Weber Retreat & Conference Center

Joyful Living through ‘Not Doing!’

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:41:00 GMT

October 24, 2012
Wednesday – 10:00-2:30 pm

Explore the mystical side of life transformation where naming and experiencing the change we desire is primary and real world action plays only a supporting role. This reflection day asks us to simply open ourselves, allowing the change to come through us from the wisdom within. Participants will leave the day with “practices” of ‘not doing,’ allowing the life we seek to draw ever more near to us.

Kristin Butler is a Martha Beck trained life coach and also holds a M.S. in Theology from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. Kristin practices coaching and lives with her husband, Todd, and their two children at their sustainable farm in Onsted MI.

Cost: $35 (includes lunch)
Deposit: $10 (non-refundable)

“In the beginning was the WORD…”

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:11:00 GMT

July 21-27, 2013

A Dominican, scriptural based retreat, aimed at deepening our rootedness in the Word of God and renewing our passion for preaching.

	Megan McElroy, OP		Theresa Rickard, OP
	John Pitzer, OP		Brian Pierce, OP

Cost: $500
Commuter: $350
Deposit: $100

God’s Unfinished Story

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:02:00 GMT

April 19-21, 2013
Friday, April 19, 7:30pm – Sunday, April 21, 12:00pm

We are part of a vast cosmic story and our personal story is a unique strand of this great tapestry. During this retreat we will make a contemplative journey through the wonder of our universe story and reflect on the pivotal nature of the Incarnation at the heart of that story. We will look at how we became homo sapiens, where we might be going, and how our own choices and decisions can powerfully affect that unfolding story. We will allow God to invite us to own and embrace our responsibility to speak our truth within that story, as believing individuals and as global citizens and, through god’s grace, to become the change we long for.

The retreat is based on the book ‘Roots and Wings’, sub-titled ‘The human journey from a speck of stardust to a spark of God,’ published in the US by Eerdmans.

Margaret Silf is a lay Christian, formed in the tradition of Ignation spirituality, and committed to making the tools of Christian spirituality and the deep call of the Gospel accessible and attractive to people both within and beyond the boundaries of organized religion.

For most of her working life she was employed in the computer industry and left paid employment to devote herself to writing and accompanying others on their spiritual journey. Trained in spiritual accompaniment by the Jesuits of the British Province, she now travels extensively offering retreats, workshops and days of reflection.

Margaret is the author of a number of books on the spiritual journey for 21^st century pilgrims and a regular columnist with “America” magazine. Margaret has one grown daughter and a small granddaughter and currently lives in Scotland.

Holy Week Retreat: Standing Up For Love – A Global Journey through Holy Week

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:57:00 GMT

March 23-27, 2013
Saturday – March, 1:00pm – Wednesday – March 27, 1:00pm

Joan Ebbitt, DCSW is a Spiritual Director and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. A former Adrian Dominican, Joan specializes in ministering to Religious, Clergy and others in their quests for experiencing the Divine. Trained at the Dominican Center for Religious Development, Joan walks with directees providing support, gentle challenges and encouragement as they encounter the mystery of our universe.

Single Occupancy: $350
Double Occupancy: $250 per person
Commuter: $200
Deposit: $50

The Leap: King to Manger

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:47:00 GMT

November 25-29, 2012
Sunday - November 25, 7:30pm - Thursday - November 29, 1:00pm

WOW! Christ the King to Advent in one week! Do you get caught in an emotional, spiritual and liturgical leap of sorts before the Advent/Christmas season begins? Then you are invited to come, prepare, ponder and pray through the “LEAP” to Advent. We will use scripture, and ritual with plenty of time to go gently through this transition and be ready for the Advent – Christmas season. Come – Pray – LEAP!

Joanne Peters, OP is a Dominican Sister of Adrian. She has been in retreat work for many years – preached and directed retreats, and spiritual direction. She is currently on the retreat team at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Detroit, and also a spiritual director and chaplain at a long term care center.

Single occupancy: $300
Double occupancy: $200
Commuter: $125
Deposit: $50

Letting Go and Leaning Forward

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:19:00 GMT

September 7-9, 2012
Friday 7:30pm – Sunday 1:00pm

Which comes first…letting go or leaning forward? If your hold is simply a light touch, you may be able to lean far forward, and almost inconsequentially, let go of the old, whether it is an idea, experience, learning or mind-set. If you are holding on mightily, with body, mind and spirit totally wrapped around what you are grasping, then you won’t be able to lean forward until you let go. Coming into the fullness of being is about accepting the summons to let go, while challenging ourselves to lean forward to meet the life-surprises that await us. Consider: What is it I want to let go? How does my vision change as I lean forward? Is my current experience of Holy Mystery calling me to let go? Lean forward?

This multimedia, interactive retreat will provide an opportunity to reflect on your life stance, examining healthy ways to let go of your old, distracting stories while leaning forward into the creative calls of your soul. Please bring an item/symbol that will represent where you are re: Letting Go or Leaning Forward. This will be placed in our sacred space for the duration of the retreat. If you have a passage or quote that speaks to you of our retreat topic, please also bring it, along with writing materials for your personal use.

Joan Ebbitt, LMSW is a spiritual director and licensed master social worker and author. Joan’s work with religious, clergy and lay people in the field of addictions and eating disorders supported her understanding of the spiritual losses that happen to anyone who suffers a major illness. Her current adventures as a spiritual director help her to appreciate the remarkable soul journeys that people recover and discover as they become one with the universe.

Single Occupancy: $300
Double Occupancy: $200
Commuter: $125
Deposit: $50

Connecting Art and Spirit: Awakening the Wisdom Within

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMT

October 26-28, 2012
Friday October 26 at 7:30pm to Sunday October 28 at 1:00pm

This art retreat is designed to discover creative ways of nurturing one’s spirit with the use of art. We will accomplish this with expressions of painting, creative writing and collage. Music, meditation and sharing will be components utilized to enhance this reflective and creative process. It is time spent nourishing one’s body, mind and spirit through art, prayer and intention. No experience or talent is necessary to participate.

Rose Huart is an award-winning artist living in Dayton, OH. The path of papermaking opened the door for her creativity following her studies in Japan. Presently Rosie teaches papermaking, painting and poetry. Inspired by Eastern culture and spirituality her poetic strokes have an emphatic voice and are prominent elements in her work. As an artist and educator, Rosie believes the making of art, as a transformative process, impacts the soul’s search for meaning.

Single occupancy: $325
Double occupancy: $225
Commuter: $175
Deposit: $ 50

Piece Work – Soul Work Retreat (A Quilting Retreat)

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:19:00 GMT

September 21-23, 2012
Friday, 7:30pm – Sunday, 1:00pm

A retreat for quilters!

Barbara Harvey has over 25 years of experience in crafts and quilting. She has worked in local fabric and quilt shops where she has taught several classes on quilting, crafts and basic sewing.

Ann Hughes believes that piece work and soul work go hand n hand, that both are creative acts of the individual spirit. She has been quilting since 1989. Currently, Ann serves as President and CEO of the Adrian Chamber of commerce.

Single occupancy: $325
Double occupancy: $225
Commuter: $175
Deposit: $50

Dimensions of Earth-Keeping: Biblical, Legal and Practical

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:56:00 GMT

July 6-7, 2012
Friday, 7:00pm to Saturday, 5:00pm

Biblical Dimensions - Sarah Sharkey, OP
We live in a time of peril and promise in regard to the relationship between humans and all other members of Earth community. In this segment of the workshop, we will listen to millennia–old voices from the Old Testament that challenge us to re-discover the profound interrelatedness of all aspects of God’s “good” creation. We will reflect on the fundamental biblical mandate and challenge that urge us to engage in a radical shift in the way we live in relationship with all members of Earth community.

Legal Dimensions - Patricia Siemen, OP
Dominant legal systems flow from a human-centered worldview. Laws and governance systems reflect ways the human community chooses to protect that which it values. Given the unprecedented ecological challenges facing the Earth community, current legal systems are grossly inadequate to protect Nature and its intrinsic value. We will explore the basic principles of an Earth’s jurisprudence and examine the emerging “rights of Nature” movement that advocates moral and legal protection of all members of the Earth community.

Practical Dimensions – Mary Ellen Leciejewski, OP
The health and well-being of our planet and members of our Earth community are profoundly connected. Healthcare systems are growing in their understanding of the interrelationship with Earth and the gift of healing it brings. We will examine healthcare’s impact on the environment as it relates to energy and water consumption, waste generation, persistent chemicals, purchases, and transportation. We will explore the efforts of the increasing number of sustainability programs and the implications for our personal and communal lives as we care for the planet’s human and natural neighborhoods.

Single Occupancy: $150
Double Occupancy: $100
Commuter: $ 75
Deposit: $ 25

Laff Jest for the Health of it!

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:16:00 GMT

June 6, 2012
Wednesday 10:00am – 2:30pm

Karl Barth once said, “Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.” We hunger for humor and we long for laughter; yet many don’t realize how vital these “nutrients” are to the well being of our body, mind and spirit. We will learn several benefits of laughter. In the afternoon we’ll take part in a Laughter Circle as promoted by the World Laughter Tour. All will leave with ideas to assist in our attempt to go out and “humorize” the world.

Sue Tracy, OP is a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids. Presently she is staff chaplain at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids, MI where she offers spiritual care to those coping with cancer and their families. Sue is a contributing author in Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul (1996) and Praying through Cancer: Set Your Heart Free from Fear (2006).

Cost: $35 (lunch included)
Deposit: $10

Contemplata Aliis Tradere Retreat

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:57:00 GMT

July 8-13, 2012
Sunday, July 8 at 7:30pm to Friday, July 13, 2012 at 1:00pm

This retreat is for all persons seeking time for contemplation, study and prayer. Each day, through a presentation, personal and communal prayer, silence and Eucharist, we will visit core values in the tradition of Dominican Spirituality.

Retreat Directors:

Martin Iott, OP, a Dominican friar of the Southern Province, has spent most of his years as a priest in the ministry of preaching, giving both retreats and parish missions. He has served in parish ministry and as a university and hospital chaplain. Marty currently resides Houston, TX.

Arlene Kosmatka, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, has been accompanying individuals and groups for over 20 years in seeking a deeper relationship with God within themselves and all creation. Mysticism in the lives of twentieth century mystics is of special interest to her. Arlene also offers spiritual direction and retreats in Spanish.

Jeanne Lefebvre, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, teaches history and religious studies at Siena Heights University in Adrian. She has offered courses in contemporary world and church history, Dominican studies and world religions. Jeanne ‘s presentations are designed to invite participants into reflection and recommitment to our roles as co-creators of both our unfolding history and the world of future generations.

Cost: $425
Commuter: $200
Deposit: $ 50 (non-refundable)

Engaging Aging

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:15:00 GMT

November 17, 2012
Saturday 10:00am - 3:30pm

Come away for awhile to reflect on the joys and challenges you have lived thus far and the possibilities that still await. Savor your own unique journey and God’s presence in it through prayer that uses movement, music, Scripture, guided meditation, art and journaling. Celebrate the gift of your life and open yourself to hear God’s exciting invitation for the future. Basic movements will be taught which can be done by anyone, regardless of age, experience or physical limitation and artistic talent is not necessary. Includes lunch.

Janene Ternes is a Spiritual Director and founder of Prayer in Motion, LLC (2003). She has developed and presented a variety of workshops and individualized programs which teach and inspire holistic forms of prayer for people of all ages. Janene’s goal is to help others connect more intimately with God, leading to a more loving, peaceful, joyful and fulfilled life.

Cost:$45 (lunch included)
Deposit: $10 deposit

There are currently no programs scheduled in May 2012.

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:14:00 GMT

Aging: Ease or Disease?

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:10:00 GMT

August 10-12, 2012
Friday 7:30 pm – Sunday 1:00 PM

Disease is not a natural consequence of aging. The disease process can be controlled with medical interventions and attenuated with behavior change. Melba Beine, OP, MD returns to Weber Center to discuss the disease process accompanied by Mariane Fahlman, OP, PhD who will discuss behaviors related to the disease process and ways to change harmful behaviors. This workshop is for those who want to focus on themselves as well as those who are the caretakers of others.

Melba Beine, OP, MD is a Dominican Sister of Adrian and an Internal Medicine physician. She has been in private practice for over 20 years, 15 of which have been in San Antonio, TX. Also, Dr. Melba is a Hospice physician in her spare time. She has been voted on as one of the “Best Doctors in America” by her peers since 2003.

Mariane Fahlman, OP, PhD, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, is the Coordinator of Health Education at Wayne State University. She has published extensively on the aging process as well as exercise and nutrition.

Single Occupancy: $300
Double Occupancy: $200 per person
Commuter: $150
Deposit: $ 50

The Great Coming Out: Stepping Into Our Roles as Prophets and Mystics

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:05:00 GMT

August 17-19, 2012
Friday 7:30 pm – Sunday 1:00 pm
A retreat with author/activist Jan Phillips for the gay/lesbian community.

As our institutions of cultural and religious tradition are buffeted and challenged by the winds of change, profound questions arise for us as people of faith.

How do I create a spirituality that is authentic, immanent and transcendent enough to sustain me?
How do I express and enact this spiritual practice into the world so that it becomes not just the path I walk, but the talk I talk?
How do I move from conditioned, dualistic thought patterns into original thinking that is unifying, meaningful and supportive to the well-being of myself, others and the planet?

This retreat is a multi-media, multi-sensory experience that will help us probe these mysteries and step into our self-defined futures as a faith-filled, culture-creating community.

Jan Phillips’ quest has led her around the world on a one-woman peace pilgrimage. Blending east and west, art and activism, reflection and ritual, Jan’s transformational keynotes and workshops inspire consciousness and creativity. A visionary with her eye on the future and her heart in the present, she is an invigorating speaker and story-teller who weaves music and images into her presentations. She is the author of many books including Born Gay: Images and Reflections of an Ordinary Lesbian and her most recent publication, No Ordinary Time: the Rise of Spiritual Intelligence and Evolutionary Creativity.

Single Occupancy: $325
Double Occupancy: $225 (per person)
Commuter: $175
Deposit: $50

Private Directed Retreats

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMT

July 16-20, 2012
Monday, July 16 at 2:00 pm - Friday, July 20 at 1:00 pm

This retreat will provide time and space for solitude, personal prayer and participation in campus liturgy. Each participant will meet daily with a spiritual director of your choice.
Choice of Retreat Director (Please indicate choices on registration form):

1st ____________________; 2nd ____________________; 3rd ________________________

Directors:

Mary Pat Dewey, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, holds a master’s degree in theology from Catholic Theological Union and a certificate in spiritual direction. She leads preached and directed retreats and is an experienced spiritual director.

Joan Ebbitt, DCSW is a spiritual director and licensed clinical social worker. A former Adrian Dominican, she specializes in ministering to religious, clergy and others in their quests for experiencing the divine. Joan walks with directees, providing support, gentle challenges, and encouragement as they encounter the mystery of our universe.

Ana Feliz, OP is a Dominican Sister of Adrian who completed her training as a Spiritual Director at the Dominican Center for Religious Development in Detroit, MI. Ana has served in this ministry for over 25 yrs. She has experience in preached and directed retreats as well as days of prayer in Spanish. She offers this service of Spiritual Direction in Spanish.

Thérèse M. Haggerty, OP is a Dominican Sister of Adrian. Her career has ranged from teacher to child care worker, guidance counselor to hospital chaplain. Thérèse is a certified spiritual director has conducted directed retreats.

Joseph Scheuring studied theology at Sacred Heart Seminary in the Pastoral Ministry Program. After retirement he entered a spiritual direction internship program. Joe sees men and women religious of all ages, as well as persons from various religious backgrounds. He has facilitated “The Busy Person’s Retreat” in Dexter, Michigan for several years.

Janene Ternes received her training through an Ignatian spiritual direction program. She presently serves as a supervisor in an internship program. Founder of Prayer in Motion, LLC, Janene also teaches prayer using movement and music to people of all ages.

Cost: $375
Commuter: $225
Deposit: $50 (non-refundable)

Holy Land Pilgrimage at Weber Center: An Experiential Journey

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:41:00 GMT

June 11-16, 2012
Monday, June 11 at 3:30 pm – Saturday, June 16 at 1:00 pm

Unable to travel in person to the Holy Land? This is an opportunity for you to experience a journey and place without leaving the country.

“…when I least expected it, the Spirit rushed in, (and I was) surprised by tears, surprised by joy. The pilgrimage was life-changing in ways I could not have guessed, and the gifts continue to be revealed nearly every day.”

Thus, one student pilgrim in 2009 summed up her experience of the Holy Land pilgrimage with words travelers have used for over 1.600 years – that once we meet Jesus in the land he called home, our relationship with him is forever transformed.

As we become acquainted with the religious, cultural and socio-political realities that were the Judaism of Jesus’ day, lived under Roman occupation, we will read the Gospel narratives with a new and deepened grasp of how Jesus experienced his world and how he struggled to effect God's reign within it, a struggle that continues to this day in his homeland and in every land.

The Holy Land Pilgrimage at Weber Center has been designed with the hope that each pilgrim will experience the Jesus of ancient Palestine and the Jesus of today with an immediacy that gives us access anew to his living presence among us.

Our pilgrimage will start at the Orthodox Church of St. George in Madaba, Jordan, where pilgrims since Byzantium gathered to “map” the holy sites. From there we will travel to Nazareth, the Judean desert, Capernaum, throughout Galilee and then on to Bethlehem and Jerusalem where we will conclude our pilgrimage with Liturgy on Saturday at 11:00 am.

Helena of Constantinople started life as an inn-keeper on the edges of the Roman Empire and, over time, became the mother of Emperor Constantine and Co-regent of the Empire. She traveled to the Holy Land in 327 when she was nearly 80 years old and is said to have discovered the site of the tomb of Christ and the true cross. Helena is recognized as a saint in both the eastern and western churches.

Pilgrimage Guides:

Carol Johannes, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, has been involved in the ministry of spiritual direction. She has conducted workshops, addressed many groups exploring issues of spirituality, provided days of prayer and directed retreats throughout the US and beyond. In 2008, Carol joined the group from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago who journeyed to Israel to make the Holy Land Retreat.

Cheryl Liske, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, has spent the last 20 years as a community organizer with the Gamaliel network, working with the interfaith community in the urban areas of Michigan. Cheryl has traveled twice to the Holy Land with a group led by Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos (Couchell), special consultant to Archbishop Dimitrios of America, on Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs.

Joanne Podlucky, OP, is a Dominican Sister of Adrian and the Director of the Dominican Center for Religious Development (DCRD). At the DCRD, she teaches in the Internship in Spiritual Direction Program and also ministers as a spiritual director. She has also ministered as a teacher, director of communications, and a free-lance video producer for not-for-profit organizations. Joanne journeyed to the Holy Land in 2009.

Anneliese Sinnott, OP, is a Dominican Sister of Adrian. She is currently a professor of systematic theology at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. Anneliese participated in two trips to the Holy Land, in 2009 and in 2010.

Roland Calvert, OSFS, is a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and a priest for 45 years. He taught for 22 years and served as chaplain at the Adrian Dominican Motherhouse for 22 years. In 2008, he spent an extended period of study at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem. Roland has visited every part of the Holy Land.

Single Occupancy: $425
Double Occupancy: $325 (per person)
Commuter: $225
Deposit: $ 50 (non-refundable)

A Serenity Retreat for Women

Weber Retreat and Conference Center — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:35:00 GMT

September 27-30, 2012
Pre-retreat: Thursday - September 27, 7:30pm to Friday-September 28, 6:00pm
Retreat: Friday - September 28, 7:30pm to Sunday - September 30, 1:00pm

Rose Celeste O’Connell, OP and Cora “Tommie” Dayton

Sharing our experience, strength and hope through the 12 Steps of AA.

Pre-retreat and Retreat (Thursday-Sunday) $10 Friday Supper
Single Occupancy: $375
Double Occupancy: $275 (per person)
Deposit: $50 (non-refundable)

Retreat Only (Friday-Sunday) $10 Friday Supper
Single Occupancy: $325
Double Occupancy: $225 (per person)
Deposit: $50 (non-refundable)