June 2010
Dear Friends ,
As I write this I am hoping that we will meet up with many of you at our barbecue later this term—and that the weather will hold up for it!
Once again the Whitby retreats went well and for those of you interested in coming next year, the details are available from Dec 1st [apply to the office or direct to Sr Cecilia]. The actual retreat usually takes place during May and June. Places are limited so it is worth applying early.
Despite the recession we have been lucky enough to continue without too much difficulty—in fact so much so that we have decided to grasp a very big nettle and see if we can add to our toilet facilities. You have all been so patient on crowded days, over the years, but with the Centre being used more and more for large groups, it is getting quite difficult at times. All is at very early stages at present, with planning permission still to be applied for and final plans sorted, but we hope to extend alongside the disabled toilet two [possibly even three] extra cubicles . This should mean easier access for the whole building and shorter queues, if all goes according to plan.
Meanwhile over the summer Martyn Hooker will be tackling the huge amount of painting up the stairwell and corridors - to say nothing of the 23 doors in the area! He has already replastered and painted the downstairs sitting room and basement area so gradually we are having a bit of a facelift.
Next term we have a very rich feast of input - a few to mention are: Angela Ashwin who has very kindly agreed to come in October. Many of you will know her from her books where she focuses on integrating God and the reality of life . We are also putting on introductory days for both the Myers Briggs and the Enneagram for those who have not yet done these - both well worth exploring as ways to integrate the psychological with the spiritual. A first for us [perhaps a bit belatedly]] is putting our toes into the field of spirituality and quantum physics and the recent thinking in that field with Julia Ling.
I do hope that you all have a lovely summer and look forward to welcoming you back in the Autumn. With best wishes Cecilia CJ
Regular groups AND PRAYER MEETINGS
To find God in all things: discovering the Ignatian way of praying the scriptures, with Sr Louise CJ.
£1 per meeting.
Tuesdays 7.30-8.45pm: 7 & 21 Sept, 5 & 19 Oct, 2, 16 & 30 November.
Julian Meetings: All are welcome to join Sr Thomas CJ and the small group that meets for a quiet time of prayer and reflection.
Sr Thomas CJ. £2 per meeting.
Wednesdays 2.30-3.30pm: 29 Sept, 13 Oct, 10 & 23 Nov, 8 December.
York Justice and Peace Group: a group interested in a wide variety of justice issues. Usually 7.30pm on the second Monday each month.
Contact Nan Saeki 01904 783621
Christian Meditation: an ancient form of contemplative prayer, seeking God in stillness and silence.
8 & 22 Sept, 13 & 27 Oct, 10 & 24 Nov, 8 December. Contact St Bede’s for more details.
City Prayer: a group of enthusiastic people who meet to pray and sing together. Mondays, 7.30pm. Contact David Copeland 01904 330 608
ONGOING SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT SUPPORT (SAS). A group for people who work in spiritual accompaniment, for on-going training and support.
Please contact Cecilia Goodman CJ (cecilia.goodman@virgin.net or phone 01904 464900)
MASS IS SAID AT NOON IN OUR CHAPEL ON MOST MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS IN TERM TIME AND AT NOON IN THE BAR CONVENT ON FRIDAYS.
Events with Sr Cecilia CJ
An event we are organising for this year’s York 50+ Festival but open to all:
Walking on water
27 September 2-4pm £5
An afternoon using the Gospel passage from Matthew 14:22 when Peter walks on the water [and sinks]] to explore some of the difficulties and confusions of mid-life spirituality. So often at this stage of our lives we can find ourselves adrift from God and very uncertain what is going on for us or how to deal with it. Yet like Peter, God can be very close to us in our confusion even though we do not know it.
The afternoon will consist of a short input, a guided meditation and time for personal reflection with a final time for a brief discussion.
Decoding the Nativity
29 Nov, 6 & 13 December 2-4pm £6 per session
This series of three afternoons looks at the development of the iconography of the Nativity and shows how the subject matter and style changed over the years to reflect the changes in both theology and devotion. The key topics will be the Annunciation; the Visitation and the Nativity. There will be input, time for personal reflection and a short discussion at the end.
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
The Dance of Order and Chaos: an Ignatian Exploration of a Quantum World
With Julia Ling
Tuesday 14 September 10.30-4.00 £12
This one day event will provide opportunity to respond to Ignatius’ invitation in the Contemplation to take time to consider how God works and labours in creation. In particular, we will seek to open up and explore some of the mysteries of existence being revealed by quantum physics, chaos theory and the new science to see if these new discoveries might offer us deeper insight into how God is at work in the world. The day will include introductory input to the theme (no prior knowledge required) and incorporate space for personal reflection and sharing.
Julia Ling is an Ignatian trained spiritual director with an interest in the interplay between faith and the new science. Julia is based at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow and is also a member of the Epiphany Group, a Scotland wide network of Ignatian trained directors.
Introduction to the Enneagram
with Karen Webb
Tuesday 21 September and Wednesday 22 September 9.30-5.00 £40 for 2 days
The Enneagram is a dynamic, ancient, spiritual and psychological model of humanity. It describes nine basic personality types, how they vary and interact, and the direct link between the psycho-logical and spiritual aspects of each. Giving extraordinarily accurate insight into our day-to-day behaviour, preoccupations, strengths and weaknesses and those of our friends, colleagues and lovers, it also indicates each person's most fruitful approach to personal growth.
The outer study of the system concerns how the nine types think and feel, how they relate to each other, what will help them flourish and grow. This offers essential understanding of ourselves and our relationships; but the real power of the system lies in the inner study. The inner study joins insight into personality with the technology of sacred tradition. The Enneagram shows ways in which emotional red flags such as jealousy or fear can become the raw material, the energy source, for liberation. The task is to transform the thoughts and emotions that define our personality into capacities such as empathy, non-attachment and love. Whether you already know something about the Enneagram, or nothing, the Narrative Tradition approach will give you a living experience of each type.
A Quiet Day – Treasures of Darkness
with Revd Judith Crane
Thursday 30 September 10.30-3.30 £12
Many people experience periods, events or relationships in their lives they think of as being ‘dark’ for one reason or another. During this day we will be exploring how these may also surprise us with hidden riches that can strengthen and illuminate daily living and draw us closer to God. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on these themes of darkness and light, poverty and riches through talks, scripture and poetry interspersed with times of quiet for personal reflection.
Revd Judith Crane is an Anglican priest working in the Diocese of Derby. After many years in parish ministry she focuses now on spiritual direction, teaching and writing.
FOOLS' PARADISE.
Our Calling to be 'Fools for Christ' in a Cynical World
with Angela Ashwin
Saturday 9 October 10.30-4.00 £12
Angela Ashwin will take further themes from her latest book, Faith in the Fool: Risk and Delight in the Christian Adventure, exploring ways in which 'holy fools' of all shapes and sizes can encourage us, even when we feel vulnerable or frustrated. There will be words and music, pictures and quiet spaces for reflection.
Angela travels widely as a retreat-leader and speaker on the spiritual life. She has written several books on prayer in daily life, including Heaven in Ordinary. She has also compiled anthologies and prayerful reflections, including A Book of a Thousand Prayers and The Wine Danced. Her latest book, Faith in the Fool: Risk and Delight in the Christian Adventure, is about the wisdom of foolishness in Christ.
For such a time as this. A Quiet Day
with Joan Sargent & Sr Pauline Wheeler SJW
Thursday 4 November 10.30-3.30 £12
Looking at the life of Esther and asking God what he has for us now.
Sr Pauline Wheeler SJW works as the Prayer Co-ordinator of the Spurriergate Centre. She has worked for many years in the churches homes of healing. She is a qualified Spiritual Director, a Methodist local preacher and is involved in leading days apart and retreats focusing on prayer and encouraging people to enter into sacred space. Joan Sargent MA works as Pastoral Co-ordinator of the Spurriergate Centre. She has recently completed an M.A. in evangelism and is qualified as a Counsellor and Spiritual Director.
Reclaiming the commitment and dynamism of our foremothers and forefathers in the Faith
with Sr Kathleen Murphy
Tuesday 9 November 10.30-3.30 £12
In this workshop Dr Kathleen Murphy RSM, will give an outline of the spirituality, enthusiasm and dynamism of the women and men in the early church. Supported by PowerPoint, a ‘bird’s eye view’ will be given of the roles/relationships of Dorcas, Lydia, Lois and Eunice and Euodia and Syntyche and of Peter, Paul, in the spread of Christianity throughout south east Asia and into Europe. The workshop will be interactive. Reflection and Quiet Prayer Material will be provided for those who would like this help. The day will close with a short carefully prepared prayer service based on the ministry of Phoebe. Kathleen’s most recent book: In the Spirit of Pentecost which has recently become an international publication will be available for purchase, as will her former book: The Women of the Passion.
Dr Kathleen Murphy is a member of the Religious Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. She has contributed to the very well known Symposium: Hear O Islands (Veritas Pub 2002). In addition to travelling widely as a lecturer in the fields of biblical studies and spirituality, she is currently working on a new book due in 2011, and in the fields of Prayer, Retreats and with Victims of Domestic Abuse.
Introduction to Myers Briggs
with Helen Lawrence
Wednesday 10 November 10.00-4.30 £15
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has been used for fifty years in helping people to gain a greater understanding of themselves and of others. Using the psychology of preference, MBTI can provide insight into all aspects of our lives. This day-long session will provide an opportunity to explore your own personality type and to focus on how this may impact on your spiritual journey. The session is designed for people who have no experience of using MBTI or who would like a refresher.
Helen Lawrence is a freelance personal development consultant and works mostly in the higher education and not for profit sectors. She has been an accredited Myers Briggs practitioner since 2005 and is a trained coactive coach. She came to personal development through an academic route, having completed a PhD in Sociolinguistic Variation; after working in postdoctoral research for a while, she decided that people were more interesting than the verbs they used. She is an active member of the Church of England, serving as a PCC member then as churchwarden in her own church.
Dancing with Your Shadow
with Kim Nataraja
Saturday 20 November
10.30-4.00 £12
The
spiritual path integrates mind and heart, the ego and the deeper self, the
centre of our being, where we touch the Source of All. All our aspects need to
be acknowledged including the lost and suppressed - the Shadow. Together we
will explore practical ways to become aware of this and allow grace to enter
and make us whole.
Kim has been a contemplative since her youth and joined The World Community for Christian Meditation in 1993. In 1998 she became a Benedictine Oblate to the Community and since 1999 her service has been to help Laurence Freeman OSB guide and coordinate the International School. In that role she travels widely leading Schools and Retreats and has produced many teaching materials, including the ‘Coming Home Resources Book’ (Medio Media 2003) Her particular interests are those inspiring figures from the Christian Spiritual Tradition, who guide us in the contemplative life, and the ways in which psychological insights can aid our progress. On the latter topic she has written a book ‘Dancing with Your Shadow’, published February 2007 by Medio Media. She is a retired College Lecturer/Head of Department, Modern Languages is her subject. She and her husband have lived in London since the early 60’s and have two grown up children. She is Dutch and her husband is of Indian origin.
Advent Quiet Day
with Fr Joe Smith
Thursday 9 December 10.30-3.30 £12
Today is an opportunity to spend time reflecting and praying some Advent themes. We can also meet some of the scriptural characters who will prepare us for the feast of Christmas.
I am a priest of the Diocese of Leeds and at the moment I work in Saints John Fisher and Thomas More in Burley-in-Wharfedale. I am interested in sharing the scriptures with people and receiving their insights into well known readings so that together we can deepen our understanding of them.
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