From Darkness to Light

We are in the midst of the Advent Season here at Nazareth. Yet, we are already celebrating the joys of Christmas. We have snow here on the grounds and everything looks so beautiful. So many people have come through our doors these past days to share with us their lifes' journeys. Truly we see in them the movement from darkness to light.

Joe Mitchell, CP will be with us this weekend to lead us in an Advent/Winter Solstice day of prayer. Many of our friends from around the area as well as our Sisters here at Nazareth will be coming together and there is real excitement about this upcoming time. These graced times can also be overly busy times. The invitation of Advent and of the Winter Solstice is to slow down, take time and just be...be with one another, be with the beauty of nature, the awe of creation, but also to be with oneself in the quiet of the dark winter nights.

For me, these days and nights are inviting in their quiet and wonder. One of my favorite songs from this season is "In the Cold Mid Winter." A quiet descends over everything and an inner warmth enfolds us if we but let it, if we but notice. There is much light in this darkness...the light of Divine Wisdom, the light of unconditional love. Is this not the coming once again of God's presence in our midst that we are celebrating? Yet we know that God's Presence is always with and in us.

However, we need to stop and celebrate. We need to remember. We need Christmas. So as your days move through some of these dark and cold winter nights, we here at Nazareth Retreat Center invite you to notice your own inner warmth, the warmth of family and friends. Then, may the joy of Christmas and the "Light of the World" lead you forth into the New Year.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year from all of us at Nazareth Retreat Center. We hope to see you in 2011.

Sharon

Winter Solstice: Celebrate Light and Darkness

Nazareth Retreat Center
Joseph Mitchell, CP Saturday December 18, 2010

Joe is a member of the Passionist Community. His current work engages the relationship between the emerging scientific cosmology and Christian theology. He initiated and directs the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center in Louisville.

This retreat day will consist of a contemplative time of input, prayer and reflection. The day will conclude with a Saturday Evening Mass at 4:00 p.m. followed by a light supper.

Cost: $25.00 (Includes retreat and meals.)
Time: 9:30—6:00

Download the PDF flyer here.

Exploring Advent from Deep Time

Miriam Therese MacGillis, O.P.
Exploring Advent from Deep Time
December 3–5

Download the PDF

Internationally known author and presenter on sustainability and the new cosmology will lead us in A weekend reflection process drawing from the rich biblical themes of this season, and the evolutionary insights of Thomas Berry.

This silent contemplative retreat will offer input, time for quiet reflection and optional sharing. Come experience “the coming of our Christ” through the lens of creation and deep time.

The human is the being in whom the earth has become spiritually aware, has awakened into consciousness, has become self-aware and self-reflecting. You and I are the beings in whom the earth thinks... knows... comprehends... analyzes ... rationalizes ... judges ... remembers ... chooses ... acts ... decides.
-Miriam Therese MacGillis in "The Fate of the Earth”

Cost: $200.00 (Includes retreat, room and meals)

Time: Retreat begins on the 3rd at 4:00 pm with registration, orientation and a light supper and ends the 5th following the noon meal.

The Beauty of Fall as Precursor to Winter

Here at Nazareth we are celebrating the beauty of the Fall with colors and brisk days. We have noticed that the drought has taken its toll on the leaves this year...not quite so vibrant. I wonder if that can be said for many of us at this time of year?

The summer held much acitivty for us at Nazareth Retreat Center. We were graced by the presence of many retreatants over the the months of June through August. Directed retreats for women held many blessed days of sharing and simply exploring the goodness of life.
An especially gifted weekend was our time with Paula D'Arcy who shared with us "Great Lessons from the Journey." More and more women and men from around the greater Kentuckiana area and as far away as Wisconsin are coming to Nazareth to share in the beauty of the grounds, the hospitality and the giftedness of time apart.

In September we celebrated our first year anniversary. It is hard to beleive that only a year ago on September one we opened our doors for the first time. Throughout that first year we welcomed arounds 1800 retreatants. What a blessing to us. This experience affirms for us the longing of humanity for the time, space and companions for the journey inward to the true authentic self were God is found and from where we are called to service and compassion.

As we move more deeply into the Fall season and the upcoming winter months we invite you to come to Nazareth and experience for yourself that quieting of the mind and heart.
On November 5 - 7 we are inviting you to an "Art and Mandala" retreat. This is a contemplative time to draw upon the resources of the mandala, an ancient healing tool. The beauty of the mandala is that it speaks to the artist and novice artist alike.

With much excitement we invite you to join us for Miriam Therese MacGillis, O.P. a noted retreat presenter and author on sustainability and the new cosmology. She will help us explore "Advent from Deep Time." Come experience the "coming of Christ" through the lens of creation and deep time.

There are many other retreat offerings which we have planned for this coming year. Please view our entire list of retreats by clicking on the link above.

You are always welcome at Nazareth for your own quiet time apart. We are here to accompany you and assist you.

May these months of Fall fill your life with the warmth of the harvest and bless you abundantly in ever surprising ways.

Exploring Advent from Deep Time - Miriam Therese MacGillis, O.P.

Miriam Therese MacGillis, O.P.

Exploring Advent from Deep Time

December 3-5, 2010

Internationally known author and presenter on sustainability and the new cosmology will lead us in a weekend reflection process drawing from the rich biblical themes of this season, and the evolutionary insights of Thomas Berry.

This silent contemplative retreat will offer input, time for quiet reflection and optional sharing. Come experience “the coming of our Christ” through the lens of creation and deep time.

“The human is the being in whom the earth has become spiritually aware, has awakened into consciousness, has become self-aware and self-reflecting. You and I are the beings in whom the earth thinks... knows... comprehends... analyzes ... rationalizes ... judges ... remembers ... chooses ... acts ... decides.” –Miriam Therese MacGillis in “The Fate of the Earth”

Cost: $200.00 (Includes retreat, room and meals)

The Nazareth Retreat Center stands in the long tradition of the ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Housed on the Nazareth Campus near Bardstown, KY, the Nazareth Retreat Center offers opportunities for spiritual reflection in a holistic approach which reverences the human spirit and all of creation.

Reserve your spot: 502-348-1513 or 1597; cmckean@scnky.org or sgray@scnky.org; www.nazarethretreatcenterky.org

Directors of Religious Education Day of Prayer

October 6 Time: 9:30—3:00

Presenter: Elizabeth (Betty) Blandford, SCN

An opportunity for the teacher of religion to take time to pray and reflect on her/his own spiritual life. Who is God for you and how do you experience the Divine Presence in your everyday life. This day will offer reflection on your particular ministry, providing input, reflection and sharing.

Cost: $25.00 (Includes retreat and noon meal)

Friends of Nazareth Retreat Center

Saturday, September 25

Time: 2:00–4:00

A time of celebration and gratitude. Friends of the Center, past participants, benefactors and interested individuals are invited to attend this reception in the O’Connell Hall Drawing Room. An opening prayer will be held followed by refresh- ments and socializing.

This is an opportunity to meet and greet others who are interested in retreat/reflection experiences. Tours of Nazareth Retreat Center facilities will be available.

Call or e-mail Nazareth Retreat Center for your reservation. http://www.nazarethretreatcenterky.org

There is no fee for this reception. Any donation will be gratefully accepted.

So Much In Bud

Greetings from Nazareth!

As we have journeyed through April and much of May we have been graced by not only the beauty of nature but the joy of family events, community events and civic activities. Mothers Day and Derby Day here in Kentucky provide us with times of rejoicing, remembering and cherishing loved ones, loved traditions and great memories. So much is in bud. Nature flings it toward us, the trees, the flowers, the warmth and the rain. Let us not forget so much is in bud within us, relationships, memories held, memories to be formed. What inklings, what buds are within you? Can you notice?

Paula D'Arcy, an internationally known author and retreat presenter will be with us July 23 - 25, 2010 to lead us through reflection upon the Great Lessons from the Journey. I am so excited to have Paula with us and invite you to join us for this special weekend. As we notice what lessons are in bud for us.

The summer also holds other retreat opportunities. If you are interested in the arts, I invite you to our Artist Retreat June 13 - 19. Come drum, paint and tell stories. This is a time to let your inner self out! Come and play!

More recently I have been reading Joan Chittister's book Welcome to the Wisdom of the World in which she shares spiritual insights from five religious traditions. From the traditions of the monastics of the desert Joan asks the question "What does it take to put excitement back into life?" From exploring this question she reflects, "Sometimes the changes are meant not so much to change my life as to stir my soul." (115) What stirrings, what buds are moving about within you?

What does it take to stir your soul? Have you tried a walk in the garden, the noticing of a flower or a tree. How about a nice afternoon nap? For many reading a good book, perhaps one on meditation or one on service will stir the soul. I think if we simply develop the practice of noticing so much will bud forth for us. Do we really notice life, life within and among us, life around us? There is so much gift in the unfolding of God's creative act of love within the universe, within a tiny cell, within the tiny voice in one's heart. Do we notice? Can we take a moment to take a breath and simply notice?

To notice, we may need to slow down. We may need to value ourselves. We may need some time apart. Don't miss the gift of now.

So I invite you to join us here at Nazareth Retreat Center for a day, a weekend or longer. Come walk our grounds, visit with us and notice the gift of now.

Welcome to Spring!

Welcome to Spring! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Spring is abounding all around us here at Nazareth Retreat Center. Our campus is blossoming forth with so many beautiful and varied colors each proclaiming the creativeness of our God.

The Triduum and Easter Liturgies here at Nazareth were so sacred. Not only were the Sisters who live here with us but so many friends, family and associates celebrated with us. We welcome so many families from the surrounding areas. Our Congregation consisted of such diversity in age from months old to almost 100 years old and diverse ethnic backgrounds. The bells rang out and voices sang...Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

The past months have been very busy ones for us here at Nazareth Retreat Center. We have welcomed groups from parishes and congregations of diverse denominations. People from schools ranging from grade schools through high school and college have joined us for days and weekends of retreat and reflection. We were particularly happy to welcome the students from Marquette University in Milwaukee for a day as they were on their Spring Break Service Trip...such inspiring young adults.

The spring and summer hold a variety of offerings for retreat/reflection experiences. Sisters Emily Nabholz,SCN and Mary Sue Kennedy, O.P. will be giving a retreat on Easter Blessings....the Wisdom Years. As well, we have directed retreats for women and men coming up in May and July. For those of you with an artistic bent, we will have an Artist Retreat in June.

We are so happy to welcome to our retreat center the international author and presenter Paula D'Arcy for the weekend of July 23- 25.

Please see our website for further information and do come join us for your own time apart.
If you are in need of finding a time and space in which to explore God's presence in your everyday life, or simply need someone to listen as you speak the whisperings of your heart please contact me here at Nazareth Retreat Center. You are so welcome.

So, as we move into Spring and all its glory and the Summer ahead we reflect on the graciousness of our Creator God who so loved the world to create,embrace and inspire us with God's manifestations of Love. Remember to notice...

Peace and many blessings,
Sharon, scn

The Louise de Marillac’s Spiritual Legacy and its Relevance for Sisters of Charity Today

Moving into the Lenten and Easter Season

As we still deal with the winter frost we are aware that Lent and Easter are indeed in the wings waiting to invite our focus and offering us opportunities to renew our spirits. We here at Nazareth Retreat Center...notice our new name... are happy to offer several diverse opportunities for this upcoming season. Please check out our web site. One retreat you will notice is a "Call To Simplicity", a weekend retreat that invites us to consider living simply so that others may simply live.

As I write these words the people of Haiti come to my heart and spirit.
I had the gift of spending a brief few weeks in Haiti a number of years ago, being with the people in the villages and with the marginalized in City de Soleil, an area surrounding Port au Prince. At that time the struggle for survival for so many was extreme. I cannot begin to imagine the suffering across so much of that country today. As I watch the news I can but weep and pray. We here at Nazareth have of course sent a financial offering and many prayers.

My invitation to all of us is to take time during this season of Lent, in whatever way you can, to walk into the quiet of simplicity and be with in prayer and caring the people of Haiti.

Sharon scn

Internship

The Nazareth Retreat Center is offering an Internship in Spiritual Direction from September, 2010 through May, 2011 for those experienced in retreat ministry. Contact Sharon Gray, SCN at the Center for further information.