Programs & Services 2018-2019
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.
Joy One of the hallmarks of the Franciscan spirit is joy. When thinking of St. Francis of Assisi, most will recall a joy that caused him to take two sticks and begin playing them like a violin. The fullness of this joy was just as evident when he asked his brothers to lay him upon the earth outside the Portiuncula as a place to meet Sister Death. It was a profound joy that impelled the dying Francis to praise God and encourage his weeping brothers. Joy is that mystery beneath our spirits that remains secure no matter what tumult happens. When it surfaces in our hearts and is recognized as a loving communication from God, it becomes manifest in a delightful array. This year s Food & Faith series will highlight four aspects of joy by celebrating dogs, community theater, laughter, and vocations. Joy is also what binds hearts together and some of the new opportunities to gather in joy include: Companions on the Journey bringing seniors together monthly, Labyrinth Nights with Sister Moon & Brother Fire allowing small groups a chance to walk the labyrinth, and Death Café giving people the opportunity to talk about death. However you choose to participate, we welcome you to steep yourself in Franciscan joy at the Chiara Center.
Food & Faith Dinner Series Joy: A Spirituality of Dogs August 30, 2018 at 6 p.m. Cost: $20 If ever there was a manifestation of joy, a dog wagging its tail upon greeting you at the door is surely it. As pack animals, it s all about the relationship and community that they offer their human companions whom they gladly allow to tag along. To celebrate the spirituality of dogs, how they mirror truth, and call us to right relationships and unconditional love, we welcome Father Carmen Scuderi, OFM who in recent years had a six Siberian huskies to share a large rectory while he served a Byzantine community in Pennsylvania. Joy: A Spirituality of Community Theater November 8, 2018 at 6 p.m. Cost: $20 If you have ever attended a community theater production, you might be surprised to know all that goes into creating a show. To experience it from the performing side of the stage is a wonder. We joyfully usher participants behind the curtain to celebrate all that goes into imagining, creating, and bringing a story alive in order to engage an audience. Taking us backstage will be Craig Williams II. He is one of Springfield s most sought after impresarios whose ability to weave dozens of individuals into one vibrant musical offering is magical. 1
Joy: A Spirituality of Laughter January 24, 2019 at 6 p.m. Cost: $20 Laughter is a celebration of incarnation because of how it unites body and spirit into a singular joy-filled response to something funny or unexpected. To demonstrate how laughing can become an imaginative form of healing and hope, we welcome Richard Landry to perform his unique magic show for both children and adults. Afterward, he and Dan Frachey will gather a few of the younger children for a Kids Say the Darndest Things panel discussion in the style of the 1950 s television host Art Linkletter. Yes, we re breaking new ground here, so please bring your children and grandchildren. Joy: A Spirituality of Vocation March 14, 2019 at 6 p.m. Cost: $20 Perhaps the greatest quote related to one s vocation comes from the author Frederick Buechner who wrote, The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger coincide. When we are operating from such a space, we reach our greatest power which allows us to know joy and inspire it in others. For this final evening of the series, we welcome WUIS radio journalist Rachel Otwell. She will feature stories about some remarkable yet ordinary people who have brought their gladness and the world s hunger together. 2
Ah Days of Quiet We reserve a day 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. While the day is yours to enjoy as you like, you have the option to join in a tour of the Chiara Center and St. Francis of Assisi Church as well as an afternoon presentation and discussion on a spiritual topic. Massages and visits with a spiritual director are also available and are to be requested in advance at the time of registration. The day includes lunch. Cost: $20 2018 2019 July 9 January 14 August 13 March 19 October 23 May 13 December 15 If you are unable to attend on these dates, you may arrange your own day of quiet. 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. 3 Private Personal Retreats Individuals, couples, and small groups are welcome to schedule retreat time at the Chiara Center. We provide the atmosphere, sacred spaces, quiet, meals, and overnight guest rooms.
Directed Retreat October 28-November 2, 2018 June 16-21, 2019 This is a time of personal reflection for those whose spiritual journey requires some intentional time away in order to address such matters as: discerning a new direction to take entering or concluding a relationship wondering where God is in one s life desiring to grow deeper in prayer allowing God to reconfigure one s ways of understanding the Holy Allow three, four, or five days to discern as you meet with a spiritual director each day. Chiara Self-Guided Retreats In the spirit of the 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 to their own spiritual landscape create a retreat pace according to their own spirit The 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. 4
Getting to Silence: Meeting God in a Place Called Still An overnight retreat for pastors and other ministry leaders October 2 and 3, 2018 Cost: $150 Many of us long to be more silent. Summoning practices from the rich tradition of our Christian faith, Don Follis will use Lectio Divina and the Daily Examen to help participants practice being silent. We will spend time outdoors and be guided in periods of silence and debrief as a group what we believe God says to us. Don has pastored in Champaign-Urbana for 40 years. Through his Pastor-to-Pastor Initiatives, he directs retreats and coaches pastors and leaders to reach their potential. Beneath Scandals, Beyond Policies: Men and Women at Work Together November 1, 2018 Cost: $75 Beyond the call for changes in policies and rules that at best can only guide one s conduct in the workplace, there is a question: how can men and women honor the fullness of their contributions with respect and value at work? Inspired by the example of Francis and Clare, this seminar will bring psychological and spiritual principles for today s business and non-profit administrators, managers, human resources professionals, and those in leadership roles who craft policies or influence workplace environments. (continued) 5
Presenting this seminar will be Bill McKenzie, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Ounce of Prevention in Springfield, Illinois, along with Dr. Lori McKenzie, a licensed clinical psychologist whose work on marriage relationships will offer participants the opportunity to bring a hopeful response into their workplace. Men s Retreat June 28-30, 2019 Cost: $265 overnight; $175 commuter As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Prov. 27:17 NASB) We will begin by looking at Barnabas, Paul, and Timothy from the New Testament to create a model for how men relate to one another; mindful of another scripture, Where one alone may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken. (Eccles. 4:12) Dedicated times for silence as well as group discussions will offer men an opportunity to enjoy some time for fellowship while deepening one s faith. Father Richard Chiola holds several degrees in theology including a Ph.D. in historical theology from St. Louis University. He also holds a M.A. in counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield and is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified sexual addiction therapist. 6
Who Are You as a Christian in an Evolving Universe? July 12-14, 2019 Cost: $265 overnight; $175 commuter Thanks to advances in biblical scholarship and scientific discoveries of the 20 th century, Christians are equipped to harmonize who we are and how we fit in this expanding cosmos. During this retreat, participants will explore what science describes as the new universe story that portrays the world as vast, dynamic, and interdependent while also contemplating the biblical stories of creation as a divine revelation capable of giving meaning to scientific discoveries. Through film, contemplation, discussion, communion with nature and ritual, participants will investigate some of the discoveries contemporary theologians have made about our Creator God and humanity s place in the universe. Sister Sara Fairbanks, O.P., Ph.D., recently became Associate Professor of Homiletics at Aquinas Institute of Theology where she also received a Masters of Theology. She earned a Doctorate in Theology at the University of St. Michael s College, the Toronto School of Theology in Toronto, Canada. Her areas of expertise are homiletics, theology of lay ecclesial ministry, theology of preaching, practical theology, and Christian Anthropology. 7
Enneagram, a Tool for Transformation February 1-3, 2019 Cost: $265 overnight; $175 commuter The Enneagram is not a selfimprovement project, but a spiritual practice in seeking knowledge about ourselves and God. Presented from the perspective of spiritual formation, the Enneagram can help us better understand ourselves, others, and God and better love ourselves, others, and God. Participants will move from an overview and introduction to considering the characteristics of the trueself, where our spiritual roadblocks lie, what comprises the false-self, and an invitation to open oneself to grace. Jessie Vicha is a spiritual director and teaches spirituality, spiritual formation and direction. She has an M.A. in Spirituality and Enneagram certification from Loyola University Chicago. Touched by the Holy: Women in Watercolor A Conference Retreat for Women October 5-12, 2018: $625 overnight; $425 commuter October 7-12, 2018: $534 overnight; $399 commuter Using a series of watercolors painted by Sister Doris Klein, CSA, this retreat offers women the opportunity to explore the stories of several New Testament women who encountered Jesus at junctures in their own life journeys. We will pray with these women who were touched by the Holy One and meet the Jesus who, without judgment, can lead each of us to a place of balance and integration, and healing and wholeness by honoring the unique gift of who we are: God s work of art (Eph. 2: 10). (continued) 8
Clare D Auria, OSF is on the staff at the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston, PA. For half of her 50 years in ministry, she served in retreat work, offering directed and conference retreats as well as workshops in Franciscan spirituality throughout the U.S. She also served on the staff of the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, leading pilgrims through the holy sites in Assisi and Rome. Her other ministerial experience has included congregational and provincial leadership, secondary and collegiate education, and a variety of administrative roles within and outside her congregation. Spirituality of Recovery Retreat February 15-17, 2019 Cost: $199 overnight; $125 commuter We are pleased to welcome back our recovery retreat team that is eager to journey with those who are ready to face their addictions. We view the recovery from addictions as a spiritual process that restores participants to a rightrelationship with their higher power, themselves, and others. Through this weekend, participants come to realize that the disease is but a means to healing, restoration, and wellness. 9
The Three Paths A weekend conference retreat August 10-12, 2018 Cost: $265 overnight; $175 commuter Imagine Saints Benedict, Francis, Patrick, and Brigid coming from the woods into an open space and then pausing for a conversation. This convergence of Benedictine, Franciscan, and Celtic spirituality is the imaginative space that presenter Norma Roberts will summon participants into during this retreat. Through visually-prayerful imagery, music, and drama, you ll have ample time to steep yourself in the elemental characteristics of each tradition and celebrate how well they dance together. Norma is a spiritual director from Bloomington, Illinois who also serves as a trainer for Healthy Congregations and a bridge builder specializing in congregational transformation. She is a Benedictine Oblate who discovered Benedict and Celtic spirituality while studying at San Francisco Theological Seminary. She and her husband are retired Disciples of Christ pastors whose ministry brought them to India. 10
Just for Seniors Companions on the Journey Cost: $20 This is our new monthly lunch-time gathering (11:30 a.m.) for seniors to promote positive social connections, offer an array of speakers on spiritual topics, and encourage people to enjoy the beautiful spaces at the Chiara Center. Following lunch, speakers will offer a 15-20 minute presentation and time for discussion. Participants are welcome to stay to visit our sacred spaces. 2018 2019 July 2 January 7 August 6 February 4 October 1 March 4 November 5 April 1 December 3 May 6 June 3 Evening Event Labyrinth Nights with Sister Moon and Brother Fire May 29, June 28, July 27 & August 26, 2018 from 8-9:30 p.m. Cost: $10 Our outdoor evening activity welcomes individuals to walk the labyrinth. After all have completed their walk, we ll gather to share the fruits of the experience. Attendance is limited to 12 people. 11
Support and Conversation Death Café October 16, November 13, and December 11, 2018 10:30 a.m. or 7 p.m. Cost: $10 At a Death Café people drink tea, eat cake, and discuss death. As strange as such a gathering might seem, our aim is to increase awareness of death in order to help people make the most of their (finite) lives. Death Café groups meet throughout the world and operate well because it is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. This will be a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Also, there is no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action. Facilitating the discussion are Dan Frachey, Program Director for the Chiara Center and spiritual director, and Jan Conrady, a spiritual director who serves as Deaconess at Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield, Illinois. Spirituality and Health Care Conference April 2019 (TBA) 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. 12
Relaxation Tai Chi BASICS followed by Tai Chi FLOW one hour later Tai Chi Basics is the introductory class to learn the initial steps to developing a practice and understanding of Tai Chi. Tai Chi Flow is the follow-up class (one hour later) for learning additional movements and expanding one s understanding of Tai Chi. Spring-Summer 2018 Monday (5:30 & 6:30 p.m.) June 11, 18, 25 and July 2 & 9 Tuesday (10:30 & 11:30 a.m.) June 12, 19, 26 and July 3 &10 Fall 2018 Monday (5:30 & 6:30 p.m.) October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Tuesday (10:30 & 11:30 a.m.) October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Spring 2019 Monday (5:30 & 6:30 p.m.) April 22 & 29 and May 6, 13 & 20 Tuesday (10:30 & 11:30 a.m.) April 23 & 30 and May 7, 14 & 21 Cost: $17 per class; $18 drop-in fee Learn how to access vitality through this mindful attention to posture, movement, breath, and focused awareness. It can be performed sitting or standing. No experience necessary. Cindy Cannamela, LMT, NCTMB 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. 13
Spiritual Direction 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 The 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 the 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. Franciscan Nativity Festival For this our 12 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 original artistic depictions of the nativity story in what is known as graphic novel format. Free and open to the public. November 30, 2018 December 1, 2018 December 2, 2018 2-7 p.m. noon-4 p.m. noon-4 p.m. 14
Hosting Your Event 15 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 the Chiara Center is a gem in the heart of Illinois. You can make this discovery, too.
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 symbolizes a path to God and is one of the oldest known contemplative spiritual practices. We welcome groups who wish to walk the labyrinth for a shared experience of meeting the Holy. 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. 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. 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 the 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. 16
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 guests have enjoyed are now some originally crafted pieces. 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. 17
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. Monthly, 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 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. 18
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