Adult Spirituality & Retreats

DESCRIPTIONS of TOPICS(useful for creating on-site advertisement)

Topics can be adapted to

RENEW FOR MISSION . . . FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT RECEIVED

“ . . . I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God that you received through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). Like Timothy, we faith-formators initially responded with fervor to the vocation of evangelization. We eagerly embraced the call to witness as priests, prophets, and kings. We made conscious efforts to function as the hands, feet, voice and compassion of Jesus. Today St. Paul encourages us to RENEW – to stir into flame our early enthusiasm. This session (1) will offer creative practices that can serve as kindling wood for the fire and (2) suggest inspired mentors to accompany us on our journey.

WHAT ONE MAN -- OR WOMAN -- CAN DO!
Guiding Ways through Teaching "DAZE"

The words, example and spirituality of Saints John Paul II and Teresa of Calcutta offer practical direction for our lives. Through conferences, private reflection, group sharing and corporate prayer these holy mentors will tutor participants in ways of responding to God's love; being an instrument of grace for students; and crafting a culture of love in the classroom.

POPE JOHN PAUL II: Retreat participants will explore two topics: (1) the challenges contained in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millenio Ineunte / At the Beginning of the New Millennium. Part 3, "Starting Afresh from Christ" and (2) the Spirituality of Communion, a guide for crafting love in both school and classroom.


TERESA OF CALCUTTA: Teresa of Calcutta said, "Be a little instrument in His hands so that He can use you at any time, anywhere." Conference sessions will focus on characteristics that are basic to being an INSTRUMENT of Grace for others.

 

Be a missionary of mercy in your own backyard

Respond to the vocational call to be an agent of mercy! Retreatants will make connections between human need and human behavior that lead to companioning students, parents and colleagues with compassion.

Hearts Aflame

This retreat presents the term FIRE BUILDERS as an acronym for spiritual leaders. Each alphabet letter represents a term that will be "unpacked" as the opening exercise of the retreat. Three additional conferences follow that engage the retreatant in personal reflection and small group sharing:

  • Kindling Wood for the Fire – A creative look into the Beatitudes & Works of Mercy
  • Fuel for the Fire of Ministry – A consideration of core Gospel values & principles of Catholic social teaching
  • Ignited by the Spirit – A consideration of sin, virtue, fruits of the Spirit and the challenge of evangelization.

    • Where Your TReasure lies

    This retreat offers the term TREASURE as an action-acronym. Each alphabet letter represents a verb-term that will be "unpacked" as the opening exercise of the retreat. In subsequent conferences the retreatant will reflect upon the “New Heart” theology of Ezekiel (Ez. 11:19-20) and Gospel characteristics that are integral to “Living with Tender Love.”  The retreat incorporates conferences, guided reflection, small group discussion (if desired), and private prayer time.

    SOWER, SEED & Gardener-Me!

    This retreat identifies core characteristics of Gospel-Gardeners who are charged by God to contribute to the soulful formation of students. The day offers the term GARDENER as an action-acronym. Each alphabet letter represents a verb-term that will be "unpacked" via a powerpoint presentation and conference. Other activities include musical reflection, small group discussion of Gospel wisdom, guided suggestions for personal prayer time, and a plan-o-gram for professional gardens!

     

    TRANSFIGURED AND TRANSFORMED

    Our Baptismal goal is to grow into the likeness of Jesus, to let the light of Christ shine forth to others.  This process – transformation – is powered by the grace of God when we are intentional about turning over to God all the pieces of our lives.  This retreat focuses on ways that we can cooperate in the process of personal transformation and how we can be catalysts in the transformation of students, parents and colleagues.

             During the half-day retreat participants will consider the term TRANSFORM as an action-acronym, each alphabet letter representing a verb-term that will be “unpacked” via a powerpoint presentation-conference.  Other activities include musical reflection, small group application of discussion-points, prayerful recitation of a Litany of Transfiguration, and suggestions for private prayertime.  A full-day retreat includes two additional exercises:  (1) a powerpoint-conference that illustrates Gospel-prayer as a vital tool in the transformation process and (2) consideration of Mary and the saints as mentors and models of transformation.

     

    PRAYER
    (A) Prayer-Ways for Busy Days
    (B) Kindling Wood for the Fire
    (C) Prayer Forms that Nurture Spirituality

    Prayer happens when personal life experience meets the Word of God – and relates! Personal spirituality is marked by:

    • • recognition of the presence of God,
    • • communication, and
    • • participation in God's life

    This interactive presentation introduces a variety of prayerful techniques aimed at experiencing God through the experiences of one's life. Prayer forms are the kindling wood that feeds the fire of adult prayer life and enriches classroom environments.

     
    ADVENT ----- TRAVELING THE ADVENT HIGHWAY

    Through conferences, contemplation, personal sharing, and guided imagery participants will explore creative Advent practices. (Retreat time parameters will determine how many of the following subtopics will be included in the Retreat.)

    • • Navigate the Advent Landscape by identifying the MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS, and RUGGED LAND SPOTS in life that hinder wholeness and living life-to-the-full.
    • • Discover DESERT PLACES for the soul.
    • • Companion and be mentored by an Advent Gospel-Figure (Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Angels, Herod, Shepherds, Wise Men)
    • • Preview pre-Christmas practices: (1) Spiritual Crib, (2) O Antiphons, (3) Courts of the Infant King

     
    LENT ----- A Lenten Fasting that Leads to LIFE

    Lenten fasting is intended as an opportunity for LIFE-SEEKERS to Choose Life to the Full. Abstinence and portion control of food is but one aspect of fasting. True fasting streamlines the ego through making conscious choices for life – physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and psychologically. For instance, one might try fasting from critical comments and feeding on encouragement or other similar parallels. Lenten Fasting that Leads to Life situates retreatants within a scriptural context:

    • • to name life-giving and life-blocking behaviors
    • • to define fasting in terms of Isaiah 58
    • • to apply creative thinking to the practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy
    • • to identify personal issues that are in need of conversion

     
    mary -----
    (A) Mary, Model and Mentor for MinistrY
    (B) Mary Ways Through All Our Days

    Using Powerpoint slides of Mary-images as a backdrop for small-group discussion, retreatants will identify qualities of Mary that emerge in the Gospels and draw parallels, hope, comfort, and support for their daily living. Retreatants will be directed in the use of several creative Marian prayer exercises. Individually and corporately, participants will reflect on the Rosary as a unique medium/tool for contemplation and imitation.


    eucharist ----- in times of feast and famine

    Eucharist is food for the journey during all seasons – times of feast and, particularly, in times of famine, failure, or desolation.  The retreat utilizes conference, private reflection, song, guided meditation, and corporate prayer to celebrate the gift of Eucharist. 

    Four themes form the focus for the day:
    •  Hungers of the Human Heart and Food that Satisfies (John 6)
    •  The Last Supper Action Plan (John 14-17)
    •  Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Christian Life
    •  Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

    Participants need a copy of the New Testament, a retreat packet and a pen/pencil.

     

    Pope John Paul II: Starting Afresh from Christ. Be Not Afraid!

    The words, example and spirituality of John Paul II give practical direction for the task of "Starting Afresh from Christ." Through conferences, private reflection, group sharing, PowerPoint slides, and video clips retreat participants will explore four elements:

    • • the challenge contained in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millenio Ineunte / At the Beginning of the New Millennium. Part 3, "Starting Afresh from Christ"
    • • how the Spirituality of Communion presented by John Paul II offers guideposts for crafting love in a home or a classroom
    • • the meaning of forgiveness, the paralyzing effects of un-forgiveness, and tips for teaching children how to forgive
    • • the spiritual legacy of JPII particularly (1) devotion to Mary, (2) devotion to Divine Mercy, (3) reform of the rosary

     
    Teresa of Calcutta: Called to be an INSTRUMENT in God's Hand

    Teresa of Calcutta said, "Be a little instrument in His hands so that He can use you at any time, anywhere." Conference sessions will focus on characteristics that are basic to being an INSTRUMENT of Grace for others. The retreat includes conferences, private reflection, group sharing and corporate prayer.