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Coming Events
COMING EVENTS
2014 Programs

Nature: Water and Wonder

August 12–September 30, 2014

Sinsinawa Art Gallery will host “Nature: Water and Wonder” Aug. 12 through Sept. 30, 2014. The show will feature the work of two Iowa natives, glass art by Barb Zehentner McKinlay and photography by Stephanie Funke. An opening reception will be held Friday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Zehentner McKinlay captures a lifetime of memories of living along the Mississippi River, layered upon one another: the sounds of breaking ice, the bubbles that signal the underwater passage of aquatic wildlife, the smells and textures of backwater algae and mosses, the colors of the changing seasons. She works by hand to create pieces reflective of the river on a base of clear glass with layers of hand-made cubes or bubbles flowing with ground glass (or “frit”). The cubes or bubbles are formed by firing first, then multiple additional firings fuse the pieces and frit to the desired texture and “slump” them into their final forms. “This work explores the images of my mind’s eye remembering the places and times I have spent along this beautiful and unique landscape,” she said.

Much of Funke’s work is of the outdoors as she is easily captivated by the overwhelming power, beauty, intense extremes and profound lessons of nature. Patterns, lines and the presence and/or absence of light also influence her images. When photographing the world outside her door, she is amazed by the endless opportunities to capture the predictable as well as the unexpected, bizarre and often overlooked elements of nature. This collection of photographs combines various regional landscapes along with scenes from hydrothermal features in Yellowstone National Park to highlight some of Mother Nature’s amazing and naturally charming attributes.

For more information, contact Michelle Till at 608-748-4411 or visit www.sinsinawa.org. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque, Iowa.

Days of Contemplative Prayer:
Meditation and Mindfulness Practice

Sessions remaining in four-part series: September 20, November 8, December 6, 2014

Come to one, two, or all!
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

September 20: Session 2
“Contemplation, awareness meditation and mindfulness isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and becoming something better. It's about befriending who we already are.” —Pema Chodron

Contemplative prayer invites us, not to talk about God, but to taste God! Meditation and mindfulness practices draw us into the stillness… the silence there within the cave of the heart. We will reflect on our practice of meditation, and our experiences of God, the Holy One, the Beloved. Through our reflection we nourish our souls, strengthen our communal contemplative life of prayer, and deepen our commitment to live lives of love and compassion. We will continue to share and strengthen our practice providing time for questions and comments.

November 8: Session 3
“Within each of us there is a silence, a silence as vast as the universe. When we experience that silence, we remember who we are, creatures of the stars, created from time and space, created from silence.” —Gunilla Norris

Meditation and mindfulness practice helps us look at life with open and receptive awareness. They are the essence of the contemplative path and key to transforming our lives and the present moment. Without cultivating this way of living contemplatively, we cannot see the world clearly and often get lost in the wandering of our minds. As our minds come into the stillness, as our breath draws us into the present moment, we awaken to our basic goodness and a living Divine Presence. We will continue to share and strengthen our practice providing time for questions and comments.

December 6: Session 4
“The widest possibilities for spiritual growth lie in the give-and-take of everyday relationships. Nothing can be more important than being able to choose the way we think.” —Easwaran

A moment of meditation and mindfulness is always a moment of freedom. We can have the courage to make choices that result in a positive difference for ourselves and others. As we pay attention to our experience in meditation and contemplation, with no judgment or rejection, we strengthen a sense of well-being of acceptance. We remind ourselves that meditation is simply a matter of taking our seat, showing up for sitting practice in a consistent way, and opening up to the silence and stillness within. We will continue to share and strengthen our practice providing time for questions and comments.

Presenter: Esther Kennedy, OP, MSW, is a spiritual director and clinical social worker. Esther's own search for the sacred drew her to spend time in India and Indonesia. She is nourished by the interplay of the sacred teachings of Eastern and Western traditions.

Fee per session: $35 (includes lunch)
All four sessions: $100
Deposit: $25

Register online

Weber Center
1257 East Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, Michigan 49221-1793
517-266-4000
webercenter@adriandominicans.org

Weekend Retreat for Women Concerned with Alcoholism: Emotional Sobriety

September 12–14, 2014

Bill W. called “emotional sobriety” the next frontier in AA. During this weekend, we will look at the components that make up emotional sobriety (maturity) and their relationship to the 12 steps.

Sister Linda Fischer, ASC is a member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ from Columbia, Pennsylvania. A teacher by profession, Sister Linda left the classroom in 2005. Since then she has been involved in full-time 12 Step retreat ministry. Sister Linda has been a grateful recovering alcoholic for the past 24 years and says she loves facilitating recovery retreats because “she receives every bit as much as she gives.” She calls her own journey in recovery one of the greatest blessings in her life.

Fee: $195 (age 65 & over: $180)

Dominican Retreat & Conference Center
1945 Union St. (Route 7)
Niskayuna, NY 12309
518-393-4169
www.dslcny.org
dslcny@nybiz.rr.com

Weekend Retreat for Women

September 19–21, 2014

“All you who are thirsty, come to the water” (Isaiah 55:1)

This weekend offers 44 hours away from the daily routine for rest, quiet, learning and reflection, inner healing, growth, prayer, and sharing. The schedule is varied and flexible to meet individual needs and includes conferences, worship services, opportunity for private consultation/companioning with any of the staff and free time. Open to all faiths and all ages (18 and above). The building is wheelchair accessible with private bedrooms. Meals, snacks and linens are provided. Special diets can be accommodated.

Sister Lois Barton, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph, is a staff person at the Spiritual Center in Windsor, New York. Sister Lois has given conferences, days of reflection, and is a spiritual director for the Syracuse Diocese.

Fee: $195 (age 65 and over: $180)

Dominican Retreat & Conference Center
1945 Union St. (Route 7)
Niskayuna, NY 12309
518-393-4169
www.dslcny.org
dslcny@nybiz.rr.com

Surrendering to Grief

September 20–21, 2014

“Time heals all wounds” is a myth, an illusion at best. Healing doesn’t wait on time; healing waits on our “welcome,” our intention, our leaning. Therein dwells the challenging grief-work of surrender, acceptance and integration. Drawing on Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s eight critical choices for the bereaved, we’ll contemplate our: unique journey of grief, style of mourning, intention to heal, disposition to reach out, desire to be reconciled, approach to surrender, and willingness to be transformed. The choices we make and the healing work we do will help determine who we become and how we will fully live again: anew.

Presenters: Pete Reinl and Melissa Minkley

Cost: $135 (includes $40 non-refundable deposit, accommodations, and meals)

Siena Retreat Center
5637 Erie St.
Racine WI 53402
262-898-2590, e-mail:
retreats@racinedominicans.org
www.SienaRetreatCenter.org

Autumn Equinox

September 21, 2014

Sunday, 3–4:30 p.m.

All that has flowered and grown through summer is now stored for the coming months. We enter a great harvest and season of completion. The season of colorful leaves, Autumn, is a time of thanksgiving.

Gather with others to say thank you to Earth, matter itself alive with spirit, for her abundance and beauty. We also acknowledge our need for healing and forgiveness for the disregard and plundering that She and all beings on the planet suffer from our ways and decisions.

Bring a friend and a treat to share.

Facilitators: Maureen Fenlon, OP; Esther Kennedy, OP; Sue Schreiber, OP

Donations appreciated, registration requested.

Register online

Weber Center
1257 East Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, Michigan 49221-1793
517-266-4000
webercenter@adriandominicans.org

Catherine of Siena: A Woman for our Times

September 21, 2014

7 to 9:30 p.m.

As many of you have experienced, when Sister Nancy Murray, OP dons the clothing of 14th century Italy, Catherine of Siena appears. Not only does she appear, but she transports her audience to 14th century Siena, Italy. Through Sister Nancy’s interaction with the audience, everyone becomes immersed into every aspect of Catherine’ life. St. Catherine/Sister Nancy reminds all of us to follow the example of St. Catherine: “to walk the road of life with one step for service to God and the other step for service to others.”

Fee: $20

Dominican Retreat & Conference Center
1945 Union St. (Route 7)
Niskayuna, NY 12309
518-393-4169
www.dslcny.org
dslcny@nybiz.rr.com

Today's Mystics

September 24, 2014

Wednesday, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Mystics are lovers of God, the Center of their lives, who gives meaning and direction to their journey. Come to awaken the mystic in you through the lives and inspiration of some 20th century mystics.

Arlene Kosmatka, OP, is a Dominican Sister of Adrian who does spiritual direction and facilitates spirituality groups in English and Spanish. For her master’s thesis, she addressed the question posed by Karl Rahner, SJ: “Is everyone called to be a mystic?” Since that time, 20th century mystics and mysticism have become her passion.

Cost: $35 (includes lunch)
Deposit: $10

Register online

Weber Center
1257 East Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, Michigan 49221-1793
517-266-4000
webercenter@adriandominicans.org

Weekend Retreat for Women

September 26–28, 2014

“All you who are thirsty, come to the water” (Isaiah 55:1)

This weekend offers 44 hours away from the daily routine for rest, quiet, learning and reflection, inner healing, growth, prayer, and sharing. The schedule is varied and flexible to meet individual needs and includes conferences, worship services, opportunity for private consultation/companioning with any of the staff and free time. Women’s Weekends are open to all faiths and all ages (18 and above). The building is wheelchair accessible with private bedrooms. Meals, snacks and linens are provided. Special diets can be accommodated.

Sister Esther Kennedy, OP, MSW, an Adrian Dominican Sister, has had experience as an inner city teacher, oncology social worker, hospice worker and a therapist in private practice. She recently retired her position as director of Spirit Mountain Retreat in Idyllwild, California. She went on a pilgrimage to India and later a sabbatical to Indonesia as she continued to search for the sacred in everyday life. At the heart of her teaching is the belief that as we each engage our own spiritual experience of the Divine, embrace our inner depths, become more and more who we truly are, then together we can offer this wholesome energy to the world with courage and love.

Fee: $195 (age 65 and over: $180)

Dominican Retreat & Conference Center
1945 Union St. (Route 7)
Niskayuna, NY 12309
518-393-4169
www.dslcny.org
dslcny@nybiz.rr.com

Ecological Awareness: The Christian Challenge

October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2014

Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m.

A mini-series of four sessions will ground this challenge in the spirituality of Jesus and present contemporary connections between social justice, care of creation, and climate change. Videos, PowerPoint presentations, and short times for reflection, discussion, and questions will be included. “Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love” by Elizabeth Johnson is suggested reading for those who wish, but is not required.

Patricia Benson, OP, PhD, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, is currently working for Voices for Earth Justice, giving presentations connecting care for creation and faith in the Metro-Detroit area. She has designed and directed an ecumenical spiritual direction internship program at the Benedictine Center in Beech Grove, Indiana, in conjunction with Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. Patricia holds a PhD in theology focused on Christian spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

Cost: $40 for the series
Deposit: $10
Registration deadline: Oct. 1

Register online

Weber Center
1257 East Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, Michigan 49221-1793
517-266-4000
webercenter@adriandominicans.org

Taize Prayer Service

First Monday of the month starting Oct. 6, 2014

7 p.m.

Rosaryville invites you to join us in an evening of Contemplative Prayer in the style of Taize. This is a simple and meditative worship which promotes serenity in all who take part in it. The prayer consists of music, scripture readings, and reflection. The candlelight service, beginning and ending in silence, fosters the participation of all present by focusing and deepening faith through the power of prayer. All are welcome.

Rosaryville Spirit Life Center
39003 Rosaryville Road
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
225-294-5039
www.rosaryvillela.com

Write from the Source

October 10–12, 2014

A weekend of creative play in the calligraphic arts facilitated by LaVerne Parfait

This weekend is focused on calligraphy, an ancient art using writing and letterforms as artistic expression. Come join members of the New Orleans Lettering Arts Association for a weekend of creative play. An open format will allow experienced letter lovers the opportunity to work and study while newcomers can be introduced to tools, techniques and materials and be mentored into their calligraphic journey. Projects will be available for all levels.

LaVerne Parfait, a staff member of Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, has more than 30 years’ experience as a calligrapher and lover of the written word. She is a member of the Association for the Calligraphic Arts, IAMPETH (International Association for Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting) and the New Orleans Lettering Arts Association.

Rosaryville Spirit Life Center
39003 Rosaryville Road
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
225-294-5039
www.rosaryvillela.com

Christian Life in Evolution

October 18, 2014

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Evolution and quantum physics have radically changed our understanding of time, space, consciousness, and being itself. In these talks, we will explore how the new science impacts our understanding of God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and the future of human life.

We will engage questions such as:

  • How does evolution influence Christian life?
  • What does it mean to be a human co-creator in a radically unfinished universe?
  • What is salvation in an unfinished universe?

Evolution awakens us to a new vision of Christian life, and we will catch a glimpse of this vision for the journey ahead.

Ilia Delio, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister and theologian specializing in the area of science and religion. Her interests include evolution; neuroscience and artificial intelligence; and the importance of these for theology. She is currently Haub Director of Catholic Studies at Georgetown University and visiting professor. She is the author of 15 books, including “The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution and the Power of Love” (Orbis, 2013), and “From Teilhard to Omega: Cocreating an Unfinished Universe” (Orbis, 2014).

Cost: $45 (includes lunch)
Deposit: $10

Register online

Weber Center
1257 East Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, Michigan 49221-1793
517-266-4000
webercenter@adriandominicans.org

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

October 27–November 7, 2014

Hosted by: Diane Zerfas, OP and Nancy Brousseau, OP

Walk where Jesus walked, cruise the Sea of Galilee, see Jerash, the Pompeii of the Middle East, Enjoy a day in the Rose Red city of Petra. Visit Nazareth, climb the Mt. of Olives and view the old city of Jerusalem. Walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Visit Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.

Included in the tour package are round-trip air from Chicago, first-class hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, tour director and comprehensive sightseeing. For a full-color brochure, contact Sister Nancy Brousseau at 616-560-4580 or nbrousseau@aol.com, or Sister Diane Zerfas at 616-514-3108 or dzerfas@dominicancenter.com.

Cost: $3,999 per person. You may request a brochure and get your deposit in soon to assure your place on this pilgrimage.

Download brochure

Dominican Center at Marywood
2025 Fulton Street East
Grand Rapids MI 49503-3895
616-514-3325

2015 Programs

Holy Land Pilgrimage
at Weber Center:
An Experiential Journey

June 8–June 13, 2015

3:30 p.m. Monday through 1 p.m. Saturday

Unable to travel in person to the Holy Land? This is an opportunity for you to experience a journey and sacred place without leaving the country.

The Holy Land Pilgrimage at Weber Center has been designed with the hope that pilgrims will experience the Jesus of ancient Palestine and the Jesus of today with an immediacy that gives them access anew to his living presence among us.

Our pilgrimage will start at the Orthodox Church of St. George in Madaba, Jordan, continuing travel to Nazareth, the Judean desert, Capernaum, Galilee and on to Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Pilgrimage Guides: Carol Johannes, OP; Cheryl Liske, OP; Joanne Podlucky, OP;
Anneliese Sinnott, OP; Roland Calvert, OSFS

Cost: $425 (single occupancy), $325 (double occupancy), $225 (commuter)
Deposit: $50 (non-refundable/non-transferable)

Register online

Weber Center
1257 East Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, Michigan 49221-1793
517-266-4000
webercenter@adriandominicans.org