At a time when many Catholics actively seek out opportunities for deeper spiritual growth, retreats to address a variety of needs, tastes and timeframes are scheduled at area retreat centers throughout the coming months.
Following is only a partial listing of some of the retreat and workshop opportunities available heading into spring. It is advisable to call as soon as possible to make reservations (advance deposits may be required), meal availability within the fees, and to confirm costs (which may, in some cases, be good only to a certain date). For phone numbers, see the retreat center listing on page 23.
Feb. 10 (Mary and Joseph Retreat Center): "Healing Through Forgiveness," led by Sr. Julia Costello, DMJ, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. So often spiritual growth and emotional and physical health are stifled by an inability to forgive either ourselves or others. In this day of retreat we will explore these issues and seek God's help to heal our relationships. The day will include conferences, Scriptural reflections on forgiveness, quiet time for personal prayer and will conclude with a healing prayer service. Cost: $40. (310) 377-4867.
Feb. 14, 5:30-10 p.m. (Mary and Joseph): "Will You Grow Old with Me? The Best is Yet to BE!", a Valentine's Day Dinner for Married Couples, led by Fr. Alexander J. Lewis, licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Fine dining, an intimate gathering, and the contagious blessing of joy and humor. Jesus is with us in the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, all the days of our life. Can we do the same for each other in this Sacrament of Marriage? Cost: $95 per couple (includes dinner). (310) 377-4867.
Feb. 16-18 (St. Andrew's Abbey): "The Psalter, Mirror of the Soul," led by Fr. Luke Dysinger, OSB. In ancient and modern monastic spirituality the chanting of psalms both purifies the soul and enables one to perceive the divine purposes embedded within history and creation. In this workshop the monastic tradition of psalmody will be both studied and practiced by participants in order to help them appreciate three spiritual levels or uses of the Psalter: first, the psalms as a means of repentance and inner transformation; second, the Psalter as a mirror of one's relationships in the world; and third, the Psalter as a window into heaven. (661) 944-2178.
Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Holy Spirit Retreat Center): "Way of the Cross: Gateway to Resurrection," Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer led by Sr. Rochelle Mitchell, SSS, and Sherry Clements. The first Christians were called the "Followers of the Way." Jesus called them, as He calls us to walk the Way of the Cross. The day will provide an environment of personal/private prayer, silent reflection time and group sharing opportunities. Cost: $45 with lunch, $35 no lunch. (818) 784-4515.
Feb. 21, 6:30-10 p.m. (Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center): "Together for Lent," married couples Ash Wednesday evening of recollection, with candlelight dinner, conference and Mass. Cost: $75 per couple. (626) 355-7188.
Feb. 23-25 (Mary and Joseph): "Precisely How We Have Recovered" (for women in recovery), led by John P. McAndrew, MA. Reading the Big Book together, we will pause to "ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision." Cost: $160 shared room, $235 single room. (310) 377-4867.
Feb. 23-25 (St. Andrew's): "What Is the Voice in the Whirlwind Really Saying?" led by Fr. Aelred Niespolo, OSB. Perhaps more than any other book in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Book of Job investigates the complexities and contradictions in our experience of God, and our experience of evil. Job's compelling drive is to speak with God and find out why he, a truly just man, has suffered terrible reversal of fortune. This workshop will investigate some of the dynamics in Job's quest for truth. (661) 944-2178.
Feb. 23-25 (Serra Retreat): "Little Things that Fill the Whole World," silent retreat, led by Dr. James Finley. Gospel metaphors of spiritual awakening awareness of God as we go through a day or a lifetime is a staple for spiritual growth, a lantern for our journey. Exploration will include Childlike Acceptance, the Woman at the Well, and "An Empty Tomb. Cost: $225 private room, $175 shared room.
Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m.-noon (Holy Spirit): "Lenten Reflection: Medicare Melodies," led by Sr. Anne Field, SSS. This Lenten reflection and gathering of women of the Medicare generation (65 and over) is a time to pause with the gifts and questions of emerging elderhood. A special focus will be finding freedom in the heart of pain. Cost $20 with lunch, $10 without. (818) 784-4515.
March 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Holy Spirit): "Contemplative Outreach United Day Of Prayer," led by Contemplative Outreach Team. This annual day of prayer invites those who practice Centering Prayer to come together with the global community of Contemplative Outreach International. The day provides for two periods of Centering Prayer and videotape created by Fr. Thomas Keating especially for this day. Cost: free will offering to be donated to COI. (818) 784-4515.
March 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (La Casa de Maria): "Capacitar for Kids," led by Patricia Mathes Cane, PhD. An introduction to Healing and Wellness will focus on practices that have been adapted to use with children. Attendees will learn several wellness modalities including Tai Chi movement meditation, simple massage practices, visualization, energy exercises and acupressure protocols to empower individuals to participate actively in their own healing processes. Cost: $80. (805) 969-5031.
March 11, 1:30-5:30 p.m. (Mater Dolorosa): "The Blue Butterfly: The Power of Belief," a Retreat Workshop for cancer survivors and those who love them, led by Jackie Castor and Sr. Judy Rinek, SNJM. Film, healing experiences with guided meditation, and dream interpretation. Cost: $30. (626) 355-7188.
March 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Holy Spirit): "A Look At Legacy, Lore And Legend Of St. Patrick," led by Michael O'Palko and team. Only two saints are recognized on non-religious calendars that we all use; one is Patrick. A day filled with sharing stories, anecdotes, music, dance, prayer, art, food and more. Cost: $45. (818) 784-4515.
March 20, 2007, 5-9 p.m. (Holy Spirit): "Food for the Soul," led by Maria Simental & Jennifer Gaeta, SSS. An evening to share new gourmet recipes, prepare the meal and celebrate community. Cost: $30. (818) 784-4515.
March 21, 7 p.m. (Holy Spirit): "Vernal Equinox Labyrinth Walk," open walk on the Labyrinth. (818) 784-4515.
March 23-25 (Mary and Joseph): "Discovering the Wisdom Within: A Weekend Retreat for Women," led by Sr. Carol Quinlivan, CSJ. This is an intergenerational retreat for women of all faiths who are on a journey of discovery. Thomas Merton reminds us: "Our real journey in life is interior." Once we discover the treasure of what lies within, we are open to God's transformation in our lives. Opportunites for quiet, reflection and sharing. Cost: $155 shared room, $230 single room. (310) 377-4867.
March 23-25 (Serra Retreat): Married Couples Retreat. Cost: $200.
Mar. 30-Apr. 1 (St. Andrew's): Lenten Retreat, led by Fr. Matthew Rios, OSB. Lent makes us recall our baptism and the call to repentance. The baptismal and penitential aspects of Lent are given prominence in the liturgy most especially during this season. This retreat includes a reflection on the fundamental liturgical principles of Lent and Easter that will prepare us to enter into the liturgy and thus be enriched fully and meaningfully through the celebrations. (661) 944-2178.
March 31, 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. (Mary and Joseph): "Living the Paschal Mysteries," led by Sr. Clare McKeever, SSL. Each year, during Holy Week, we celebrate the Paschal Mysteries of the death and resurrection of Jesus. However, throughout the year and throughout our lives, we are called to live the mysteries of dying and rising in union with him. This retreat will provide input, time for reflection and time for sharing. Cost: $40. (310) 377-4867.
April 1-8 (Holy Spirit): "The Universal Message of Francis," led by Fr. Michael Crosby, OFMCap. In an increasingly violent world and divided church, the positive evangelical message of Francis of Assisi makes more sense than ever. This retreat will investigate the phenomenon of this "most beloved" saint and show the relevance of his way of life for everyone. Cost: $425 private room, $350 shared, $250 commuter. (818) 784-4515.
April 1-8 (Mary and Joseph): Holy Week Retreat, led by Fr. Gregory Elmer, OSB. Experience the Passion of Jesus through Scripture and Liturgy, aided by film and classical music. Participants are invited to bring their Bibles, paper for notes, and some previous experience with lectio divina and contemplative prayer in silence, all for deepening their communion with the Father Son and Holy Spirit. Cost: $450 shared room, $525 single room. (310) 377-4867.
April 5-8 (La Casa de Maria): "Easter Retreat: In Christ We All Sing," led by Alexander J. Shaia, PhD. To celebrate Jesus the Christ within each of us, we use the traditional rites with a different focus. This setting of the Triduum begins with the work of church scholars, and adds the prophetic work of Thomas Berry, Richard Rohr and others who are making the call to reconnect our worship with the mysteries of the cosmos. Cost: $435. (805) 969-5031.
April 5-8 (St. Andrew's): The Sacred Triduum. The retreat begins with the introduction to the Seder meal at 4 p.m. Since this time is rooted in silence and reflection, retreatants should be settled in their rooms before 4 p.m. The schedule also includes the classical music rendition of the Lord's Passion. (661) 944-2178.
Apr. 20-22 (St. Andrew's): "Finding Your Story," led by Mary Rose Betten, Obl., OSB, Dr. Patrick Mitchell, Obl., OSB, and Fr. Joseph Brennan, OSB. St. Benedict counsels us to "attend with the ear of your heart." This weekend will explore a way of listening deeply to the sacred story each of us is: who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. (661) 944-2178.
April 28, 9 a.m.-noon, (Holy Spirit): "Silent Saturday," led by Contemplative Outreach Team. A quiet morning of Centering Prayer and silence is open to beginners as well as those experienced in contemplative prayer or a silent meditative practice. Free will offering. (818) 784-4515.
April 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mary and Joseph): "Enneagram II: Advanced," led by Susan D. McNary, PhD. Our souls enter this world fully equipped to understand and deal with reality but paradoxically as our personalities develop to help us function in this world we lose sight of our greatest gifts: our divine ideas and virtues. Beginning Enneagram is recommended. Cost: $60. (310) 377-4867. |