Upcoming Programs

Monday, February 8 through Friday, February 12 Beyond Words: An Icon Painting Retreat Begins Monday at 9:00 am and continues through 5:00 pm Friday Class size is limited so each participant receives individual attention. You are encouraged to stay overnight and truly enter into the rhythm of retreat. Lacy ABC Diane Hamel If you are looking for a creative way to ‘beat’ the February blahs, consider registering for an Icon Retreat. This year’s Icon Retreat, with celebrated Icon writer Diane Hamel, will focus on the engaging and inspiring icon entitled The Holy Trinity. The prototype is an icon written by Andre Rublev, a 15th century Russian iconographer. An icon retreat with Diane Hamel is a richly rewarding experience. As a past retreatant observed, "Fantastic lady - fantastic class!!!" And you needn't be an experienced iconographer to attend. In another retreatant's words, "Her ability to teach such a foreign art form to so many beginners was remarkable." This retreat is appropriate for those new to this form of expression as well as those who have previously written icons. Artists and non-artists alike can engage in this process and leave with a completed piece, ready to display. Participants are encouraged to make this a true retreat by staying overnight and to keep outside interruptions to the minimum. Class size is limited so each participant is able to receive individual attention. The prayer and reflection integral to the retreat help to create a receptive frame of mind, and you will be guided to explore a place beyond words via the beauty uncovered in the Christian symbolism of an icon. The beautiful image of the subject selected for this retreat will allow for a deeply reflective approach to the work. Experienced painters may choose to explore additional subjects if time permits. Diane is a lifelong artist, who has studied fine art and has a major in theology. She has studied with Peter Pearson, George Drobot, and Xenia Prokovsky. She has written many icons for private collections, churches, and other institutions and her work has been exhibited around the United States. Retreat Costs: Resident Retreat: $550 Early registration with $100 non-refundable deposit paid by 12/29/09                         $570 with $100 non-refundable deposit paid after 12/29/09 (five-day retreat includes 4 nights private room with bath, all meals, instruction and materials) Commuter Retreat: $430 Early registration with $100 non-refundable deposit paid by 12/29/09                            $450 Early registration with $100 non-refundable deposit paid after 12/29/09 (five-day retreat includes lunch, coffee service, instruction and materials): $100 Non-refundable Deposit due with registration. Final Payment Due on or before arrival on Feb. 8, 2010. Each day begins at 9:00 am and concludes between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. (although participants may wish to work in the evening as well). Although a commuter option is available, you are encouraged to stay overnight to truly enter into the spirit and rhythm of retreat. Details: • Retreat registration limited to 30 participants, therefore $100 Non-refundable Deposit due   with registration to hold your place • Early registration with non-refundable deposit deadline 12/29/09 • Final registration deadline 1/25/10 • Final Payment Due on or before arrival on 2/8/10 Interested in coming the night before or staying the night after the retreat? Request a reservation at time of registration, additional charges apply—Additional Nights: $45 single/$60 double, meals not included – call for details

Beginning Tuesday, February 16 Faith Dialogues - Faith in a World of Diversity and Differences 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm     Tuesdays, February 16, March 2 & 16 O'Brien AB Christine Parks, CSJ Many of us grew up in fairly homogenous faith communities, and perhaps even neighborhoods. We could count on the ‘fact’that most of those with whom we came in contact in church and other parts of life shared our beliefs, values and faith concepts—at least that’s how it seemed. Today we live in a world of growing diversity and differences of thought and belief,that is experienced in all aspects of life. One response is to build a wall around ourselves and like-minded people; another is the annoyingly popular “whatever” response. It is also possible to embrace a less extreme, more viable response wherein we can maintain both our own integrity of faith while growing in understanding and acceptance of the differences of others. Join us for three evenings of dialogue and exploration on the context for this reality and the potential for viable responses. $25 Early registration when paid by January 26; $30 after

Beginning Wednesday, February 17 Lenten Vespers Services 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm     Wednesdays, February 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24 Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth Betsy Meagher, CSJ Have you ever wondered what lies behind the stone wall and beneath the glorious dome atop Nazareth Center? The sisters of Saint Joseph invite you to join them for evening vespers during Lent in the beautiful and prayerful sacred space of Holy Family Chapel. Deepen your observance of Lent this year by participating in this peaceful, reflective service involving prayer and simple song in the quiet of Holy Family Chapel, as we prepare our spirits for Easter. Come for any or all of the six Wednesdays and share in this Lenten experience that Christians of many denominations find enriching. There is no registration for this program. Free will donations will be accepted. Enter the chapel through the main entrance at Nazareth Center. Please call ahead for barrier free entrance directions.

Friday, February 19 through Saturday, February 20 Yoga & Centering Prayer Retreat Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 4:00 pm Saturday Lacy ABC Nancy Diment and Betsy Meagher, CSJ Come away and experience the renewal of this unique retreat based upon the wisdom of your whole body. Our time together will focus on the centering exercises of gentle yoga, breathing, relaxing, along with the contemplative experience of centering prayer methods to help us touch into deeper place of wholeness and sacred peacefulness. Dress comfortably for variable temperatures. Bring your journal and yoga mat. $120 Early registration when paid by January 22; $130 after Registration includes meals, overnight accommodations, instruction and materials.

Beginning Monday, February 22 Centering Prayer Introduction ***We are offering Three additional dates and times for this program.*** Tuesday, February 2, 2010 6:30pm - 9:00pm ***Class is full*** Wednesday, February 10, 2010 6:30pm - 9:00pm ***Class is full*** Monday, February 22, 2010 9:00am - 11:30am Thursday, March 4, 2010 6:30pm - 9:00pm ***Class is full*** Please indicate your choice of date in the comments on the registration form. Unity Chapel Gertrude Maurer, CSJ and Christine Parks, CSJ Silence is often described as the language of God. If your spiritual journey has led to a hunger for a deeper experience of prayer and silence in God’s presence, join us for an evening on the process and practice of Centering Prayer. Centering Prayer is a spiritual practice grounded in Christian tradition that can help us enter into God’s silence which then enters us.It can move us through meditation into contemplation. The eveningwill include some teaching on the history, tradition and dynamics of Centering Prayer along with the opportunity to experience this Christian prayer form. Once you have completed this introduction, or if you already practice Centering Prayer, we invite you to join an ongoing Centering Prayer group at Transformations on Wednesdays, from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in Unity Chapel. $15 Early registration when paid in advance; $20 at door

Beginning Tuesday, February 23 Spiritual Literacy - A Group Discussion of 'Books You Have Been Meaning to Read' The Gift of Years, by Joan Chittister 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm     Tuesdays, February 23, March 9 & 23 Romero Room Gertrude Maurer, CSJ The Gift of Years is a series of meditations written by Benedictine Joan Chittister about the spiritual dimension of growing older gracefully. It considers the purpose and challenges, struggles and surprises, problems and potential, pain and joys of the aging process. It concludes with the "gift of these years is not merely being alive--it is the gift of becoming more fully alive than ever." This book deserves to be read slowly and reflectively—and shared with others. Come prepared to share your observations on two or three of the topics covered. $25 Early registration when paid by February 2; $30 after Please register by February 9

Saturday, February 27 Pray All-Ways - Exploring Ways of Prayer 9:00 am - 12:00 pm     O'Brien AB Christine Parks, CSJ Like the disciples who asked Jesus to teach them to pray, we often yearn for a deeper relationship with God, and a way to pray that will bring us closer to God. To pray is to enter into God’s presence, and throughout time people of all faith traditions have searched for and developed many ways to do this. Come away for a quiet, reflective morning to renew and refresh your prayer life. You will learn about, explore and experience several ‘Ways’of engaging in prayer, (including lectio divina, scripture, intercessory, meditation, centering) that you can use with your own faith traditions at home or wherever you pray. $30 Early registration when paid by February 5; $35 after Please register by February 15

Friday, March 19 through Saturday, March 20 Henri Nouwen and Our Search for Belonging Retreat Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 4:00 pm Saturday 3rd Fl Community Room Sue Mosteller, CSJ Belonging was a major theme in the life of the late Henri Nouwen. In his writing he opened the Scripture and recognized Jesus' deep longing for us to accept our true identity as God's beloved daughters and sons. Sue Mosteller,CSJ, a long-time friend of Henri's, offers insights from the Gospel and from Henri to inspire reflection on the search for unconditional acceptance on our particular spiritual walk of faith. Click here to find out more about Henri Nouwen. $130 Early registration when paid by February 19; $140 after Retreat cost includes a private room with bath, meals, and materials. Please register by March 5

Friday, April 9 through Sunday, April 11 The 12 Steps of AA Women`s Retreat: A Journey of Ongoing Humility and Responsibility Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 12:00 pm Sunday 3rd Fl Community Room Karen Anne Jackson, CSC Progress in the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be described in two words: Humility and Responsibility. The basic ingredient of all Humility is the desire to seek and do the will of the higher Power. True humility is freedom from self, along with a sincere attempt to keep ourselves “green and growing.” Our ever increasing sense of Responsibility continues to challenge us to grow in our acceptance of the needed behavior and action. This weekend retreat, for women who are actively working an AA 12-Step program, will review the 12 steps and how the steps, and working with them, are influenced and effected by both humility and responsibility. Karen Anne is an experienced 12-Step retreat facilitator who creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere enhanced by a delightful sense of humor. Final payment is due on or before arrival. Box supper is available on Friday evening for an additional $6.50 payable with deposit. $10 per person discount for sharing a guest room. $175 Early registration when $50 non-refundable deposit is paid by March 12 $185 when $50 non-refundable deposit is paid after March 12 Retreat cost includes 2 nights in private room with bath, meals, and materials. Please register by March 26

Saturday, April 10 The Jumping Mouse - A Story of Inner Trust 9:30 am - 4:00 pm     O'Brien AB Laura Smith, CSJ Folktales are more than simply entertaining stories-they grow out of a culture’s experiences of life. They provide fresh perspectives, while acting as guides for us on our own journey to find meaning and purpose. The Jumping Mouse is a powerful story of growth and inner trust from the Native American tradition. The tale leads to the Sacred Mountain wherein one discovers the heart of the true self. This day of exploration, reflection and sharing provides a time away from life’s hectic pace and into a place of peace. If you enjoy folktales and learning by means of metaphor, this will be an enjoyable and enriching day with a skilled and gifted facilitator. Bring writing materials, a story-lover’s spirit, and give yourself to a day walking in the Jumping Mouse’s footsteps, looking beyond the words into the heart of yourself. $40 Early registration when paid by March 19, $45 after Registration includes program, materials and lunch. Please register by March 29

Friday, April 16 through Sunday, April 18 Living From Within: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life A Four Part Retreat in the Spirit of the Work of Parker Palmer Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 12:00 pm Sunday October 23 - 25; January 15 - 17; April 16 - 18; June 11 - 13 (a series of 4 retreats) ***Registration Closed*** New Series Starting Fall 2010 3rd Fl Community Room Marianne Novak Houston The more passionate we are about our life and work, the more vital it is that we take time to renew our own spirits – to reconnect with the wellsprings of our service to others. In this series of four retreats we will focus on the rejoining of soul and role, on reconnecting who we are with what we do. The focus is neither on techniques nor skills required in our work, but on renewing our inner lives. Using solitary, small and large group formats, poetry, archetypal and personal stories, we will address basic life questions which, though they are personal and private, are often deeply instructive when shared in a “circle of trust.” This series, led in the spirit of the work of Parker Palmer, is open to those interested in participating in the four seasonal retreats during which a “courage community” will form. In this environment of trust the deep work of soul is given voice. This is the approach which has proven transformational for the numerous participants in these circles which Marianne has led throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Asia. Registration costs include a private air-conditioned guest room with bathroom, meals, snacks, spacious grounds to walk, and time to “be”. Bring a journal, writing materials, and clothing appropriate for variable indoor and outdoor temperatures. Click here for a copy of the Brochure. Check in between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on the first day of each of the four retreat weekends. Space is limited so register early for this 4 weekend series. Save money and register for the four part series by September 23 A non-refundable deposit of $240 for the series is due with registration. Balance of $225 due upon arrival for each of the four weekends. Register after September 23, $315 per weekend; non-refundable deposit of $360 due A non-refundable deposit of $360 for the series is due with registration. Balance of $225 due upon arrival for each of the four weekends. All registrations must be received by October 9, 2009 so that we may prepare a place for you.

Saturday, April 24 Centering Prayer Retreat Day 9:00 am - 4:00 pm     Lacy ABC Laurel Simon and Christine Parks, CSJ This Centering Prayer Retreat day offers a renewing spiritual pause, a time to set aside all the things that often fill our minds and lives, to enter into holy quiet, and be present to God in the practice of centering prayer. Centering prayer is grounded in an ancient and respected experience of silent, deep listening in the Christian tradition, which can lead to contemplation. The day will include an overview and review of the history, practice and discipline of centering prayer as silent communion with God, beyond concepts, words and images. The scriptural basis for, and psychological aspects of, this prayer will be explored, and experiences of centering prayer will be interspersed with the reflection and sharing throughout the day. Come and deepen your prayer life, listen for the still, small voice of God during this retreat day away from all the day to day things that fill, and sometimes clutter and distract, your heart and mind. The day is appropriate for any experience level—including those with no prior experience in centering prayer. $45 Early registration when paid by April 2; $55 after Registration includes program, materials and lunch. Please register by April 12

Saturday, May 1 Seeing the Holy - Praying with and through Your Camera Lens 9:00 am - 3:00 pm     O'Brien AB Christine Parks, CSJ This is Holy Ground, we’re standing on Holy Ground…and everywhere we look creation is alive with the glory of God… Everywhere we look creation is alive with the glory of God… Let those who have eyes, see. The spirit of the Holy surrounds us on all sides, from the grandeur of the night sky, the curve of a lake’s shore, the loveliness of a flower in bloom, the face of a child. Come away for a day of seeing, and being present to, the Holy through your eyes and the camera lens. The day will include input and reflection on ‘seeing the Holy’; individual time for photographing and praying with the Holy you see around you (inside and outside); and sharing your experience, photos, prayer and insights. Bring a camera (digital with download cable if you have one) and a journal; wear comfortable clothes/shoes for walking outdoors. (Program does not include instruction or technical information on camera use or photography) Click here to see works of attendees from the October 2008 workshop. $40 Early registration when paid by April 9; $45 after Registration includes program, materials and lunch. Please register by April 19

Saturday, May 15 Watercolor - The Free Flow of Letting Go 9:00 am - 3:30 pm     Lacy ABC Frankie Dutil, CSJ Spiritual traditions tell us that the deeper beauty and substance of life often emerges when we stop grasping for control. Watercolor painting can be a truly experiential metaphor for the spiritual journey, as this medium defies precise control yet yields wonderful results when we are able to let go. Beginners will learn basic techniques, so whether you have some previous experience, or wanted to try watercolor and haven’t— come, and let yourself go! Participation is limited to 14 people to allow for individual work with the presenter. Payment is due with registration to guarantee your place. $75 Early registration when paid by April 23; $85 after Registration includes program, materials and lunch. Please register by May 3

Monday, May 17 through Sunday, May 23 Directed Retreats - Summer 2010 Begins Monday at 2:00 pm and continues through 12:15 pm Sunday Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth The sisters of The Congregation of St. Joseph invite you to join them in one of their directed retreats held throughout the summer. All of the retreat directors are trained and experienced in spiritual and retreat direction. There are several directors available during each of the retreat weeks and choice of director will depend on availability of openings at registration. Cost includes private room with bath, meals and retreat direction. Each retreat week begins at 2 p.m. on Monday with an opening prayer service in Chapel and concludes with the noon meal on Sunday. Shorter retreats (3-4 days) may also be scheduled. Please call for more information. Registration is required one month prior to the first day of the retreat. When registering online, please indicate the retreat week you wish to attend in the Additional Comments field at the bottom of the registration form. Contact Christine Parks, CSJ (269) 381-6290 ext. 323 or info@TransformationsCenter.org for more information. May 17-23 June 21-27 July 26-Aug. 1 Aug 30-Sept 5 $445 for early registration, 60 days prior to retreat beginning $490 for registration less than 60 days prior to retreat beginning

Saturday, May 22 Praying In The Cosmos - The Aramaic Lord`s Prayer 9:00 am - 3:00 pm     Eco-Spirituality Center Ginny Jones, CSJ The Aramaic language was the language that Jesus spoke. To listen to the prayer that Jesus taught us in his language is to be closer to Jesus in mind and heart. Join us for a prayerful and reflective retreat day listening to the words of this very familiar prayer in the language Jesus himself spoke during his lifetime. The day will be spent listening to, reflecting on, and praying with this prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Bring writing and journaling materials and dress comfortably for time outdoors—weather permitting. Early registration when paid by April 30; $40 after Registration includes program, materials and lunch. Please register by May 10

Friday, June 4 Listening to God`s Messages Through Our Dreams Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 4:00 pm Friday 3rd Fl Community Room Olga Wittekind, OSF We all dream, whether we remember them or not, and our dreams can be intriguing, disturbing and inspiring. They can also be messages from God—who is present in our waking and sleeping. Dreams open us to our inner landscape and can help us grow spiritually. Whatever your experience of dreams, this retreat with Olga Wittekind (spiritual director, psychologist and Jungian therapist) is sure to bring new insights and awareness of your own dream life. Using a Jungian approach to the theory of dream work, the retreat will include learning about symbols 11 and archetypal images found in dreams; working with your own dreams; and gaining spiritual insights from their rich stories. $135 Early registration when paid by May 7; $145 after Retreat cost includes private room with bath, meals, and materials. Please register by May 24

Saturday, June 19 Gardens & Gardening - Images for the Spiritual Life 9:00 am - 12:00 pm     Romero Room Christine Parks, CSJ Throughout Christian scripture, and in the writings of all traditions, gardens and gardening are often found as images and metaphors for our relationship with the divine, as well as for the spiritual life and journey. Come and spend a morning exploring this rich metaphor oftilling the soil, planting seed, nurturing growth and harvesting, through sacred writings, prayer, poetry, photography, your own experiences, and the earth garden that is our home. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for being outside and bring your journal, writing/drawing materials and/or a camera. $30 Early registration when paid by May 28; $35 after Please register by June 7

Saturday, July 10 Walking the Labyrinth - Finding a Path to Meet the "Other" 9:00 am - 12:00 pm     O'Brien AB Elizabeth Tompkins Join us for a Reconciliation Labyrinth Walk and retreat with the Canaanite Woman (from the gospel of Matthew 15:21-28). In this story from scripture we engage with the questions: Who is our neighbor? How and why do we name them as “other?” What is our call in this story? We, like the Canaanite woman, live in a time of enormous change in our culture and world that can at times threaten to intimidate and overwhelm us. This morning is an invitation to take time for reflection, sharing experiences of ‘otherness’, and affirmation of our gifts as we grow and create a more hopeful future. One source of inspiration will be soulful meditation amidst the beauty of walking the unique outdoor labyrinth on the Transformations Spirituality Center grounds. Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather and comfortable shoes. Journals are welcome. $35 Early registration when paid by June 18; $40 after Registration includes instruction, art materials and a snack. Please register by June 28

Beginning Friday, November 19 Carrie Newcomer and Joel Mabus - Linking Folk Music to Faith Friday, November 19, 2010 Concert $17.00 Saturday, November 20. 2010 Workshops $50.00 Both Concert and Workshops $60.00 Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth Joel Mabus and Carrie Newcomer Details coming soon......