The Franciscan Center Calendar
of Events - 2008
To receive our Calendar of Events in the mail, email francntr@tampabay.rr.com and we will add
you to our mailing list. In cases of financial hardship, please call about available scholarships for certain programs. Click here for more information about our presenters.
RegistrationTo register for an event,
click here.
UPCOMING PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT'S ENOUGH?
Discovering Our Present Fullness
Paula D'Arcy, Author of Gift of the Red Bird
New Opportunity - Two retreat formats
Weekend Retreat - Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8
Week-long Retreat - Friday, June 6 to Thursday, June 12
DIRECTED RETREAT
Center Staff and Guest Directors
June 13-20
New option: Can't make the full week?
Choose any 2 ½ days during the retreat that fit your schedule.
CONSCIOUS CONTACT RETREAT WEEKEND
"Slogans: More than Catchy Phrases"
Sister Cathy Cahill, O.S.F.
July 11-13
GOSPEL STORIES OF HEALING AND WHOLENESS:
A Women's Wellness and Self-Care Retreat Weekend
Carol Ludwig M.A., A.B.D. and Maureen Schlitt, B.S.W., M.P.S.
July 18-20
See calendar listings inside for more detailed descriptions
and registration information.
PRIVATE AND DIRECTED RETREATS
Private and directed retreats are available upon request and room availability. During a directed retreat, a retreatant meets daily with a spiritual director from the retreat staff. A private retreat is a period of solitude and prayer without spiritual direction. An individual directed retreat cost is $80/day; private retreat cost is $65/day.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Many people seek spiritual direction when they are yearning for a deeper meaning in their relationship with God. A spiritual director can ask reflective questions, point out resources, and assist in breaking through spiritual roadblocks. Call or e-mail the Center and ask for a copy of our brochure with details about spiritual direction and the staff of directors.
An offering in the range of $30-60 is customary for spiritual direction, and scholarships are available for those in need.
JUNE* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CENTERING PRAYER
Justin LaRosa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
June 3 - Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Centering Prayer is a method rooted in the Christian Contemplative Tradition. Participants will be introduced to this ancient prayer and experience it as a way to deepen their relationship with God. Evening will include presentation, discussion, and time for the practice of Centering Prayer.
Register by: May 30 Cost: $20
WHAT'S ENOUGH?
Discovering Our Present Fullness
A New Retreat Opportunity with
Paula D'Arcy
Author of Gift of the Red Bird
Two retreat formats
Weekend Retreat - Friday, June 6, 5:00 pm to Sunday, June 8, 1:00 pm
Week-long Retreat - Friday, June 6, 5:00 pm-Thursday, June 12, 1:00 pm
In this age of excess and consumerism we are easily caught up in more -- having more, doing more, wanting more, expecting more. When does the wanting end? Something within us knows there is a truer way to live. So instead of reaching for more, what if we knew the fullness of what we already have and already are? Come and explore what it means to be in a different relationship with your life. The retreat includes: presentations, times for quiet reflection and meditation, and prayer.
(Title based on the poem, "What's Enough?" by Ted Loder)
Weekend format - June 6-8, 2008
Private Room (as available) $200
Shared Room $175
Week-long format - June 6-12, 2008
Private Room (as available) $600
Shared Room $450
Register early with a non-refundable deposit of $50. Balance due by May 23.
MEN'S SPIRITUALITY GROUP
June 11 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Come join other men interested in exploring their spiritual journeys.
The group meets monthly Wednesday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10
Feel free to bring a bag supper. Donations accepted.
Please register by the Monday before the meeting.
MONTHLY ENNEAGRAM CONVERSATION
Tim Flood and Guests
June 12 - Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
This informal conversational format is designed to help to deepen the understandings of ourselves and others already introduced. Beginners and newcomers are welcome but benefit from an introductory session also offered monthly. If you do not already know your enneagram type, please notify the Center when you make your reservation and learn when an introductory session is scheduled.
Register by: June 10 Cost: $20 per session
DIRECTED RETREAT
Sister Sallie Latkovich, C.S.J.; Sister Mary Arghittu, O.S.F., Maureen Connors, Ph.D., Father Michael Cooper, S.J., Sister Anne Dougherty, O.S.F., D.Min., Carol Mitchell, Ph.D.,
Father Sam Vaccarella, T.O.R.
June 13-20, Friday, 7:00 p.m. -Friday, 1:00 p.m.
This one-on-one retreat experience enables the retreatant to spend time in silence and prayerful reflection with the Spirit, guided by a director. Eucharist is celebrated daily.
New option: Can't make the full week?
Choose any 2 ½ days during the retreat that fit your schedule.
EARLY REGISTRATION IS ADVISED. Register with a $50 non-refundable deposit.
(Please indicate when registering if you prefer a specific director and what dates you will be participating.) Balance due June 1.
Cost per person: $525 for a private room for the week-long retreat; $450 for commuters for the week; $160 for a private room for the 2 ½ day option.
SABBATH DAYS FOR THOSE IN MINISTRY
A unique series designed especially for
those involved in ministry of any kind,
including clergy, spiritual directors, therapists, medical professionals, and caregivers.
Nurturing our own spiritual lives often begins to feel like a luxury to those of us in ministry. We can get swept away by the needs of those to whom we minister. And yet, if we do not stay close to the One who is our source of grace, inspiration, strength, and courage, we are not much good to others. Self care is not a luxury; it is essential.
The Franciscan Center Sabbath House will be available for anyone in ministry to "come away and rest" for a Sabbath Day each month
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dates for Sabbath Days are:
June 26
July 24
August 28
September 25
November 6
December 11
Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. There will be a brief optional opening ritual,
plenty of time for quiet reflection, enjoying the grounds, walking the labyrinth and a chance for optional sharing with others.
Feel free to come for part or all of the day and let yourself be refreshed and renewed by Sabbath time. This is the Center's gift to you!
Register by: the Monday preceding the Sabbath Day
Cost: Donations accepted
FOCUSING WEEKEND WORKSHOP
Sister Janet Sullivan, O.S.F.
June 27-29, Friday, 5:00 p.m. to Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
Focusing is the term used for a specific process by which our feelings unfold in a way that reveals their meaning, helping us to integrate our experiences and to take a giant step forward on our journey to wholeness. Here is a way through which God would speak to us, but too often our negligence prevents our hearing. Through instruction and practice, we will learn not only what Focusing is about but how to engage ourselves and guide others in the process. Counselors and Spiritual Directors are especially encouraged to attend.
Note: Sister Janet will be available for follow-up discussion and sharing on Saturday, September 13, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Register early with a non-refundable deposit of $50. Balance due by June 18.
Cost per person: $160 private room
JULY* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AGING WITH GRACE
A Three-Part Series
With presenter Maureen Connors, Ph.D.
"To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom,
and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living."
- Henri Frederic Amiel
Aging is Not for Sissies
June 24 - Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
How do we accept the limitations of aging? How can we remain hopeful and joyful even when we have to live with loneliness, forgetfulness, illness and/or chronic pain? Explore together psychological and spiritual practices that enable us to cope and thrive.
Telling Our Stories to Glean Wisdom
July 1 - Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
In his book, From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older, Rabbi Schachter Shalomi encourages us to find ways to write our life stories so as we can truly become sages for our families and friends in the last years of our lives. Come get started in this process in a way that is fun and life giving for you.
Gracefully Making Life Transitions
July 8 - Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
We are all in permanent transition, or as one writer says, "permanent white water." Change happens. As we age, these transitions often become more acute and painful. What can we learn from past life transitions to facilitate the ones we are facing now: loss of spouse, family members, illness, disability?
Register by: June 14
Cost: $50 for the series (includes lunch following each session)
MEN'S SPIRITUALITY GROUP
July 9 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
See description above.
Feel free to bring a bag supper. Donations accepted.
Please register by the Monday before the meeting.
MONTHLY ENNEAGRAM CONVERSATION
Tim Flood and Guests
July 10 - Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
See detailed description above.
Register by: July 7 Cost: $20 per session
CONSCIOUS CONTACT WEEKEND RETREAT
"Slogans: More than Catchy Phrases"
July 11-13, Friday, 5:00 p.m. to Sunday, 12:00 noon
The slogans of AA and the other 12-Step programs have guided many people through those first days and months of recovery. This retreat will take a fresh look at the slogans and see how they can serve us day in and day out, in good times and in bad.
This retreat is for women and men who are part of AA, AlAnon, and other 12-Step programs.
Register early with a non-refundable deposit of $50. Balance due by July 1.
Cost per person: $110 shared room; $140 private room
GOSPEL STORIES OF HEALING AND WHOLENESS:
A Women's Wellness and Self-Care Retreat Weekend
Carol Ludwig, M.A., A.B.D., and Maureen Schlitt, B.S.W., M.P.S.
July 18-20, Friday, 5:00 p.m. to Sunday, 12:00 noon
Notice the respect and healing touch that Jesus offers women of the 1st and 21st centuries. Participants are invited to bring photographs of themselves as pre-teens, in their mid-20s and in current photos. Bring a friend or colleague, your mother or aunt, your adult daughter or niece. This retreat will have special relevance for care-givers, healthcare workers, women in ministry, therapists and social workers, hospice staff and volunteers. Retreat will include opportunities for quiet time, prayer and journaling, small group sharing and individual spiritual direction.
Register early with a non-refundable deposit of $50. Balance due by July 9.
Cost per person: $110 shared room; $140 private room
SABBATH DAYS FOR THOSE IN MINISTRY
July 24 - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
See detailed description above.
Register by: July 21
Cost: Donation
AUGUST* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MEN'S SPIRITUALITY GROUP
August 13 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
See description above.
Feel free to bring a bag supper. Donations accepted.
Please register by the Monday before the meeting.
MONTHLY ENNEAGRAM CONVERSATION
Tim Flood and Guests
August 14 - Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
See detailed description above.
Register by: August 11
Cost: $20 per session
BLACK HOLES AND SUPERNOVAS: Looking for the Light in Experiences of Darkness
Body, Mind, And Spirit Practices for Healing And Transformation
Maureen Connors, Ph.D., and Carol Mitchell, Ph.D.
August 19 - Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Science offers us images that often speak to our experience: sometimes it feels like we are being sucked into a black hole from which there is no escape. Yet, supernovas offer us an image of transformation and resurrection. Come explore with us ways to stay hopeful in times of darkness.
The program begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and includes presentation, discussion, reflection time and ritual.
Register by: August 15 Cost: $25 (includes dinner)
TWO OR MORE GATHERED TOGETHER: Group Spiritual Direction
Development Days for Spiritual Directors
Maureen Connors, Ph.D., and Carol Mitchell, Ph.D.
August 23 - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
When people gather to share their faith, God often shows up in powerful and unexpected ways. Come and join us in exploring ways to help facilitate groups in sharing their spiritual experience. The day begins with continental breakfast and will include lunch, presentation, sharing, reflection time and ritual. For spiritual directors, counselors, therapists and anyone who wants to increase her/his skill and awareness of being with others contemplatively.
Space is limited. Register early with advance payment in full of $25 (includes continental breakfast and lunch.)
SABBATH DAYS FOR THOSE IN MINISTRY
August 28 - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
See detailed description above.
Register by: August 25 Cost: Donation
CONSCIOUS CONTACT MINI-RETREAT: "Sought through prayer and meditation…"
Sister Catherine Cahill, O.S.F.
August 27 - Wednesday, - 5:00-8:00 p.m.
This retreat evening will look closely at how we pray and meditate, give practical helps in ways to pray and meditate, and offer an opportunity to do both. Come early and enjoy the grounds. We have Mass at 4:00 for anyone who would like to join us. If there are people who want to stay afterwards for an open AA meeting, we will do that. Also, staying overnight is a possibility.
For anyone interested in 12-Step spirituality. Discussion, time for quiet, an evening meal and prayer are included. Come early to enjoy the grounds.
Register with advance payment in full of $25 by August 22.
SAINTS AND GREATS SERIES: Henri Nouwen and a Spirituality of Imperfection
Carol Mitchell, Ph.D.
August 28 - Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Henri Nouwen, priest and psychologist, has become one of the most beloved spiritual writers of our time. A humble man despite his many gifts, he believed that by sharing his struggles he would help others who struggled. Come explore the gifts his spirituality has to offer us today.
Register by: August 25 Cost: $20
SEPTEMBER* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WOMEN'S BOOK CIRCLE
September 3 - Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Come join with other women for a monthly discussion of stimulating, interesting books. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month and new members are welcome to join at any time. Books are decided by the group and will be available in the Center Gift Nook. Call the Center office for the title and author of this month's selection.
Register by: September 1 Cost: Donation
MEN'S SPIRITUALITY GROUP
September 10 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
See description above.
Feel free to bring a bag supper. Donations accepted.
Please register by the Monday before the meeting.
MONTHLY ENNEAGRAM CONVERSATION
Tim Flood and Guests
September 11 - Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
See detailed description above.
Register by: September 8
Cost: $20 per session
REFRESH, REJOICE, RENEW IN THE LORD: COME TO THE RIVER
Fr. Sam Vaccarella, T.O.R.
September 16 - Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This is a day set aside to enter more fully into the spiritual journey that leads us to deepen our relationship with God. There will be a talk on a topic about the spiritual life, followed by reflection and prayer time. Our day will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy. Come and join us by the river to truly become refreshed by God in company with others along the way.
Register by: September 12 Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
FAMILIES AND ADDICTIONS: "Healing and Support"
Christina Bellamy, L.M.H.C.
September 18 - Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
The landscape of addictions and alcoholism can be a bleak, desolate, uncertain, often frightening place. All members of the family, including extended family, can be affected and challenged in ways they never imagined. Whether dealing with early substance abuse or full-blown addictions, family members' spirituality and balance can be disrupted. This workshop will look at boundaries, enabling, detachment, family roles and the unpredictable emotional roller coaster in the reality of addictions today. Options for support, healing and change for all parts of the family will be explored whether the addict in question is in recovery or not.
Register by: September 15 Cost: $20
SAINTS AND GREATS SERIES: St. Angela Merici, A Woman Unafraid of Change
Maureen Connors, Ph.D.
September 25 - Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Change is problematic for many of us. St. Angela's statement to her Ursuline sisters encourages us. "If according to times and needs you should be obliged to make fresh rules and change certain things, do it with prudence and good advice." Walk with St. Angela, the first founder of a teaching congregation for women and a secular institute. Discover how her willingness to change and create inspires us today.
Register by: September 22 Cost: $20
WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY: "Jesus and Women"
Maureen Connors, Ph.D. and Carol Mitchell, Ph.D.
September 30 - Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Jesus interacted with women in a way that shocked the people of his time. He was forever empowering and including women and continues to invite us to that today. Come explore with us the stories of these often unnamed women, what Jesus called them to do and be, and what he might be calling us as women to today.
Register by: September 26 Cost: $20
BRIDGES TO CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING WITH THOMAS MERTON:
Booklet 3: Living Your Deepest Desires
A two-month series of weekly discussions
Facilitated by the Center Retreat Team
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25 and December 2
Thomas Merton is a wise spiritual guide for our times. While one of the most deeply spiritual greats, he was also deeply connected to the world in which we live. This series is based upon the "Bridges to Contemplative Living" booklets that draw from Merton's writings and "gently leads participants on a journey toward personal spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life." We will meet each week for sharing, prayer and ritual around the readings from the booklet (included in price of program).
Register with payment in full by October 1.
Cost: $100 for the series (includes booklet)
Room for the Spirit
A Satellite of the Franciscan Center
SUMMER, 2008 PROGRAMS
Day Sessions at
The James Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center
2335 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Evenings at Christ Gospel Church
2512 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Who I Am Makes A Difference
Monday, May 19, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (with lunch)
Repeated from 6:30 - 8:00 (light snacks and desserts)
Presenter: Trudy Cummings
Pray Always---It Is Easier than We Think
Monday, August 25, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (with lunch)
Repeated from 6:30 - 8:00 (light snacks and desserts)
Presenters: Maureen Connors, Ph.D. and Carol Mitchell, Ph.D.
The Only Thing We Have to Fear
Monday, September 22, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (with lunch)
Repeated from 6:30 - 8:00 (light snacks and desserts)
Presenters: Maureen Connors, Ph.D. and Jim Barrens, B.A., JWB Training Consultant
The above programs are offered on a donation basis.
To register, or for more information about programs,
please call Carol: 727-492-8315 or Maureen 727-460-0591
Room for the Spirit is now located at
The James Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center
2335 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Co-Directors Maureen Connors and Carol Mitchell are available for consultation
and spiritual direction/companioning during specified office hours.
Call Carol at (727)492-8315 or Maureen at (727)460-0591
to schedule a time to meet or to use the resource library.
