Contemplative Prayer

Thursdays, 11:30 - 12:00 noon, in the main chapel.

Weekend Liturgies

Come celebrate weekend Liturgy with us in the main chapel of Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center on Saturdays at 4:00 pm.
September through May. Please call in advance.

Opportunities for Celebrating Divine Action within the Cycles and Seasons of our “Nature-al” Lives
Take a two-hour ‘time-out’ to honor, through group prayer, creative activity and social interaction, the first budding spring, bright sun of summer, harvest of autumn, holy darkness of winter, and to participate in monthly moonlight Labyrinth Walks. Call to inquire about specific dates, time and details.

SERIES

WINTER/SPRING 2012

Open Retreat Space for Artists and Crafters
Are you an artist or crafter who has asked yourself the question: “Oh, wouldn’t it be heavenly if I had space to spread out my materials and work without interruption in a quiet environment?” We are happy to share our heavenly retreat space with individuals or small groups who wish to work on their projects at their own pace in a comfortable, spacious environment. Participants should bring their own equipment and supplies. Tables and chairs will be provided. Individuals may begin and end the day with an optional prayer and take time to enjoy the grounds during breaks. Subject to availability of space.

Coordinator: Donna Brunell, OP    Learn more . . .

Crafter’s Clinic
If you have a desire to begin a craft, need help making choices, or simply need help with a project you’re working on, the Crafters’ Clinic is for you – a place to gain confidence in the process of creating! A small library of books, magazines, and DVDs will be available to help you stir up your creative juices, explore new crafts, and pick up new tips and techniques. Crafting has been said to have a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing. You will be amazed to learn how true that is once you gain confidence and begin to enjoy the process as well as the end product.

Coordinator: Donna Brunell, OP   Learn more . . .

Group Spiritual Direction: Holy Listening
Do you sense the need to pray and share with others about your spiritual life? The heart of Group Spiritual is prayerful small-group sharing. Participants gather with a facilitator to focus on discerning and articulating God's presence in daily life and to engage in the process of deep listening to self, God and others. Join others who seek a greater awareness of God in all of life. Attend the orientation to discover if God is calling you to this type of spiritual direction.

Facilitator: Gaynell Cronin  Learn more . . .

Tuesday, January 17, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Orientation for new members
Tuesday series: February 7, March 13, April 17, May 16:  Choose time: 10:00 am – 12 noon; 4:00 – 6:00 pm; 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday series: February 3, March 9, April 20, May 18; 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Saturday series: February 4, March 10, April 21, Mary 19; 2:00 - 11:00 am
Fee:  $75 - $ (as you are able)

[Online registration form]

Yoga for Relaxation, Rejuvenation and Balance: Three Six-week Series
Rejuvenate your body and mind through yoga and alignment. Included: - Postures to tone, stretch and strengthen the body and release tension - Safe alignment techniques to ease and optimize the effects of the poses - Meditation and breathing techniques to influence the chemical balance of the brain and reduce anxiety.
Wear comfortable clothing; bring 1 or 2 blankets, a pillow and a mat. Eat lightly, at least one hour before class.

Instructor: Chris Glover Learn more . . .

Thursdays, 6:45 - 8:00 pm, Six-week series: Series C, January 6 - February 9, 2012; Series D: February 16 – March 22; Series E: March 29 – May 3;
Five-week series: Series F: May 10 – June 7
Fee:  $65.00 - $85 for any 6-week series(as you are able); $55 - $75 for 5-week series (as you are able) or $15.00 - $20.00 per individual session (as you are able)

[Online registration form]

Playing and Praying with Paper
Come for one or all six sessions of this unique experience. Discover how the process of creating something with paper can help to create reflective space in one’s life. Topics include: paper-folding, rubber-stamping, creative doodling, card and bookmark crafting, mini-journals, and more. No skills required; a nominal materials fee may apply. Call Sr. Donna at (914) 941- 4455 x 216 for a schedule of activities.

Instructor: Donna Brunell, OP   Learn more . . .

Presiders: Nancy Erts, OP; Linda Rivers, OP    Learn more . . .

Presenter: Nancy Erts, OP    Learn more . . .

Are Your Feet on Solid Ground?
There are some current spiritual thinkers and writers who expand our perceptions through their groundbreaking theological ideas. Michael Morwood is one of those visionaries and his book, From Sand to Solid Ground, is one of those books. Join other seekers who wish to participate in lively discussions of ideas and see how the author’s suggestions can profoundly alter one’s views. Participants will read approximately four chapters for each session of this series. Book may be obtained online or at Mariandale.

Facilitator: Louise Mancinelli    Learn more . . .

Late-Life Spirituality: Wisdom from Henri Nouwen
Late life is a particularly challenging time on our spiritual journey. In Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit, the late author Henri Nouwen speaks of invitational movements from illusion to prayer, from sorrow to joy, from fear to love, and more. Using this book, discussion and other resources, we will explore our unique life experiences and learn how to make the journey from the mind to the heart - and there find God. The book may be purchased at Mariandale.

Facilitator: Eleanor Ramos    Learn more . . .