Villa Maria€¦ · This brochure contains our upcoming programs for 2018. Come and experience the...

Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center

A Sacred Place Where God’s Abundant Life Unfolds

A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary

2018

2 Visit our website at www.vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886

Programs at a GlanceJanuary 201816: Coffee and Contemplation pg. 15 17: Torah Study for Christians pg. 17

February 201811: Winter Wisdom pg. 1517: Dream Boxes with Margaret Marszal, HM pg. 1220: Coffee and Contemplation pg. 1521: Torah Study for Christians pg. 17

March 201810: Day Retreat with Maureen Lauer-Gatta and Dena D. pg. 1316-18: Empty Bowl Retreat with Cheryl Rose, HM pg. 720: Coffee and Contemplation pg. 15 21: Torah Study for Christians pg. 1722: Taizé Prayer pg. 15

April 201813-15: Weekend Retreat with Brother Mickey McGrath pg. 717: Coffee and Contemplation pg. 1518: Torah Study for Christians pg. 1722: Spring Song pg. 1527-28: Weekend Retreat with Barbara O’ Donnell, HM and Frank Romeo pg. 827-29: Weekend Directed Retreat pg. 11

May 20183: Taizé Prayer pg. 1515: Coffee and Contemplation pg. 1516: Torah Study for Christians pg. 1719: Bee Keeping with Kevin Weber pg. 1420: Labyrinth pg. 15

June 20182: Villa Maria-thon 20187-10: Conference Retreat with Diarmuid O’ Murchu pg. 417-24: Weeklong Directed Retreat pg. 1120: Labyrinth pg. 1522-23: Weekend Retreat with Barbara O’ Donnell, HM and Frank Romeo pg. 8

July 20188-12: Art Retreat with Paulette Kirschensteiner, HM pg. 48-14: Spiritual Direction Formation pg. 118: Secrets of Summer pg. 1518: Labyrinth pg. 15

22-28: Conference Retreat with Maureen Wild and Joyce Rouse pg. 5

August 201810-11: Weekend Retreat with Barbara O’Donnell, HM and Frank Romeo pg. 815: Labyrinth pg. 1516-19: Conference Retreat with Cheryl Rose, HM pg. 625: Watercolor II with Margaret Marszal, HM pg. 14

September 20187-9: Weekend Retreat with Rev. John Dear pg. 914-16: Weekend Directed Retreat pg. 1119: Labyrinth pg. 1521-22: Weekend Retreat with Barbara O’Donnell, HM and Frank Romeo pg. 823-30: Weeklong Directed Retreat pg. 11

October 20187-12: Conference Retreat with Fr. Thomas Ryan pg. 621: Labyrinth pg. 1526-27: Weekend Retreat with Barbara O’ Donnell, HM and Frank Romeo pg. 8

November 20182-3: Enneagram with Cheryl Rose, HM pg. 103: Prayer and Doodling with Paulette Kirschensteiner, HM pg. 1411: Humility and the Harvest pg. 1530-Dec. 2: Weekend Retreat with Ruthmary Powers, HM pg. 10

Content IndexAbout the Center ............................... 3Conference Retreats ..........................4-6Directions .......................................18Individually Directed Retreats ..............11Jewish/Christian Studies ................. 16-17One Day Opportunities ................. 12-14Ongoing Series .................................15Registration Information .....................19Special Services ..................... 11, 12, 18Spiritual Direction Formation Program ...11Weekend & Other Opportunities ..7-10, 17

3Visit our website at www.vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886

Villa Maria Education & Spirituality CenterFor over 150 years the Sisters of the Humility of Mary (HMs) have opened the sacred space of Villa Maria to those who seek to share in God’s abundant life. Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center (VMESC) was incorporated in 2005 to carry on the mission of the Sisters by serving the educational and spiritual needs of children, youth, adults and their families.

Our mission: Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center provides and promotes educational and spiritual experiences in a unique setting for people of all ages, faiths, and economic status.

Our vision: Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center is a sacred setting where God’s grace is nurtured and abundant life unfolds. We seek to inspire lifelong learning and growth through relationships with God, others, self, and Earth.

Our guests are encouraged to feel at home and make use of our facilities which include:

•MagnificatChapel,aestheticallybeautiful, with seating for up to 400 people

•Overnightaccommodationsforupto200 people (bed linens and towels provided)

•Onsitefoodserviceprovideswell- balanced and nutritious meals and adjusts to special diets and needs

•Avarietyofmeetingspaceswithseating ranging from 5-250

•Smokefreecampus

•HandicappedAccessibleBuildingsand Rooms

•IndoorHeatedPool

•Library

•NatureTrails

•FarmMarket

•ArtHouse

This brochure contains our upcoming programs for 2018. Come and experience the beauty, peace, and opportunities for spiritual growth at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center!

Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center is located on the picturesque grounds of Villa MariaCommunityCenter,betweenNewCastle, Pennsylvania and Youngstown, Ohio. The woodlands, meadows, pond, outdoor shrines, nature walkways, herb garden, and the lived faith of the resident sisters provide a setting where the whole person, body-mind-spirit, can be nourished.

Jane Marie Kudlacz, HM President/CEO

Matt Abramowski

Ardath Blake, HM

Dorothy Bryer

Janet Burkhart, HM

Sharon Cahill, HM

NancyHoffman

Tammy Iwanejko

Barbara Lenarcic, HM

Barbara O’Donnell, HM

Dana Stiger

Barbara Torok-Crissman

Cindy Wilpula

Ministry Team


Conference Retreats

Drawing on his recent book, Incarnation: A New Evolutionary Threshold, Diarmuid O’Murchu will explore the enlarged horizons of faith that engage us today, along with the challenges on how to

embody that faith in the culture and world of our time.

7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 7 to Noon Sunday, June 10, 2018 (registration due May 24, 2018)

Cost: $350.00 (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Thursday to Lunch on Sunday)

Diarmuid O’Murchu, a member of the Sacred Heart Missionary Order, and a graduate of

Trinity College, Dublin Ireland, is a social psychologist most of whose working life has been in social ministry, predominantly in London, UK. In that capacity he has worked as a couple’s counselor, in bereavement work, AIDS-HIV counseling, and, in more recent times, with homeless people and refugees. As a workshop leader and group facilitator he has worked in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, The Philippines, Thailand, India, Peru and in several African countries, facilitating programs on Adult Faith Development. His best known books include Quantum Theology, Ancestral Grace, Jesus in the Power of Poetry, Christianity’s Dangerous Memory, In the Beginning was the Spirit, God in the Midst of Change, On Being a Postcolonial Christian, and Inclusivity: A Gospel Mandate. He now lives in Dublin, Ireland.

As we are in the Creator’s hand, so is the clay in ours. Experiencing the qualities of clay, smooth, pliable, elastic, patient, and open, we will listen to the clay bring us to prayer.Noexperience

with clay is needed for this retreat.

7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 8 to Noon Thursday, July 12, 2018 (registration due June 25, 2018)

Cost: $325.00 (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Sunday to Lunch on Thursday)

Paulette Kirschensteiner, HM, leads retreats incorporating art and prayer. Her undergraduate degree is in Art Education and her graduate degree is in Fiber Arts and she has taught art classes from kindergarten through college. She has exhibited her work throughout the country and has works installed in Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Florida.

INCARNATION: The Contemporary Search for Embodied MeaningPresenter: Diarmuid O’ Murchu

Praying with ClayPresenter: Paulette Kirschensteiner, HM


Conference Retreats

This retreat opens the doorway to our revelatory cosmic scriptures so that we may better know the deep time story of love’s emergence and unfolding. It invites resting in cosmic love and relaxing within one’s contemplative, mystic self. Conferences integrate the legacy and identity we share as Cosmological-beings, Earth-beings, Christ-centered beings, and beings within the universal heart of love that is continually carried forward. Conferences will also integrate parallel themes from Pope Francis on integral ecology, the urgency for protection and compassion highlighted within Laudato Si Care of our Common Home. This retreat had its debut for the Federation of the Sisters of Charity which welcomed almost seventy Sisters and Daughters of Charity and their Associates to Emmitsburg, MD, in 2015. It has since been adapted by Maureen and Joyce to reach wider audiences.

7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 22 to Noon Saturday, July 28, 2018 (registration due July 10, 2018)

Cost: $525.00 (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Sunday to Lunch on Saturday)

Maureen Wild, SC, is originally from the Peace River country of northern Alberta. A Sister of Charity (Halifax) since 1983, she served as parish assistant and teacher for several years in the inner cities of Edmonton, AB, and Roxbury, MA.

In 1987 Maureen did an internship with scientistSisterRosalieBertell,GNSH,while also studying at St. Michael’s College where she was introduced to the writings of Father Thomas Berry, CP, through a study of Ecological Ethics. Thomas’ synthesis and wisdom has had ongoing and profound impact on Maureen’s way of seeing the world. In 1990 she made her final vows within a new context; she vowed to live as an integral and responsible member within the community of all creation. She strives to practice this in her lifestyle and prayer, in her ministry and in her way of being in the world.

Maureen’s graduate studies (’93 Boston) and primary ministry focus for over two decades has been on themes of our Living Cosmology and Sacred Ecology. She served as Director of two spiritual-based ecological learning centers –GenesisFarm,NJandCentreforEarthandSpirit, BC (which she founded). As a sought-after speaker and retreat guide, Maureen continually develops educational and retreat initiatives. (www.paxgaia.ca)

Joyce Rouse, grew up on a farm near Cresco, Iowa where the music of the Earth touched her at an early age. The ‘leitmotif’ of Joyce’s music ministry is ‘Helping Heal the Planet One Song at a Time.’ Joyce has deep affinity to Sisters; in the last two decades she has worked with many congregations of religious as they explore their deep concern for Earth along with new understandings of our cosmological context. She invariably brings her wonderful spirit and prophetic gift of song. (www.earthmama.org)

With a Masters of Arts in Earth Literacy (2002 fromSt.Mary-of-the-WoodsCollege,IN)andextensive music and theatrical training, Joyce spreads the concepts of Earth connection and sustainability. She also has a passion for teaching the principles of the Earth Charter in creative, lively and musical ways!

Cosmic Symphony of Love UnfoldingPresenters: Maureen Wild, SC, with the musical support of Joyce Rouse


Conference Retreats

For those yearning for the space of solitude and silence, this gently guided retreat will weave alone time with prayer, reflection exercises, and input each day on a different theme of contemplative spirituality.

(Attendance at the previous Empty Bowl retreats is not a prerequisite.)

7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16 to Noon Sunday, August 19, 2018 (registration due August 2, 2018)

Cost: $275.00 (Includes: Program, Lodging, and Light Supper on Thursday to Lunch on Sunday)

Cheryl Rose, HM has an undergraduate degree in science and math and a Masters in Religious Studies from John Carroll University. Cheryl taught Physics, Chemistry, and Theology for 26 years on the secondary level. She is presently engaged in full-time ministry offering retreats, programs, Enneagram workshops, and spiritual direction for adults and young adults.

The focus will be on meditative prayer in the Christian tradition and the role of the body in prayer. A devotional approach to meditation and to yoga postures linked in graceful, flowing movements to song prayers is taught as

a way of anchoring one’s practice in the soil of Christian faith and praying through the full expression of one’s being. Your prayer life will be both refreshed and deepened.

7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 7 to Noon Friday, October 12, 2018 (registration due September 25, 2018)

Cost: $450.00 (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Sunday to Lunch on Friday)

Fr. Thomas Ryan, CSP., leads retreats internationally and has written 15 books on a wide range of themes in holistic spirituality. A lover of the out of doors, yoga instructor

andapoet,Fr.TomdirectsthePaulistNorthAmerican Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations In Boston, MA.

Born and raised in southern Minnesota, Tom did his graduate studies in theology at the Washington (D. C.) Theological Union and the University of Geneva. He was ordained a Paulist in 1975, and served in campus ministry at the Ohio State University (Columbus) and at McGill University (Montreal, QC.), prior to directing the Montreal-based Canadian Centre for Ecumenism for 14 years and working in all ten provinces of Canada. Perceiving the need for places where Christians of different traditions could gather to share faith and life with each other as well as with members of other religions, he spearheaded the founding of Uitas in Montreal, an ecumenical center spirituality and Christian meditation co-sponsored by eight different denominations. He served as its director for five years prior to answering the call of his community in January of 2000 to set up and develop the Paulist Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, presently located in Boston, MA.

Empty Bowl Retreat-“Walking the Contemplative Way”Presenter: Cheryl Rose, HM

Prayer of Heart and BodyPresenter: Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP


Pope Francis has said the Church should be a Maternal Womb of Mercy, a home of joy and love, not a cold institution centered on rules and regulations. In this popular presentation, Bro. Mickey will share

his colorful paintings and the stories behind them. Each is inspired by the Gospel and the lives of the saints from across time. In these anxious times of fear and division, come feel the healing power of beauty and joy, and a reminder of the gentle and loving Maternal side of God.

7:00 p.m. Friday, April 13 to Noon Sunday, April 15, 2018 (registration due March 30, 2018)

Cost: $225.00 (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Friday to Lunch on Sunday)

Brother Mickey McGrath, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, lives and works in Camden, NJ.Heisanawardwinningartist,author,and speaker whose work celebrates the deep connections between art, beauty, and religious faith. In addition to painting on commission for churches and schools, Bro Mickey is currently leading an ongoing mural painting project at Joseph’s House, a homeless shelter in Camden, with the help of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. He has also created paintings for Catholic Relief Services which are featured in their video series on Catholic Social teaching. Bro. Mickey is also a popular presenter at conferences and retreats throughout the US and Canada at which he shares his colorful interpretations of stories from the Gospels and the lives of the saints, focusing on the healing power of the creative spirit dwelling within each of us- with a refreshing blend of humor and depth.

The Maternal Womb of MercyPresenter: Brother Mickey McGrath

Weekend Opportunities

Those serious about developing their contemplative self will be drawn to deepening their experience and practice of the two great pillars of spiritual growth, silence and solitude. In this weekend we will immerse ourselves in exploring the gift and necessity of these two tools. This is the second retreat in the Empty Bowl series. (Attendance at the first retreat is not a prerequisite.)

7:00 p.m. Friday, March 16 to Noon Sunday, March 18, 2018. (registration due March 2, 2018)

Cost: $185.00 (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Friday to Lunch on Sunday).

Empty Bowl Retreat- “The Music of Silence, The Communion of Solitude” Presenter: Cheryl Rose, HM


The Villa Land Retreat began in 1999 and evolves into a new format in 2018. Five weekend opportunities are offered in a contemplative spirit as we explore specific Villa acreage based on the theme of the day presented by Frank Romeo and Sister Barbara O’Donnell. Time for personal prayer, walks, ritual, and creativity are included. Although shorter in time, the heart of the retreat calls us to celebrate God’s gift of creation and to reflect on our relationship with Earth - locally and globally. All are welcome to participate in one or all of the sessions.

Cost: $75.00 per session (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Friday to Lunch on Saturday); $60.00 for SecondNight,SupperandBreakfast

A Sense of Place and God’s Gift of Nature: 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018

A sacred place is a place where we are brought to the edge of our lives, a place that brings us into contact with transcendent values, with powers beyond our control-Robert M. Hamma; Ask the animals, and they shall teach you; the birds of the air, and they shall instruct you. Speak to the earth and it shall teach you. Job 12:7-8

Reflect on special places and spaces in life. How do they become sacred places where we know we belong? Reflect on the beauty and diversity of life, on greenness as great gift of the Divine Creator. Discuss our human giftedness and our responsibility for future generations of all life communities.

The Gift of Water: 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 22, 2018 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018

For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of God. Habakkuk 2:14

Share insights about the importance of water for life. Learn more about Villa Wetlands, Coffee Run Creek and the Villa pond. Discuss local and global concerns for clean, healthy water. Share experiences of water, personal choices for water conservation and join in a “Pond Prayer.”

Trees: 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2018 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be in awe with the diversity of trees. Walk the nature trails and listen to the voices of creation. Be still and experience Divine Presence. Share personal stories of favorite trees. Discuss the devastation, the destruction of forests, and consider new ways to participate in forest preservation.

Soil: The Heart of It All: 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2018, - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018

The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all. –Wendell Berry

Touch Villa soil. Hear stories of years of nurturing, plowing, planting, cultivating and harvesting. What are the facts about toxic chemicals and erosion that are destroying soil? Share ways that can reverse that reality. Reflect on the science and sacredness of soil. View the film: Dirt, The Movie!

Humility Undefined: 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018

It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility. –Rachel Carson

Humus, the root word of humility, is the end result of composting. Adding humus to soil returns nutrients necessary for the health of future plant life on which we depend. Pope Francis has said, “Humility is the way of holiness.” Reflect on the need for spiritual humus and the need for humility as the opposite of arrogance. What are urgent signs emerging for humanity about the need for humility? Is it essential in our process of becoming who God is calling us to be?

What is needed on our part is the capacity for listening to what the earth is telling us. Thomas Berry, CP

Land Retreat-A New SeriesPresenters: Barbara O’Donnell, HM and Frank Romeo


Featured Presentation

Our fragmented and polarized world is out of sync with nature. The ancient Greeks knew that awareness of the cosmos was essential to right living. By renewing an understanding of catholicity today as it originated

among the Greeks, we have an opportunity to awaken to a new sense of wholeness with God at the center. We will explore the meaning of catholicity in its relation to cosmos and consciousness to see how a renewed understanding of catholicity can empower a new world.7:00p.m. Friday, September 7 to Noon Sunday, September 9, 2018 (registration due August 24, 2018)

Cost: $250.00 (Includes: Retreat, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Friday to Lunch on Sunday)

Rev. John Dear is an internationally recognized voice and leader for peace and nonviolence. A priest, activist and author, he served for years as the director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the largest interfaith peace organization in the U.S.

After September 11, 2001, he was a Red Cross coordinator of chaplains at the Family AssistanceCenterinNewYork,andcounseledthousands of relatives and rescue workers. John has traveled the war zones of the world, been arrested some 80 times for peace, led NobelPeaceprizewinnerstoIraq,recentlyvisited Afghanistan, given thousands of lectures on peace across the U.S., and served as a pastorofseveralchurchesinNewMexico.He arranged on many occasions for Mother Teresa to speak to various governors to stop an impending execution, and recently helped draft Pope Francis’ Jan. 1, 2017 World Day of Peace message on nonviolence. He is a co-founder ofCampaignNonviolenceandtheNonviolentCities Project.

His thirty five books include: The Beatitudes of Peace; The Nonviolent Life; Walking the Way; Thomas Merton Peacemaker; A Persistent Peace; Transfiguration; You Will Be My Witnesses; Living Peace; The Questions of Jesus; The God of Peace; Jesus the Rebel; Peace Behind Bars; Lazarus Come Forth! and Disarming the Heart. He has been nominated manytimesfortheNobelPeacePrize,including by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Sen. Barbara Mikulski. He works for www.campaignnonviolence.org, is a priest of the Diocese of Monterey, Cal., and lives in NewMexico.See:www.johndear.org.

Jesus and the Mission of Peace, Love and Nonviolence Presenter: Rev. John Dear


A prayer retreat to encourage and deepen our Advent and Christmas season. Retreat will include input, reflection, prayer, ritual, and time for interaction.

7:00 p.m. Friday, November 30

to Noon Sunday, December 2, 2018 (registration due November 16, 2018)

Cost: $165.00 (Includes: Program, Lodging, Light Supper on Friday to Lunch on Sunday).

Ruthmary Powers, HM, Ph.D. is a sister of the Humility of Mary. She has presented many retreats for a wide variety of audiences on a variety of topics. One of the topics that have been a special study of hers over these years is that of the (almost lost) Season of Advent and the richness it provides for the deep celebration of Christmas. Her past ministries have be mainly in the field of education from elementary to college level teaching as well as a number of administrative positions.

As a student of Jean Houston, Sister Ruthmary appreciates and will incorporate the multiple levels of meaning underlying the depths of the Advent season.

Reclaiming Advent Presenter: Ruthmary Powers, HM

The Enneagram is a personality theory combining the insights of modern psychology with proven wisdom of ancient philosophies. Each participant is led to discover her/his type and investigate

some of the implications for building better relationships. In addition, insights gained from the Enneagram can assist in the process of spiritual growth and personal transformation.

7:00 p.m. Friday, November 2 to Noon Saturday, November 3, 2018 (registration due October 19, 2018)

Cost: $135.00 (Includes: Program, Lodging, Light Supper on Friday, Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday); $60.00forSecondNight,Supperand Breakfast.

Enneagram Presenter: Cheryl Rose, HM


2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 8 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 14, 2018

Faculty: Ardath Blake, HM; Mary Ann Spangler, HM

VMESC offers a three-year formation program in spiritual direction. This program is designed to accommodate those who cannot afford the time for a lengthy residential program, yet desire time to explore the dimensions of this ministry and to discern their call to the ministry of spiritual direction. In addition to a one week resident week each of the three years, participants are asked to write four short reflection papers each year and participate in experiences which are part of the spiritual direction ministry. More details are available on our web site.

Cost: $1400.00 for 2018 Resident Week

Spiritual Direction Formation Program

Weeklong Individually Directed RetreatsSunday, June 17 to Sunday, June 24, 2018 (registration due June 3, 2018)Directors: Ardath Blake, HM; Barbara Lenarcic, HM; Rosemary O’Brien, SSJ; Peggy Schmidt, IHM, Dominic Totaro, SJ

Sunday, September 23 to Sunday, September 30, 2018 (registration due September 9, 2018)Directors: Ardath Blake, HM; Catherine Higgins, CSJ; Barbara Lenarcic, HM; Margaret Marszal, HM: Peggy Schmidt, IHM, Jim O’Brien, SJ

Individually Directed Retreats begin at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday and conclude the following Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Cost: $550.00 (Includes: Daily Sessions with a Spiritual Director, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Sunday to Breakfast on Sunday)

Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, 2018 (registration due April 13, 2018)

Friday, September 14 to Sunday, September 16, 2018 (registration due Sept. 4, 2018)

Cost: $165.00 (Includes: Daily Sessions with a Spiritual Director, Lodging, and Meals from Light Supper on Friday to Lunch on Sunday)

Weekend Individually Directed Retreats

Come away to the peaceful atmosphere of Villa Maria and the surrounding area to renew your heart and soul. We welcome those who seek a quiet place for prayer, reflection and rest away from the stress of their everyday lives to spend an afternoon, a day or an overnight at our center. Call the VMESC office to make arrangements.

Sabbath Time

Scheduled on a year-round basis Cost: $65.00 per person/per night (Begel); $70.00 per person/per night (Potier); $75.00 per person/per night (Marian). Cost includes overnight accommodations and meals; spiritual direction available for an additional fee. Special pricing for stays of a week or longer can be arranged.

Personal Retreats


One Day Opportunities

Using a simple collage technique, you will decorate a wooden box to reflect hopes and dreams that are emerging in your life. The day will include time to pray and create.

Saturday, February 17, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (registration due February 6, 2018)

Cost: $45.00 (Includes: Lunch, Refreshments and Materials)

Margaret J. Marszal, HM, a Sister of the Humility of Mary, has a background in retreat work, parish ministry, and education. Sr. Margaret is an experienced retreat presenter and spiritual director and has presented in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida. Her focus is on spirituality that integrates mind, body, and spirit. She is currently living in the Cleveland area.

Dream Boxes Presenter: Margaret Marszal, HM

Spiritual Direction provides an opportunity to reflect, in a prayerful context, on one’s life in relationship with self, others, and God. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our spiritual directors.

Spiritual Direction


Featured Presentation

The ChallengeOur world is in turmoil. War, outrage, political polarity, terrorism... the list can seem endless. There are over 7 billion people on our planet. Most sleepwalk through life, unaware of the gift the Present Moment brings. Our minds have been conditioned to:

Relive and regret the past over and over again, Suffer because the parts of our lives we love – people, youth, vibrance, etc. – have faded or gone away. Worry about the future, try endlessly to find happiness, success and self-worth, push away negative thoughts, only to have them cycle back more powerfully than before.

The SolutionWhat about those who roll with what life brings... who are calm in the midst of chaos? What magical gifts do they possess? How do you remain grounded and collected in such challenging times?

Enter - The Present MomentIn A Day of Mindfulness, we will explore and apply such practices as: sitting quietly, following our breath, walking meditation, relaxing our body and mind, eating mindful, and practicing easy yoga. Each time you ‘uncover the peace within you’ it becomes more natural to access. The tools and practices you learn in our precious time together will easily integrate into your daily life.

Saturday, March 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (registration due February 27, 2018)

Cost: $50.00 (Includes: Lunch and Refreshments)

Maureen has a knack for creating a comfortable, calming atmosphere for people to heal and grow whether it is through yoga, workshops, retreats or drum circles she facilitates. She has been practicing yoga since 1999, teaching since 2003 and training yoga teachers since 2005. She has combined yoga and drumming at local retreat centers where people can learn Mindfulness Practices that help reduce stress, increases their ability to focus, and improve their quality of living. Since 2011 Maureen has been leading 8 week Stress Reduction Programs based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program. In 2012, she participated in a Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR retreat and she also attended a Mindful Schools Workshop in 2014. She teaches meditation, mindfulness, and yoga to school aged children. She has presented Mindfulness Workshops to the YMCA of Ohio in Columbus, OH, Eastern Gateway Community College, One Health Ohio, and Delphi and Youngstown State University. In 2011 Maureen became a certified Drum Circle facilitator under the guidance of her teacher Jim Donovan. She has been awarded the title of Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance. She has participated in numerous workshops and retreats focused on meditation, mindfulness, and yoga practices. She is a part-time adjunct professor at Youngstown State and owner of The Yoga RoominNiles,OH.Shecontinuestostudyyoga and meditation with her teacher Karres Cvetkovich of Youngstown. In her spare time she enjoys attending music festivals with her husband and spending time with her dogs Owsley and Charlie.

Dena is certified as a Hypnotherapist andanNLPLifeCoach(Neuro-Linguistic Programming). She is also a Hypnotist Trainer (International Hypnosis Federation). She has been practicing and teaching meditation for over a decade.

A Day of Mindfulness Presenters: Maureen Lauer-Gatta and Dena D.


One Day Opportunities

Today there is a growing awareness of the importance of having bees as pollinators. This workshop will focus on basic beekeeping strategies and should provide participants with enough

information for the home hobbyist to properly maintain one or two colonies of bees at home. After presenting basic information, Mr. Weber will conduct some hands on training at the hives he keeps at Villa Maria.

Saturday, May 19, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (registration due May 8, 2018)

Cost: $20.00 (Includes: Lunch and Refreshments)

Kevin Weber retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and took up beekeeping as a retirement hobby. He lives near Canton, Ohio and currently takes care of 20 hives. As an Associate with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, he maintains three hives at the Villa. He also enjoys woodworking and silversmithing in his spare time. His wife Renee also enjoys helping maintain the bee colonies.

Watercolor and Prayer 2: Painting with hope and gratitude.

We will expand on the watercolor and prayer experiences that were used in the watercolor and prayer days already offered at VMESC using a prayer theme of hope and gratitude. Noartexperienceisnecessary.Cometoprayand play.

Saturday, August 25, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (registration due August 14, 2018)


Centering through prayer you will learn how to extend prayer into doodling lines and patterns creating art that you can use for meditation in your daily prayer.

The day will include a variety of ways to relax in prayer and doodling. Suggestions for continuing this way of prayer will be offered as a “take away” for future use.

All materials are supplied for this retreat.

Noartexperienceisneededforthisday.

Saturday, November 3, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (registration due October 23, 2018)


Basic Beekeeping for the HobbyistPresenter: Kevin Weber

Watercolor II Presenter: Margaret Marszal, HM

Prayer and Doodling Presenter: Paulette Kirschensteiner, HM


On-Going SeriesCoffee and Contemplation: This opportunity provides participants with input from a presenter and a time for personal prayer as well as group interaction. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $7.00; Optional lunch an additional $5.00Tuesday, January 16, 2018Ardath Blake, HM: Praying with the Gospel of MarkTuesday, February 20, 2018Berenice and Robert Madjaric: Spirituality, Science, and Climate ChangeTuesday, March 20, 2018Barbara O’Donnell, HM: A Spirituality of the Seasons: Spring Tuesday, April 17, 2018Janet Burkhart, HM: Making a Change: Opening More to God and OthersTuesday, May 15, 2018Barbara Lenarcic, HM: The Holy Spirit

Taizé Prayer:This Christian interdenominational prayer form includes music, scripture, and silence.7:30 p.m. Cost: No Cost Magnificat ChapelThursday, March 22, 2018 – Lent Thursday, May 3, 2018 – Easter

Guided Labyrinth Walks:Sunday, May 20, 2018 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2018 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Wednesday, July 18, 2018 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, October 21, 2018 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Seasonal Land Series: Join Barbara O’Donnell, HM and Frank Romeo in a contemplative spirit to explore the Villa grounds as God’s gift. This seasonal series will include presentations, discussion, time for personal reflection and ritual. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost: $10.00Sunday, February 11, 2018 – Winter Wisdom Sunday, July 8, 2018 – Secrets of SummerSunday, April 22, 2018 – Spring Song Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 – Humility & the Harvest


Fifth Annual Nostra Aetate Lecture

7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018

Cost: Free Will Offering

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls on the eve of the declaration of the State of Israel served as a harbinger for the unbelievable

new knowledge that we would gather about Second Temple Judaism and the transition from biblical to rabbinic Judaism and the background of early Christianity. This illustrated lecture will present the scrolls and the basic scholarly conclusions that have been drawn from them, explaining also the modern story of the delays in their publication and the role of Israel in bringing about their complete release, properly conserving the scrolls and making their significance known to the wider public.

Lawrence H. Schiffman is the Judge Abraham Lieberman Professor of Hebrew andJudaicStudiesatNewYorkUniversityand Director of the Global Institute for Advanced Research in Jewish Studies. He has served as the Chair of the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies

atNewYorkUniversityandEthelandIrvinA. Edelman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Between 2011 and 2014, he served as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Professor of Judaic Studies at Yeshiva University.

He received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degreesfromtheDepartmentofNearEasternand Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. He is a specialist in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Judaism in Late Antiquity, the history of Jewish law, and Talmudic literature.

Dr.SchiffmanwasfeaturedinthePBSNovaseries documentary, “Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” four BBC documentaries on the scrolls, a Discovery special, the series “Mysteries of the Bible” (A&E) and “Kingdom of David” (PBS) and other documentaries. He recorded two audio lecture series for Recorded Books, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Truth behind the Mystique and The Hebrew Bible. He has lectured widely in universities, academic conferences, and for community organizations and is a contributing editor of the Long Island Jewish World newspaper. More recently he served as the academic advisor to the exhibition at Discovery Times Square entitled, The Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times.

“70 years of the state of Israel and the Dead Sea scrolls, do they matter?” Presenter: Lawrence H. Schiffman


Jewish / Christian Studies

Torah Study for Christians: This Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures using what is available on the Internet with professor Henry Abramson. Working closely with the biblical text, we will

explore the methods and insights of the sages of the Jewish tradition, their love for Torah, their eye for detail, their incisive questions, debates, and creative storytelling (midrash). In this way we will deepen our appreciation of a Torah tradition that is at the core of Jewish life, which formed Jesus as a Jew, and which is the root of our biblical heritage as Christians. Join us in this fascinating journey of biblical and spiritual enrichment.January 17, 2018; February 21, 2018; March 21, 2018; April 18, 2018;May 16, 2018

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free Will Offering

Rev. George Balasko is the co-creator of Jewish/Christian Dialogue with the late Rabbi Samuel Meyer of Temple El Emeth in Liberty. Through his many ecumenical programs, Fr. Balasko is well-renowned and highly regarded in the local Jewish community. He is the founder, general editor, and producer of a continuing education program in cooperation with Abba House Communications, and for more than 20 years has served as host and producer of the “Jewish/Christian Dialogue” network television series which airs in several markets around the world. Fr. Balasko resides in the apartments at Villa Maria.

Torah Study for ChristiansPresenter: Rev. George Balasko Co-Sponsored by Jewish/Christian Studies Youngstown, OH and the B’nai B’rith Guardian of the Menorah

The Sisters of the Humility of Mary are offering women a one year immersion in spiritual growthandformation.JUSTONEYEARisanopportunitytopartakeintherichspirituallifefound for centuries by seekers who are searching for growth and transformation through prayer, service, and learning.

For more information contact: Sr. Cheryl Rose, HM

440-356-6130; [email protected]

Joy-Just One Year


VMESC offers a variety of Farm-Based Environmental Education programs during the summer months. GROW (Growing in Reverence for Ourselves and the World) Camp for children ages 5-10 will be offered June 14th through August 10th, 2018. Teen Outdoor Camp for youth ages 10-16 will be offered July 9-13, 2018. Check our website or call the VMESC office for more information.

Opportunities for Youth

OnselectSaturdaymornings,bothChairandGentleYogaClassesareoffered.Noexperienceisnecessary. Participants are invited to bring a yoga mat or beach towel with them. Call VMESC or visit our website for more information regarding dates, times and cost.

Yoga

We welcome groups who would like to plan their own program and use our facilities. Call us for pricing and to check available dates.

Hosted Groups

From Cleveland (and other points West)•TakeOhioturnpike(I-80EAST)toExit218•FollowI-80EASTtowardNewYorkandSharon (road splits: take left fork) •ExitI-80atHubbard,Exit234A(Route7&62)•Turnrightatstopsign•ContinueacrossRoute304(roadbecomesRoute616)•ContinueonRoute616toRoute422intersection (Route 422 is 5.8 miles from I-80) •Turnleft(East)ontoRoute422•TakeRoute422Easttothefirstcross-road past the Pennsylvania state line (Evergreen)•TurnrightontoEvergreenRoad(Posted sign indicates Villa Maria one mile) •GoonemileonEvergreentoVillaMariaFrom Pittsburgh •FromPAturnpike(I-76West)takeExit10 toInterstate376west(formerly60North)•FromPittsburghairporttakeInterstate376west (formerlyRoute60North)•NearNewCastle,Interstate376andRoute422 merge for approximately one mile. •PassExitforRoute224.•TakethenextExitandfollowRoute422 west toward Youngstown.•FollowRoute422WesttoEvergreenRoad. (Approx. 8 miles. If you cross the state line into Ohio you have gone too far.) •TurnleftontoEvergreenRoad•GoonemileonEvergreentoVillaMaria

Use GPS directions: 2067 Evergreen Rd., Pulaski, PA 16143

From Erie, Buffalo (and other points Northeast or East) •TakeI-79South,toI-80West(Exit116B)toPA Interstate 376 East (formerly Route 60 South (4-A)•ExitInterstate376exit5atRoute208WesttoNew Wilmington/PulaskiturnrighttowardNewBedford•InNewBedfordturnleftontoEvergreenRoad (continue on Evergreen across Route 422) •GoonemileonEvergreenaftercrossingRoute422 to Villa Maria.

Directions


NAME _______________________________ DATE ________________________

STREET ADDRESS _____________________________________________________

CITY ______________________________ STATE __________ ZIP _____________

EMAIL _____________________________________________________________

DAYTIMEPHONE___________EVENINGPHONE___________CELL ___________

PROGRAM TITLE ___________________________ PROGRAM DATE ____________

q IAMINTERESTEDINACOMMUTERRATE

q ENCLOSEDDEPOSIT/PAYMENTOF$__________________

q SPECIALNEEDS__________________________________

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RETURN TO: VMESC Registration, PO Box 424, Villa Maria, PA 16155

Registration FormRegistering for a program at VMESC

Registration Options: • Registeronlineatwww.vmesc.org • Call724-964-8886 (credit card payments accepted online or by phone) • Completetheregistrationformbelowandmailwithdepositorfull payment to: VMESC Registration, P.O. Box 424, Villa Maria, PA 16155

Note: • Anon-refundable,non-transferabledepositof$100isrequiredfor weeklong/weekend programs. Full payment is required for one-day programs. • Programovernightaccommodationsareforaprivateroomwitha private bath in the Potier Center (subject to availability). Double occupancy or other building accommodations are available upon request.

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Villa Maria€¦ · This brochure contains our upcoming programs for 2018. Come and experience the...

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Transcript of Villa Maria€¦ · This brochure contains our upcoming programs for 2018. Come and experience the...