Sophia Center’s Atchison Connection

Our vision
Communities of women empowering other women, and together experiencing changes in ourselves and our communities.

Sophia Center’s Atchison Connection joins with other circles of Atchison women to create caring environments for personal growth through spiritual and social development.


Who We Are
The Atchison Women’s Wisdom Center, which is changing its name to the Atchison Connection of Sophia Center, was formed in 2002 as a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters in collaboration with other Atchison area women. We offer varied opportunities for development through:

• Education: acquiring new skills from one another, exploring ideas and reflecting together on life experiences.
• Spirituality: attending to the presence of God within, around and beyond us, and readying ourselves for contemplative prayer.
• Advocacy: standing with and supporting others, empowering them to find their voice, together speaking out against injustice and working for the common good of the community.
  
  What We Do:
  In keeping with our aim to educate, encourage, and empower women, we offer

• monthly book discussions
• Scripture reflection and prayer
• current events discussions
• creative arts activities
• stress relief skills
• skills for spiritual development

Fall 2010

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Book Discussion
Sister Sheila Carroll, OSB Facilitator
Tuesdays (as listed ) 7:00 p.m.
Place: Mount St. Scholastica, 8th and U Street, Atchison.

Read a highly recommended book and share your experience of it with other readers;
• September 28 Circling my Mother by Mary Gordon
• October 26. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
• November 30, Song of Soloman by Toni Morrison


Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton
Sisters Gabrielle Kocour OSB and Sheila Carroll, OSB
Thursdays (as listed ) 10:30 a.m . at Sophia Center

The Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, was famous for his contemplative teachings. Share with others the journey toward personal spiritual transformation and a more peace-filled life.
September 16 and 30
October 7 and 21
November 4 and 18
December 2 and 16


Lectio Divina
Share in the traditional monastic practice of guided reading, listening, reflecting and responding to the Word of God in the Scriptures.
Facilitators: Brother John Peto, OSB, Sister Gabrielle Kocour, OSB,
Sister Sheila Carroll, OSB
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Place: Abbey Guest House (Lower Lounge)
7:15 p.m. Thursdays as listed:
September 9 and 23,
October 14 and 28
November 11
December 9


Sunset Yoga
Facilitator : Sister Martha Schweiger, OSB
Thursdays 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. beginning September 16.
Place: Mount St. Scholastica, 8th and & U Street, Atchison.

This age-old Eastern practice is now used as a stretching exercise and for meditation. Yoga focuses on techniques which energize the body and improve flexibility.


The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary
Sr. Lillian Harrington
Dooley Center:

Come and ponder the mysteries of the rosary proposed by Pope John Paul II.
The mysteries will come alive for you through a great storyteller. Learn to tell the story for yourself as you pray and meditate on these mysteries.

Tuesdays, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
September 14: The Baptism in the Jordon
September 21: The Wedding at Cana
September 28: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
October 5: The Transfiguration
October 12: The Institution of the Eucharist


The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
Sr. Lillian Harrington
Dooley Center
Enrich your rosary meditation during the Advent and Christmas season by joining in telling and listening to the Joyful Mysteries.
Tuesdays, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

November 30: The Annunciation
December 7: The Visitation
January 11: The Nativity
January 18: The Presentation
January 25: Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple


Scripture Alive: Thursdays with Lillian
Sr. Lillian Harrington
Dooley Center:
Thursday afternoons 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Enter into an experience of hearing and telling the stories of the Bible as they were first shared orally. See how this experience helps you to enter into the scriptures we hear each Sunday.

Sep 16, Sep 30, Oct 14, Nov 4, Nov 18.


Harvesting Our Tears: A Process of Grieving Our Loved Ones
Sister Chris Kean, OSB Facilitator
Sunday afternoons beginning September 12, 2010 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
(The group together will set dates for the remaining sessions.)

Come join a process designed to assist and guide you as your mourn the loss of your loved ones. This structured eight session bereavement process draws on the richness of scripture, prayer, sacrament, and the wisdom and tradition of the Catholic faith community.
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