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Workshops & Programs
CHRISTIANITY AND THE PRACTICE
OF ZEN This workshop-retreat will involve instruction and practice in the discipline and philosophy of Zen as well as instruction about its usefulness to one seeking to deepen his/her Christian life. …Fr. Robert Kennedy, S.J., teaches theology and Japanese at St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, NJ, is a practicing psychotherapist, and the author of “Zen Gifts to Christians” and “Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit.” He studied Zen in Japan with the Japanese master Yamada Roshi; in 1991, he was made Sensei (teacher) in the White Plum lineage; in 1997, he received Inka, the complete seal of approval and was given the title Roshi or Master. He holds doctorates in Theology from the University of Ottawa and from St. Paul in Ottawa, a Masters in Theology from Sophia University in Tokyo, a Doctor of Ministry in Psychology and Clinical Studies from Andover-Newton in Boston. Fr. Kennedy presents workshops throughout the U.S. and abroad, sponsors “Morning Star Zendo,” a center for meditation located in Jersey City, and is very interested in promoting inter-religious dialogue in accord with the latest Jesuit statement on its mission. Participation will be limited to 30 persons. You may wish to bring a mat for sitting. (Straight backed chairs will also be available.)
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FIRE AT WORK Within each of us burns a fire that drives us. People of faith recognize this fire as God’s life force and acknowledge that it is our mission to honor and channel this dynamic power. Given our massive investment of time, energy and effort at our work; it is there, in desiring to do the right thing at work, that we experience many of our successes and shortcomings in this mission. Rev. Gasper LoBiondo, S.J., retreat master and director of the Woodstock Theological Center, Sr. Catherine T. Nerney, SSJ, who serves as theologian in the Religious Studies/Graduate Spirituality department at Chestnut Hill College, and James L. Nolan, author of Doing the Right Thing at Work and coordinator of the Woodstock Business Conference, will lead retreatants in search for the “fire” within and in companioning with the Risen Lord at work in their lives. The retreat will introduce a five point program for integrating faith and work, for finding and following one’s moral compass.
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ISLAM AND THE SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTER BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS “This sacred Synod has this exhortation for its sons [and daughters]: prudently and lovingly, through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, … acknowledge, preserve, and promote, the spiritual and moral goods found among these men, as well as the values in their society and culture. …Although in the course of centuries, many quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims, this most sacred Synod urges all to forget the past and to strive sincerely for mutual understanding. Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, #2 and #3, Vatican II. In an effort to take up this challenge from Vatican II, the Center has enlisted the wisdom and learning of the following three experts on Christianity and Islam: Dr. John Borelli, currently Assistant to the President for Interreligious Initiatives at Georgetown University and U.S. Jesuit Assistancy Coordinator for Interreligious Dialogue and Relations; Fr. Patrick Ryan, S.J., Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Fordham University, whose doctorate from Harvard is in Islamic studies and who taught for 15 years in this area at the University of Ghana; Imam Yahya M. Hendi, the chaplain to the Muslim students at Georgetown University. Before they come, participants are asked to read What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam, by John Esposito (Oxford University Press, 2002), available at $14.27 from Amazon.com.) and to bring to the Institute a copy of the Qur’an. A recommended translation is by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary, available at $18.90 from Amazon. Com. or Muhammed Asad”s The Message of the Qur’an or Majid Fakhry’s An Interpretaiton of the Qur’an. This institute will entail study and prayer.
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JOURNEYING TOWARD THE LIGHT: An Advent Retreat with the Labyrinth During this weekend retreat, we will begin our journey through Advent by walking and praying the labyrinth with others on the path. We will learn about the labyrinth, and how it has become a Christian symbol for pilgrimage. And as we prepare to walk with Mary toward the birth of Christ at Christmas, we will reflect on what each of us is being asked to bring to birth in our lives, both in this Christmas season, and in the New Year. Throughout the weekend, there will be adequate time for personal prayer, reflection, journaling, reading, group sharing, and several walks through the labyrinth, both individually and as a group of Advent pilgrims! Gloria Carpeneto, D.Min., Ph.D. is a spiritual director, counselor, Master and practitioner of Reiki who has been working with the labyrinth for nearly ten years. She has designed and offered labyrinth workshops and retreats in retreat and spiritual centers on the East Coast. Dr. Carpeneto is a member of the Worldwide Veriditas Network of labyrinth facilitators, trained by Dr. Lauren Artress at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Gloria is currently working on a book that weaves the Spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius with the practice of walking the labyrinth, reflecting on both as tools for conversion, transformation, and growth.
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CREAVITY AND COMPASSION: Praying with Art Art can be a catalyst for making connections between life and faith. Artists such as Kathe Kollwitz and Fritz Eichenberg have created images of compassion, justice and healing. We can also create powerful imagery to express the "things of the spirit." This retreat will deal with the transforming power of visual imagery through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on experience. All materials will be provided. The fee for materials is included in the cost of the workshop. Sr. Helen Brancato is an adjunct professor of studio art at Villanova University.
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PRAYER WORKSHOP ON “GOD IS LOVE” This weekend will entail study and time for prayer over Pope Benedict’s first encyclical, which has received many appreciative and positive evaluations. Some areas that have drawn commentary are: its “refreshingly clear style, very much accessible to those it addresses”; its “profound Christocentric evocation and exposition of the theme it affirms – ‘God is love’”; Benedict’s “keen visual sense, ‘comparable to Dante’s.’” This weekend’s three presenters each brings an important perspective to study of and prayer over the Pope’s encyclical. Fr. Fields, who teaches theology at Georgetown and has special interest in the theology of von Balthasar, can help us to explore the poetic vision, the Dante-esque “both-and” outlook of the Pope. Dr. Joann Wolski Conn, who teaches courses on Christian spirituality at Neumann College, can offer an informed appraisal of the Pope’s treatment of the relation of erotic love to the sanctifying love of God. Fr. Stormes, who serves as secretary for social and international ministries for the Jesuit (national) Conference, is positioned to promote informed reflection on the encyclical’s treatment of justice and love. This encyclical is available in English on line: www.google.com; nccb; “National Catholic Conference of Bishops”; “church documents”; “Vatican decrees”; “the “Holy See (English)”; “Latest Updates”; “the encyclical ‘Deus caritas est’”.
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PRAYER AND MUSIC Music has limitless possibility for our lives. It integrates, frees, deepens, awakens, stretches and energizes our spirits. Enjoy a mid-week retreat, exploring music as a way to facilitate prayer. Identify music that has and will continue to connect you with the melody, harmony and rhythm of God. No musical ability necessary. Silence, time for reflection, and optional sharing will be part of the schedule.
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GOD’S DESIRE/MY DESIRE: If only you knew the gift of God A weekend of prayer and reflection based on the story of the Woman at the Well. This story provides a paradigm for our spiritual life inviting us to enter into the dynamic of our encounter with Christ. What is the gift Christ is offering you? We will look at the normal resistance to recognition and response to God’s gift and see how God’s desire for union far exceeds our own! Nina Pension has a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Providence College and has conducted scripture classes for adults in the archdiocese of Boston for the past 30 years. She has spoken at spiritual conferences throughout the east coast and also serves as a spiritual director for individuals and small groups. Nina is currently involved in full time ministry with her husband, John, serving ten families in a small Charlotte Mason school.
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“JUST TO BE IS A BLESSING” n the beautiful natural setting of the Jesuit Center, this holistic retreat will provide the beauty of springtime as well as an opportunity to gather with other believers for input on holistic spirituality, contemplative prayer experiences, and time for personal prayer and reflection. There will be two Hatha Yoga sessions on Saturday. Hatha Yoga reveres body and mind as part of the inner journey to the deepest self. Beginners in yoga are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel and wear comfortable clothes. Ruthann T. O’Mara, S.S.J., holds a Masters in Spiritual Direction and Holistic Spirituality from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA. She is certified in Hatha Yoga/Christian Yoga from Our Lady of Lourdes Wellness Center, Collingswood, PA., and is currently ministering at Our Lady of Lourdes Wellness Center as the spiritual director. Sr. Ruthann has been a hatha yoga practitioner, spiritual director and retreat leader for many years.
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