Saturday programs at Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center have the very great advantage of requiring only one day out of a very busy two day weekend. With time restraints impinging on us from all directions, a one day workshop or retreat is the optimum solution. We can say 'yes' to exploring our health and spirituality needs and still have time left during the weekend to meet other important obligations. For your convenience, registration is only a click away.

2010

ATTUNEMENT TO THE RHYTHMS OF HOLY MYSTERY
Spend a delightful day in sacred song and movement! Participants will be given a brief presentation on the "Dance of the Universe" and taught songs, gestures and dances of peace, praise and thanks. We will also experience spontaneous, free, creative movement accompanied by instrumental music. Come "limber to sway and shimmer," wearing comfortable clothes. No dancing experience necessary.

Presenters: Nancy Erts, OP; Janet Marchesani, OP  Learn more . . .

WHAT KIND OF PRAY-ER ARE YOU?
Spend an adventurous day discovering how the MBTI (Myers Briggs Typology Inventory) can help you gain insights into some of your basic personality traits. We will learn how these traits influence the form of prayer you’re attracted to, nurtured and challenged by. Besides reflecting on input, and sharing questions and new understandings, we will spend ample time practicing the prayer preferences that facilitate our personal spiritual growth.

Presenter: Nancy Erts, OP  Learn more . . .

TRANSITIONS OF THE SOUL: TRAVELING WITH POMEGRANATES
In their book Traveling with Pomegranates, Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor, explore feminine thresholds of spiritual growth and renewal as together they navigate life’s transitions. Come reflect and share about the tasks of moving from one stage to another. Learn to love yourself as you are and accept your shortcomings as you discover again the mystery within all that is. If possible, bring a daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, niece or friend who has supported you through the changing stages of a woman’s life in search of the Holy. (Reading the book is helpful but not required.)

Presenters: Gaynell Cronin; Claire Cronin Dinger  Learn more . . .

THE FEARLESS FACTOR: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN FEAR AND OPPORTUNITY
In a time when anxiety about the economy, unemployment, and so many other issues is at an all-time high, stress, anxiety and depression can undermine our health and well-being. Now, more than ever, it’s important to utilize strategies to work with the fears in all areas of our lives. This workshop will uncover the hidden methods we use to sabotage opportunity and will develop strategies which will help build confidence, greater communication and overall improvement in self-esteem. Among the topics to be covered are: what fear is and how it appears in our lives; the values that shape our actions; and strategies and plans to convert fear. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of The Fearless Factor, available at www.thefearlessfactor.com/book. Handouts will be provided but the book will also be used.

Presenter: Jacqueline Wales  Learn more . . .

CALM DOWN, RELAX AND EXPERIENCE GOD'S LOVE
An informational and experiential seminar, this practical program will teach participants contemplative prayer methods in the Christian and mystic tradition. Recent scientific information shows how contemplative meditation affects the brain hemispheres and the central nervous system, making one more calm and relaxed. Using meditative music, power point presentations, and various prayer experiences, Fr. Loyola will use this information and facilitate the journey from the conscious mind to the spiritual unconscious, and the indwelling presence of God. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Participants may want to bring notebooks for note-taking

Presenter: Rev. Loyola Amalraj, Ph. D.  Learn more . . .

Spiritual Directors' Annual Seminar Day: A PRAYER BRIDGE TO THE DIVINE: JUNG'S ACTIVE IMAGINATION AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
The unconscious forms the greater part of our personality, according to Jung, probably the 20th century’s most profound depth psychologist. A very effective way to reach out to the images born in our unconscious psychic life is through ‘active imagination.’ We may assume, as he did, that these images (from dreams, intuitions, synchronicities) are carriers of messages having to do with our own divine destinies and that they are some of the most important means by which we are approached by God. It is helpful when spiritual directors are comfortable in this territory and can assist their directees to befriend the images that come up and help them to trust the concealed invitations therein. This seminar day of both presentation and practical application will aid directors in exploring, playing, and working with active imagination as a legitimate type of spiritual practice or method of prayer and will help directors to work with directees in dialoguing with the riches of the unconscious that seek to become conscious.

Presenter: Jean Hess Green, Ph. D., DAPA  Learn more . . .

INTRODUCTION TO "THE SEDONA METHOD"
As we explore the simple, easy-to-learn process of self inquiry called the Sedona Method during this gentle workshop day, we will notice how our minds and bodies become deeply relaxed, while at the same time more alert, receptive and energized. While not a psychotherapeutic process, the series of specific questions that will be posed can assist us in effectively letting go of mental and physical tension and stress that create obstacles in our lives. Often helpful in creating a state of emotional well-being, all may ultimately benefit with an increased ease in problem solving, greater creativity and productivity, and increased freedom from past hurts or unresolved trauma.

Presenter: Delilah Praete  Learn more . . .

GOD'S GOT YOUR NUMBER
“God loves us as we are but loves us too much to let us stay that way.” – Anne Lamott
Join others in exploring how an ancient spiritual tool, the Enneagram, can be used to move us toward becoming our best selves. Once we become aware of our number on the Enneagram and its meaning, we will learn about and practice ways of prayer that help us transform limitations into strengths, compulsions into gifts and vices into virtues.

Presenter: Nancy Erts, OP  Learn more . . .

An Advent Day of Prayer and Reflection: HOPE IN A TIME OF DARKNESS
As a new liturgical year begins, letting go of the past with all its hurt and disappointment is the first task of every pilgrim. Like Mary finding Jesus in the temple, our task is simple: whether we have lost a job, a home, a spouse, a friend or a church, we must acknowledge and accept the loss in the present if we want to have hope in the future.
Through prayer, music, reflection, story, art and ritual, this Advent Day will challenge us to re-enter the great journey of faith as a people of hope.

Presenters: Gaynell Cronin; Jack Rathschmidt, OFM. Cap.  Learn more . . .

RECLAIMING AN EMBODIED SPIRITUALITY
Advent prepares us to celebrate God’s incarnation and self emptying love in an embodied life. This reflection day and retreat weekend will challenge us to deepen our Christian awareness of living fully in our bodies: the sacred dimensions of transformation in aging, acknowledging and living with our limits, and what it means to imitate Christ.

Presenter: Brother Don Bisson, FMS  Learn more . . .