November 13, 2010
9 - 4:00 pm

Come, let us reflect on the person of Jesus. Let us see Jesus deeply in his roles as:
Servant Leader
Humble Teacher
Loyal Friend
Gentle Healer

You also have these roles. Come be inspired by the Jesus portrayed in scripture, the Jesus in each other and His divine presence when two or more come together in His name!

Cost: $75 , includes lunch

Rev. Bob Glasgow, former Chaplain of the Rocky View Hospital and Founder of the Grief Support Program will lead this one-day gathering.

In his ministry, Bob has been leader, teacher, friend and healer, endeavoring to do so in the spirit of Christ.

November 27, 2010
9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a full day retreat for Meditators

"MEDITATION is a simple process of coming to stillness of mind and body. In meditation, we are not thinking about God, but we seek to be with God and to allow God's mysterious presence to become the reality which gives meaning and purpose to everything we do and everything we are."     

        John Main, OSB 

Cost: $75, includes lunch

ENGELINE PIET has taught Christian Meditation at the FCJ Christian Life Centre since the early 80’s. She is a Spiritual Director and a member of the FCJ retreat team. Engeline offers workshops for Roman Catholic, Anglican, and United Church parishes in Calgary and rural Alberta. She is also a member of the World Community for Christian Meditation and coordinates activities for Southern Alberta.

Engeline is married with five grown children and ten grandchildren.

December 7, 2010
9 - 3:30 pm

On our annual journey through Advent, we are invited through Stories and Poetry, to ponder the threads that weave
“The Story” with Our Story

This retreat day is an invitation to reflect on the ‘Gift’ that came forth from the Stable.

“It is often poets who see the truth and can communicate it best.”

Richard Rohr

 

“Poets instil in us a capacity for contemplation, for taking a longer look at the mystery in which we are embedded.”

Kathleen Fisher

 

“The marvelous thing about learning from a story is that a story never ends, so our learning from it need not end either.”

Parker Palmer

Stories are designed to force us to consider possibilities ...
...They are grounded in hope...
...[they] suggest through the wonderful,

Wonder itself ...”

William Bausch

Cost: free will offering, includes lunch

A former teacher and librarian, Maureen has facilitated numerous retreats at the FCJ Centre and as well, at local parishes. Maureen’s zeal for life is appreciated by all who know her.

December 9, 2010
7 - 9:00 pm

Loss and grief can overcome us even in the festive times of the year. Heart-break and heart-ache have the power to overwhelm us.

In this evening retreat, we will explore the avenues of courage and hope to help us bridge the gap between inner darkness and inner light.

Cost: $25

FR. MAX OLIVA, SJ, is no stranger to the FCJ Centre. He served in the Calgary Diocese from 1999 - 2008, giving numerous retreats at the Centre and throughout the Diocese.

Fr. Max presently lives in San Jose, CA . He is in the process of establishing a spirituality and ethics ministry in Las Vegas, Nev.

December 16, 2010
5:45 - 9:00 pm

These words of Mechtilde of Magdeburg remind us that we have a hidden centre where God is present and always experienced. How can we reach this soul and how can we live out of our soul instead of always living out of our head? This retreat will explore the wonders of your own personal soul as a source of wisdom and healing and connection with God.

 

Registration: 5:30 pm
Supper: 5:45pm
Evening presentation follows

 

 

Cost: $35, includes supper

Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, 2010
7 - 8:00 p.m.

Meditators are invited to spend an time in the quiet and serene atmosphere of the FCJ Chapel.

Free will offerings welcomed

Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, 2010
7:30 - 8:30pm

"Nothing is more conducive to a communion with the living Gopd than a meditative common prayer with singing that never ends and that continues in the silence of one's heart when one is alone again."

Brother Roger of Taize

The Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus invite you to join them for an evening of Taize chant, silent prayer and intercession for the needs of the world on the first Friday of every month.

Cost: Free will offering

Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 18, 20,25 & Nov. 1, 2010
5:45 - 7:00 pm

Prayer is practiced in many forms. Styles of prayer are as individual as the person who is praying. Yoga is one form of prayer used by many in all walks of faith.

Yoga of Breathing (or Pranayama) is one of the five principles of yoga that purifies and promotes the vital energies of body and mind. It includes six meditative breathing exercises, focusing on physical and mental vitality, as well as six gentle physical exercises for healthy joints. The benefit of this yoga is noticeable within two weeks for those who are diligent in its practice.

NB - Do not eat for 5 hours prior to yoga but drink plenty of water

Cost: $25/evening or $154/7 wk series

LYNN CHAZOTSANG, a member of the Buddhist Community in Calgary, is a local catalyst for women’s spirituality groups. She is the recipient of the Global Woman of Vision for Humanitarian and Community Services Award, as well as the Asian Heritage Award. Lynn is a guest speaker at schools, universities, and community and interfaith groups. She is married with children and grandchildren.

Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 2010
7 - 9:00 pm

We live busy, fast and full lives, realizing that in all of the rush we are missing something. Our lives are cluttered. Over-consuming keeps us from appreciating the simple joys of beauty, tasting, seeing, loving.

“... busy-ness kills the heart ... It makes us stop caring about the things we really care about.” Mark Buchanan

God must have something else in mind. In all our hurry we forget to remember that the ONE who created us in love is also holding us in love and has a purpose for our lives, regardless of our circumstance.

Living contemplatively is being awake to what really “is” in my life, right here, right now, and in this moment, finding God.

How might we live our lives more fully awake to the Presence of God in ourselves and in all of creation? Contemplation is becoming lost in the real presence of the one you love.

Paula D’Arcy says that “God comes disguised as our ordinary lives.” During this 6-week series, we will explore practices or ways of “paying attention” to our ordinary lives and finding God there. We will consider and expand our understanding of

• Prayer
  
• The gifts of Sabbath and Simplicity
  
• Spiritual Listening - as we listen with our hearts to God, ourselves and others
  
• Love, healing and bringing greater freedom-- moving from Compulsion to Contemplation
  
• How our spiritual transformation is never all about us ... but is always to free us to be “Jesus in the world” – for the sake of others.
  
  

Cost: $150 series

 

 

CHERIE TETZ has been in the ministry of spiritual direction for the past six years. She is a partner of Soulstream, which facilitates training for Spiritual Direction and Living from the Heart courses. Cherie works part-time at Shine FM while continuing to offer workshops and retreats to corporate and non-profit organizations, including The Mustard Seed and the FCJ Christian Life Centre.

Cherie is a mother of three and grandmother of five little ones who remind her how important it is to love, laugh, dance and play.

Sept. 20, 2010
9:30 - 3:30pm

Experience very gentle yoga stretches, movement and relaxation. These exercise will open and strengthen your body thus enabling you to enjoy a variety of guided and self-guided meditations. As this program is designed for EVERY body, a chair may be used to support you.

No previous yoga experience is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, as well as a blanket and a journal. Wear comfortable clothing. Class is limited so register early.

Cost: free will offering

LOIS PERRON is a certified Holy Yoga instructor. She is also a trained Spiritual Director and retreat facilitator who brings the joy of embodied prayer to her students.

Sept. 27 & Oct. 27, 2010
7 - 9:00 pm

The Spirit of God can move our hearts, minds and bodies. Through gesture, movement and dance we will explore the Spirit of God alive in our individual and communal lives. Come and experience how this prayer form can express our deepest longings and yearnings, connecting us more deeply with God.

These evenings will explore:
~ basic dance techniques
~ the use of dance composition and improvisation
~ the relationship between our experience of God and physical movement

No previous experience of dance is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a container for water.

Cost: $25/evening

Every dream, like a fairytale, is a series of images and symbols which recount the story of the soul. Just as the fairytale encapsulates the soul of the race, a dream encapsulates the soul of the person at the time of dreaming.

Using the images in a fairytale, we will explore the significance of metaphor and symbol and enlarge our understanding of symbology so that our personal dreams may be more easily amplified and their lesson understood.

Come to expand your inner horizon through engaging your imagination and creativity. Come to relax and be refreshed as you discover your own unique soul.

The Inner Child in Dreams - Promise of New Life
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
7 - 9:30 pm

Exploring Scary Dreams
Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010
7 - 9:30 pm

Snow White or Snow Queen
Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010
7 - 9:30 pm

Cost: $25/session

Oct. 14 & Nov. 18, 2010
7 - 9:00 p.m.

Praying can be a challenge in the busy world of today, and our energies and desire to pray are drained away. To gaze at a work of art and know something of its history is a gift. To look beyond the picture and find inspiration for prayer can be a moving experience.

Join us for one or both of these ‘Praying with Art’ sessions and enjoy some of the riches they offer.

Cost: $25/evening

Oct. 29 - 30, 2010
Friday: 7 - 9:00 pm to
Saturday: 9 - 4:30 pm

Mystical Prayer: What is it?

Prayer is mystical when there is no separation between God and the pray-er.
- Evelyn Underhill, 20th century lay-woman

The presence of an almost unfathomable mystery which seems to be drawing me to itself.

- Bede Griffiths OSB, 20th century Benedictine monk

 

Mysticism is the whispered yes
As we tremble before
That which we do not understand
Nor control, yet we desire.

Mysticism is daily assent
To all,
A mighty offering up
Of existence

- Edwina Gateley, 20th century lay-woman

 

Contrary to common belief and expectations, mysticism is not just for the “really holy”, slightly odd or privileged person! It is part of the Christian call, the invitation accepted, to live intimately with and in God in the ordinary round of daily life.

During the retreat, we will:

• reflect on mystical moments in our own and in others’ experience
• look at a brief history of contemplative prayer
• look at guidelines for determining the authenticity of a so-called mystical moment
• be companioned by three persons who lived mystically
  ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Luthern Pastor
  ~ Edwina Gately - RC Theologian & Retreat Facilitator
  ~ Etty Hillesom, Jewish Philospher & Linguist
• reflect together on some practicalities of being an “every day mystic”

There will be time for personal reflection and prayer, as well as optional privileged sharing with another person or in small groups.

 

Cost: $100, includes Saturday lunch

JANE GALVIN, fcJ, is a Spiritual Director, and a workshop and retreat facilitator who was formerly part of the Resource Staff at the FCJ Christian Life Centre. Jane currently resides in Toronto, ON., where she directs FCJ Resources in Spirituality.

Oct. 30, 2010
9:30 - 3:30 pm

Experience a unique Christian approach to the ancient practice of yoga. This day is geared to those who are familiar with yoga.

Using contemporary and traditional Christian music, this retreat day offers both an energizing morning yoga practice, as well as an afternoon yoga walk (hopefully outdoors)l and restorative practice. The day includes a variety of guided and self-guided meditations.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, yoga block, and strap if you have one. Also bring a blanket and journal. Class is limited so register early.

Cost: $75, includes lunch

LOIS PERRON is a certified Holy Yoga instructor. She is also a trained Spiritual Director and retreat facilitator who brings the joy of embodied prayer to her students.

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 2010
7 - 9:00 pm

We sometimes need to ‘go away’ from the familiar to be refreshed and renewed. This is true for all of us and in our prayers too. Dom John Chapman wisely wrote -
“Pray as you can, not as you can’t”.

Do I make myself stick to familiar patterns of praying? Perhaps a look at something different would help to refresh and renew me. Over these three weeks, we will explore different methods of prayer.

When we wake up
each morning,
if praise of the Risen Christ
were to fill our hearts ...
Then,
in the monotony of daily life,
an inner surge of vitality
would reveal our hidden longing.

Brother Roger of Taizé

 

 

Cost: $25/evening or 470/3 week series

Nov. 3 & 10, 2010
7 - 9:00 p.m.

Everything you always wanted to know about Christian Meditation. Experience how this ancient way of prayer leads you to harmony of body, mind and spirit.

Cost: $25/evening

Sept. 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 28 2010
1:30 - 4:30 pm

Prayer shawls, comfort shawls, peace shawls . . .…

Shawls ... Made for centuries are universal and embracing. They enfold, comfort, cover, wrap, give solace, warmth, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. They are symbolic of inclusive and unconditional loving. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed.

. . . Knitting yarn into shawls and weaving prayers into the shawl creates a vessel for God’s mysterious presence in other people’s lives.

In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo founded the prayer shawl ministry with the intention of combining care and love of knitting into a contemplative practice. Over the past ten years, knitters around the world have participated in knitting circles with the intention of creating shawls for those in need of comfort.

You are invited to join with other knitters in an afternoon of spiritual crafting where projects can be shared, celebrated and blessed. Come, discover the quiet of contemplative knitting.

The knitted shawls created are intended for people who are in need of comfort after a loss or during an illness; undergoing commitment or marriage ceremonies, birthing, nursing a baby or as a way to mark other life passages. The shawls can be knit for someone you know or can be donated to someone in need.

Please come with your yarn and needles. Some people have used Lions Brand Homespun wool (found at Michael’s Craft Store) and size 9 mm (circular or straight knitting needles) to knit a shawl. A simple pattern of 3 knit, 3 purl with 57 stitches cast on is followed. However, other simple shawl patterns and samples will be provided.

What ever the reason, whoever the recipient, experience the quiet and peace that comes from knitting with intention a tangible creation of love.

Cost: $5/session

JEAN HOGG is a member of CASEA (Calgary Apostolate of Spiritual Exercies Assoc.) and has a strong background in Christian Meditation. Jean lives in Calgary and is a mother and grandmother.

The Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus are celebrating their arrival to Calgary 125 years ago. Each month in 2010 features an event which commemorates this special year of celebration.

Wed. September 15, 2010
Annual Labyrinth Walk for Peace and
Dedication of the Peace Totem and Stations of the Cross
7:00 - 9:00pm
Free will offerings

Wed. October 6, 2010
Thanksgiving Dinner and Theatre
Go West Sisters, Go West!
Dinner at 6:00 pm; Performance to follow

Begin your day with Prayer at the FCJ Christian Life Centre. Each morning is designed to set you on your way early, beginning at 7:30 am with a continental breakfast followed by ‘food for thought’ offered by our facilitators.

• Monday, September 27, 2010
  7:30 - 8:15 am

Be-Attitudes for the Workplace

With Ita Connery, fcJ

‘‘Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.’
Rabbi Abraham Hershel

In this morning presentation we will explore some of the attitudes that keep us from experiencing life fully and how we might change these attitudes so that life is experienced as a blessing and not an obstacle race.

 

• Monday, November 29, 2010
  7:30 - 8:15 am

Love Your Enemies,
Pray for Those Who Persecute You ...

With Rev. Bob Glasgow

In our humanity this sounds impossible. Why does Jesus constantly push us towards loving others. He tells us to love others as He loves us. Is this possible? We will reflect on Christ’s admonition as an antidote for resentment.

 

 

Annual Christmas Open House and Art Sale

 

December 2, 2010
4 - 7:00 pm

All are welcome to join FCJ staff and friends at our annual Christmas Open House. Art work of our in-house artists, Ita Connery, fcJ and Marjorie Perkins, fcJ will be available to view and purchase.

Please RSVP before November 25, 2010

Donations to support our 'Street Feet' program are welcomed.

Sabbaticals at the
FCJ Christian Life Centre ...

... an Oasis in the heart of Calgary

We invite you to spend your Sabbatical here at the FCJ Christian Life Centre. Located on the banks of the Elbow River, the Centre is an ‘Oasis’ from the outside world, situated in the heart of Calgary with its many conveniences, yet seemingly far away from the busyness of the outside world. We offer our guests hearty and healthy home-cooked meals, privacy and the opportunity to participate in programs offered by the Centre.

To enhance your Sabbatical, we offer beautiful grounds to enjoy including ...
~ Labyrinth & Grotto
~ meditation gardens
~ Stations of the Cross and Peace Totem

There is also ...
~ a private chapel
~ library
~ easy access to Talisman Sports Centre and river path walks

Arrangements can be made for ...
~ Spiritual Direction
~Massage, Reiki, Healing Touch and Reflexology

For more information on Sabbaticals at the FCJ Centre, please call Mary Robertson at (403) 228-4215.

 

 

Prayer nights with L'Arche every Tuesday evening 7:30 p.m.

Taize Prayer evenings - 2nd Tuesday of each month. All are welcome!

T.E.A.M. - Lay Ministry Training Program
(Together Enabling Adults in Ministry)
TEAM a lay ministry training program, is offered one weekend a month for three years, (excluding July and August). The program focuses on spiritual and personal growth and develops skills which enable participants to minister in the parish, workplace, or family.

We re presently receiving registrations for T.E.A.M. 15 which begins September 2011. For more information please call Sr. Marjorie Perkins, fcJ.

Click here for more information on the TEAM Program! 

SDTP - Spiritual Direction Training Program is an ecumenical, part-time two year certificate program designed to help participants discern and recognize their calling to spiritual companioning as they grow in their own spiritual development. The program is also designed to develop skills in spiritual formation needed to walk more effectively with others.

The course includes:

~ introduction to Spiritual Direction
~ listening skills and Spiritual conversation
~ personal prayer and human development
~ spiritual disciplines as tools for personal reflection
~ discernment in spiritual direction
~theological perspectives that guide the transformation process
~standards of practice and ethical concerns

 

The next cycle begins September 2011. Application deadline is March 18, 2011. Limited spaces available.

Click here for more information on SDTP!