Programs Winter - Spring - Summer 2010

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Risk-takers for the Faith: The Year of the Priest Series (part 2)

Pope Benedict XVI has declared 2009 – 2010 the "Year of the Priest." Presiding at the Eucharist is the priest's primary role; however, most priests fulfill many other needs of the Church and the world. The Center has taken this opportunity to present men of conscience who have served as theologians, activists, healers, mystics, pastors, missionaries and popes throughout the centuries. This series will examine the lives, thoughts and actions of men who have addressed and answered contemporary questions in light of the teaching of the church and the culture of society.

December 1 - Tuesday; January 21, February 18, March 18, May 20 - Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenters:
December 1: Dr. Howard Ebert speaking on Karl Rahner (theologian)
January 21: Fr. David McElroy, O. Praem. speaking on Henri Nouwen (spiritual writer)
February 18: Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem. speaking on Gustavo Guitiérrez (theologian)
March 18: Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem. speaking on Oscar Romero (social justice activist)
May 20: Fr. Roman Vanasse, O. Praem. speaking on St. Norbert
Cost: Free will offering

Enhancing the Sunday Readings (ongoing – morning OR evening)

Body and Soul: Yoga, Centering Prayer, Lunch

Ten Prayers God Always Answers "Yes" To by Anthony DeStefano (part 2)

In response to numerous requests, Fr. Alfred McBride continues his presentation on Anthony DeStefano's book in which he summarizes the author's approach to prayer and explains why it is so effective. A few of the prayers discussed in Chapters 5 - 10 include: Am I a Terrible Person? - God, Forgive Me; This Stress Is Killing Me - God, Give Me Peace; Ok I Admit It, I'm Afraid - God, Give Me Courage; Being Smart Isn't Enough - God, Give Me Wisdom.

January 14 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering

Just Write Poetry Corner

Poet's Corner is a gathering of people who write poetry and wish to share their compositions with each other in a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere. Themes are provided and writers have an opportunity to perfect their writing skills. The class is open to anyone who loves to write. If interested contact Fr. Mark Falcone, O. Praem. at 920.337.4352.

January 19, March 16 - Tuesdays 7:00 pm
Presenter: Fr. Mark Falcone, O. Praem.
Cost: No fee

Morning of Spiritual Renewal for Women

This wonderful morning of renewal for your body, mind and spirit includes provocative programs, opportunities for prayer and reflection and a delightful lunch – all within beautiful St. Norbert Abbey and Spirituality Center. A perfect way to spend a Saturday morning in January! Click here for itinerary and program descriptions or call the Center at 920.337.4315.

January 23 - Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Session I (select 1 program)
• Women in John's Gospel: A Shape of a Church – Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ
• Kinesiology – Dr. Pamela Rabas, N.D.
• Prayer in the Midst of Daily Life: Centering Prayer Made Practical – Ms. Patricia DeGroot
Session II (select 1 program)
• Herbology: Changing Our Medicine Cabinets – Dr. Pamela Rabas, N.D.
• Catholic Feminist: A Contradiction in Terms? – Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza
• Is Our God Too Small: The Rest of the Story – Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Session III (select 1 program)
• Splashes of Spirit: Watercolor, A Metaphor for the Spiritual Life – Rev. Dr. Tricia Matthew
• Suffering as Transformative Power – Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ
• What Truths Does My Body Hold? – Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Optional
Abbey Tour - 1:00 pm
Personal Prayer and Reflection - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Cost: $25.00 includes coffee, pastries, lunch, programs
Pre-registration required by January 15

The Writings of Luke and the Christian Life: Then and Now

These sessions explore Luke's writings in the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. Each session can stand alone although the three sessions enhance and expand upon each other.

January 28, February 25, March 25 - Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
January 28: The focus is on the Christ in Luke's Gospel and the journey into
holiness that marks Christian life, "then" and "now."
February 25: The focus is on the Risen Christ in the heart of the communion called
Church. The role of the Spirit as a continuity link is explored through the Gospel and
Acts of the Apostles.
March 25: The focus is on the interior formation in the Spirit and the challenges to
that formation faced by the growing Christian communities, as Acts of the Apostles
describes those challenges.
Please bring a New Testament (or Bible) to these sessions to be used for reflective prayer.
Presenter: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ
Cost: Free will offering

Authentic Freedom

Many of us are prisoners of the perceptions we hold which cause us to live a life that is not free. Are you experiencing "Authentic Freedom" in your life today? In these eight weekly sessions, the seven fears that hold us captive are explored including: I am not loved; I am alone; I am not free to express my truth; and how they are manifested in our world and in ourselves. The truths that can lead us to living a life of "Authentic Freedom" also are explored.

February 1 through March 22 - eight Mondays 10:00 - 11:50 am
Facilitator: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: $60 (includes workbook)

Wednesdays for Women: That All May Be One

This popular series continues but with a different format. Participants will be introduced to various Christian traditions. After discussion of the particular tradition, a celebration of prayer with the respective pastoral presenter will follow. Limited to 50 participants.

February 3, 10, 24, March 3 - Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:50 am
February 3: Roman Catholic – Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ and Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
February 10: United Church of Christ – Pastor Jill Meyer
February 24: United Methodist Church – Rev. Roberta Thomson
March 3: Universal Anglican Church – Rev. Chrystal Reichard and Rev. Ann Barker
Facilitators: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ and Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: Free will offering

Conscience and the Moral Life Series

Catholic Sexual Ethics: Contemporary Questions and Challenges

In the United States today, we are constantly bombarded with messages about sexuality and relationships. As Catholics, what virtues and values can help navigate our thinking and decision making within this sex-saturated culture? How do we foster these virtues and values in our communities? What should we know about Church teaching on sexual matters today (for example, on homosexuality/gay marriage and the complementarity of men and women)? Moreover, what kinds of questions and challenges are theologians discussing in light of that teaching?

February 4 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza
Other presentations in the series (Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm)
March 4: Christian Parenting in a Technological Age
Presenter: Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza
April 15: More Than "Must Do's": Compassionate Catholic Care for Ill and Dying Persons
Presenter: Fr. James Huth, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering

War Requiem

Benjamin Britton, renown English composer of the 20th century, has taken the liturgy of the Requiem Mass and created a monumental work incorporating the poetry of Alfred Owen, a World War I poet who was killed the day an armistice was reached. Derek Jarman's War Requiem, a dialogue free film, is a violent, horrifying and ultimately inspiring masterpiece. This is a listening and viewing experience never to be forgotten.

February 9 - Tuesday 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Presenter: Fr. Mark Falcone, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering

Book Discussion: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

This is an emotionally riveting story of a family torn apart by conflicting needs and a passionate love that triumphs over human weakness. Anna, the oldest sister, was diagnosed with a rare cancer shortly after birth. Kate was born a genetic match to be her sister's donor for life to help control the cancer until a possible cure could be found. At 13, Kate takes her parents to court to tell them she does not want to be a donor anymore. How does the court rule? Does Anna get the kidney transplant she is so in need of?

February 11 - Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 am
Presenter: Jane Berkovitz
Cost: Free will offering

Morning of Spiritual Renewal for Men: Setting Course as an Authentic Man

It is said that change is inevitable, yet few of us are ever really prepared for it. This is especially true for unexpected or unwanted change. Yet how such change is navigated has great implications for who you will become as a man, a father, a spouse, etc. If you have ever experienced a significant life-changing event, or are in the midst of one now, then invest the time to explore the spiritual aspects of such change that are relevant to your health and relationships. Join facilitator Bill Mathias and other men in a day of conversations, thoughts, and action as they seek out what is real.

February 13 - Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Facilitator: Bill Mathias, MSSW, MTS
Cost: $25.00 includes program, refreshments and lunch

Lenten Series: Jesus, The Great High Priest Among Us

Although Jesus never called Himself a priest, He would become for all of us the Great High Priest. Our Lenten series focuses on learning more about this man from Nazareth who suffered, died and rose again out of love for us, and what it means to be a disciple.

February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20 - Saturdays 9:15 - 11:15 am
Presenters:
Feb. 20: Fr. John Bostwick, O. Praem.
Jesus did not deem "equality with God" something to be grasped.
Feb. 27: Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem.
Jesus is able to identify with our weaknesses and infirmities.
March 6: Fr. Jim Baraniak, O. Praem.
Jesus came to set the imprisoned free and to proclaim freedom for those held captive.
March 13: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ
John: 17- The priestly prayer and the priesthood of the laity.
March 20: Msgr. Jim Feely
By popular demand this final program is a repeat of Msgr. Feely's 2009 presentation
of seeing Jesus through the eyes of the Good Thief.
Cost: Free will offering

Intro to Qigong

Qigong (or ch'i kung) is an ancient meditative practice which uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of Qi within the human body, and enhance one's overall health. The basic concept of Qi and how it circulates within the body are taught, along with a Qigong exercise which helps one balance mind, body and spirit.

February 23 - Tuesday 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Presenter: Eric Peters, Asian Bodywork Therapist
Cost: Free will offering

"Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth)

Join Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. for a study circle on Pope Benedict the XVI's July 2009 encyclical, "Caritas in Veritate". The encyclical was written to address the current economic crisis and deals with moral aspects of economic life, poverty and development, human rights and duties, and environmental responsibility. Participants should read the entire encyclical before the first meeting; it is available at http://www.vatican.va or from area Catholic bookstores. Please confirm reservation by February 24. After you register, the study circle guide will be emailed or postal mailed to you.
Limited to 12 participants.

February 28, March 7, 14, 28 - Sundays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Facilitator: Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering

Conscience and the Moral Life Series

Christian Parenting in a Technological Age

Due to rapidly developing technologies, such as reproductive and genetic technologies, couples today face choices as spouses and parents that were barely on the radar screen even fifteen years ago. For example: Should a couple use technologies to help them conceive if they face infertility? If so, what kinds? Is it ethical to choose the characteristics of one's offspring with the help of technology (such as selecting the child's sex)? Should a pregnant woman take advantage of available (and increasingly routine) tests that indicate possible abnormalities in the fetus? How should couples—and the wider Christian community—respond if and when they receive a "positive" diagnosis?

How do Catholics sort through these questions in order to make responsible decisions? Clearly, much is ethically at stake. How we understand children, parenting and families will in large part determine how we evaluate these issues. What virtues and values ought to form and direct us as we think about these matters? What guidance can we get from Christian bioethicists and Catholic Church teaching?

March 4 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Dr. Bridget Burke Ravizza
Cost: Free will offering

Splashes of Spirit:
Watercolor - A Prayerful and Playful Exploration of the Spiritual Life

Using the medium of watercolor, creative expression as a form of prayer will be explored, inviting one to move deeply into the spiritual life. No artistic ability is required, only a willingness to listen for the whisper of God's spirit calling one toward wholeness and union with God through the playful use of paint and paper!

April 6, 13, 20 - Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Tricia Matthew
Cost: $50 includes lesson, brush, palette, paper, paint

Book Discussion: Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Berlin 1942 - Bruno is a young boy who is forced to move because of his father's promotion. There is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside his backyard stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts Bruno off from the strange people that live behind it. Bruno, being the explorer that he is, decides to check out this new place and meets a young boy whose life and circumstances are very different than his own. He befriends the boy with devastating circumstances.

April 8 - Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 am
Presenter: Jane Berkovitz
Cost: Free will offering

Wednesdays for Women: Women in the New Testament

Women in Luke's Gospel

On one hand, Luke's quantity of verses about women and the ministry of Jesus Christ are greater than any other gospel. On the other hand, the quality of women's leadership and ministry is soft pedaled so that the Roman public forum, which belonged to men, would not be so challenged by Christian ideals that there would be few people converted to Christianity. This session will explore the blurs of historical tradition of women's leadership in comparison to other gospels. Please bring a New Testament (or Bible) to this session.

April 14 - Wednesday 10:30 - 11:30 am (repeated on April 21)
April 21 – Wednesday 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Presenter: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ
Cost: Free will offering

Women in John's Gospel

Women in John's Gospel play important roles in Christian ministry. The theological importance of women can be seen in the fact that women are Jesus' main conversation partners. The opening miracle is due to the initiation of a woman. A final miracle is first experienced by a woman. In between, women as well as men bear witness to the meaning and hope grounded in the Christ as presented by John. Please bring a New Testament (or Bible) to this session.

April 14 – Wednesday 6:30 - 7:30 pm (repeated on April 21)
April 21 – Wednesday 10:30 - 11:30 am
Presenter: Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ
Cost: Free will offering

Conscience and the Moral Life Series

More than "Must Do's": Compassionate Catholic Care for Ill and Dying Persons

End of life care can easily bring to mind highly controversial ethical issues such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, withholding artificial nutrition and hydration from persons in a "vegetative state," to name a few. The rapid advancement of medical technology brings to the fore questions of what types of medical interventions should be viewed as morally obligatory or extraordinary. As Roman Catholics, we turn to the Church's teachings for guidance and direction as to how to respond responsibly to these ethical concerns.

Catholic healthcare ethics also will be discussed. How does our commitment as a Church to these issues bring us closer to friendship with God? Fr. Huth will delve more deeply into how healthcare ethics can embody practices within the Church community that foster healing, supportive listening, forgiveness, and compassionate care to ill and dying persons.

April 15 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Fr. James Huth, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering

The Story of the Church: Revised and Expanded

With rich storytelling, Father McBride's book, The Story of the Church, spans twenty-one centuries of Church history in 30 "peak experiences." An overview of the book will be shared by the author along with advice as to how to benefit most from our Church's history.

April 22 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Fr. Al McBride, O. Praem.
Cost: Free will offering

Faith thru Fiction: Writings of C.S. Lewis

C. S. Lewis was one of the greatest Christian writers of the 20th century authoring the Chronicles of Narnia, A Space Trilogy, Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce. Lewis' fiction contains a wealth of Scripture, psychology and theology for daily living. His works contain wondrous imaginative worlds where one can experience decision-making for good or evil, questions of our human spiritual nature and religious longings, and an overwhelming presence of God in this world. Lewis' views of faith found in his fiction works are explored along with aspects of his own life and philosophy of living a faith-filled life in a secular and sometimes hostile world.

April 27, May 4, 11, 18 - Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Presenter: Dr. Richard Stevens
Cost: Free will offering

Honoring Your Life's Work

Come and celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1) by reviewing and honoring your life's work and visiting the National Shrine of St. Joseph at the Abbey. Learn about St. Joseph, his spiritual approach to work and how to apply it to our lives. Strategies for discerning your purpose in life will be reviewed as well as how to make changes necessary to generate enthusiasm, peace and joy in your daily labors

April 29 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Jim Smits, CICSW
Cost: Free will offering

Suffering as Transformative Power

This presentation will explore some particular women whose lives knew suffering and who used that suffering as a transformative power to better their world. Presentation and discussion will apply the concepts of suffering to transformation and power.

May 6 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Sr. Shawn Madigan, CSJ
Cost: Free will offering

Ireland Revisited

Imagine gathering around the hearth in a cozy Irish cottage for an evening of entertainment. Join award winning Irish poet Kathy Mallon and harpist Cheryl Murphy as they present a multi-faceted evening of poetry, harp music, Irish images and Irish tea – which will transport you back to the Emerald Isle.

May 12 - Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenters: Kathy Mallon, Cheryl Murphy
Cost: Free will offering

Golf as a Spiritual Discipline

Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complex. It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening. It is, without a doubt, the greatest game that mankind has ever invented. - Arnold Palmer

Golf and the Spirit by M. Scott Peck looks at the emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of this most wonderful, maddening, deflating and inspiring game. Peck views golf as a metaphor for life with enormous potential for facilitating one's spiritual growth. He compares it to marriage and parenthood in offering one of life's great learning opportunities. This book review and discussion is open to beginners, masters and non-golfers who are interested in learning Peck's thoughts on perfection, paradox, denial, anger, addiction, surrender, humility and spirituality.

May 13 - Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Jim Smits, CICSW
Cost: Free will offering

Book Discussion: Wisdom of Our Fathers by Tim Russert

What does it mean to be a really good father? Heartfelt, humorous, engaging, irresistibly readable, and bound to bring back memories of our own fathers, Tim Russert's book is a fitting companion to prepare ourselves for Father's Day. This discussion, a celebration of positive qualities passed down from generation to generation, will benefit men and women alike.

May 21 - Friday 10:00 - 11:00 am
Presenter: Jane Berkovitz
Cost: Free will offering

please note...

Pre-registration is appreciated for all programs.

Suggested donation per program is $5.00. However, anyone who wishes to participate in our programs should be able to do so. The Center will accept a donation within your means should you be unable to pay the suggested fee.

Prior to all Saturday morning programs, participants are invited to attend 8:30 am liturgy followed by coffee and rolls.