Sophia Spirituality & Retreat Center
Programmed Retreats

Summer 2008 - January 2009

Sophia Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. All retreats are on the grounds of the monastery, home to over 150 sisters. Spend prayerful time in the inspiring chapels, share in the spiritual and intellectual resources of the sisters and, most importantly, experience worship with a monastic community known for its reverent, beautiful liturgies.


A Stone Soup Series
Sr. Constance Krstolic, OSB
There are many variations on the story of stone soup, but they all involve a traveler coming into a town. The inhabitants try to discourage the traveler from staying, fearing he wants them to give him food. They tell him in no uncertain terms that there’s no food anywhere to be found. The traveler explains that he doesn’t need any food and that, in fact, he was planning to make a soup to share with all of them. The villagers watch suspiciously as he builds a fire and fills a cauldron with water…“What can be accomplished when individuals pull together toward a common goal.”
Tuesdays in September: 10:00 to 3:00 Fee: $40 each; (Deposit $10) $150 for series (Deposit $40) Register online.
Sept 9 A Recipe for Gentleness
Sept 16 A Recipe For Joy And Laughter
Sept 23 A Recipe For Hope
Sept 30 A Recipe For Hospitality

Sr. Connie serves as a spiritual director and gives retreats and workshops for individuals, for religious communities, and for corporations and institutions, both at her monastery in Atchison and across the country

Prayer in a World of Chaos
Sr. Constance Krstolic, OSB
September 13, 2008 Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We pray more than we know. Often we have such a “stained-glass” image of prayer that we fail to recognize our experience as prayer. God has graciously allowed us to catch a glimpse into God’s heart. What have you seen?
Fee: $40 (Deposit $10) Register by Sep 9. Register online.

Sr. Connie serves as a spiritual director and gives retreats and workshops for individuals, for religious communities, and for corporations and institutions, both at her monastery in Atchison and across the country.

Listening Presence: Skill-Building for Volunteers in Pastoral Care
Mary Kay Whitacre
September 27, 2008 (Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
If you are looking for ways to bring God’s love and compassion to those who are hurting… If you have a heart for being a caring presence, but lack the self-confidence to get involved in the pastoral care ministries of your parish… If you are a faithful volunteer, who would like to grow in your outreach to the emotional and spiritual needs of others, this workshop is for you. By sharing a day of skill-building, role-playing, and reflecting, you will be better equipped to help others find God’s comfort in their pain, and to be a sign of hope for a hurting world.
Fee: $50 (Deposit $10) Register by Sep 22. Register online.

Mary Kay Whitacre holds an M.A. in Religious Studies from Seattle University, and is a graduate of Souljourner’s Spiritual Directors Program. She served for over 30 years as a pastoral minister. She is certified as a Befriender Minister Trainer - qualifying her to work in the formation of ministers of pastoral care.


Let Justice Run Like An Ever-Flowing River
Sr. Gabrielle Kocour, OSB
Oct 1-2, 2008 (Wed. 4:00 p.m. to Thur. 4:00 p.m.)
Seeking and promoting justice in church, community and society is a prophetic and challenging task. Come, relax, pray and explore together the roots of justice in the Word of God and in the lived experience of the People of God. Share your experiences of hope so that we can empower one another to be "Beacons of Hope" as we seek together to respond to the Spirit of God guiding us. Prayer, song, input and discussion will offer relaxation and renewed energy in this overnight retreat. (Bring resources to share if desired.)
Fee: $100 (Deposit $10) Social Justice Workers scholarship available. Register online.

Sr. Gabrielle has served as a teacher, religious educator, and social service administrator. Her lifelong interest in spirituality and justice and peace has always marked her study, and service. She currently chairs the Guilfoyle Justice Day committee and directs Sophia Center's Atchison Connection.


Mother Teresa of Calcutta: Modern Mystic
Sheila Carroll, OSF
October 4, 2008 (Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
In the recently published letters of Mother Teresa to her spiritual directors, we learn of her often lonely, yet joyful life. Teresa was not only a fearless advocate and compassionate, tireless caregiver, but she was also a mystic who experienced the Dark Night of the Soul/Spirit, which John of the Cross, the mystic Doctor of the Church described. He used the metaphor, “Dark Night”, to describe the loneliness and desolation that can occur during our spiritual walk to God. This quiet retreat is inspired by the writings and prayers of Mother Teresa and John of the Cross.
Fee $50 (Deposit $10) Register by Sep. 30. Register online.

Sr. Sheila is a Francisca Sister from Denver. She has taught at the high school and college level and has served as a campus minister at the University of Missouri and the University of Colorado. Her teaching career has also taken her to the Indian Missions of South Dakota. For the past ten years she has given retreats and talks on the mystics. She has a Doctor of Minsitry degree with an emphasis on mysticism and the prayer of the saints.


Enneagram Workshop
Sr. Therese Elias, OSB
October 10-12, 2008 Fri 7:00 p.m. to Sun 4:00 p.m.
The enneagram is an ancient spiritual legacy with roots in the Christian desert tradition. This presentation attempts to remains faithful to the method of oral and visual instruction through which it has been passed on for centuries. A major emphasis is working with participants in their search for self-identification. (Limited to 15 participants.)
Fee: $180 (Deposit $35) Register by Oct. Register online.

Sr. Therese is a retreat director, spiritual advisor and lecturer with specialties in Benedictine spirituality, the mystics, contemplative prayer and Celtic spirituality. A former college Religious Studies instructor, she has bachelor's and master's degrees in Theology and has done extensive graduate work in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. She has been in full-time retreat ministry and spiritual direction for 23 years


Inner Healing: Freedom through Reconciliation
Sr. Constance Krstolic, OSB
October 11, 2008 (Sat 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
A prayer opportunity inviting us to freedom from past hurts experienced through personal choices and our relationships with one another and with ourselves, empowering us with openness to receive the healing graces prepared for us by God.
Fee $50 (Deposit $10) Register by Oct 6. Register online.

Sr. Connie serves as a spiritual director and gives retreats and workshops for individuals, for religious communities, and for corporations and institutions, both at her monastery in Atchison and across the country.


Benedictine Immersion Experience
Sr. Judith Sutera, OSB and Sophia staff
October 23-26, 2008 (Thu 7:00 p.m. to Sun 2:00 p.m.)
The current popularity of Benedictine spirituality is evidence that this ancient way has modern relevance. Whether you are interested in ways to deepen your spiritual life, are discerning your own life path, or are just curious about this mainstay of Christianity, this experience will teach and touch. Pray and eat with the sisters, learn about Benedictine spirituality, and enter into your own deeper spirit.
Fee: $200 (Deposit $35) Register by Oct. 18. Register online.

Sr. Judith holds a degree in church history from St. John’s University in Collegeville. Her long time interest in Benedictine history and spirituality is reflected in her service as a writer, speaker and retreat director. She serves as one of the oblate directors for Mount St. Scholastica.


Illuminating the Word: The Gospel of Mark
Sr. Irene Nowell, OSB
November 6, 2008 Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Gospel of Mark forms the basis of Cycle B, the approaching lectionary cycle. Sr. Irene, part of the planning committee for the St. John’s Bible, will use the illuminated texts to lead a reflection on the Gospel and its meaning for our lives today.
Fee: $50 (Deposit $10) Register by Nov 2. Register online.

Sr. Irene teaches Scripture both in the classroom and on the web. She has written two books, Sing a New Song: The Responsorial Psalm in the Sunday Liturgy, and Women in the Old Testament, both published by Liturgical Press. She also writes frequently for The Bible Today and God’s Word Today. She was a member of the committee on illuminations and texts (CIT) for the Saint John’s Bible.


Praying with Friends Called Saints
Sheila Carroll, OSF
November 8, 2008 (Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
We often think of saints as perfect, and ourselves as far from saintly. In this retreat you will meet saints who are real people with human struggles and difficulties, sometimes impatient, sometimes angry with others and upset with God--scuffling, searching, stumbling into grace and happiness They will stretch your imagination as they challenge you to live a life of passion and compassion. They will become your companions and your support on the way.
Fee: $50 Register by Nov. 3 Register online.

Sr. Sheila is a Francisca Sister from Denver. She has taught at the high school and college level and has served as a campus minister at the University of Missouri and the University of Colorado. Her teaching career has also taken her to the Indian Missions of South Dakota. For the past ten years she has given retreats and talks on the mystics. She has a Doctor of Minsitry degree with an emphasis on mysticism and the prayer of the saints.


Ministering to the Body, Mind and Soul
Sr. Linda Zahner, OSB
November 15, 2008 Sat 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Energy is your life force. It animates your body, creating movement and vitality in your whole person. Energy is the medicine (your energy heals you) and energy is also the client (you heal the body when you balance your energies). Learn a daily energy routine that can enhance your over-all health, reducing stress, adding vitality and joy, and heightening clarity of mind. Improve your total well-being by balancing and harmonizing your body's energy systems. When your energies are vibrant, so is the body!
Fee: $40 (Deposit $10) Register by Nov 10. Register online.

Sr. Linda Zahner ministers at Covenant Monastery in Harlan, Iowa, as a certified spiritual director, retreat director, and licensed massage therapist. Currently she is in a certification program for learning "Energy Medicine." She is also an adjunct member of the Souljourners staff.


An Advent Retreat
Sr. Barbara McCracken, OSB
December 2, 2008 Tues 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At the beginning of the pre-Christmas rush, take time to enter prayerfully and reflectively into the spirit of this beautiful season of light and hope.. The focus will be on humility and silence, monastic qualities that fit right into Advent.
Fee: $40 (Deposit $10) Register by Nov. 25. Register online.

Sr. Barbara currently works at the Keeler Women's Center in Kansas City, Ks. She has served as consultant for peace and justice with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and was a frequent instructor with the Benedictine College Institute for Religious Studies.


O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Sr. Gabrielle Kocour, OSB
December 16, 2008 Tues 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Come and take some time from your busy lives to spend a few hours in prayer and reflection in quiet anticipation of the promise of Emmanuel for a more loving and peaceful world. Our reflection will be guided by the great ninth century "O antiphons" on which the traditional hymn O come, Come, Emmanuel" is based.
Fee: $40 (Deposit $10) Register by Dec. 12. Register online.

Sr. Gabrielle has served as a teacher, religious educator, and social service administrator. Her lifelong interest in spirituality and justice and peace has always marked her study, and service. She currently chairs the Guilfoyle Justice Day committee and directs Sophia Center's Atchison Connection.


Forgive and Remember
Donna and Robert Bacic
January 10-11, 2009 (Sat 9:00 a.m. to Sun. 4:00 p.m.)
Retreatants are invited to take time out to reflect on what forgiveness means to them, to explore what has helped and what has hurt their attempts at forgiving another person, and to consider how they might cultivate an inner life that is open to the possibility of forgiveness. The retreat will provide people interior space in which to think, discuss and pray about one of the greatest gifts and challenges in human life.
Fee: $100 (Deposit $20) Register by Jan 15. Register online.

Robert Bacic is a pastoral minister on staff at the Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park, Kansas. He also mediates family, community and workplace disputes on a part-time basis. Donna Bacic is currently a clinical social worker in private practice in Overland Park, KS. She has facilitated the outreach support group for Johnson County Safehome, and has directed retreats.


NOTE: Fees include cost of workshop, housing and all meals occurring during the duration of the workshop. If overnight space is available, retreatants may arrange to arrive earlier or stay later.

Participants of all denominations are welcome to attend liturgy with the monastic community. Those attending Saturday workshops that begin at 9:00 a.m. are welcome to join the monastic community for morning prayer at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive at the chapel by 8:15a.m.


Offerings For Any Time of the Year

Clay/Fire Retreat
Alberta Hermann, OSB
Create with clay to express your inner awareness of God working in and through you. Call Sister Alberta at 913-360-6200 or e-mail her at ahermann@mountosb.org to schedule dates.
Fee: dependent on length of retreat arranged.

Massage & Reflexology
Agnes Honz, OSB
Fee: Massage: $40; Reflexology $25
Call for appointment: 913-360-6168


Days of Prayer and In-service, Hospitality for Retreats, Workshops for Faculties and Parish/Congregation Organization The Sophia Center Staff will assist you to develop programs according to your needs. Groups and organizations who wish to schedule retreats or workshops at Sophia Center should do so preferably six months ahead of time to insure that housing and other arrangements will be available. Cost arranged. To request further information.


Scholarships

To request an application form for a scholarship to attend the retreats or programs we sponsor, write or call Marcia Ziska, OSB, at 913-367-6161. E-mail your request to mziska@mountosb.org. Donations for scholarships will be gratefully accepted. Cash and checks made payable to Sophia Center Scholarship Fund are always welcome.


Sophia Center Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates are available for a family member, friend, associate to participate in a program(s), to receive a massage, or to come away and rest for awhile. Contact Marcia Ziska, OSB.


Ensuring the Future of Sophia Center

Contributions and gifts-in-kind from persons who want to support the future offerings at Sophia Center are essential to the growth of our spiritual ministry. Your gift will help insure the future of Sophia Center. For more information on how you can include Sophia Center in your will or charitable giving, please contact Mary Agnes Patterson, OSB, Development Director, 801 South Eighth St., Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, KS, 66002-2724, 913-360-6215.

For more information about programs offered by Sophia or to be placed on their mailing list, click here.

Questions?
To contact Sister Eleanor Suther, OSB, Director of Sophia Center
emai:l sophia at mountosb.org
or call: (913) 360-6173
or write:
Sophia Center
751 South 8th St.
Atchison, KS 66002