April 30, 2020

JUNE

Friday, June 5 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WRITING THE WORD: Contemplative Calligraphy in Color – canceled

Mary Donovan

Learn the elegant but simple script the medieval monks and nuns used fpr copying the Bible. After we’ve learned the basic scripts of Calligraphy, Celtic, Unical, and Italic, we’ll use color and gold to make illustrated capitals. Using special markers and paper that will will be provided, participants will make a panel of passages they have chosen from Scripture. The workshop will guide participants in the meditative art of Calligraphy.

Fee: $75, includes supplies and lunch. ($15 non-refundable deposit) Register by May 28. Scholarships are available.  Register online  or call 913.360.6173.

Mary Donovan is an Episcopal seminarian at the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry in Topeka, Kansas. She is an oblate of Mount St. Scholastica. Before moving to Kansas, Mary served as a teacher and administrator for the New York City public schools.

June 26-28

BEING BENEDICTINE IN THE 21ST CENTURY: Spiritual Seekers in Conversation – canceled

Being Benedictine in the 21st Century: Spiritual Seekers in Conversation, planned for June 26-28, 2020, in Atchison, Kansas, marks a first-ever gathering of professed Benedictines, Oblates, staff, volunteers, friends and benefactors of Benedictine ministries and monasteries, and any seeker who has read the Rule of St. Benedict and experienced a conversion of heart. We will hear from speakers including Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister, one of our visionary spiritual voices, and Oblate authors Kathleen Norris and Judith Valente and engage in facilitated conversation and idea generation. We will put special emphasis on inviting the participation of Millenials, people in their twenties and thirties who often eschew formal religion but still seek an authentic experience of faith in action.

Sophia Center will host this event but all registrations will be done through the website “beingbenedictine.org“. Please check the website “beingbenedictine.org” for more information about the conference and sign up to receive information about registering and reserving a room for the conference.

JULY

Saturday, July 11 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A JOURNEY INTO THE COLORS OF SUMMER -canceled

Mary Donovan

The joy of summer is in the birds, the flowers, and the trees! Come spend time noticing the beauty of the season. Using acrylics, we will celebrate the season by painting panels of the bountiful colors we see. During the day there will be periods of prayer and walking outside to capture the colors of July. Don’t worry about knowing how to paint. Our retreat facilitator has a unique gift of bringing out the inner artist. What is important is the personal growth, the renewal, insight, joy gratitude, and awe the process will evoke. Come join us.

Fee: $75, includes supplies and lunch. ($15 non-refundable deposit) Scholarships are available. Register by July 5. Register online  or call 913.360.6173.

Mary Donovan is an Episcopal seminarian at the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry in Topeka, Kansas. She is an oblate of Mount St. Scholastica. Before moving to Kansas, Mary served as a teacher and administrator for the New York City public schools.

Tuesday, July 14 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Save the Date!!

SDI Regional Gathering – Central States

via Zoom

More information to come….

Tuesday, July 14 | 7:00 p.m. – Saturday, July 18 | 1:00 p.m.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION SUPERVISION: Theory and Practice – canceled

Lucy Abbott Tucker

Any spiritual director/companion worth her or his salt knows that supervision is essential. Not only should directors be participating in regular spiritual direction themselves, they should “receive supervision from peers or from a mentor” and “seek consultations with other appropriately qualified persons when necessary.” This is clearly stated in SDI’s Guidelines for Ethical Conduct (2016).

Yet, many spiritual companions say there is a shortage of supervisors. In fact, quality training in supervision is not always easy to find. That’s why we are offering a five-day intensive, in-person Supervision Training Workshop.

“Supervision is not a forum that polices spiritual directors or decides who is in and who is out. At the same time, without supervision we are much more likely to neglect or ignore our own blind spots, how we are subtly pushing or pulling our directees. When the same type of trust that enables spiritual directions sessions to be safe places is present in supervision sessions, a great deal of growth can happen.”  Lucy Abbott Tucker 

Participants will:

• Consider how definitions of spiritual direction affect the process of supervision
• Look at supervision as a process of self-reflection, education, and consultation
• Explore a variety of processes to enhance the supervision relationship
• Consider supervision in individual and group settings
• Practice both individual and group supervisory processes

Workshop Goals

• Become aware of your own definition/description of spiritual direction and develop an awareness of how that functions in supervision relationships
• Learn the attributes of an effective supervisor
• Discover how the roles of supervisor and supervisee change during different stages
• Discern on supervision as – not a mark of approval or disapproval – but a process of understanding and development that considers:
• What I did
• Why I did it
• What happened
• What I learned about myself
• What I learned about spiritual direction
• Practice skills for effective communication and feedback
• Examine models for individual and peer group supervision
• Explore self-supervision models
• Distinguish between transference and countertransference, and recognize them as they unfold
• Develop an awareness of what model of spiritual growth/maturity the supervisee is using
• Create you own definition/understanding of supervision and own it

Please note:  The workshop involves both input and practice by the participants. Participants are expected to bring 2 one-paragraph summaries of recent spiritual direction conversations that you will use during the workshop.

Fee: $550; includes private room and meals; Shared room – $450; Commuters – $400  ($75 non-refundable deposit)

Register by July 7.      Register online  or call 913.360.6173.

Lucy Abbott Tucker is one of the founders of Spiritual Directors International and she led the task force to write and establish SDI’s Official Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for all spiritual directors, regardless of culture or tradition. She has worked in adult formation and in the preparation of people for the ministry of spiritual direction for 35 years. With an initial background in mathematics and education in 1983, she studied at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership and Catholic Theological Union, Chicago where she obtained a Master Degree in Theology. Lucy worked for many years at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago and recently served as President of the Board of Directors for that organization. In addition, Lucy has been involved in retreats and workshop throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada. Watch her wisdom in action in this SDI Learns video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU3SOEzZf1M .

AUGUST

Tuesday, August 4 |4:00 p.m. – Sunday, August 9 |1:00 p.m.

SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT

Sophia Staff

Get away from the noise and busyness of everyday life. Spend time with God in personal prayer, meet daily with a spiritual director, and if you wish, join others for daily centering prayer and group sharing of scripture. The quiet of the monastic setting gives you time to listen to the deep desires of your heart.

Fee: $435; includes private room and meals  ($75 non-refundable deposit)
Register by July 27.      Register online  or call 913.360.6173.

SEPTEMBER 

Thursday, September 10 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

HEALING OILS OF SACRED SCRIPTURE – canceled (rescheduled to September 10)

Sister Linda Zahner, OSB

Ancient priests, prophets, and physicians of the Bible anointed people with oil and prayed with them for spiritual purification, moral repentance, physical healing, and holy anointing. You will be introduced to fourteen essential oils mentioned repeatedly in the Bible.

Fee: $80, includes the noon meal ($40 non-refundable deposit) Register by September 2. Register online  or call 913.360.6173.

Sister Linda Zahner, OSB, M.A., is a certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner as well as a certified, licensed massage therapist. She also serves as a spiritual director, with certification in spiritual direction through the Creighton Spirituality program.

Friday, September 11 | 7:00 p.m. – Sunday, September 13 | 4:00 p.m.

ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP – 1 opening

Sister Therese Elias, OSB

The Enneagram, rooted in the ancient Christian desert tradition, can be a  powerful spiritual tool for understanding one’s personality and relationships, and for growing in compassion for one’s self and others.Remaining faithful to the age-old method of oral and visual instruction, we will emphasize the participant’s search for self-identification.

Limited to 13 participants. Fee: $275; includes a private room and meals ($50 non-refundable deposit)

Register by September 1.    Register online or call 913.360.6173.

Sister Therese Elias, OSB, M.A., of the Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, is a retreat director, spiritual advisor and lecturer with specialities in Benedictine and Celtic spirituality, the mystics, and contemplative prayer.  She has led numerous pilgrimages to Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

OCTOBER

Friday, October 2| 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WOMEN IN SCRIPTURE: Women of the House Churches: Models of Leadership

You are invited to spend the day with the women who were an integral part of the beginning of Christianity, yet whose contributions are not generally known. We will examine who these women were and what their roles were in this crucial time following the death and resurrection of Jesus. Come spend time in learning, prayer and sharing, while connecting with these women leaders of the past and with one another.

Fee: $65; lunch included.  ($15 non-refundable deposit)  Register by April 5.   Register online or call 913.360.6173.

Renee Neff-Clark has a degree in Religious Studies and has been a student of the Bible and a leader of Bible Studies throughout her life. The stories of women in Scripture have always held a special place in her heart, as they represent and reflect the lives of all women, both then and now.

Saturday, October 3 | 9:00 a.m. – Sunday, October 4 | noon

RETREAT FOR ADOPTIVE MOMS: A Retreat for Moms by Moms

Facilitated by Mary Kay Whitacre, DMin. and other moms

Were you blessed to become a mom through the process adoption? Are you looking for a way to renew and recharge your spirit so you have more to share with your family? Would you like to connect with other moms who have similar stories? This will be the perfect opportunity to rest and care for yourself while sharing the experience and wisdom of others. Bond with God and other mothers.

Fee: $85; includes room and meals. Scholarships are available.

Register by September 25.  Register online or call 913.360.6173.

Friday, October 9 | 7:00 p.m. – Sunday, October 11 | 4:00 p.m.

THE DREAM AND THE JOURNEY: A Dream Retreat – 6 spots remaining

Sister Therese Elias, OSB

This retreat will provide an intense opportunity to relate to the wisdom and grace found in one’s dreams. Special attention will be given to learning to do personal dream work and also to understanding the role of prayer in dream work.

Limit 10. Fee: $280 ($55 non-refundable deposit)

Register by September 30.  Register online or call 913.360.6173.

Sister Therese Elias, OSB, M.A., of the Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, is a retreat director, spiritual advisor and lecturer with specialities in Benedictine and Celtic spirituality, the mystics, and contemplative prayer.  She has led numerous pilgrimages to Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Tuesday evening, October 27 – Thursday evening, October 29

CENTERING PRAYER RETREAT

Offered in partnership with Contemplative Outreach

Come experience the silence of prayer with other contemplative companions and rest in the stillness. Centering Prayer is a method of contemplative prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Contemplative prayer is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God. The focus of Centering Prayer is the deepening of our relationship with the living Christ which builds up the family of God.There will be periods of centering prayer along with ample time for walking, reading, journaling, resting and participating in the monastic liturgies.

The retreat is open to people with experience of centering prayer as well as those new to this method.

Fee: $225, includes retreat, private room and meals ($50 non-refundable deposit). Special commuter fee of $100 per person.

Register by October 17.  Register online or call 913.360.6173.

Friday, October 30 | 4:00 p.m. – Saturday, October 31 | 3:30 p.m.

BLUE MOON PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT

Kathy England

Where do we notice the presence of God? How? When? How could we share our noticing with others? This overnight, with a sunset, blue moon, and a sunrise will include discussion of photography as a spiritual practice. There will be extended personal time for seeking out and photographing images of God’s bountiful goodness. Bring the camera you use, from phone to DSLR.  This is NOT a course in photographic technique, but an opportunity to explore awareness, connection, and contemplation in relation to photography.

Fee: $140, includes private room and meals ($40, non-refundable deposit). Register by October 20.  Register online or call 913.360.6173.

Kathy England is a retired counselor who specialized in working with children and families. Photography is a hobby and a passion. It makes her aware of the manifestation of God all around us and she seeks to share her desire to be in God’s presence through her attentiveness to beauty and creation.

Friday, October 30 | 7:00 p.m. – Sunday, November 1 | 4:00 p.m.

EVERYWHERE A BLESSING: A Celtic Retreat

Sister Therese Elias, OSB

This retreat is not just for the Irish, Scottish, or Breton, but for all who search for God in the ordinary and the everyday. In true Celtic fashion, we will celebrate the goodness of creation, the nearness of the saints, and the power of the Trinity. Presentations will utilize ancient poetry, art, song, storytelling and Celtic Christianity’s beautiful legacy of prayers and blessings. (Bring your journal)

Fee: $260, includes a private room and meals ($50 non-refundable deposit)

Register by November 23.  Register online or call 913.360.6173.

Sister Therese Elias, OSB, M.A., of the Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, is a retreat director, spiritual advisor and lecturer with specialities in Benedictine and Celtic spirituality, the mystics, and contemplative prayer.  She has led numerous pilgrimages to Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

2021

JANUARY

APRIL

Thursday, April 1 | 3:00 p.m. to Sunday, April 4 | 1:00 p.m.

TRIDUUM RETREAT

Spend the Triduum immersed in the beautiful liturgies and profound silence of the monastery which then culminates in the joyous celebration of Easter. The retreat begins with an orientation before the monastic Holy Thursday banquet, continues through the powerful liturgies of the foot washing and and Mass of the Lord’s Supper; the moving rituals of Good Friday, and a full celebration of the Easter Vigil, and ends with the Easter Eucharist and festive dinner.

Fee: $245.00; private room and meals. ($50 non-refundable deposit)

Register by calling 913.360.6173 or   Register online.

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 30 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

SPIRITUALITY: The Call to Holiness and Wholeness

Sister Melannie Svoboda, SND

What does a healthy spirituality look like and feel like? This retreat will explore some of the traits of a healthy spirituality such as compassion, friendship, love and respect for nature, prayer, hope, balancing work and leisure, and the ability to live graciously with a certain amount of adversity and ambiguity. Using scripture, music, short videos, stories, poetry and humor, Sister Melannie will lead us in exploring God’s presence and action in our everyday lives.

Fee: $90; includes noon meal  ($20 non-refundable deposit) Scholarships available. Register by October 20.    Register online or by calling 913.360.6173

Sister Melannie Svoboda, a Sister of Notre Dame, lives in Chardon, Ohio. She has an MA in English from Indiana University and an MA in Spirituality from Duquesne University. Sister has taught high school and college for many years, and ministered as novice director and provincial for her community. She is an author and a free-lance writer with articles in many publications. Currently she writes and is a popular presenter who gives talks, workshops and retreats nationally.

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