Saturday programs at Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center have the very great advantage of requiring only one day out of a very busy two day weekend. With time restraints impinging on us from all directions, a one day workshop or retreat is the optimum solution. We can say 'yes' to exploring our health and spirituality needs and still have time left during the weekend to meet other important obligations. For your convenience, registration is only a click away.

WINTER/SPRING 2012

RETIREMENT:  A NEW TIME FOR GROWTH
There is much to negotiate when facing the mystery of the complexities of midlife and old age. Integrating both spiritual and psychological dimensions, this workshop will explore retirement as a necessary footprint in our ongoing journey toward wholeness and contemplation. Time will be given for reflection, silence and group sharing.

Presenter: Beverly Musgrave, Ph.D.  Learn more . . .

ADVENT WISDOM:  A MORNING OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION
How to get ready for Christmas with all its sacred and secular trappings has been a questions many ask every year, with few answers. With Vaclav Havel who said: ”Hope is not the same as joy that things are going well, but the conviction that . . . something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out,” this morning of reflection will try, using prayer, quiet, scripture and conversation to sketch a “wisdom path” as a way to enter the mystery and hope of the seasons of Advent and Christmas

Presenters: Gaynell Cronin; Jack Rathschmidt, OFM. Cap.  Learn more . . .

THY KINGDOM COME:  THE SECOND COMING IN OUR MIDST
An artist’s work reveals the artist. So it is when we view creation we glimpse God’s own self. The new and exciting current science with its understanding of the cosmos as fully interconnected, demonstrates the Creator-God relationship, whose very presence is made manifest by our loving presence to each other. And what is usually called the Second Coming of Christ is about our own birthing of the Word of God now and into the future. Bring a Bible; come to this morning program and see yourself, the world and God anew!

Presenters:  Pat Connick, OP  Learn more . . .

IT'S A WONDER-FULL LIFE
Recapture a childlike sense of awe and wonder through guided reflection and discussion on images and insights from the inspirational recently-released film Journey of the Universe. Beautifully filmed on the Greek island of Samos, acclaimed cosmologist Brian Swimme weaves a poetic story about the unfolding universe and humanity’s evolving place in it. The film combines scientific discovery and ancient sacred wisdom traditions in a way that invites viewers to embrace our human role in the flourishing of Earth community. There will be ample time for personal meditation, group prayer and faith sharing.

Presenter: Nancy Erts, OP  Learn more . . .

UFO (UNFINISHED OBJECTS) DAY FOR QUILTERS
This day will allow quilters to spread out in a spacious environment and work on unfinished projects. It will be a time to reflect with needle and thread as the day unfolds. Tables and chairs will be provided along with assistance with projects when needed. Both lunch and dinner will be available for purchase; reserve meal at time of registration.

Coordinator: Donna Brunell, OP  Learn more . . .

KNITTING:  A SPIRITUAL WAY
Many are discovering that knitting can be rich in spiritual possibilities. The Divine can touch us in many ways through this age-old craft: as memories of the hands that taught us, through the meditative movement of the needles, the joyful anticipation of giving a handmade gift of love, or the sense of community with other knitters. In this day, we will look at the many ways God moves in the work of our hands and hearts by sharing experiences, praying together and exploring new ideas. Bring yarn, needles, and your current project. All levels of knitters welcome.

Presenter:  Martha LaVallee  Learn more . . .

SAVORING THE CELTIC FLAVOR WITHIN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY
“May God shield you on every step,May Christ keep you in every path,May Spirit bathe you in every pass.” Journey Prayer - Carmina Gadelica
St. Patrick’s day is a prime time to ponder and celebrate the legacy of blessings, lore, liturgy, prayer poems and song lyrics, bequeathed to us by our Celtic ancestors. This day will include brief presentations, personal and group prayer along with a luncheon of stew, ‘brew,’ and soda bread too!

Presenter:  Nancy Erts, OP  Learn more . . .

LENT:  Living Mindfully, Staying Awake throughout the Day
“Prayer is a process of appreciation, not comprehension; mystery being experienced, sensed, loved. It is attentive listening to God.” - Gerald May
Lent is a time to fall in love again. It is a time to recognize the naturalness of contemplation, of staying awake to the present moment, of remaining open to all the thoughts feelings, sights, sounds and other perceptions that each moment brings. Through prayer, reflection, music and silence, participants will be invited to take a sacred pause and experience different contemplative practices that bring us more deeply into the heart of God, our own hearts and the heart of the world.

Presenter:  Gaynell Cronin  Learn more . . .

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." - I Corinthians: 3:6
Gardening lovers are invited to spend a day together reflecting on the toils, tools and treasures of co-creating and nurturing your inner/outer gardens. Using the garden metaphor present in Scripture, poems, songs and nature we will listen to a presentation, engage in personal and group prayer, plant starter seeds/bulbs for your gardens and make the spiritual connections with what all ‘earthlings’ need in order to grow into Gardener God’s image and likeness. Please bring garden gloves and basic hand tools.

Presenter:  Nancy Erts, OP  Learn more . . .

CELEBRATING THE 50 JOUOUS DAYS OF EASTER
Easter is a time of joy and delight that is filled with so many possibilities for new hope. Through quiet, reflection and imaginative prayer, this day of reflection will help participants enter the great feast of Easter a day at a time by exploring practices that will help us focus on refreshment, new life, wonder and awe with the God who is always vitally alive within and among us.

Presenters:  Gaynell Cronin; Jack Rathschmidt, OFM. Cap.  Learn more . . .

WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY:  FINDING GOD IN OUR STORIES
“All theology is autobiography. As we tell our own stories, we often discover the divinity that is present in our lives.” - Rabbi Laura Geller
As we seek deeper spiritual connections, many guides and examples of women of faith abound to illuminate our way but our own experiences need particular attention. During this day for women, we will tend the precious and personal moments of our lives when we have sensed God’s presence and notice what patterns may emerge. There will be opportunities for sharing, but the focus of the day will be on claiming our personal stories as our own. Bring a journal or notebook and an object that represents something about your own experience of the Divine.

Presenter:  Martha LaVallee  Learn more . . .

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH
“Retrieve the historical memory of early women leaders in the Church.”  - Future Church
From the time of Jesus, Biblical and early Church writings illustrate how the Church developed and flourished with women and men as complementary leaders. This presentation is an invitation to men and women to explore the role of women in leadership in the early Church. Through interactive visual presentations, participants will reflect on photo artifacts, early Church writings, as well as Scripture passages presenting women in various ministries:  such as Sofia, deacon; Phoebe, deacon and missionary; Kale, presbyter. Time will be
provided for dialogue and questions.
 
Presenter:  Judy Schiavo  Learn more . . .