SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS
RETREAT IN EVERYDAY LIFE
9 Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM
September 12 December 5 March 20
October 10 January 16 April 3
November 7 February 13 May 1
If you need or desire a retreat but simply cannot get away, please give yourself the gift of this retreat that invites you to pray through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius using two Jesuit resources: The Gift of Spiritual Intimacy by Monty Williams, SJ for our prayer and Stretched for Greater Glory by George Aschenbrenner, SJ as complementary reading. We will meet monthly for sharing and input on the next month’s prayer. This is a wonderful way to experience the Spiritual Exercises. Donation: $200, includes both books.
LIVING CONTEMPLATIVELY
9 Saturdays 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
September 15 December 15 March 2
October 20 January 5 April 6
November 17 February 2 May 11
This program calls out to those who desire to live more contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and others, and to become more aware, intentional, and free. God liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative prayer. Wonderful spiritual reading will support our contemplative prayer throughout the year. It’s worth a day a month and an hour a day. Bring a bag lunch. Tuition: $325
CLASSICS ON CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
10 Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 PM
September 11 December 4 April 2
October 9 January 8 May 7
November 6 February 5 June 4
March 5
Grow in the practice of contemplative prayer by coming to these monthly sessions. The evenings include two 20-minute contemplative prayer periods. We will also view a 20-minute segment of Fr. Thomas Keating’s DVD series, “Opening to the Presence of God” and engage in good spiritual reading on contemplative prayer between sessions. This year we will continue to use The Heart of Centering Prayer, by Cynthia Bourgeault until January for our reading between sessions. We will read The Impact of God, by Iain Matthew, OCD, from February until June. Donation: $175, includes books.
SPIRITUAL READING GROUP
9 Fridays 6:30 – 8:30 PM
September 14 December 14 March 1
October 19 January 4 April 5
November 16 February 1 May 10
Good spiritual reading is a must for spiritual growth. Companions on the journey help with the practice of this spiritual exercise. This will be fun as well as fruitful. Can you devote one Friday night a month to this pursuit? As usual, we will feast on a variety of spiritual gems. Donation: $225, includes all books.
In God’s Holy Light....................................Joan Chittister, OSB
Sacred Fire..................................................Ronald Rolheiser, OMI
Radical Spirit...............................................Joan Chittister, OSB
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World....Joanna Weaver
Can You Drink This Cup?...........................Henri Nouwen
FRIDAY MORNING RETREAT
THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS
9 Fridays 9:15 AM – 12:00 PM
September 14 December 14 March 1
October 19 January 4 April 5
November 16 February 1 May 10
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius provide some structure to your prayer time each day. Do you desire a more consistent and focused way to pray? Does God desire that for you? Can you give 30 minutes a day to God? If so, this retreat that meets monthly is for you! What the world needs most is prayer. Maybe what you need most is prayer too. The Exercises are life changing. They keep God at the center. Please come if God is inviting you. Donation: $225, includes two books.
DISCERNMENT COURSE
9 Wednesdays 5:00 – 6:30 PM
September 12 December 5 March 20
October 10 January 16 April 3
November 7 February 13 May 1
How can we know what is of God, and what isn’t? How can we actually live in the peace and joy of God’s Spirit, and not be overwhelmed with the darkness of our times, or our own darkness within? St. Ignatius teaches us well in his Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. Truly, they are life changing! This course is a wonderfully comprehensive treatment of Ignatian Discernment. We will further our experience of discernment with the practice Examen, to enhance our awareness of God’s presence and action in our lives and grow in attentiveness to our daily response in the midst of our busy lives. Donation: $200, includes 2 books.
THE 12 STEPS
A PATH TO RECOVERY
9 Thursdays 8:30 – 10:00 AM
September 13 December 6 March 7
October 11 January 10 April 4
November 8 February 7 May 2
The 12 Steps are for all of us, as we all have attachments and addictions and we all desire freedom from them. This program will take us through the traditional 12 Steps that teach us to rely on God as our Liberator from our unhealthy habits. We will also use The Recovery Bible and accompanying workbook to help us pray with Scripture related to each Step. Whether you are new to the 12 Steps or are very familiar with them, you are welcome. If you’ve always wanted to do a 12 Step program but just haven’t had the opportunity, please come and give God a chance to set you free. Led by Mary DeJoseph and Deacon Bill Wilson. Donation: $25 for the books and a Love Offering for each session.
THE MATURING OF YOUR SOUL
PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAST THIRD OF LIFE
4 Fridays 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
September 21 October 12 November 2 December 7
To age is to transition into the last period of growth. The invitation from God in the final years of life is to deeper intimacy, and to living more courageously, consciously and contemplatively from your soul, as you prepare for your eventual transition into new life. We are offering a 4-part series that meets monthly for the 65+ who are in this most graced season of life. Come to as many as you can. No need to attend all four. Donation: $25 per session, lunch included. You will receive some reading material for between sessions, and relevant books will be available for you if you wish to purchase them.
Topics throughout the series will include:
Facing Aging and Dying
Five Spiritual Practices for Aging Well
Transforming Loneliness
The Art of Life Completion
Spiritual Eldering
Living with Limitation
The Importance of Prayer and Contemplation
The Powerlessness of Aging
Leaving Your Legacy
FRIDAYS WITH JULIAN OF NORWICH
THE DRAWING OF THIS LOVE
9 Fridays 4:30 – 6:00 PM
September 14 December 14 March 1
October 19 January 4 April 5
November 16 February 1 May 10
This program and time is in response to a special request from some lovers of Julian. Julian of Norwich is one of those women mystics whose message has lasted over the centuries. She is best known for her quote, “All shall be well; all manner of things shall be well.” Julian offers confidence in confusion, calm in chaos, and soothing for the soul, because she is utterly focused on Jesus and his healing for us all. She is easy to understand and surprisingly relevant to our times. I’m looking forward to a great year under Julian’s care. If this Friday time works for you, please come. Donation: $175, includes books.
SEVEN WOMEN MYSTICS
8 Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Are you in need of some inspiration, and consolation? Might you be up for a study of seven women mystics? There is a mystic inside each of us, that place where we desire God above and in all, where we desperately need God, and depend on God. Perhaps some good spiritual reading on these mystics might quench your thirst for God and heal your soul of the anxiety and turmoil of our times. Since this is an evening program, it is available for our mystics-in-the-making who work during the day and need some mystical moments as a treat for their souls. It’s worth the time and effort. Donation: $150, includes book.
October 2 Clare of Assisi
October 30 Mechthild of Magdeburg
November 27 Julian of Norwich
January 29 Catherine of Siena
February 26 Catherine of Genoa
March 26 Teresa of Avila
April 30 Thérèse of Lisieux
May 21 Summary
TEILHARD READING GROUP
9 Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 7 December 7 March 1
October 5 January 4 April 5
November 2 February 1 May 3
Our study of Teilhard continues this year with the reading of some of Teilhard’s essays from The Heart of Matter, along with Sister Kathy Duffy’s Teilhard’s Mysticism. Please join our lively discussions about Teilhard’s vision of God’s plan for the ongoing growth and evolution of all creation into full union with God. Donation: $175, includes books.
CHRIST’S PRESENCE IN ALL
THE COSMIC CHRIST
9 Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 PM
September 17 December 10 March 4
October 15 January 14 April 1
November 12 February 4 May 6
Enjoy discovering Christ who is at the center of our lives and who permeates all creation throughout the universe. Ilia Delio, OSF, draws on mystics, saints and theologians to show how the love of God is at the heart of everything in the cosmos. Led by: Jill Snyder. Donation: $150, includes book.
FRIENDS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
9 Wednesdays 9:00 – 11:00 AM
September 19 December 12 March 13
October 17 January 9 April 10
November 14 February 6 May 8
St. Teresa has the great gift of writing about her relationship with God in such a way that helps us know that intimacy with God is an invitation and gift to us all. Come join us as Teresa leads us on our journey to full union with God. This journey is for all of us. Each session will also include 20 minutes of contemplative prayer and part of a video on Teresa’s Interior Castle. We will read Tessa Bielecki’s Holy Daring and Falling into the Arms of God by Megan Don between sessions. Donation: $175, includes both books. If you can, stay for the program offered after lunch, Following the Mystics Through the Narrow Gate. I hope you can stay!
FOLLOWING THE MYSTICS
THROUGH THE NARROW GATE
9 Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 19 December 12 March 13
October 17 January 9 April 10
November 14 February 6 May 8
God made us with a longing that only God can satisfy. How can we access that place within where we know we are one with God, where there is a peace beyond our making? Can we learn to live our mystical lives, experiencing God’s Presence in all things? James Finley and Richard Rohr will lead us in their video series, first by helping us understand that we are all capable of a life of union with God and others. God made us for this and gives us that gift. They touch a place within us that is hard to find on our own. James Finley particularly touches my soul. We will read An Invitation to the Contemplative Life, by Thomas Merton between sessions throughout the year. Donation: $150, includes book.
MONDAYS WITH MERTON
4 Mondays 9:00 – 11:00 AM
September 10 October 29
October 1 November 26
Thomas Merton will be our guide to the contemplative way of life. In this series, we will use his recorded lectures on this topic and his book, New Seeds of Contemplation. Time will also be given to experience Lectio Divina and contemplative prayer. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $60, includes book.
HONORING YOUR CONTEMPLATIVE SOUL
THOMAS KEATING & THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING
9 Thursdays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
September 13 December 6 March 7
October 11 January 10 April 4
November 8 February 7 May 2
During this 2-hour session each month, we will combine the teachings of Trappist Monk, Fr. Thomas Keating on contemplation with our discussion of the classic on contemplative prayer, The Cloud of Unknowing. We will conclude each session with 20 minutes of contemplative prayer. This program is particularly for those who desire to deepen their practice of contemplative prayer, or centering prayer as we sometimes call it. Donation: $175, includes The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living by Fr. Keating and The Cloud of Unknowing, translated by Carmen Butcher. If you can, make a day of it by attending the St. John of the Cross series at 1:30 PM.
STUDY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS
9 Thursdays 1:30 – 3:30 PM
September 13 December 6 March 7
October 11 January 10 April 4
November 8 February 7 May 2
John of the Cross is all about love, not asceticism or annihilation as popularly believed. We continue our study of St. John, the first half of the year enjoying John’s shortest and most intimate work, The Living Flame of Love, followed by his Letters and Special Counsels in the second half of the year. John is all about God and God’s insatiable desire and pursuit of us. We end with 20 minutes of centering prayer. Donation: $175. If you can, make a day of it by attending the Thomas Keating series at 10:30 AM.
THE BOOK OF JOY
4 Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:00 AM
October 2 November 27
October 30 December 18
Do we not all need more joy? The Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu seem to have the key! In a light, humorous way, they give us such an overview of how to live life with faith, trusting in God’s goodness and in the beauty of life itself. They both came through very strenuous times and can show us just how to engage in our challenges and difficulties with hope and even joy. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $60, includes book.
SEASON OF CREATION
DAYS OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION
2 Mondays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 10 October 1
Be a part of something which unites Catholics and other Christians around the world as we celebrate the Season of Creation, which begins on September 1st, The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and concludes on October 4th, The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Join us on these two special days at Francis House to pray and reflect on the gift and grace of creation. We will use segments of Laudato Sí (“On Care for Our Common Home”) and prayers and reflections from the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Led by: Jill Snyder. Donation: Love Offering.
THE ARTIST’S WAY : DISCOVERING & RECOVERING YOUR CREATIVE SELF
13 Mondays 9:30 – 11:00 AM
October 8 December 17 March 11
November 5 January 7 March 25
November 19 January 28 April 8
December 3 February 11 April 29
February 25
The spiritual path to higher creativity is an exciting journey for those who desire to cooperate with God’s liberation of their creative energies. Come to know the great dynamic of creativity that is God’s gift to you through our study of Julia Cameron’s classic on creative living, The Artist’s Way. Donation: $150, includes book. Led by Jill Snyder.
THE ARTIST’S WAY
WALKING IN THIS WORLD
9 Mondays 9:30 – 11:00 AM
September 17 December 10 March 4
October 15 January 14 April 1
November 12 February 4 May 6
Julia Cameron does it again! For those who have participated in The Artist’s Way, the journey to recovering God’s gift of your creative self continues in Walking in This World. Donation: $125, includes book. Led by Jill Snyder.
SSJ ASSOCIATES
Sundays 2:00 – 4:00 PM
September 16 December 9 April 28
October 28 January 20 May 19
March 10
All SSJ Associates please come! We will continue our study of SSJ Spirituality to take the charism of unity and reconciliation into our beloved world, which is in such great need of love. Come to as many as you can.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
FOR CERTIFIED SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
9 Tuesdays 9:15 – 11:30 AM
September 18 December 11 March 12
October 16 January 15 April 9
November 13 February 12 May 14
Those who care for others need also to care for themselves. Those who help others pray need also to take time for prayer. This monthly morning retreat will provide just that, time for prayer, sharing and silence to enrich and nourish the gracious listeners who give themselves so generously as spiritual directors. We will use the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius as the focus for our prayer. Donation: $175, book included.
SUPERVISION FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
9 Tuesdays 12:30 – 2:00 PM
September 18 December 11 March 12
October 16 January 15 April 9
November 13 February 12 May 14
OR
8 Thursdays 4:00 – 5:30 PM
September 13 January 17 April 4
October 11 February 14 May 16
November 8 March 14
We meet monthly for on-going prayer, supervision and support as we continue our ministry of spiritual direction. Donation: $175, materials included.
PERSONAL HEALTH COACHING
JOURNEYING WITH GOD TOWARDS HEALTH
6 Mondays 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 17 October 1, 15, 29 November 12, 26
We all know that making healthy changes to our diet and lifestyle can create the vibrant health we want in our lives. God created our bodies to be healthy, strong, and resilient. What we may not know, is how to make those changes. Whatever is going on in your busy, stress-filled life impacts your weight, your health and how you feel about yourself. This program is a non-diet, God-centered, whole-life approach to making small changes that create lasting results in health and wellness. Personal health coaching develops connections, gives confidence, and motivates you to develop solutions to meet your health challenges, all while feeling like you are having fun at a social event! What will next year look like if you start investing in your future health right now? Program includes materials and phone or email support between sessions. Presented by Colleen McNally, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Limited to 5 persons. Register early. Donation: $150.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Gift Certificates for any amount are always available if you would like to treat someone to a retreat or program at Francis House. Call if interested, or get one when you come. A great birthday present!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Please register for all programs by calling 609-877-0509. Be sure to include your full name and PHONE NUMBER and the title of the program on our voice mail. Registering by phone is preferred!
If you wish to register by email, refer to "Contact Us."
Fall 2018 Series
Francis House of Prayer
TrenTON DIOCESAN SPIRITUAL CENTER
Francis House of Prayer © 2013