Programs & Services 2017-2018 1
Our Mission Chiara Center is a faith community dedicated to the discovery and healing presence of God within one s self, everyday life, relationships, and all of creation. All programs, services, and hospitality are grounded in the spirit and heritage of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi. Our Logo Our logo is set in a circular motif representing wholeness. Light and dark reflect the rhythms of life opening one to God s compassion, healing, and peace. The Tau Cross, an ancient Biblical symbol embraced by St. Francis, invites one to gaze, consider, contemplate, and enter the Mystery. Our Staff Our staff is ready to serve you and hospitality is our hallmark. We are committed to the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis and our Core Values of respect, care, competence, and joy. 2
Re-cognizing & Re-conciling The prefix re is commonly thought of as a repetition or restoration of something. Surely the evangelist Matthew had this in mind when he penned the first words of Jesus public ministry as repent. Speaker and author Ronald Rolheiser said that repent could be understood as developing a new mind that is open to new ways of how we know and see. Today, science reveals that the brain s function is far from being static. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Faith informed by reason then tells us that by God s grace, we can rewire our mind s ability to know and see what love would show us. Over the next year, we will be offering a series of programs that in some way allow us to recognize someone or something that we may have previously known in some lesser fashion. The great hope is that this work of re-knowing others would help to condition our hearts in order to embrace the process of re-conciling with others, God and even ourselves. Just as the word reconciles literally means to see with again, so may this be the fruit shared by all who come to participate in the spiritual life of this beautiful place. 3
Ah Days of Quiet Throughout the year, we reserve a day for you to come to Chiara Center for some good self-care and to reflect on God s goodness in your life. Arrive at 9 a.m. and leave by 3 p.m. refreshed and filled with peace. Massages and visits with a spiritual director are also available and are to be requested at the time of registration. The day includes a nutritious lunch. Cost: $20 4 2017 2018 July 17 January 16 September 5 March 27 October 30 May 3 July 9 If you are unable to attend on these dates, you may arrange your own day of quiet. Please contact us. Food & Faith Dinner Series There is a new narrative forming in the hearts of those who are ready to forge new relationships with others in their community. In the spirit of Saint Francis who met the Sultan Al-Kamil and discovered a kindred spirit, this year s series will offer participants the chance to grow in understanding of how Jews, Christians, and Muslims see God and other spiritual realities through their respective lenses. While growing in understanding of one another s faith would be a good outcome, the intent of this series is to invite each participant to form new and meaningful relationships with someone from a different religious group. Our hope is that this forum will provide us with a new way of seeing how we can all abide together in a peaceful community as children of Abraham.
A panel made up of religious leaders from these faith communities will guide the evening s topics before inviting each table, made up of people from each religious group, to enter into a fruitful dialogue. Rabbi Barry Marks, Temple Israel Pastor Sarah Isbell, Chatham United Methodist Church Michael Datz, Temple B rith Sholom Maryam Mostoufi, representative from the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield Father Kevin Laughery, Pastor of St. Jerome Parish (Troy, IL) and St. James Parish (St. Jacob, IL) Ali Nizamuddin, representative from the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield After introducing this series with some pertinent topics that are forming interreligious understanding today, the remaining three evenings will be animated by those questions that emerge from participants who will in essence form a learning community. Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. September 7 & November 2, 2017 January 18 & March 15, 2018 Cost: $20 5
Ebenezer Scrooge: The Spirits of Christmas and Political Conversion A special Advent Food & Faith evening Tuesday, December 5 at 6 p.m. The heart of Advent could be likened to the jovial and yet veracious invitation of the Ghost of Christmas Present who demands access into our hearts that we might know it better. During this festive evening, Father Richard Chiola will unpack Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol for our generation. While critical of organized religion's haggling over doctrine and sectarianism, Dickens gives us an example of Catholic imagination at its best in the political conversion of Ebenezer Scrooge and perhaps us as well. You ll be greeted, welcomed. and served by a few characters from this story while the kitchen team prepares the prized Tom Turkey for the feast. Cost: $20 Father Richard Chiola is a retired priest of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois who holds several degrees in theology including a Ph.D. in historical theology from St. Louis University. He has a private practice in spiritual direction and in counseling therapy. Having recently been a featured guest at one of last year s Food & Faith evenings, he also gives retreats and workshops to priests, communities of religious women, and laity. 6
Chiara Retreats A retreat is God s invitation to step out of the hectic pace and enter the haven of your deeper spirit. It is a time for deliberate attention to your spiritual journey and to be with God who loves you and calls you. Directed Retreat The Directed Retreat includes solitude, prayer, and a one-on-one daily session with a Spiritual Director. You will be wrapped in the quiet, healing, and harmony of God s presence at Chiara Center. You may choose to make it a three, four, or five day retreat. Pre-registration is required. See website for pricing. June 25-30, 2017 October 22-27, 2017 June 17-22, 2018 Private Personal Retreats Individuals, couples, and small groups are welcome to schedule retreat time at Chiara Center. We provide the atmosphere, sacred spaces, quiet, meals, and overnight guest rooms. Pricing available at Chiara Center. Chiara Self-Guided Retreats In the spirit of Chiara Center s mission of being a place of peace and healing, we have created flexible retreat opportunities which allow each person or group to: schedule a time according to their own calendar choose a topic according to their own spiritual landscape create a retreat pace according to their own spirit Chiara Center provides a range of topics and speakers/authors for your personal retreat and provides the CD/DVD resources for the retreat. Visit our website to see a PowerPoint presentation of the retreat possibilities and learn how to register for these special retreat opportunities. 7
2017 Summer Conference Retreat Finding Our Anchor in the Storm Father Paul Chetcuti, SJ August 6-10, 2017 Whether related to the tumult of world events, on-going political disarray, or a crisis in one s life, the threat of losing our spiritual moorings in the midst of such times can consume our energies. Deep in the hearts of those who long to see themselves as traveling together is the desire to respond to the events of the day with hope, compassion, and steadfast love. At Chiara Center, we believe we have found a faith-filled way of doing that. As part of this four-day conference retreat where participants experience time to head out to deeper waters, we will also involve individuals who attend the evening sessions to take an interactive approach to experiencing ourselves into a compassionate community. Cost: $450 $275 Commuter $10 per evening session Author and speaker, Father Paul Chetcuti served the Jesuit Community in Malta as their Superior. Previously he had the privilege of serving as Spiritual Director for the co-workers for the Missionaries of Charity and preached retreats for Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Father Paul brings a fresh perspective along with his affable personality and engaging style of interacting with his listeners. 8
2017 Fall Conference Retreat The Beautiful Struggle of Daily Life Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB October 13-15, 2017 Our spiritual life is a treasure needing constant renewal and care. This retreat is an invitation to honor your soul s need for reflection and replenishing one s own spirit. Learn to pause for the medicine of deep listening. Themes will be drawn from Sister Macrina s latest book, Abide: Keep Vigil with the Word of God. You will be encouraged to honor the sacred struggle of daily life and to wait for the grace that rises out of the struggle. We will explore the sacredness of both being and doing, emphasizing the practice of living mindfully. The Word of God and the word of your daily life will be your guides as you pray with the beautiful struggle of daily life. Sister Macrina is well known for her creative spiritual writing and retreat ministry and the author of eight popular books on prayer and spirituality. She is a regular contributor to Living Faith and regular columnist for Stepping Stones, the Little Rock Scripture Study newsletter. She has a background in education, parish ministry, spiritual formation in Permanent Diaconate Program and retreat ministry. Her best leaning flows from the wisdom school of daily life, often shared with readers via her web site. She is a member of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Cost: $265 $145 Commuter 9
Weaving Your Story: A Contemplative Retreat Sister Anita Cleary, OP March 16-18, 2018 With hands embracing wood and colored yarns, you will have the opportunity to integrate the elements of the universe story with the tapestry of your own emerging story. Through contemplative time, communal prayer and demonstration, Sister Anita will guide retreatants in the basics of creating a simple woven cloth. To assure proper attention be given to each person, we are limiting this event to seven participants. Sister Anita Cleary, OP is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois and is a bi-lingual spiritual/ retreat director at Jubilee Farm, her Congregation s center for ecology and spirituality. She brings various life experiences to this ministry: hospice nurse, spiritual and grief coordinator, and serving as a missionary in San Juan de Jarpa, Peru. Sister Anita holds Master degrees in Pastoral Studies and Earth Literacy. She is responsible for Jubilee Farm s llamas, alpacas, and for all things fiber-related including weaving shrouds for green burials. Cost: $399 $299 Commuter 10
Spirituality and Health Care Conference Conflict as Catalyst for Understanding April 24, 2018 This annual conference, co-sponsored by Chiara Center and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), addresses where God may be found in health care, how to be faithful in the midst of suffering and tremendous change, and how to find transcendent meaning in the health care profession. It will help participants recognize conflict as an opportunity to gain insight and understanding and to apply skills to resolve conflicts while displaying respect for others and preserving relationships. Presenter Ann Garrido will provide a framework for analyzing the cause of conflict and will share tools and techniques to resolve conflict effectively. CME and CE will be available. Visit our website for details and registration. Cost: $95 Ann M. Garrido, DMin is associate professor at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO and a consultant with Triad Consulting Group, a conflict mediation and communications team based in Cambridge, MA. She is the author of six books and numerous articles in the field of Church leadership and ministry. Recovery Retreat The Recovery Process February 16-18, 2018 Recovery from alcohol and drugs is a journey that can be as unpredictable as the disease of alcoholism and addiction. During this weekend we will explore, in detail, what it means to be in recovery as well as look as some of the obstacles to achieving recovery. In a peaceful and private setting, this weekend will allow those who are in a recovery program for alcoholism and/or other drugs to find healing and hope. Hosted by Chiara Center Coordinated by David and Janice Kerwin, Ann Collins, Chuck Kerwin, and Archie Ford Cost: $199 $110 Commuter 11
Spiritual Direction Franciscan Nativity Festival Spiritual direction is the contemplative practice of helping another person or group to awaken to the mystery called God in all of life, and to respond to that discovery in a growing relationship of freedom and commitment. James Keegan, SJ Chiara Center is a site for spiritual direction and persons trained in the art of spiritual direction are available to journey with persons on an individual basis. Ordinarily, a person meets with the Spiritual Director at regularly scheduled times at Chiara Center. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of spiritual direction, contact us and one of the Spiritual Directors will be in contact with you. For this our 11 th annual Franciscan Nativity Festival, we are pleased to continue displaying many beloved nativity sets as a way of celebrating our relationship with God as Emmanuel: God with us. To further cherish this reality, we have extended a call to artists in the hopes of attracting some created pieces inspired by the deeper meaning of incarnation. These original pieces will be interspersed with other loaned sets to invite viewers to contemplate the power of Love become manifest in our world. Free and open to the public. Friday, December 1, 2017 2-7 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2017 noon-4 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2017 noon-4 p.m. 12
Workshops No More Perfect Marriages Seminar February 9 & 10, 2018 featuring Mark & Jill Savage Marriages grow through love, but it is skill-building that provides the structure to maintain that love for the long haul. This seminar, developed out of the Savage s marriage journey, will offer just that. Self-described as being married 33 years, 25 of them happily, the Savages learned many lessons while turning around their hurting relationship. After that experience, they committed to share what they learned in order to empower and encourage couples with the skills necessary to help them move forward with a renewed vibrancy. Cost: $275 per couple $175 per couple (commuter) Jill Savage is an author and speaker who founded the Hearts at Home that encourages moms. Mark stepped away from pastoring churches to join his wife in order to further their marriage ministry. Together they wrote No More Perfect Marriages which was released through Moody Publishers in February 2017. You can read more about their seminar at www.nomoreperfect.com. 13
Dream Works Workshop & Retreat Weekend March 9-11, 2018 Dreams not only introduce us to parts of ourselves we deny and repress but also give us glimpses of our soul s deepest yearnings and needs When a dream is received as a spiritual gift, any response is prayer. Tallulah Lyons in Dream Prayers: Dreamwork as a Spiritual Path A dream unexamined is like a letter unopened from God. This unique weekend will offer an opportunity to examine and learn how to pray with our personal dream images. Based on C.G. Jung s concept of the God within our deepest and truest self, we will have the opportunity to allow the unconscious to become conscious; nurturing spiritual growth by deepening our relationship with self. -Jewish Sage This workshop and retreat is designed for spiritual directors, counselors, pastors, and all other spiritual caregivers who have the privilege of accompanying others on their spiritual journey. Before we can assist others in working with their dreams, it is imperative to be open to processing our own dreams. Over this weekend, you will be given various tools to help with this process, have quiet time, as well as opportunities to interact with other participants. Cost: $230 $180 Commuter 14 Sister Joann Gehling, FSPA, is a member of the founding group of the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, IA and has been on staff since it opened in 1996. She is available for spiritual direction, counseling, hosting retreats, and healing touch spiritual ministry. Sister Joann has a doctorate in ministry with a concentration in feminist theology and psychology.
Challenging Conversations: Strategies for Working through Ministerial Conflicts A workshop for ministry teams Monday, April 23, 2018 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Conflict is a normal part of life. Speaking out of her experience as an educator and conflict mediator, Ann Garrido will share a framework for analyzing the ordinary tensions present in ministry along with practices to engage the tough conversations. Cost: $40 Ann M. Garrido, DMin is associate professor of homiletics at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO and a consultant with Triad Consulting Group, a conflict mediation and communications team based in Cambridge, MA. She is the author of six books including Redeeming Conflict: 12 Habits for Christian Leaders and numerous articles in the field of Church leadership and ministry. Mandala as Prayer: An Evening Artistic Reflection May 8, 2018 7 p.m. The mandala, a circle, has been used for prayer for centuries by Tibetan monks and Christians. It is used to look inward, to describe where we are in our journey and in a contemplative manner, we draw what comes. No artistic ability is needed. Only the pray-er can intuit its meaning. Sister Maureen Fagan, OSF is a certified Spiritual Director in Chicago whose work includes spiritual group formation in parishes, universities, and for the homeless community. In addition to her work as a SoulCollage facilitator, she enjoys creating mandalas as part of her journaling. Cost: $20 15
Neighbor and Citizen: Spiritual Perspectives on Language, Listening, and Witness in Our Times July 12, 20, 27 and August 3, 2017 7-8:30 p.m. Parker Palmer states: Our deepest political divide is not between left and right, but between people who are completely cynical about the whole democratic process... and those who maintain hope for democracy and for the possibility of being a good citizen. Over four Thursday evenings, we will visit some of the troubling aspects of our current political times, including news/ media, the language of division, the downward spiral of conflict, and the uses and abuses of anger and power. By looking at spiritual values of paradox, listening, dialogue, and witness, we will explore making citizenship more effective, keeping your balance, and finding opportunity for dialogue with your neighbors. This workshop is based in part on Parker Palmer's book Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit, and will include some video sessions recorded by Mr. Palmer. Janet Conrady is a Lutheran deaconess who enjoys creating spaces and sharing skills so people can speak from their truth and listen with the ear of the heart. She is a retired hospice nurse and a member of Historic Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield. Her favorite question is "So where is God in all of this?" Cost: $25.00 for four sessions 16
Unfolding Color s Mysteries Workshop Wednesday, August 2, 2017 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. As it turns out, seeking to be color blind may actually be taking us further from where we need to be. We all experience color in a different way. We form opinions about what colors we like and dislike. We judge colors as less than other colors. We find certain colors pleasing to look at and some repulsive. Some people will avoid colors that may stigmatize them and cause others to cast judgment. Color is everywhere in our lives, we experience it every day. We have strong opinions about color yet most of us have never taken the time to understand it. Understanding color can change the way we see the world. Jeff Garland is a local artist and teacher whose spirituality animates everything he creates while allowing him to infuse this energy into all aspects of his teaching. He presently serves as Associate Professor of the Art Department at Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL. At one point, Jeff took a sabbatical to work for a commercial sculpture company in Chicago. He produced large scale sculptures for restaurants, casinos, Disney, children s libraries, museums, and many more industries in need of one-of-a-kind unique sculptures. Cost: $49 $20 (student) 17
Body, Mind & Spirit Tai Chi Easy Summer Series Monday (5:30 p.m.): June 19 & 26 and July 10, 17, and 24 Tuesday (10:30 a.m.): June 20 & 27 and July 11, 18, and 25 Fall Series Monday (5:30 p.m.): October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 Tuesday (10:30 a.m.): October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 Winter Series Monday (5:30 p.m.): February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5 Tuesday (10:30 a.m.): February 6, 13, 20, 27, and March 6 The Tai Chi Easy program incorporates many of the prevalent and beneficial forms of Tai Chi and Qigong disciplines that are easy to learn and to practice. Mindful, gentle, and circular movements are performed with a relaxed, slow tempo. Mind and body become more integrated helping to improve balance, strengthen and mobilize joints and muscles, lower heart rate, and boost the immune system. By using the power of healing imagery and affirmation, it can calm the mind, improve focus and clarity, and promote the balance of inner and outer self. Learn how to access maximum vitality through this mindful attention to posture, movement, breath, and focused awareness. It can be performed sitting or standing. No experience necessary. Classes are approximately 40 minutes. Cindy Cannamela, LMT, NCTMB brings together several of her professional disciplines as a seasoned health and wellness educator. She is a Nationally Certified Licensed Massage Therapist in private practice with training in Deep Tissue, Swedish, Lymphatic, Sports and Geriatric Massage, and a certified Tai Chi Easy Practice Leader through the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi. Cost: $75 for 5 classes or $17 drop-in rate 18
Hosting Your Event Looking for an inspiring place to have a special gathering, a retreat, a conference, a seminar, or a workshop?...consider Chiara Center We provide meeting rooms of various sizes, comfortable overnight accommodations, wireless access, AV support, and healthy food options. All this in a peaceful setting with incredible views and walking paths. We are centrally located and easy to find. Our prices are modest. Contact us to discuss your event and learn about our fees. We will provide you with an event Agreement and reserve your dates. Each year, more organizations and groups are discovering that Chiara Center is a gem in the heart of Illinois. You can make this discovery, too. 19
Healing Features at Chiara Center Labyrinth Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual practice embraced by those seeking to deepen their faith in the Divine. The labyrinth, which symbolizes a path to God and is one of the oldest known contemplative spiritual practices, is a feature at Chiara Center. Massage Through massage therapy, healing hands relax, restore, and renew the body, mind, and spirit. Massage therapy improves circulation and flexibility, relieves stress, and often reduces pain. It frees the spirit to experience the goodness of God. Visit our website to be introduced to our massage therapists and to learn more about the benefits of therapeutic massage. Consider incorporating chair massages into your next meeting at Chiara Center. Scheduled at 15 minute intervals, a chair massage is a convenient way to energize an ordinary meeting. Free your body, mind, and spirit to be attentive to the deeper meaning. Contact Chiara Center for details. Way of the Cross The Way of the Cross is an ancient form of Christian devotion and there are two places to walk in Jesus footsteps while at Chiara Center: in St. Francis of Assisi Church and on the walking trails. A booklet of prayer is available to guide guests through this journey of the heart. 20
Gift Display Chiara Center has a display of distinctive items for guests to purchase that contain some aspect of our Franciscan spirituality that offer a nice remembrance of your time spent here. Among the healing stones, sacred oils and pottery that past guests have enjoyed are now some originally crafted pieces such as Saint Clare Night lights, soulful wooden prayer bowls and Saint Francis ornaments all made specifically for our Chiara Center. Walking Paths Chiara Center provides a wonderful Guide to Outdoor Sacred Places as a way to enjoy walking the many paths on these holy, historical grounds where creation speaks so clearly of healing and God s bountiful goodness. Franciscans believe that creation was the first book which God wrote. Tours Chiara Center welcomes tours of small groups, organizations, and institutions. Tours include a history of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis and their property, St. Francis of Assisi Church, and the Heritage Museum. A meal and overnight stays are also an option. Bus tours are welcome. 21
Finding Chiara On-line Chiara Newsletter You can experience a touch of Chiara Center when you sign up to receive our e-newsletter, Chiara Light. On the 11 th day of each month, Chiara Light will be emailed to you filled with inspirational thoughts and happenings. You will be part of the Chiara Center faith community who have experienced Franciscan peace and prayer on these sacred grounds. Facebook Facebook is a way to nourish and to be nourished if we choose wisely. Be friends with us on Facebook and you will see our postings of photos, inspirational thoughts, and also be informed about some of the guests who have blessed Chiara Center with their presence. Website Our website reflects the sacred spirit of Chiara Center. It provides further information about our history, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, our sponsored events, registration forms, and our distinguishing spiritual amenities. It also provides a photo tour through St. Francis of Assisi Church and our scenic grounds. Prayer Requests Let us know of prayer requests so that the faith community of Chiara Center and the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis can hold your intentions in their prayers. Quarterly, we have a special prayer service for all the requests. 22
We can make our minds so like still water that beings gather about us that they may see, it may be, their own images, and so live for a moment with a clearer, perhaps even with a fiercer life because of our quiet. -William Butler Yeats 23
24