2017 Page 2Fall Seniors Christian Spirituality Series:

“Christian Spirituality in an Evolutionary World ” Tue Sep 19 + Thu Oct 5 9:45am – 1pm

Dolores Hall

This series will explore some of the implications of

the new cosmology for a renewed and hope-filled Christian spirituality. We will examine contemporary

scientific insights and the Christian spiritual tradition

in the present context of environmental concern and the invitation towards a new consciousness.

Senior or not – if you’d like to come you’re welcome!

$20/session (includes lunch)

Register 2 weeks in advance for meal count.

Overnight Retreat: “Freedom and Gratitude

through Prayer” Fri. Oct 6, 7:00pm – Sat. Oct 7, 4pm >Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

Deacon Bill Gervais

Participants of this overnight retreat will be asked to consider their life experiences and spiritual journey

through the perspective of the gospels, traditions of

prayer and the Christian themes that are depicted through literature, film and cultural customs related

to special holidays, such as Thanksgiving.

Register by Fri Sep 22 * $75

All retreats are offered in an environment

of silence, including meal times. Music will

play during lunch and supper. We invite you

to treasure this silence and peace.

Today we are called to be channels of God’s

Providence in a world that is suffering a crisis of meaning, a world in chaos. ~Spiritual Heritage of the Sisters of Providence of St.

Vincent de Paul

Visit our website:

www.spiritualitycentre.ca

October Directed Retreat Wed Oct 18, 6:30pm – Wed Oct 25, 1pm

>Arrival 2-4pm; supper 5pm; Session 6:30pm

Fr. Jim Casper, RSCJ, and PSC Team

Fr. Jim Casper is a member of the Priests of the

Sacred Heart. Theology, psychology and spirituality have been the focus of his education. His

assignments have included teaching, parish ministry,

formation for religious life and retreat work. He currently resides at Sacred Heart House in Toronto.

Register by Wed Oct 4 ** $495 or $75/day

Spirituality Series: “Blessed are the

Peacemakers: Practicing Non-Violence” Mon Oct 30, Nov 6 & 13, 6:30-8:30pm

Dolores Hall

This series will provide us with an opportunity to

explore the Gospel invitation to peace in the context

of a violent world. We will learn practical ways of

non-violent thinking and acting and we will discover

the simple path of compassion, forgiveness and

peacefulness for ourselves and for our world.

Register by Mon Oct 16 $25/series

Our Vision Open to the Spirit moving within each person,

we desire to be instruments of God’s love.

We welcome all to this sacred space.

We trust that serving with compassion

we will all experience a deeper fullness of life

and will strengthen one another

to participate more responsibly

in creating a just and peaceful world.

Glory be to God whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask

or imagine. (Eph. 3:20)

Providence Spirituality Centre shares in

the mission of the Sisters of Providence

of St. Vincent de Paul.

We warmly welcome all persons unable to pay

the suggested fee. Please call with your request.

2017 Page 3“Once Upon A Cosmos… Discovering and

Nurturing Your Own Story within the Cosmic Story” Thu Nov 2, 7pm – Sat Nov 4, 1pm

Joyce Rouse - Earth Mama

Great stories begin with “Once Upon a Time”. Our Big

History story began almost 14 billion years ago and teaches us lessons in every discipline, including those

profoundly spiritual. The continuing revelation of the

New Story reflects new light on our sacred texts, and may lead us to new opportunities to deepen faith,

hope and joy. Come join us in deepening the journey through the Cosmic Story with

contemplation, celebration, music and expressive

arts. Whether this New Story is new to you, or you are a seasoned scholar, you will be welcome! We will

unpack fresh ideas from the ongoing unfolding of the Universe, and weave in new threads of our own

journey. We will explore how we are called to carry

on the story in our time and our communities. Pray and Play! Create and Contemplate!

Come shake off the dust of old understanding about our Story and weave a new sparkle of beauty into

your life. Joyce Rouse, a native of the Iowa prairie holds a

Master’s Degree in Earth Literacy from Saint Mary-of-

the-Woods College, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, in 2002. Joyce Rouse, ‘Earth Mama®’ has

been creating music for Helping Heal the Planet One Song at a Time. Songs from her 11 recorded CDs are

in active use on six continents for contemplation,

education, celebration and co-creating a New Story for a sustainable future. Songwriter, singer, educator,

author Rouse brings music and humor to diverse audiences for Cosmic education and eco

spirituality. More at www.earthmama.org Retreat (includes meals) ** $135

Accommodation + Thu supper add $100

Call to pre-register with deposit a.s.a.p. Full payment by Oct 5

Thu 7-8:30pm, Fri 9:30am – 8:30pm,

Sat 9:30am – 1pm

Our Centre is smoke free and we strive to maintain a scent free environment.

Advent Directed Retreat Weekend Fri Dec 8, 7pm – Sun Dec 10, 1pm >Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

PSC Team

Register by Fri Nov 24 ($150)

Seniors Advent Reflection & Dinner:

“Lighting a Candle of Hope: Reflecting with the Prophets” Thu Nov 30, 9:45am – 1pm

Helen Russell, csj

The Advent Scripture readings call us to a prophetic

vision for our world. We are invited to ponder the words of ancient and modern-day prophets as we

seek to bring the light of faith to the troubles of our world. Longing for a sense of peace and harmony in

the midst of busyness and “doubt”, we tap into the

strength and truth of our spirituality to bring light and hope to our world.

Senior or not – if you’d like to come you’re welcome!

Register by Thu Nov 16 $25

Advent Supper & Evening of Reflection:

“Good Grief it is Advent” Thu Dec 7, registration/social 4:30; program

5-9pm

Deacon Bill Gervais

This Advent Evening with supper will explore the

meaning of Advent and Christmas through theinteresting personalities and fascinating dialogue that

takes place between the characters created by

Charles M. Schulz, the Peanuts Gang. It is a topicthat at first glance may lead you wondering how

animated characters can help deepen our spiritualityand appreciation of Advent and Christmas. But when

you consider how Charles M. Schulz beautifullycombined entertaining comics outlining human nature

with great theology you will appreciate why Robert

Short referred to the work of a cartoonist as “TheGospel According to Peanuts.”

Register by Thu Nov 23 $25

Advent Guided Retreat Weekend: “The

Hush of Advent”Fri Dec 8, 7pm – Sun Dec 10, 1pm >Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

Denise Bérubé, cnd

“God can never be born enough” (Macrina Weiderkher, OSB)

The momentum of Advent in our hearts is a lifelong process. Let the Advent hush come into your heart

this year. Let it settle softly into your soul. Allow it

take root in the silence of your experience and reveal things to you in the interplay of conversation with

others.

Register by Fri Nov 24 ** $165

2018 Page 4

Who Said That? Winter Reading Series: “The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your

Transformation” by Richard Rohr Thu Jan 18, Feb 1 & 15, Mar 1 1:30-3:30pm

Register by Thu Jan 4 $30/series (Bring your own book)

A few books are available $20

Dolores Hall

Well known writer, Fr. Richard Rohr says that we’re experiencing a “trinitarian revolution” and he offers

us an appealing contemporary reflection into the mystery of God as “belovedly in communion”. His

profound and inspiring insights enlighten and

encourage, not just our own personal path to spiritual growth, but the transformation of the world

as well. Come and delight in the mystery of God as friendship, community, and dance.

January Preached Retreat: “Living within the

Mystery of the Trinity” Mon Jan 22, 6:30pm – Sat Jan 27, 1pm >Arrival 2-4pm; supper 5pm; Session 6:30pm

Deacon Bill Gervais

Participants of this five-day preached retreat will

explore their understanding of God through images, life experiences, and catechetical formation. While

time will be spent on God, Communicating, Communing and Community, we will also focus on

what this interaction means for our identity and our relationship with and within a Trinitarian God.

Register by Mon Jan 8 ** $360

Lenten Guided Retreat : “What is the Big

Deal about Fasting?” Fri Feb 23, 7pm – Sun Feb 25, 1pm >Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

Helen Russell, csj

What is fasting? Is it about more than our tummies?

Can we extend the idea to the welfare of our world? Is it about living in Solidarity with concern for our

planet and all its inhabitants? A weekend of silence, input and prayer to reflect on our personal response

to God’s invitations and the needs in our world.

Register by Fri Feb 9 * $ 165

Lent Directed Retreat Weekend Fri Feb 23, 7pm – Sun Feb 25, 1pm

>Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

PSC Team

Register by Fri Feb 9 * $ 150

Day of Reflection: “Lust! Shhh! What’s that?” Mon Mar 12, 9-3pm

Helen Russell, csj

As I contemplate my next acquisition, should I also

ponder what effect it might have on our world? Does

a sense of entitlement imperil the needs of our neighbour and the planet? A day to reflect on the

spirit of consumerism that is inflicting stress and grief on our relationships with self and the world.

Pondering a positive way to live Lent and address the needs of Planet Earth.

Register by Mon Feb 26 $25

Holy Week Directed Retreat Sun Mar 25, 6:30pm – Sun Apr 1, 1pm ** $495 >Arrival 3-4pm; supper 5pm; Session 6:30pm

OR Thu Mar 29, 2pm – Sun Apr 1, 1pm ** $225

PSC Team

Register by Mon Mar 12

All retreats are offered in an environment

of silence, including meal times. Music will play during lunch and supper. We invite you to treasure this silence and peace.

Day of Reflection: “Who is God? Who are

we?” Mon Apr 23, 9-3pm

Deacon Bill Gervais

This day of reflection will explore through prayer,

reflections and sharing our images of God, how that

shapes our thinking and responses to life situations and creates our unique identity.

Register by Mon Apr 9 $25

2018 Page 5Workshop: “Caring For Our Common Home:

Cultivating Awe and Wonder Through Images of Air, Earth and Water” Fri Apr 27, 7pm – Sun Apr 29, 1pm >Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

Register by Thu Apr 12 ** $165

Facilitators: Sr. Eileen Power CND & Kathy Murtha

"Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a

joyful mystery to be contemplated

with gladness and praise." Laudato Si #87 Air, Earth, Water and Fire are integrally woven into

the revelatory power of Christianity. As containers of sacred wisdom, the elements lead us into the heart

of Christianity and at the same time unite us with our

brothers and sisters across time and religious traditions. Most astonishingly, as we begin to fully

realize that the elements are not just outside of us, but intimately flow through us, we find ourselves

being called home to our bodies, our place in the

global family and the web of life. Contemplating the Elements is a powerful way of

instilling the awe and wonder that Pope Francis insists is necessary to overcome our attitudes of

masters and consumers and bring us into unity with all that exists. Only in this way will we have the

energy and vision “to honor and respect our common

home and promote life in all its forms.” Caring for Our Common Home is an interactive

Retreat entailing scripture, symbols, media, poetry, reflection, prayer, ritual, input and contemplative

silence.

Sr. Eileen Power CND, a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame, is a Spiritual Director and Retreat

Facilitator with many years of experience accompanying people on their spiritual journey. She

has a Master of Divinity from St Michael’s College. Kathy Murtha, is an associate of the Congregation of

Notre Dame and has an MA in Theology from St.

Michael’s College, University of Toronto. Kathy is presently the Co-ordinator of Scarboro Mission

Retreat Centre and has spent her life designing and

facilitating Retreats for young people and adults.

Spring Seniors Christian Spirituality Series:

“Everything Belongs” Thu May 3 + May 17 9:45am – 1pm

Denise Bérubé, cnd

The season of Spring always beckons creation to new

life, a bit at a time, until it reaches a certain

completion. Everything belongs to, and adds to, the rich panorama of God’s creation. How is it so in our

lives as Christians? What do we notice in the

springtime of our lives? What does it mean for us to

“grow into belonging” to the whole of God’s creation?

Senior or not – if you’d like to come you’re welcome!

$20/session (includes lunch)

Register 2 weeks in advance for meal count.

Retreat: “Overcoming Our Resistance to Joy” Thu May 10, 7:00PM – Sat May 12, 1:00PM

>Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

Brother Don Bisson, FMS

Joy is a mysterious encounter with Otherness. As the

soul quiets itself, deep joy and consolation become possible, although humans tend to resist their

deepest desires, including joy. Though we long to experience its fullness, we must learn to receive joy

and face the powerlessness and manipulation of the

ego. This guided retreat will focus on the qualities of a life saturated in God, and filled with the joyous

mysteries of life.

Brother Don Bisson, FMS is, first and foremost, a spiritual director and is widely respected as

a specialist in the training, formation and supervision of spiritual directors.

A Marist brother based in Esopus, New York, he has

graduate degrees in liturgy, spirituality, and transpersonal psychology, and earned his Doctor of

Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion specializing in Spiritual Direction and Jungian Psychology. With

more than 60 live audio recordings available, Brother

Bisson is internationally recognized for his lectures, workshops, and retreats on the interrelationship of

Christian spirituality and Jungian psychology. His soulful humanity makes Don attractive to the

hundreds of people who find their way to virtually

everything he offers. He is a man committed to “walking the talk”. From this commitment comes a

grounded wisdom and an authentic humility. His gems of wisdom have been formed in the heat and

pressure of the deep underground passage of his own healing journey in God. Compassion for what it

means to be human is the result, alongside clarity

about the compelling call of the Spirit to “wake up” and participate consciously in God’s purposes in our

world. This waking up is not an achievement but a process that invites him–and us–into a

transformation that is ongoing.

Call to pre-register with deposit a.s.a.p.

Full payment by April 12, 2018 **$215.00

2018 Page 6Fall Seniors Christian Spirituality Series: “Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence” Thu Sep 27 + Oct 11 9:45am – 1pm Helen Russell, csj

This gift of the Holy Spirit inspires us to a sense of

oneness and gratitude as we contemplate the beauties of creation and our role as Co-creators.

During this two-part series, we will reflect on our response to the beauty of creation as receivers and

protectors. A time of music, silence, prayer, wonder and awe.

Senior or not, if you’d like to come, you’re welcome!

$20/session (includes lunch)

Register 2 weeks in advance for meal count.

Overnight Retreat: “Walking with the freedom of God”Fri. Oct 5, 7:00pm – Sat. Oct 6, 4pm >Arrival 6-6:30pm; Session 7:00pm

Deacon Bill Gervais

This overnight retreat will consider Saint Paul’s

words, “Do not worry”, through prayer, reflection,

sharing and discussion of our understanding of God, Jesus’ parables and other biblical references.

Register by Fri Sep 21 * $75

All multi-day silent retreats normally

scheduled will be suspended until further notice, due to pending construction. For more information please visit www.providence.ca

A * $25 or * * $35 non-refundable deposit must accompany your request in order to secure your registration. Unless advised

otherwise, you may pay the balance when you arrive.

Spirituality Series: “Greening Our Hearts:

Spirituality and Creation” Mon Oct 29, Nov 5 & 12, 6:30-8:30pm

Dolores Hall

Contemporary science, its story of creation, and this

critical time for our environment all give our Christian spirituality a fresh new look and focus. Come and

reflect together on these realities and the inspiration

and challenge they offer towards an evolutionary creation-centered spirituality for our now.

Register by Mon Oct 15 $25/series

Retreat: “Finding God In the Heart of Our

Suffering - Spiritual Resilience” Thu Nov 1, 7pm – Sat Nov 3, 1pm

Hilary Musgrave & Monica Brown

In the face of suffering and hardship in so many

hearts, there is an urgency to find God, not in

heaven, but in the nitty gritty of our human struggle and broken humanity.

This retreat will offer a creative reflective space to ponder where God can be found in our human

experience and how our faith can support and sustain

us on life’s journey. By pondering the mystery of God’s grace at work in us and in our Universe, we will

appreciate our innate resilience and capacity for growth and transformation.

“As a person ripens in unsayable intimacies in God, they ripen in a paradoxical wisdom. They come to understand God as a presence that protects us from nothing, even as God unexplainably sustains us in all things.” (James Finlay)

Hilary Musgrave from Ireland is a former Teacher,

Principal and Religious Education Advisor who works

extensively in the area of sacred clowning, story-telling and facilitation.

Monica Brown is an internationally acclaimed Christian composer and workshop facilitator. Her

music is used throughout the world and is touching the hearts of many. www.emmausproductions.com

Retreat (includes meals) ** $135 Accommodation + Thu supper add $100

Call to pre-register with deposit a.s.a.p. full payment by October 4, 2018

Thu 7-8:30pm, Fri 9:30am – 8:30pm,

Sat 9:30am – 1pm

Our Team Our Ministries

Lucy Bethel is a Sister of Providence of St. Vincent

de Paul and director of the Centre. Sister Lucy participates in the ministry of spiritual direction and

retreat work as well as the facilitation of days of reflection for parishes and special interest groups.

Dolores Hall is delighted to be a part of our ministry

team and to offer the gift of her ‘listening heart’ to those who come here. She is grateful for her rich

experience of many years as a spiritual director and

teacher/facilitator throughout the country and elsewhere.

Ingrid Lacis coordinates all group bookings and

program registrations. She is our “friendly voice” of welcoming. Ingrid brings a rich experience in systems

and administration and considers herself blessed to be “the one who welcomes” guests to the Centre. She

finds spiritual renewal while delighting in God’s creation on the trails and lake by her country home.

Helen Russell is a member of the Congregation of

the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada. As a retired teacher and a former parish pastoral minister, she is

excited about ministry in retreat and spiritual

direction. With a keen interest in social justice, she enjoys exploring and helping others to explore new

understandings, insights and images of God.

Mieke Van Geest, part-time support staff, welcomes guests on Saturdays and assists with promotion and

administration. Mieke is a photographic artist, teacher and also works as an art therapist. She takes joy in

seeing others discover their creativity and their

spiritual centre.

We also welcome and rely on the assistance of experienced spiritual directors, retreat directors

/group facilitators:

Bill Gervais is a permanent deacon ordained for the Archdiocese of Kingston. He has advanced degrees in

pastoral ministry and spirituality. His ministries

include pastoral care, spiritual direction, diaconal formation, as well as facilitating days of reflection and

writing a monthly religion column in the Kingston Whig Standard.

Denise Bérubé is a Sister of the Congregation of

Notre Dame of Montreal (CND). She recently moved to Kingston and welcomes the opportunity to

participate in the ministry of Providence Spirituality

Centre as a guest spiritual director and group/retreat facilitator, a ministry dear to her heart. Sister Denise is

fluently bilingual and can offer one-on-one spiritual direction in English or in French.

Spiritual Direction is an opportunity to ‘come as you

are’ to speak confidentially with a spiritual director who accompanies you on your journey, affirming and

encouraging you in your relationship with God and all of creation.

Retreats are a time for persons of all walks of life to

come away from ordinary daily activities in order to rest, pray and reflect in an atmosphere of silence.

Directed Retreats provide an opportunity for daily

one-on-one spiritual direction. Individuals unable to make a longer directed retreat are welcome to come

for a shorter period.

Guided Retreats are presented in a group setting by

a facilitator(s) who gives daily presentations, offering

themes and/or Scripture passages for prayer and reflection. Retreatants come together daily to share

the fruits of their prayer and reflection.

Preached Retreats are also presented in a group

setting by a director who usually gives one talk daily,

suggesting themes and/or Scripture passages for prayer and reflection. Retreatants may have the

opportunity to meet individually with the director during the retreat.

Private Retreats may be planned and arranged by

the individual, and made with or without one-on-one spiritual direction. Most private retreats at the Centre

are arranged during regularly scheduled retreats and according to retreat rates.

Requests for Private Directed Retreats outside of

regularly scheduled retreat times should be made at least one month prior and will depend upon the

availability of a team member.

Quiet Days – Monday to Saturday Come apart and savour the peace!

$10 includes lunch

$ 25 includes a private day room

Please call to register Quiet Days at Providence Spirituality Centre are an

invitation to rest in the silence of a sacred space where deep inner peace can be cultivated, nourished

and nurtured into blossom. Lunch is provided and most days you may join the Sisters for Mass in their

chapel. We encourage you to take time away! We

welcome you to come and grow in peace with us.

Our Bookstore: -a collaborative ministry

with the Anglican Church Book Room

where you can choose from a fine selection of spiritual books, CD’s and tapes.