St. Benedict s Retreat & Conference Centre. A Welcome Place for Conversations that Matter. Spirituality. Workshops and Retreats. August 2017 July 2018

Transcription

1 St. Benedict s Retreat & Conference Centre A Welcome Place for Conversations that Matter Spirituality Workshops and Retreats August 2017 July Masters Avenue Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A ; stbenscentre@mts.net

2 Hello from the Director Greetings, Friends new and old! I recently received an evaluation form from a guest. It read: I love coming here. I always leave feeling loved and well-rested. Another guest shared in a letter to us: From the moment I stepped through the door, I was treated with kindness, respect and dignity. I wasn't judged for my opinions, beliefs, successes or appearance. I was treated as someone who is worthy of respect simply because I am human. We have been here for 47 years as a Retreat and Conference Centre; this feedback makes it all worthwhile. Peace, Sr.Mary Coswin, the Staff & Sisters New at the Centre Welcome to Pat Nitychoruk, our new Conference Coordinator. Contact Pat to register for one of our programs, to book a personal retreat or rent our facilities. You will find her friendly and helpful. Let us serve you. Taizé Ecumenical Prayer Modeled on the community in Taizé, France, this is an evening of chant and scripture each 1st Friday of the month, October - May 7:00-8:00 pm. in the Monastery Chapel. Donations accepted. All welcome. Centering Prayer Support Circle weekly Thurs. 7:15-8:15pm beginning Sept. 7th You are invited to center with others. Each evening consists of a period of Centering Prayer, a contemplative walk and lectio divina. If you are new to the practice, the Introductory Workshop is recommended. There is no charge. Be still and know that I am God.

3 Year Round Sabbatical Time Year-Round! A sabbatical is time to be, to rest, to enjoy the beauty of nature and the re-creation of your spirit. With the help of a sabbatical director, create your own sabbath time from the courses and retreats at the Centre. 3 months notice requested. Private room with bath always provided. Contact mbakerosb@gmail.com $1800/month: room and board, weekly spiritual direction and all programs available at the Centre. $1500/month room and board, weekly direction and choice of programs at commuter rates. Personal Retreats We live in an age of noise and outrage. A retreat is a gift to yourself a way to step aside from everyday concerns to care for your soul and your relationship with God. Catch up on some rest, receive contemplative healing touch, walk the paths, spend time in meditation and join the Benedictine sisters at prayer, if you wish. Enjoy the library, sitting room and art room. $70-80 /night, includes 3 meals. St. Benedict's has 6 private rooms with bathrooms. Call Mon Fri, 8:00 am 4:00 pm to make arrangements. And God rested on the seventh day Note: revised and reduced cost $200 Fermata Retreat Aug For retreat details see the annual brochure. Led by Rachel Twigg Boyce & Kalyn Falk

4 SEPTEMBER The Awakening of Hope: A Weekend with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove Fri. Sept.15, 7-9PM and Sept.16, 9-4PM In 2003, Jonathan and his wife Leah founded the Rutba House in Durham, North Carolina, a house of hospitality where the formerly homeless are welcomed into a community that eats, prays, and shares life together. Jonathan is a leading voice of his generation who practices a new monasticism that seeks to live the way of Jesus in every aspect of life in the poorest communities. He also directs a School for Conversion. By hearing his story and dream for the world, our hope is that we all will be challenged and supported to consider the radical call of Jesus in our own lives. Tuition, Meals & Private Room $160; Shared $150 Commuter $100 After Sept.1st add $10. Yoga Classes: Sacred Space for Yoga and Prayer 8 Saturdays, beginning Sept.23, 10-11:15AM A series of 8 classes teaching the basic postures New (asanas) of yoga with a focus on Christ, including prayer and meditation to help reconnect body, mind and spirit. All levels are welcome. Bring yoga mat, comfy clothes, any props you have. $80 Brigitte Dupuis has been practicing yoga since 1995 and teaching since She completed her 200-hour teacher training, and over 150 hours of advanced training, at the Yoga Centre Winnipeg. She is indebted to her teachers Jan Debenham, Hart Lazer, Fr. Joe Pereira and Lynn Minton. Brigitte is also a recent graduate of the Shekinah spiritual direction program offered at St Benedict s Retreat and Conference Centre.

5 Sacred Reading and the Benedictine Prayer of Beauty Sept.30, 10AM-4PM Lectio Divina (sacred reading) is a tried and true way to pray with Scripture and other sacred texts. Instead of the fast-paced skimming so common to us, Lectio is a s-l-o-w-e-d down, nurturing process that can re-orient one from the inside out. The Prayer of Beauty is a natural, wordless prayer of awe and gratitude. The day will include instruction, practice and sharing. Mary Coswin, OSB is an experienced retreat leader, spiritual director, and member of the Monastery. OCTOBER Centering Prayer Introduction Sat. Oct.7, 9:30-3:30; follow-ups on Oct.14, 21 & 28th, 10AM-1PM Do you long for depth and authenticity in your relationship with God? Centering Prayer is a Christcentered, wordless prayer, rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition. It leads to a richer inner life, transformation of consciousness and closer union with God. Oct.7 Introduction to the practice; follow-up Saturdays include videos, centering, lectio divina and dialogue. Intro and Series $80/ includes lunch on Oct.7 Jacquie Reimer (l) lives in Winnipeg where she explores the arts and works as a counselor and community outreach worker. Lynn Langdon is a mother, educator in music and drama, and a member of her church worship team. Both are commissioned presenters of Centering Prayer.

6 What is Spiritual Direction? Are you curious about spiritual direction? Would you like to find a spiritual companion to help you listen for the way God is inviting you to become more fully alive? Call us or an appointment to talk it over or visit the website Spiritual Directors of Manitoba. Centering Prayer Series Oct.14, Nov.11, Jan.27, Feb.24, 10AM-4PM In the context of our centering prayer practice we will explore in this Saturday series The Shape of God Deepening the Mystery of Trinity. Cynthia Bourgeault and Richard Rohr will breathe life into this ancient and important topic by offering alternative perspectives grounded in Biblical and mystical traditions, as well as a brilliant and clear feminine voice. Everything makes sense when God is communion instead of domination. Join us on these retreat days for silence, meditation, and faith-sharing within a welcoming community of seekers. $30/session; $110 series, lunch included Subsidized by Contemplative Outreach Manitoba. Sandra Stewart, RNDM is a member of her community s leadership team and an experienced spiritual director and workshop facilitator. She is a commissioned Centering Prayer presenter.

7 Progoff Intensive Journal Part 1: Fri. Oct.20, 7-9PM Sat. 9-5;Sun. Oct.22, 9-2:30PM A group experience with the protection of privacy, the Progoff Intensive Journal Program uses specific journal writing techniques to promote self-discovery and personal growth. Receive your Intensive Journal Workbook and be led through a series of exercises to reconstruct major phases of your life. Enhance your understanding of relationships, while resolving conflicts and clarifying priorities. Workshop authorized by Dialogue House, NY. Tuition, Meals & Private room $260, Shared $240 Commuter $165 Register by Oct.10th. Virginia Evard, OSB is an authorized and seasoned consultant for Intensive Journal Workshops. She is Prioress of St. Benedict's Monastery. Visio Divina: Contemplation Through Art, Nov. 4, 10AM-3PM Using art as a catalyst for contemplation, we will slow down the body, and mind to discover and explore our own inner landscape. Participants will be invited to look at art such as Van Gogh s Starry Night, Munch s The Sun and others with an open heart and mind and become aware of our own inner responses feelings, emotions, thoughts to move beyond the work of art to find meaningful connections to our own inner experiences of the Divine. We will use reproductions of works of art, silence, journaling, and sharing. Limited enrolment. $65 Lunch included Patricia Frain, M.Ed, M.P.S (Loyola, Chicago) is a Counselor and Spiritual Director. Liz Coffman, B.F.A, M.Ed. is an Arts Educator and Arts Consultant.

8 Craft Sale Dec.2, 9:00AM-3:00PM All are welcome! Come browse and buy. NOVEMBER STAR- Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience Nov.24, 7-9PM and Nov.25, 10AM-4PM Explore the prevalence of trauma and how it affects our bodies, brains and souls. STAR is a research-supported approach ( to addressing trauma and building resilience for individuals and organizations. An educational (not therapy) event, the experiential exercises illustrate ways of working within your own life and/ or community, creating room for healing and resilience. Tuition, Meals & Private Room $125 Shared $115 Commuter $80 Joanna Hiebert Bergen (L) & Jan McIntyre are trained facilitators of STAR. Jan is a Manitoba farmer and Joanna works for an NGO focusing on grass roots community building. Artisans and crafters are welcome to rent a table ($30 for an 8 ; $25 for a 6 ). Call Pat at to make arrangements to rent a table. Contemplative Healing Touch A prayerful practice of gentle hands-on treatment that gives energy, brings calm and peace so healing may take place naturally. Not a substitute for medical care. For an appointment, call. Makes a good gift! $40 Mary Coswin, OSB

9 DECEMBER Advent Retreat Dec. 15, 7PM Dec.17, 1PM In a culture in which Christmas seems at risk of being overshadowed by the crush of the shopping malls, seasonal social obligations and parties, and unrealistic expectations of family harmony and happiness, the season of Advent is one of the church s greatest gifts. Advent calls us to watch, wait, and open ourselves to the truth that God is not yet finished with our world. On this weekend we will embrace the opportunity to slow down through talks, music, and shared prayer, and time to read, walk, rest, journal, pray, and simply be. Opportunities will be provided to join the monastic community for prayer. Bring along a sketch pad, craft supplies, writing materials, books, a musical instrument, or anything else that might help you mark this season in a meaningful way. Private Room $210; Shared $190 Year End Retreat: Welcoming the Stranger Sat. Dec. 31, 10:00AM-4:00PM This year's retreat will be based on the poems of Mary Oliver, Rumi and Malcolm Guite as we ponder the meanings of welcoming the stranger under many guises, including as a new year! Lots of time for silence and reflection as well as some input and sharing. This day makes a lovely gift to yourself or a loved one! $60 includes lunch; or get a head start by coming the evening before just $40 bed & breakfast. Mary Coswin, OSB Jamie Howison is a priest of the Anglican Church of Canada and the founding pastoral leader of saint benedict's table in Winnipeg. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Rupert s Land in Since then he has ministered in the Diocese in parish contexts, campus ministry and pastoral care. Jamie is also an author.

10 St. Benedict s Year at a Glance For fuller descriptions, see inside. SEPTEMBER 7 Weekly Centering Prayer Circle begins Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove: Awakening Hope 23,30 Yoga & Prayer Series (8 weeks) 30 Sacred Reading & Prayer of Beauty OCTOBER 6 Taizé Prayer 7,14, 21,28 Centering Prayer Intro & follow-up 7,14,21, 28 Yoga & Prayer 14 Centering Prayer series Progoff Intensive Journal Part 1 NOVEMBER 3 Taizé Prayer 4 Visio Divina 4,11 Yoga & Prayer 11 Centering Prayer series Strategies for Trauma Awareness DECEMBER 1 Taizé Prayer 2 Craft Show and Sale Advent Retreat 31 Year-End Retreat Day Give the gift of time away. Gift Certificates - They are available at the Centre Office.

11 2018 JANUARY 5 Taize Prayer Retreat for the Unemployed 27 Centering Prayer Series FEBRUARY 2 Taizé Prayer 16-17;18-19 Progoff Intensive Journal Parts 1 & 2 17 Audio Divina Fermata Retreat weekend 24 Centering Prayer Series MARCH 2 Taizé Prayer Heart of Compassion Meditation Retreat Progoff Intensive Journal Part 3 30 Taize-Good Friday APRIL Grandmother Medicine Finding the Quiet Centre MAY 4 Taize Prayer Sabbath Retreat for Young Adults HeartSong Retreat Events with Brother Don Bisson: 25 Dream workshop for Spiritual Directors Weekend workshop: Dorothy Day JUNE Yoga Retreat JULY 2-7 Summer Fullness: Silent Retreat 2-9 Centering Prayer Retreat:

12 Progoff Intensive Journal Life Context Feb. 16, 3:30-9:30PM; Feb.17, 9:00AM- 5:00PM A group experience with the protection of privacy, the Progoff Intensive Journal - writing techniques to promote self-discovery and growth. Tuition, Meals & Private Room $255 Shared $245 Commuter $215 Depth Contact Feb.18, 10AM- 5PM; Feb.19, 9AM- 5PM This workshop complements your earlier journal work, putting you in touch with the movement of your life, including your dreams and other images. Prerequisite: Life Context Tuition, Meals & Private Room $270 Shared $260 Commuter $215 Residents taking both workshops add $50 for extra night & meals. Virginia Evard, OSB JANUARY Retreat for the Unemployed No charge* Jan. 19, 7PM Jan.21, 1PM This retreat is not a job finding but a heart-helping weekend that will deal with discouragement, rejection, fear and anxiety, failure and stress. Designed to help find patience, hope, humor and self-esteem in God's creative love. * Subsidized by St. Benedict's Foundation, Inc. Virginia Evard, OSB and Rachel Twigg, Boyce, M.Th. Rachel is a retreat facilitator and spiritual director. She lives in Winnipeg with husband Mike and dog Oliver. FEBRUARY

13 Audio Divina: Contemplation Through Music Feb. 17, 10AM-3PM Using music as a catalyst for contemplation, we will listen deeply to discover and experience how various pieces of music can transport us to another threshold of awareness. Participants will be invited to listen to excerpts of music past and present as we allow ourselves to move into and beyond the music and perhaps discover meaningful connections to our own inner experiences as we move from sound to reflection, silence, journaling and sharing. $65 includes lunch Patricia Frain & Liz Coffman Fermata Retreat (Fermata = pause ) Feb.23, 7:00PM Feb.25, 1:00PM Fermata is a musical term which means hold the note, that is, pause. Science and the mystics alike say that we all need to pause and be silent in order to stay healthy. This retreat will offer you some tried and true ways to pause, not only this weekend but in daily life: spiritual direction, contemplative reflection, prayer practices, some silence, corporate prayer and meals. Subsidized in part by St. Benedict s Foundation, Inc Private Room $165 Fermata Team Members

14 Re-creating the Heart of Compassion: Mindfulness Meditation Retreat Mar.10, 7:00PM Mar.15, 1:00PM We will explore mindfulness meditation as a foundational pathway to discovering our inner light. This retreat will offer beginners and experienced meditators silent periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful yoga as well as group and individual teacher interviews. Teachers will also offer daily talks and meditation instructions. Tuition, Meals & Private Room $700 Dawn MacDonald, MSW is a certified teacher of Mindful Self Compassion and of Compassion Cultivation Training through Stanford University s Center for Compassion, Altruism Research and Education. Jonathon Austman is a seasoned yoga practitioner and teacher and meditator. Inspired by his ongoing daily practice of Ashtanga yoga, he approaches teaching as an act of service. Progoff Intensive Journal Life Integration Mar.16, 7:00PM - Mar.18, 2:30PM This workshop develops your ability to use the Intensive Journal sections on your own using integrative techniques to build energy and to generate insight. An ideal workshop to work with your unfolding life process, especially during times of transition. Prerequisite Part 1 & 2 Early Reg. Private Room $255 Shared $235; Commuter $160 (after Mar. 2 add $15) Virginia Evard, OSB MARCH

15 APRIL Grandmother Medicine: Remembering the Truth of Who You Are Fri. April 13, 7PM Mon. April 16, 4PM This 3-day intensive is designed to take participants through their own story, through the creative arts, ancient teaching, healing exercises and ceremonies to the truth of who they are. A program of transformation providing participants with tools for an ongoing process. Testimonies of past participants:..to do this makes me feel valued as a person This should be offered in the education and justice systems. Tuition, Meals & Private Room $380; Shared $350; Commuter $180 (all lunches) Joanne Neddow recently retired from a long career as a Social Worker. Near and dear to her heart are the gifts and ways given to her by First Nations people. Finding the Quiet Centre April 27, 7pm Apr. 29, 1pm This retreat is open to ALL who have a regular practice of silent prayer. The weekend will include periods of group silent meditation, Lectio Divina, solitude, as well as group learning and reflection through DVD teachings, mindfulness activities and creative expression. Tuition, Meals & Private room $195; Shared $175 Jacquie Reimer and Lynn Langdon

16 MAY Sabbath: Retreat for Young Adults (ages 18-39) Thurs. May 10, 5PM-Sun. May 13, 5PM Are you a busy young adult? Feeling overwhelmed? Want to stop? Unplug? We invite you to renew your relationship with God and yourself as you join a small ecumenical community. Each day will provide a mix of silence, spiritual exercises, worship, reflections on the gospel, and sharing to support you in deepening your intimacy with Christ. Private Room $80 Subsidized by St. Benedict s Foundation, Inc. Rachel Twigg Boyce, M.Th, (top) and Laura Funk. M.Th. a retreat facilitator and spiritual director in Winnipeg. HeartSong: Retreat for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Free of charge. Tues.May 22,5:00PM-May 24, 6:00PM If you are living with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS or are a caregiver, welcome to this retreat in which to rest, gain perspective, have fun, and know that you are not alone. Application required. A donation of $175 will help one person attend. Subsidized entirely by St.Benedict s Foundation, Inc.

17 Dreamwork: Professional Day for Spiritual Directors/Counselors with Bro.Don Bisson,fms Fri. May 25, 10AM 4PM Participants will be introduced to/deepen their use of dreams to heal images of God, to help find meaning in dreams, use of symbols and more. The process will include information, materials and dialogue $65 includes lunch Dorothy Day: Challenge to Comfortable Spirituality May 25, 7PM May 27, 1PM We'll take a long, compassionate look at the spirituality we need to be present to the marginalized and poor in a way that is genuinely life-giving. We necessarily engage our own "shadow" in the midst of "doing good." Tuition, Meals & Private room $230; Shared $220; Commuter $120 Don is a widely respected specialist in the training of spiritual directors. He is internationally recognized for his retreats on the interrelationship of Christian spirituality and Jungian psychology. Don lives in New York State. JUNE Yoga Retreat: Moving into Sacred Stillness June 21, 7PM June 24, 1PM A 3-day retreat focused on basic yoga postures, prayer, meditation and silence, that will progressively move participants from active practice toward greater stillness and deeper contemplation with Christ. Individual spiritual direction will be available upon request. Suitable for all levels. All inclusive Private $315; Shared $290; Commuter $190 Brigitte Dupuis

18 JULY Centering Prayer Retreat July 2, 7PM July 9, 1PM This retreat will build on the works of Thomas Keating over the past 30+years, beginning with the Spiritual Journey series. This DVD series, God is Love: The Heart of All Creation, offers a vision of hope and a view of reality that.. integrates the sciences, religion and humankind s place in the cosmos as divine in origin, unifying in purpose, unfolding in its grandeur. The retreat will offer a certain rigor, including 3 hours of group centering prayer. Prerequisite: committed centering prayer practice and working knowledge of Fr. Keating s spiritual teachings. $650 Sr. Sandra Stewart, RNDM Summer Fullness: Silent Retreat July 2, 7PM-July 7, 2PM This retreat offers time for rest, prayer, silence, creative leisure and daily conversation with a spiritual director. An experience of deeper presence to God, nature and yourself. Retreatants may join the Sisters for Eucharist. $500 Marie Baker,OSB & Mary Coswin,OSB REGISTRATION at St.Ben s Cancellations/Refunds If we cancel a program, you will be fully refunded. If you cancel 48 hours prior to your retreat/program we will refund your fee less the deposit. After the commencement of the program we regret that we are unable to refund any portion of the fee. Finances Some subsidies are available. Donations are also gratefully received by St. Benedict s Foundation, Inc. to assist those with less means. Pay by Cash or Cheque. Deposits/Confirmation All registrations must be accompanied by a nonrefundable deposit of $10 (day programs) or $35 (or full fee). Your deposit guarantees you a place in the program of your choice. Enrolment is not guaranteed until deposit or full payment is received. Office Hours Monday Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm

19 Registration Form: Please Print Name Address City Prov. Postal Code Phone (daytime) address Please register me for: Name of Program Date of Program Private Room Shared room with Commuter Second registration: Name of Program Date of Program Private Room Shared room with Commuter Enclosed is my non-refundable deposit for each program: $35/weekend or longer program $20/day program Full payment $