Introduction to Bio-Spiritual Focusing. BioSpiritual Focusing is a gentle practice of body presence and contemplative awareness. It facilitates an experience of letting go in a loving and caring way. It invites a way of being with and present to whatever is real in one’s experience. Using bio-spiritual focusing, one learns to enter very special doorways into our bodies’ knowing; into unfinished places where we are called to grow in wholeness and holiness. This day will be conducted in a contemplative atmosphere, with presentations, small group work and practice exercises. Presenter: Kathy A Donnelly, SU
Praying and Playing with Scripture Are you looking for a way to deepen your spiritual life? Are you trying to enliven your Ministry as a catechist or youth minister? Playing with Scripture can help with both. The stories in Scripture abound with characters – Adam and Eve, Moses, Martha and Mary and the Prodigal Son - that share the same strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears that all humans have. These stories invite us to explore them to get to know ourselves better, to see how the spirit works in our lives and to share these insights through our ministry. Professional storytellers Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi and Karen Sangaline-Pillsworth will share stories from the New Testament as well as personal stories. Together we find how our lives intersect with those of the characters in Scripture. There will be time for conversation, quiet reflection, and prayer as well as a discussion of strategies to incorporate “Playing with Scripture” into our ministries.
The Liturgy that Does Justice
Our liturgy is a dialogue between God and humanity. And in this dialogue there is an inherent
relationship between the Church’s worship and the Judeo-Christian mandate for justice.
“Liturgy” means the work of the people for God; “justice” refers to the people living in right
relationship. Faithful worship should lead the church to living justly.
The purpose of the Church is three-fold. First, we offer praise to God in worship. Second, we
proclaim the Word of God. And third, we provide service to the world in order to foster the right
relationship among all of God’s creatures. In light of this we may come to realize the
significance of the final dismissal at the end of the liturgy. More than a simple adjournment, it is
a charge to put forth in daily life what we have professed in prayer.
Some still ask, what does Sunday Mass have to do with justice? Go ask the prophets and the
apostles and hear how they rail against injustice, in the name of God. Or listen to Monika
Helwig: “While it is true that man does not live by bread alone, it is also true that without bread,
man cannot live.”
Presented by Fr. Tom Scirghi, SJ
As we enter the liturgical season of lent in the Church's calendar, let's take time to slow down, pay attention and revisit our relationship with our gentle God. The weekend will provide some input with suggestions for personal prayer with plenty of time for reflection and relaxation. Take advantage of the sacred ground of Linwood, the chapel, library, and Eucharistic liturgy. Set the tone for the days before our celebration of the Paschal Mystery.
Presented by: Virginia A. Blass, D.Min. via Zoom
"Each Lent we are invited to ‘begin again’ in our life’s journey,
especially mindful of any need for healing, forgiveness, and
transformation, flowing from the unconditional love of our merciful
God. During our evening, we will engage in well-known spiritual
practices/tools from the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and reflect
upon how the Holy Spirit assists us, as we increase our awareness of
God’s loving presence and deepen in gratitude.
We seek to ‘begin again’ in our spiritual journey of intimacy with God,
others, and our earth home. Welcome to all!
During our gathering and presentation, there will be opportunities for
quiet reflection, imaginative prayer practice, journaling, and small group
conversations."
Virginia Blass is an experienced and certified Spiritual Director, (certification from
studies at Creighton University) preacher, retreat master, author, and teacher. Virginia
has been engaged in ministry for over thirty years and offers spiritual direction, guided
retreats, parish missions and programs, and consultation. Many of her programs are
also offered via zoom. She was also a Special Education teacher for many years.
Virginia has engaged in ministerial collaboration with both the Passionists of the St.
Paul of the Cross Province and with the Jesuits of the Tri-Province for many years.
PILGRIMAGE OF RECOVERY: The Unexpected Blessings
Each day of our pilgrimage in recovery we are presented with blessings beyond our wildest dreams. We go to new places and new spaces in our recovery. A pilgrimage implies we are always in process. We are blessed with the fellowship and spiritual tools that support us to welcome those challenges we face and find the blessings in those moments.
BROTHER WAYNE J. FITZPATRICK, M.M., M.A., M.S., C-GCM ~ MARYKNOLL MISSIONER
Bro. Wayne, holds an M.A. Degree in
Theology, Maryknoll School of Theology and an M.S. Degree in Pastoral
Counseling, Loyola University of Maryland.
Wayne is very involved with the Matt Talbot Retreat Movement and leads several
Matt Talbot Recovery Retreats each year. Wayne has served as Managing Director of Senior Care and Transition
Services for the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Presently he is Director of
Pastoral and Spiritual Life and House Superior at the Maryknoll Society
Center in New York. Bro. Wayne is also the Assistant Regional Superior for
the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in the U.S. Region. He serves of the
Board of the Religious Formation Conference as Co-Chair of the Board.
Flow: Self Care by the River
New Beginnings
Come celebrate the arrival of spring; new life, new beginnings and new choices.
Awaken your body, mind and spirit as we explore meditation, energy work,
gentle yoga, guided practices and relaxation techniques. This thoughtfully
curated retreat is a beautiful blend of holistic modalities and movement to
soothe our souls and elevate our self-care. Practicing essential self-care
allows us to listen to our inner wisdom, shift our perspective and tap into
our innate abilities and gifts.
Enjoy the beautiful grounds, go for a hike, walk the labyrinth, play a game
of pickle ball, take a bike ride or meditate at one of the beautiful rest and
reflection areas located around the property. Join us for an empowering
fireside ceremony to welcome in the vibrant new energy of the season.
Embracing and prioritizing self-care, empowers us to navigate life’s
challenges with greater ease and cultivate a more balanced, fulfilling
lifestyle.
Come and join us for this nourishing weekend and love-up
your body, mind and Spirit.
Fran Conway, RN
Yoga Therapist, Health Counselor, Ayurveda Yoga Specialist. Fran has worked at Weill Cornell Medical Center for over 40 years. She is a yoga, meditation and breath work specialist.
Mary McQuaid
NYS-CARC, Self-Care Coach and Reiki Master/Teacher. Mary has worked in the personal development field for over 25 years specializing in mindset coaching, meditation. energy work, addiction recovery and wellness retreats.
Spiritual Journaling ~ Trusting God during Difficult Circumstances
Some of our times are harder than others. Whether its the loss of a loved one, health issues, financial worries or even positive changes like starting a new relationship, the "not knowing" can be challenging. Poet Rainer Maria Rilke in his famous volume “Letters to a Young Poet” encourages the young poet to “live the questions now.” On this day we will explore how a practice of Spiritual Journaling—writing regularly to the God of our understanding and listening for the replies by re-reading our journals—can help us to trust God and fully live, even as we question.
Facilitator: Anne Samson
Anne Samson leads classes on Journaling as a Spiritual Practice in the Albany, NY area, and is the author of Journaling as a Spiritual Practice and Abba House & Me: Prayer Changes Everything. She is also a freelance magazine writer, publishing on a variety of topics. Anne is an Energy Healer and has practiced 12 Step Recovery for over 30 years.
This Triduum retreat is a special invitation to spend time apart in an atmosphere of prayer and silence so that we may enter more deeply into the Paschal Mystery. Each day of the retreat will center around the liturgical celebration and will provide some guidance for personal prayer. Led by our Linwood Team
$450