The current issue of Shalom Calendar Fall 2010

September

Labor Day Retreat
Celebrate this national holiday with a retreat at Shalom Prayer Center. Reflect on your work and your service to others by spending a day or two in a private retreat. Call or email Christine at 503 845-6773 or shalom@mtangel.net for reservations or further information.

Dreams: the Language of the Soul
How can we embrace the truth and transformative power of dreams? How can we appreciate the uniquely individual language of dream metaphors and symbols? This workshop will share experiences of dreams through the use of active imagination, exercises derived from Mindfulness Meditation, and lecture-prompted discussions.
● Participants will be able to recognize and respond appropriately to various types of dreams.
● Participants can expect to have an opportunity to work through dreams that they bring to the workshop.
● Participants can expect to experience the transformational power of dream images.
Presenters: Dean Schlecht, M.Div., is the manager of a crisis respite facility for very poor and homeless persons undergoing psychiatric crises in Eugene, Oregon, maintains a small private practice offering psychotherapy and spiritual direction, and continues to offer workshops and retreats. Peggy McGurn, PhD., is a staff member at Shalom offering contemplative meditation as a spiritual director. Peggy has facilitated individual counseling, spiritual direction, private and group retreats and workshops for the past 25 years.

September 10, Friday, 7-9 p.m. - September 11, Saturday, 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
$140, $25 deposit, includes Friday overnight accommodations, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.
$85 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Register by September 9.

A Retreat on St. Gertrude, Mystic of the Rhine River
Presenter: Antoinette Traeger, OSB
Come for a day to explore the writings of St. Gertrude for understanding the concept of "libertas cordis," freedom of heart or inner freedom. This day will include teaching, reflection, and group sharing.

Saturday, September 11, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
$50, $25 deposit; bring sack lunch of buy lunch for $6.
Register by September 9.

O'fest Retreat
Make peaceful Shalom Prayer Center as a home base as you enjoy the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest. Call or email Christine 503 845-6773 or shalom@mtangel.net for reservations or further information.

Monthly Dream Group: Dreams: the Language of the Soul
Dreams are stories told in image and language at times incomprehensible to the dreamer. Listening to dreams in a group can help us pay attention to God's presence in image and word in our awakened life. Understanding our dreams can clarify our vision so as to live wisely and in grace.

Come with your dreams to a monthly Dream Group held on Saturdays.
September 18, October 16, November 13, February 19, March 19 and April 16.
10 a.m. - noon.
Cost: $20 per Saturday or $115 for the six sessions. Deposit: $10 per session or $ 25 for the 6 sessions.
Limit: 15 participants. Newcomers are welcome month by month; however, sign up early to secure your place in the group.
Buy lunch for $6 or bring your own lunch.

Facilitator: Peggy McGurn, PhD. Offering spirituality and counseling resources for over 20 years, Peggy conducts dream groups as well as offering resource.

Book Talk
Book: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Led by Elin Stetz
Saturday, September 18, 9:30 a.m. - noon.
No charge for lunch or for the discussion.

Breathing the Gospels
During this retreat we will explore the radical hypothesis that Jesus taught inner heart-centered contemplative prayer using the metaphors of his sayings, parables and miracles. There will also be the opportunity, for those who choose, to practice a gentle, contemplative heart-breathing prayer derived from this Gospel wisdom. The fruits are peace, love, joy, wisdom, health and life more abundantly - all from the Holy Spirit.

Saint Augustine wrote: "When one encounters numbers in Scripture it would be wise to consider a mystical interpretation." The presenter has applied that advice as well as studied and practiced Eastern and Western mystical traditions extensively for thirty-five years. His commentaries on the Gospels are also inspired by such contemporary mystical theologians as Thomas Merton, Bede Griffiths and William Johnston.

Presenter: John R. Francis, who lives near San Jose, CA, recently retired from a 28 year career as a college mathematics professor. For the past thirty-five years he has been a lay contemplative active in East-West dialogue. In 1993 he gave a talk at the Parliament of the World Religions. His book, "The Mystic Way of Radiant Love" was selected for the Gandhi Peace Library in England.

Saturday, September 25, 10 am - 4 pm
$25, $10 deposit, bring a sack lunch or buy lunch for $8.
Register by September 23.

October

Information Session on Spiritual Direction
You are invited to a complimentary afternoon on Saturday, October 2, to learn about Spiritual Direction and its benefits for your spiritual life, from 1-2 p.m.

Abundant Life Retreat
I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

This retreat provides the opportunity to EXPLORE, REMEMBER, AND PRACTICE awarenesses and disciplines vital to our well-being. We will see once again the connection of BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT, and find new ways and old ways to integrate and nurture our whole being into an "Abundant Life."

Presenter: Sister Mary Ellen McAleese, OSF, a member of the Franciscan Sisters, Wheaton, IL, is a spiritual companion, international presenter/facilitator, licensed massage therapist, and certified in Holistic Health Care.

Friday, October 8, 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Saturday, October 9, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$130, $25 deposit, includes Friday overnight accommodations, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.
$85 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Register by October 7.

The Parables of St. Matthew's Gospel
Using the parables found in Matthew's Gospel, we will reflect on the messages of Jesus that they reveal to us and what those messages mean in our own lives. Please bring a Bible.

Presenter: Sister Jeanette von Herrmann, OSB, PhD in Biblical Studies from Catholic University, former prioress of Benedictine Sisters, writer, retreat presenter.

Friday, October 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Saturday, October 16, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
$125, $25 deposit, includes Friday overnight accommodations, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.

$80 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Register by October 14.

Book Talk
Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Led by Elin Stetz
Saturday, October 16, 2010, 9:30 a.m. - noon.
No charge for lunch or for the discussion.

Taize Prayer Service
Music, Scripture, Silence
Sunday, October 17, 7-8 p.m.
Benedictine Sisters' Queen of Angels Chapel
All are welcome.

Fall Spiritual Directors Seminar
Friday, October 29, 2010
Hosted at Shalom Prayer Center, Mt. Angel, OR

Presenter: Christine Valters Paintner, PhD

Topic: Water, Wind, Earth & Fire: Bringing Nature to Spiritual Direction & Soul Care.

For more information and/or to register with Elaine Andres, please email elaine@sacredpathministry.com. www.sacred-pathministry.com

Understanding and Living the Beatitudes
Joe Roy will present three sessions on the Beatitudes. Friday evening's session 1 is contemplative, using the ancient art of Lectio Divina, using the Gospel of Matthew 5:3-12 and 4:23-7:29. Saturday morning will be a "hands-on" Bible search, exploring the Old Testament origins of the Beatitudes. Saturday afternoon will be lecture-discussion, applying these Beatitude sayings of Jesus to our everyday lives. The three sessions are inter-related but also stand on their own. Come to one or two or all three sessions.

Presenter: Joe Roy has a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Chicago, and a PhD from Georgetown with a double major in Applied and Theoretical Linguistics. He served in the US Army in Turkey for three years as a Turkish interpreter and had the good fortune to travel in the footsteps of St. Paul and visit the sites of the infant Church in Biblical "Asia." He has served as director of RCIA at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Va. He is a parishioner at St. Mary Church, Mt. Angel, OR, where he assists with the RCIA and leads a weekly Bible studies group.

Friday, October 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 30, 9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$135, $25 deposit, includes Friday overnight accommodations, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.
$90 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. Cost for one session only with no meals: $25.
Register by October 27.

November

Living Contemplatively - Lectio in Every Day Life
Through teachings, group spiritual direction, contemplative sitting, silence and prayer in this 4-day retreat, Sister Mary Margaret will guide participants in being and living more contemplatively. She will use concepts from her newly published book, "Lectio Matters, Before The Burning Bush, Through the Revelatory Texts of Scripture, Nature, and Experience" in illuminating how Lectio Divina can bring our consciousness to the depths of the present moment with God.

Presented by Sister Mary Margaret (Meg) Funk, OSB of Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, IN. Sister Mary Margaret is the author of Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life, - Tools Matter: For Practicing the Spiritual Life, Humility Matters: For Practicing the Spiritual Life, and Islam Is: An Experience of Dialogue and Devotion. Among leadership roles, Sister Mary Margaret has served as prioress of her community for eight years, Executive Director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, Director of Benedictine School of Lectio Divina. See Sister Meg's website, www.megfunk.com.

Thursday, November 4 - Sunday, November 7
The retreat fee for the entire retreat (includes accommodations and meals for the four days) is $350, Deposit is $75 ($25 non-refundable). Start the retreat with Vespers on Thursday, 5 p.m. followed by dinner. Early bird registration before October 28 is $340.

Commuter's fee $210, includes dinner on Thursday, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday and breakfast and brunch on Sunday). Deposit: $75. ($25 non-refundable). $70 per day for Friday and Saturday only includes lunch and dinner. $60 for Sunday, includes brunch.

Register by November 2.
Please register early as space is limited. A waiting list will be started if needed. Limited scholarship assistance is available. Please email Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer, welcome@mtangel.net for an application. Requests for scholarships are due by October 15, 2010.

A Writing Retreat for Spiritual Seekers with Nan Phifer
Exploring Sacred Space through Words we'll use writing to identify those architectural elements that move us beyond our self-contained smallness into the mysterious presence of God. We'll write to remember and analyze the way flame, water, earth and air, elements in all their forms, uplift the human spirit. We'll consider which sounds, smells, lights, colors, tastes and touch expand the soul, bringing awareness of God. Together we'll identify architectural components that contribute to the sites where we worship, commune, meditate, inquire and serve; and we'll ponder ways material structures affect how we transcend and are transformed. Though this workshop focuses on places of corporate worship, it is applicable to all the spaces we wish to make sacred. Presenter: Nan Phifer is an associate director of the Oregon Writing Project at the University of Oregon, Eugene, and author of Memoirs of the Soul: A Writing Guide.

Friday, November 12, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, November 13, 9:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$125, $25 deposit, includes Friday overnight accomodations, Friday dinner, Satruday breakfast and lunch.
$80 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Register by November 11.

Spiritual Blogging Workshop
This workshop will assist you in sharing your spiritual journey, using your own blog. We will discuss spiritual journaling and help you set up your own blog. Please bring your own PC, if possible.

Presenter: Sister Jeanette von Herrmann, who has set up http://QAMBenedictines.blogspot.com and http://QAMBenedictines-Ministries.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$55, $25 deposit; bring a lunch or buy lunch for $6. Register by November 18.

Book Talk
Book: A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
Led by Elin Stetz
Saturday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. - noon.
No charge for lunch or for the discussion.

Taize Prayer Service
Music, Scripture, Silence
Sunday, November 21, 7-8 p.m.
Benedictine Sisters' Queen of Angels Chapel
All are welcome

A Thanksgiving Weekend Retreat
Using the book, "Uncommon Gratitude: Alluluia for All That Is," by Sister Joan Chittister and Archbishop Rowan Williams, Sister Dorothy Jean will lead reflections on "uncommon gratitude," and how we can incorporate gentle gratitude into our lives.

Friday, November 26, 7 - 8:00 p.m. - Saturday, November 27, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
$125, $25 deposit, includes Friday overnight accommodations, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.
$80 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. Saturday only: $55 includes Saturday lunch.
Register by November 23.

December

Advent Retreat
"He pitched his tent in our midst." An Advent Retreat centering on the Gospel Readings for the Four Sundays of Advent. Using teachings and Lectio Divina, the group led by Sister Jeanette von Herrmann, will reflect on the God, Emmanuel, and how to better recognize God's daily presence in our midst.

Presenter: Sister Jeanette von Herrmann, OSB, PhD in Biblical Studies from Catholic University, former prioress of Benedictine Sisters, writer, retreat presenter.

Friday, December 3, 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Saturday, December 4, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
$125, $50 deposit, includes Friday overnight accommodations, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.
$80 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Register by November 30.

Shalom Christmas Open House
Saturday, December 4, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Christmas music by "My Sister and I," Refreshments, Displays, and Specials in the Gift shop.

The Annual Merton Retreat
Many people called Thomas Merton their friend and mentor. This retreat will explore the interesting topic of Merton and friendship. Nothing was more important to Merton than friends (relationships). By looking at Merton and his very diverse friends, there are lessons to be learned - nothing is more important than true friendship and nothing is more challenging to most of us.

Presenter: Bill Apel, professor at Linfield College, McMinnville, OR, a member of the International Thomas Merton Society Board of Directors, and author "Signs of Peace: the Interfaith Letters of Thomas Merton," (Orbis)
Friday, December 10, 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Saturday, December 11, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
$125, $25 deposit, includes Friday overnight accommodations, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.
$80 commuter fee, includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Register by December 9.

Book Talk
Sharing Poetry (bring a poem or two to share.)
Led by Elin Stetz
Saturday, December 11, 9:30 a.m. - noon.
No charge for lunch or for the discussion.

Taize Prayer Service
Music, Scripture, Silence
Sunday, December 12, 7-8 p.m.
Benedictine Sisters' Queen of Angels Chapel
All are welcome.

Shalom Event Registration
To register for a Shalom event, click here or call 503-845-6773.

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