PORTIUNCULA CENTER FOR PRAYER May 2024 | |
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‘Etch A Sketch’ could be the best toy ever created. It is a great concept invented in 1960 by Andre Cassagnes. You can scribble (as close as I come to being an artist), write, doodle, draw and then shake, shake, shake and you have a clean slate. I don’t know if I ever truly conquered those knobs. I was directionally challenged and may still be. Per their description: “Use the knobs to create anything your imagination dreams up”. At this moment I am focused on the clean slate. The idea we can start anew. So often we are plagued by the past by ideas that are real in our heads but in the light of day are only our unbidden and often unfounded thoughts. Our fears of what might happen, our less than stellar opinions of ourselves that are completely counter to the way others see us, and the way we truly are.
I needed to find a new primary care provider and happily found one with patience and most importantly a sense of humor. And then those word that we who remember the original Etch A Sketch never long to hear, “At your age”. Shake shake shake! And that phrase transforms to because I am only 70. I will say this, working with vowed Sisters all these years teaches you that age is not significant. Just spend a little time at our Motherhouse and witness all the 70+ women working hard to make a difference in this world. It is amazing and humbling. Believe me I never mention how old I am in fear they may think I am a slacker only doing one role, ‘at my age’.
And so my friends if you don’t like the picture you see, the one you created, perhaps you are only a few shakes away from changing it all. Discard the useless self recrimination and ideas that you are not enough. Take a moment to look into that blank screen and draw the true beauty you are, and the true angel others already know. Well, time to go work on some new sketches, after some serious shake shake shakes, of course. Take care my friends, Mary Lou Nugent
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Ask not why the young mother
rocks her ailing child
through the long, dark night;
nor try to figure out
why the firefighter
ran into the burning house
to save the elderly man.
Ask not why the father
toils in the deep coal mine,
and sees the sun only on
Saturdays;
nor try to make sense of
the young man’s need
to sit at the bedside
of this comatose grandfather.
Ask not why the teacher
works with students
others label unreachable;
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nor try to fathom
how the couple,
after fifty years of marriage,
can still hold hands.
Ask not why the cloistered nun
prays in the small, bare chapel
for a world she has,
in one way, left;
nor try to understand
why the seamstress
left a small fortune in her will
for college students
she will never know.
Ask not why,
for there is no reasonable
answer.
There is only humanity
at its best; loving.
Ask Not Why
Melannie Svoboda, SND
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SANCTUARY TIBETAN BOWL SOUND JOURNEY WITH MARK BIEHL
Friday, May 3 7:00- 8:30 p.m. $35
SANCTUARY is a complete immersion into the world of sound and vibration that will guide you into a state of heightened awareness and tranquility. Allow the vibrational energies of over twenty beautifully tuned Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, chimes, indigenous flutes and the voice to transport you into deep relaxation and remove stress. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, and eye covering (optional) for your comfort. Dress comfortably and bring some water to drink. This event will be held at the Motherhouse Auditorium.
Facilitator: Mark Biehl, CVSC, LSHC lifelong musician and composer, is a Certified Vibrational Sound Coach and Licensed Spiritual Health Coach. He has twenty years’ experience in sound healing, including Primordial Sound Meditation and traditional Shamanic sound practices.
REGISTER
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WALKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED - CULTIVATING A SPIRITUALITY FOR OUR TIMES WITH MARY RUTH BROZ, RSM
Tuesday, May 7 9:30 a.m. – Noon $25
As we read the headlines, watch the news, witness aggressive behavior everywhere, the belief that we all can be kinder, gentler, and wiser is being challenged every day. As we gather this morning, we will explore some of the invitations and challenges that come with walking a road less travelled, draw upon stories from nature, our own lives, and even the Synod that Pope Francis called for in the Catholic Church this past fall! Hopefully, we will go more conscious of the work ahead and more committed to leaving this world a better place!
Facilitator: Mary Ruth Broz, RSM, D.Min., is a Sister of Mercy, spiritual director and retreat leader. She co-authored Midwives Of An Unnamed Future, and is presently offering spiritual direction and free-lancing out of Mercy Meeting Place in Chicago.
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PRIVATE RETREAT DAY:
MAY FLOWERS, SUNSHINE,
AND ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Friday, May 10 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $50
We’ve all heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” After the transition from winter to spring, the month of May brings a welcome blossoming of flowers, a lifting of spirits and hope in goodness to come. Come to the peaceful surroundings of the woods to explore what might be coming to new life within you in this spring season. Experience calming, private, contemplative space and time at the Port. 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.
REGISTER
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FINDING GOD IN THE ORDINARY AND AMAZING: AN AFTERNOON WITH MELANNIE SVOBODA via ZOOM
Sunday, May 19 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Central Donation
This retreat afternoon explores some of the ordinary ways God breaks into our everyday lives: through the wonders of creation, the joy of friendship, prayer, a news headline, a favorite old song, a little child, our personal pain and sorrow, someone in need. Using scripture, music, stories, and humor, this retreat will offer ways we, in our ordinary lives, can enter more deeply into the Mystery of God—who is seeking us more than we can ever imagine!
Facilitator: Melannie Svoboda, SND, a sister of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio has ministered as a high school teacher, novice director, congregational leader, spiritual director, retreat leader, and writer. She is the author of numerous books including Traits of a Healthy Spirituality, Picking Strawberries, and Hanging onto Hope.
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LIVING IN ALIGNMENT
Tuesday, May 21 9:30 a.m. – Noon $25
We sometimes feel like we are not quite on the right path, or that we have lost our sense of direction in the daily demands of life. Based on the speaker’s own journey to live “in this world but not of this world,” this morning is designed to help you reconnect with who you are and explore the factors that can help you gain a greater sense of alignment in your life. This session includes individual reflection and group sharing as it offers you an opportunity to explore your personal values. A Wheel of Life exercise will help you ground those values in the present. You will also be invited to spend quiet time with God engaging in a variety of short exercises designed to help you make room for the Divine. You may find it helpful to bring a journal to the session.
Facilitator: Karen Bychowski, B.S., M.A. was a management consultant assisting large organizations in navigating change. In October 2019, taking steps to find meaning in the second half of her own life, she felt called to become a Professional Certified Coach. She is passionate about helping others explore and live out the greatest purpose for their lives.
Register
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