...late and soon...

PORTIUNCULA CENTER FOR PRAYER February 2024

Contemplative time indeed. This weather lends itself to cozy times at home and finding a way to relish those moments and appreciate the power and beauty of nature. As Wordsworth said: “The world is too much with us; late and soon”. His poem was believed to have been written in 1802. Over two hundred years ago a poet was warning us we were losing ourselves to industry and sacrificing so much by distancing ourselves from nature. Good thing we heeded those words of wisdom….

And somehow I think we extended our distance from nature to each other. We have a local Facebook page and if you want to see the worst of us in action, read the assaults enacted on those pages, why? Outright attacks on how people drive in order to be safe in dangerous conditions. Ridicule, disdain, dismissal of others, words as weapons. Why? To be fair there are many kind words as well and outpourings of support. I can’t say if there is balance as the aggression stands out and sadly is not even shocking any more.

I have been reading Tara Brach’s book, Radical Acceptance. And today I was listening to a brief video by Brian McLaren from the Center for Action and Contemplation where he informs us they are declaring this the year of ‘Radical Resilience’. He also speaks about 'defiant joy'. Is this the higher parts of us pushing back? Daring to use strong attention getting language. I had always thought radical was a negative term meaning hostile, forced, intimidating. But as I look at the basic definition it is about change. Departing from the norm which in fact, has led us to think negatively about the term. ‘Oh those radicals’. Imagine if we are all about radical kindness, radical love, radical hospitality? So that in this season where we can practice Hygge, can we consciously become radically nice to ourselves and others. I think this is what I want to do. Believe me I am not courageous enough to post on our local Facebook page, radically stupid I am not. But I think today I will make that phone call to one of my Mom’s friends who I know misses her still. Think radically my friends and join this revolution so we can change the world one kindness at a time. Mary Lou Nugent

The World Is Too Much With Us

William Wordsworth

The world is too much with us; late and soon,

Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;—

Little we see in Nature that is ours;

We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!

This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;

The winds that will be howling at all hours,

And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;

For this, for everything, we are out of tune;

It moves us not. Great God! I’d rather be

A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;

So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,

Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;

Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;

Or hear old Triton blow his wreathèd horn.

WOMEN LIVING AUTHENTICALLY:

WELCOMING ALL OUR PARTS via Zoom

Tuesday, February 6 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Donation

Authenticity is the degree to which a person's actions are aligned with their values and desires. When we seek to live in a more authentic manner, we embark on an inner journey to discover the story lines that shape our lives and relationships. We develop parts of ourselves, much like versions of inner children/family members within us. It is important to learn how to identify and welcome ALL with attention and love. The evening will include input and practice of a few supportive techniques while sharing and connecting within a supportive and accepting community of women.

Facilitator: Danielle Vaquer, LMFT is an empathically intuitive Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, and public speaker. She is in private practice in Oak Lawn, IL and runs retreats and workshops dedicated to inspiring healing from within and creating the ripples of change through our lives and into our communities and the world at large.

GROUP SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Wednesdays: February 7, March 6, April 3, May 1

10:00 a.m.– Noon $60 Limit: 6

Led by a trained Spiritual Director, this is an opportunity to share your story in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Respect for each individual and their spiritual path is an essential component to this process. You will be encouraged to listen with compassion and speak without fear as all deepen their relationship with God.

Facilitator: Janice Keenan, OSF is a West Peoria Franciscan who serves as the Retreat Program Manager and a Spiritual Director at The Port.

CENTERING PRAYER:

A PATH TO SPIRITUAL CONNECTEDNESS

Tuesday, February 20 9:30 a.m. – Noon $25

This morning will include input on Centering Prayer as the core practice of Christian contemplative life, as well as engagement in Centering Prayer practice. The speaker will also describe Centering Prayer as a communal prayer and communal divine presence, leading us into the practice of praying with a communal intention. We will embark on the making of the two greatest commandments into one: “Love Your God with all your heart, and soul, and strength…. And love your neighbor as your Self” (Mk 12:28-30). These two will become one in us as we deepen our relationship with our true reality in the prayer we will share during this program.

Facilitator: Alan Krema has been a facilitator and leader in Contemplative Outreach Chicago since 2000, served as its coordinator for six years. He is also a Wisdom Waypoints Wisdom facilitator and guide, and an alumnus of the Center for Action and Contemplation Living School. He has recently completed the Shalem Institute’s two-year program: “Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats”.

PRIVATE RETREAT DAY:

HANDLE YOURSELF WITH CARE

Monday, February 26 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $50

We’ve heard the airline advice to “put your oxygen mask on first”, before helping another. True self-care is a journey of self-awareness, inner growth, and meaningful connection. It involves practices that nourish the spirit, cultivate self-awareness, and foster emotional well-being. This retreat day will allow participants to take some time to pause, reflect, rest, and be renewed. Each participant has access to a private room at the Port in addition to the grounds. The day includes opening prayer, theme, time for individual reflection, lunch, and a closing service.

Facilitator: Janice Keenan, OSF is Retreat Program Manager/Spiritual Director at the Port.

Our new Calendar of Events has been mailed. If you did not receive one and would like one, use the Port email below and provide your address. All programs are listed on the website. Some highlights are a new women's series on living authentically, centering prayer, and a session with Christine Valters Paintner, via Zoom from Ireland.

Poverello Holistic Center

815.464.3880 for questions, appointments, registrations.

Port Web Site programs, online registration, and appointments.

Spiritual Direction

Port Email:

We have openings at The Poverello for Massage therapists.

If interested email Mary Lou at marylou.nugent@fssh.net