2018-2019
Archdiocese of New Orleans 7887 Walmsley Avenue New Orleans, LA 70125-3496 Office: (504) 861-9521 Fax (504) 314-9614 Email: archbishop@arch-no.org Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: July, 2018 Office of the Archbishop One of the blessings we have in the Archdiocese of New Orleans is the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center. The Center forms women and men to serve as spiritual directors and also provides spiritual direction for those who are seeking it. I am pleased to support the work of the Spirituality Center and to thank the members of the staff for the many ways in which they are a blessing to the lives of the people of God in the archdiocese. Through their ministry, they accompany other disciples of the Lord Jesus in their ourney with him as they focus on prayer and a life of discipleship. One of the priorities of our Archdiocesan Synod is "Embrace Christ in every family, parish and ministry". The Spirituality Center is well prepared to assist us in fulfilling this goal. I have been associated with the Spirituality Center for many years and continue to appreciate the important ministry that is provided. It is evident that more people are seeking spiritual direction. What a great blessing this is! Furthermore, we need more trained lay women and men as well as religious and clergy to serve in this important role of spiritual director. Please know that I am grateful to you for your commitment to the Spirituality Center and all that we can do to support its ministry to the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Thank you for your life of discipleship and the continued support that you can give to this important ministry in our local Church. Wishing you God's blessings, I am, Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans Archdiocesan Spirituality Center Vision and Ministry The Archdiocesan Spirituality Center is committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese. The Center is dedicated to the ministry of spiritual direction as a means of encouraging this spiritual growth. All relationships develop as two persons pay attention to one another. This also holds true to your relationship with God. Spiritual direction seeks to enable a person to be more attentive to God. It is a conversation in which the director helps the directee to grow in his/her relationship with God by noticing how God is revealed through the unique circumstances of the directee s everyday life and prayer. The Center carries out its ministry by: Individual spiritual direction Group spiritual direction Training of spiritual directors Training of faith companions Supervision and on-going formation for spiritual directors Lenten Retreat in Daily Life Seminars, workshops and lectures for spiritual growth The staff can make referrals for pastoral counseling and psychotherapy but the Center does not provide these services. Archdiocesan Spirituality Center Vision and Ministry Archbishop s Letter
On-Going Spiritual Direction I know that God is with me at all times, but my life would be so much better if I remembered this! At this point in my life I am not sure what God is asking of me. I hear people say, I talk to God or I ust listen to God. What do they mean? I d like to pray like that. Spiritual Direction is for a person who wants to be more aware of God in their daily life and to deepen their prayer. It is a discernment conversation in which the directee discerns and becomes more aware of the Presence of God throughout their life. In conversation with a trained spiritual director the directee deepens his/her prayer life in response to this growing awareness of the Lord s constant presence. The spiritual director is a trained co-discerner. He or she is not present to provide answers or to give advice but to help the directee to find God both within their prayer and life. Spiritual direction is not pastoral counseling nor is it faith companioning. Rather, spiritual direction is focused on the directee s prayer, their life with God and how the two interact. The Archdiocesan Spirituality Center offers a network of trained spiritual directors. In addition to the Center staff, a number of qualified directors generously make themselves available through the Center. An Internship In Spiritual Direction A t the core of the ministry of the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center is the Internship Program. Spiritual Direction is distinguished from teaching, counseling and faith companioning by this faith conversation having as its purpose discernment. The director walks with the directee in order to deepen awareness of God s Presence. This desire for intimacy with the Lord creates the situation of spiritual direction. The Internship prepares the Intern to assist the directee discern the presence and movement of God in the life of the directee. The ASC Internship incorporates a broad reflection on the ministry of spiritual direction within the context of today s Church. Following the theology and methodology of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Internship prepares the Intern to guide others in on-going spiritual direction and directed retreats. The honing of skills is part of the formation of a spiritual director; the essential formation comes from God s gifts, the Church s formation, and the spiritual hunger of the Intern. When God has gifted a person with faith and discernment a training program can help that person recognize, strengthen, and purify their gift of discernment. The two-year Internship closes with a process of individual and group discernment that assists the participants to discern if they are called to the ministry of spiritual direction or to another form of faith ministry. This discernment, also considers the areas of Spiritual Direction to which each intern feels called. Five informational meetings will be held; see Workshops and Days of Prayer for details. Internship In Spiritual Direction On-Going Spiritual Direction
Training in Faith Companioning Did not our hearts burn within us as He talked to us along the way Luke 24:32 A Faith Companion is a person skilled in spiritual conversation through faith, listening skills, shared prayer and faith sharing. A Faith Companion accompanies another in spiritual friendship. This course is designed for people who are currently doing some form of spiritual conversation. For Men and Women, Laity, Religious, Clergy who are in Christian Ministry: Parishes Schools Home Visitation RCIA Sponsors Hospitals Prayer Groups Informal Coffee Cup Faith Sharing HELD AT THE ARCHDIOCESAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER, 9:00-11:30AM Tuesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 2019 Cost $70.00 HELD AT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS NORTHSHORE CATHOLIC CENTER 9:00-11:30AM Thursday, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 2019 Cost $70.00 Lenten Retreat in Daily Life Are you seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord through prayer? Would you like to experience Sacred Scripture not ust study it? Do you have a deep desire to grow in your faith and prayer life? Would you like to experience a Directed Retreat but can t get away? If your answer is YES... A Lenten Retreat in Daily Life may be for you! This individually directed retreat is designed for those who cannot get away to a Retreat Center during this sacred time of Lent. During this Individually Directed Retreat each retreatant will meet with his/her director weekly. In their private spiritual direction session the director will help the retreatant notice God s presence within his/her prayer and daily life, offering suggestions for the retreatant s daily prayer. The Lenten Retreat in Daily Life will be offered in two locations: IN COVINGTON AT THE NORTHSHORE CATHOLIC CENTER, 4465 EAST HWY. 190 E SERVICE ROAD, COVINGTON Opening Session: Saturday, March 9, 2019, 10:30-Noon Closing Session: Saturday, April 13, 2019, 10:30-Noon IN METAIRIE AT THE ARCHDIOCESAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER, 2501 MAINE AVENUE Opening Session: Sunday, March 10, 2019, 2-4pm Closing Session: Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7-8:30pm Cost $40.00 This retreat will also be offered in Spanish. Lenten Retreat in Daily Life Faith Companioning
Workshops and Days Of Prayer 2018 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER: Internship in Spiritual Direction Informational Meetings At these meetings we will discuss our program, its purpose, prerequisites, and structure. The two- year Internship in Spiritual Direction Program will begin August, 2019 in Grand Coteau, meeting the third Wednesday of each month (August-May) 9am-5pm and August, 2020 at the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in Metairie meeting the second Saturday of each month (August-May) 9am-5pm. To register for a meeting call Doris Melito (504) 861-3254 or register on the web http://asc.arch-no.org. Locations below: Baton Rouge Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2018 1pm or 6pm, at the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Tracey Center in the Westerfield Conference Center 800 S. Acadian Thruway,Room 104, Baton Rouge Grand Coteau Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, 7pm, Thursday, September 20, 2018, 9am at St. Charles College, Jesuit Spirituality Center, 313 E. Martin Luther King Dr. Northshore Catholic Center Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, 7pm A.S.C. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, 10am, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, 7pm, 2501 Maine Ave., Metairie Shreveport Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, 10:00am or 6:30pm at the Diocese of Shreveport Catholic Center-Patio Room 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport Monroe/West Monroe Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, 6:30pm at St. Pascal Church, 711 N. 7th St. West Monroe, LA 71291 Boundless Compassion (book by Joyce Rupp) Thursday, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 2018, 9:30-11:30am at ASC A.S.C. Associate Director, Janet Trahan, Facilitator Broken, wounded, violent, damaged, divisive these are some descriptions given to the current global situation. Our world desperately needs the noble, essential quality of compassion to be activated; the compassion that was the center of Jesus ministry and his mission for his disciples and his call for us today. Join Janet as together we nudge, encourage and inspire one another to be a beloved, Christ like presence, living compassionately. Please purchase the book and read pgs. 1-40. Bring a ournal. Cost $50 Workshops and OCTOBER: NOVEMBER: Wrestling with God (Northshore) Monday, Sept. 10, 17, 24, 2018, 10:00-Noon at the Northshore Catholic Center Presenter, Sr. Jeanne Moore, OP God I Have Issues. If we claim our doubts, fears and angers, they can become prayerful pathways into Holy Mystery. Sr. Jeanne will lead 3 sessions based on Jesuit Fr. Mark Thibodeaux s helpful book. Cost $40 Mind/Body/Spirit Connection: A Holistic Approach to Prayer Monday, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 2018 9:30-Noon A.S.C. Director, Sr. Dorothy Trosclair and Kathy Anzelmo, presenters Calming techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation will be taught as a way to enter into deeper prayer through imaginative contemplation. Cost. $40 Finding God in Our Everyday Life Experiences Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 7-9pm Assistant Director, Sr. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J., presenter Join Sr. Gloria to learn the importance of reflecting on your everyday life experiences, to recognize the presence of God in those experiences and to learn a method for reflection on the action of God in your life. Encontrando a Dios en las Experiencias Diarias de Vida Jueves, Oct. 18, 9:30-11:30am at A.S.C A.S.C. Subdirectora, Hna. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J., presentadora Acompañen a la Hna. Gloria para aprender la importancia de reflexionar sobre las experiencias diarias, como orar con sus experiencias de vida diaria, como reconocer la presencia de Dios en esas experiencias y como aprender un método para reflexionar sobre la accion de Dios en sus vidas. Costo $25 Roots and Wings (A silent preached weekend retreat for women) Friday, Nov. 2 Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center A.S.C. Associate Director Bonnie Chase and trained spiritual director, Charlene Rovira presenters Two things we know for sure. One, we were born into the world we live in, and Two, we will leave the world we were born into. Everything else between birth and death is mystery. During this silent retreat we will pray with the mystery of our roots and wings, the necessities of personal spiritual transformation. Individual private spiritual direction will be available. Cost $225/all inclusive Workshops
Workshops and Oración, Alimento Verdadero del Alma Jueves, Nov. 8, 9:30-11:30am Hna. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J., presentadora Acompañen a la Hna. Gloria en una charla y discusión sobre la oración como una relación interpersonal con Dios. La discusión se centrará en cómo nuestros deseos uegan un papel en nuestros esfuerzos en la oración personal y nuestras imágenes de Dios y de uno/a mismo/a. Costo $25 Finding Time for God (Day of Reflection) Tuesday, Nov. 13, 9:30-2:30pm Diane Abbondante, A.S.C. Associate Director, presenter Have you ever said: I would like to have time for God and for a life of prayer, but I am already overwhelmed with the busyness of life? Join Diane as together we explore the pitfalls and excuses that keep us away from God and discuss how to take practical steps to become persons of prayer. Based on Fr. Jacques Phillipe s book Time for God. Cost $40 (A light lunch will be served.) Please bring your bible and ournal. Prayer: Real Soul Food Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7-9pm Assistant Director Sr. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J. presenter Join Sr. Gloria for a talk and discussion on prayer as interpersonal relationship with God. The Discussion will focus on how our desires play a part in our efforts at personal prayer and our images of God and self. Workshops and 2019 JANUARY: What is Spiritual Direction? Wednesday Dec. 19, 7-9pm Assistant Director, Sr. Gloria Murillo, STJ, presenter Throughout the history of the Church there have always been men and women who listened to the prayer experiences of those wanting assistance with their prayer. In this two-hour session learn how Spiritual Direction can help you grow in your prayer life, nurture your relationship with God and enable you to become more attentive to God in your daily life. Training in Faith Companioning begins and on the Northshore (see p. 6 for details) Spiritual Direction and the Encounter with God (online course) Three sessions offered online beginning in January. Dates and times to be announced at a later date. Pay attention to the deepest desires of your heart; for they are from God. Spiritual Direction is for those who desire to discern God s will; for those who are seeking to know, love and serve God. Questions to be explored: What is Spiritual Direction? Who is Spiritual Direction for? What happens during a Spiritual Direction session? What should I look for in a Spiritual Director and How would I find a Spiritual Director? Workshops DECEMBER: Emmanuel: God is with us! Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, 9:30-12:30 Associate Director, Jan Tate presenter Come and spend a morning in silence, in prayer and in fellowship at the very beginning of the Advent season. Come and deepen your thirst for the true meaning of Christmas. In the quiet, let your soul encounter the God who became a human person: Emmanuel, the One who came 2000 years ago and comes anew to hearts that seek Him. Qué es Dirección Espiritual? Jueves, Dec. 13, 9:30-11:30am Hna. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J., presentadora A través de la historia de la Iglesia, siempre han existido hombres y mueres que escuchan las experiencias de oración de aquellos que solicitan ayuda con su oración. En estas sesiones de dos horas aprendan como la Dirección Espiritual puede ayudarles a crecer en su vida de oración, a hacer crecer su relación con Dios y a que ustedes puedan estar más atentos a Dios en su vida diaria. Costo $25 Finding God in Our Everyday Life Experiences Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7-9pm Assistant Director, Sr. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J., presenter Join Sr. Gloria to learn the importance of reflecting on our everyday life experiences, to recognize the presence of God in those experiences and to learn a method for reflection on the action of God in our lives..00 Ways of Praying Wednesday, Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 20, 2019, 10am Noon Sr. Noel Toomey, O.P., presenter Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. I Thes. 5:1 Join Sr. Noel for an in-depth workshop on prayer in general, Lectio Divina, Imaginative Contemplation and Centering Prayer. Cost $50
Workshops and FEBRUARY: MARCH: Soul Refreshment for Married Couples Saturday, Jan. 19, 2:30-5:30pm A.S.C. Associate Directors, Jan and Lloyd Tate presenters An afternoon of reflection to explore the ways a married couple can grow in unity with God and each other through sharing an open and honest couple prayer time. There will be quiet time for couples to practice the various methods and to see what fits their own personal relationship. Couples are encouraged to plan to go out for a romantic dinner and date night afterwards. Cost $35/Couple Living a Sacramental Lifestyle in a Secular World (for married couples) Saturday, January 26, 2019 1:00-4:00pm at St. Peter s Lacour Center, Reserve, LA. Deacon Richard and A.S.C. Associate Director, Diane Abbondante presenters Deacon Richard and his wife Diane will explore the struggles, challenges and fruits of their 40 years of marriage. They will discuss methods for living a sacramental lifestyle in a world that no longer understands sacrificial love and a promise to love one s spouse until death do us part. Enrich your marriage, find intentional time for each other again, improve your communication skills, know your mission as a couple. You are invited to oin Diane and Richard for 5pm Mass at St. Peter s Church. Couples are encouraged to plan to go out for a romantic dinner and date night afterwards. Cost $35/Couple Prayer: Real Soul Food Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-9pm Assistant Director, Sr. Gloria Murillo, STJ., presenter Join Sr. Gloria for a talk and discussion on prayer as interpersonal relationship with God. The Discussion will focus on how our desires play a part in our efforts at personal prayer and our images of God and self. Lenten Retreat in Daily Life begins and on the Northshore (see p. 5 for details) Workshops and APRIL: Mind/Body/Spirit Connection: A Holistic Approach to Prayer Monday, March 18, 25, April 1, 9:30-Noon A.S.C. Director, Sr. Dorothy Trosclair and Kathy Anzelmo, presenters Calming techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation will be taught as a way to enter into deeper prayer through imaginative contemplation. Cost. $40 What is Spiritual Direction? Wednesday, March 20, 7-9pm Assistant Director, Sr. Gloria Murillo, STJ, presenter Throughout the history of the Church there have always been men and women who listened to the prayer experiences of those wanting assistance with their prayer. In this two-hour session learn how Spiritual Direction can help you grow in your prayer life, nurture your relationship with God and enable you to become more attentive to God in your daily life. Faith, Hope and Love: The Source of Joy and Peace Saturday, April 6, 2019, 9:30-3:30pm, Serenity House, 81424 Bealer Rd., Bush, LA A.S.C. Associate Director, Jeanne Burmaster, presenter Join Jeanne for a Day of Prayer and Reflection as together, we learn to recognize the unique significance that faith, hope, and love should have in the life of every Christian. Serenity House is located on 14 beautiful acres of rolling hills in Bush, Louisiana. Come out to the country where you can relax and refresh your soul with the soothing sights and sounds of nature. Enoy a long walk, or sit for a moment in one of the hidden prayer spaces or garden gazebos in an environment that is conducive to solitude, silence and prayer. Dress comfortably. Bring your bible and a brown bag lunch. Drinks will be provided. Cost $30 Workshops Becoming the Man God Created You to Be (Northshore) (book by Fr. Larry Richard) Thursday, March 14, 21, 28, 7:00-8:30pm at the Northshore Catholic Center, A.S.C. Associate Director, Deacon Peter Miranda facilitator Take courage and be a man. King David s challenge to his son, Solomon, who would succeed him as ruler over God s people, echoes in our hearts. David, a murder, an adulterer, the father of a dysfunctional family, etc., was far from perfect, yet the bible says he was a man after God s own heart. Join Deacon Peter as together we discover the importance of the spiritual life for men; as together we discover the freedom and oy that flow from being men after God s own heart. Please purchase the book and read chapter 1. Cost $40
Workshops and Our Staff Preparing for Holy Week Wednesday, April 10, 7-9pm Sr. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J., presenter Father forgive them As we enter the most important week of our Christian faith, we will spend time with Jesus preparing for Holy Week. Our time of prayer will invite us to learn how to embrace the faith, hope, love and forgiveness offered to us from the cross. Presented in Spanish, Thursday, April 11, 9:30-11:30am JUNE: Silent Directed Retreat (Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center) Three day silent, directed retreat. Monday, June 3 through Friday, June 7 by guest directors. Register Archdiocesan Spirituality Center JULY: Come to the Quiet (Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center) Five day silent, directed retreat. Thursday, July 25 through Wednesday, July 31 by trained spiritual directors. Register with the Retreat Center (504) 267-9604 Silent Directed Retreat (Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center) Five day silent, directed retreat. Thursday, August 1 through Wednesday, August 7 by guest directors. Register (left to right) Sr. Dorothy Trosclair, O.P., Director, Sr. Gloria Murillo, S.T.J., Assistant Director Doris Melito, Administrative Assistant, Jeanne Burmaster, Jan Tate, Costs for all programs can be adusted. No one is turned away because of finances. For information and/or to register for programs please contact: Archdiocesan Spirituality Center 2501 Maine Ave. Metairie, LA 70003 (504) 861-3254 (left to right) Janet Trahan, Deacon Peter Miranda, Diane Abbondante, Bonnie Chase, Lloyd Tate Register on the web: http://asc.arch-no.org or email archspirctr@archdiocese-no.org Northshore programs are held at the Northshore Catholic Center (unless otherwise noted) 4465 East Hwy. 190 Service Road, Covington Due to space, all A.S.C. programs are by registration ARCHDIOCESAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER
2501 Maine Avenue, Metairie, LA 70003