily Eucharist, weekly spiritual companioning mentoring guidance as needed, and a week-long silent guided retreat: "Praying with the Mystics: Our Holy Women and Men". $1,800 (contact us to set up a payment plan) Registration Deadline: July 2, 2010 Presenters: Michael Laratonda FMS and Guest Presenters
Guided Retreat: Praying with the Mystics--Our Holy Women and Men - July 25-31, 2010 Arrival: 6:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. first night Retreat begins 7:00 P.M. first night Departure: after lunch, last day This week-long silent retreat will explore the call for each of us to access the "mystic within" - not uncommon since we are all called to move closer to God during our lives. The word "mysticism" can sometimes "scare" us due to either misunderstanding or the belief that it is "above" us. . . and yet we are invited into these days to "re-see" this call with "new eyes". There will be two gatherings each day: morning prayer/conference, with suggestions for prayer; a second session offering one of the following: communal prayer; open exchange of faith issues; film screenings applicable to the retreat themes. Eucharist will be celebrated throughout the retreat. Topics presented will include: "the monastery within"; mysticism and poetry; praying with mystics from a variety of faith traditions; nature and creation; love and transformation; more. Retreatants are asked to bring a journal or notebook with them. $340 ($75 non-refundable deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: July 11, 2010 Presenter: Michael Laratonda FMS Retreat is nearly filled. Contact us to confirm space available. This retreat will be offered again, *October 25 - 31, 2010*
T'ai Chi Chi Retreat: Entering Cosmic Rhythm - August 21-25, 2010 Arrival: 6:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. first night Retreat begins 7:00 P.M. first night Departure: 11:00 A.M. last day These extended days of retreat will provide time and experience for participants to sink more fully into the Essence of T’ai Chi Chih while connecting with the energy of the Cosmic Rhythm. The full TCC form will be taught with special emphasis on the last 10 moves. No prior experience is necessary. The learning experience will encompass instruction, practice sessions, spirituality and reflection. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes or socks. $275 ($75 non-refundable deposit due with registration) Registration Deadline: August 7, 2010 Presenter: Antonia Cooper OSF

Rooted in the Gospels. . . we welcome all as sister and brother.