We yearn for spiritual strength as we move through these uncertain times and as we try to quiet the static and noise around us ...

We look for spiritual wisdom, especially as our worship places limit their availability ...

We are a community seeking spiritual deepening ...

Journey with us on our online Ignatian Retreat ~ Seeing God's Presence in our Daily Lives Journey as we introduce a discipline and practice that will move you to a spiritual depth. The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola immerses you in deep noticing for the Divine in all things, revealing the face of God in our daily lives. Prayer practices (spiritual exercises) and weekly Scripture passages will guide and support us as we pay attention to the holy around us.

Materials will be provided and explored to guide your weekly prayer. Retreatants will also join as a community of practice once a month for eight months. Spiritual Directors facilitate each monthly gathering. While this may be a new discipline for you, the Spiritual Exercises have a rich 500-year history.

Ignatian Retreat Dates

• Second Tuesday of each month (6:00 – 8:00 pm)
• 2020: October 13, November 10, December 8
• 2021: January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11

All Sessions will be online via Zoom.

Registration fees support the ongoing mission of Dominican Center.

Maximum Capacity:  24 participants

Intentionally listen for God's blessings in your life. Sign up with your email address to receive a daily blessing and a weekly story from Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.

Sign up here for daily blessings

Centering Prayer is a modernized prayer method based on the intuitive prayer rooted in Lectio Divina. It is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience the Divine’s immanent presence with us. Centering Prayer is grounded in relationship with God, through Christ, and is a practice to nurture that relationship.

Centering Prayer complements and supports other modes of prayer — verbal, mental, or affective prayer — and facilitates resting in the Divine Presence. Centering Prayer offers a way to grow in intimacy with God, moving beyond conversation to communion.

As Thomas Keating emphasizes, the source of Centering Prayer, as in all methods leading to contemplative prayer, is the Indwelling Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The focus of Centering Prayer is the deepening of our relationship with the living Christ. The effects of Centering Prayer are ecclesial, as the prayer tends to build communities of faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love. (source: https://gravitycenter.com/practice/centering-prayer/)

 

Gatherings Held Via Zoom
By using the link below, you will enter the Dominican Center Zoom waiting space. No registration required.
Participants will be greeted around 11:50 am. Come early and please feel free to invite a friend or family member to join.

Centering Prayer link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82042706178

 

NEW TO ZOOM?

• View this short video tutorial on how to use Zoom
• If you experience problems with Zoom, please email us at dcmreceptionists@dominicancenter.com

 

Grab a mug from your cupboard, pour yourself a morning refresher, and join us as we leaf through the chapters of The Cup of Our Life ~ A Guide to Spiritual Growth, by beloved Sister Joyce Rupp. She explores how the cup is a rich symbol of life, with its emptiness and fullness, its brokenness and flaws, and its many blessings.  It is a book that enriches our disciplined life of prayer.

Join us for eight weeks around the Bookshelf Circle as we take part in guided reflections, wisdom sharing, storytelling, and insights to spiritual practices that strengthen our relationship with God and with each other.

We start where we are and we move from there one sip at a time.  Please make sure to have a cup that has some significance to you for this program.

Program Dates and Times

The Bookshelf Circle meets Wednesdays for eight weeks from 10:00 - 11:30 am:

• January 13
• January 20
• January 27
• February 3
• February 10
• February 24
• March 3
• March 10

Access The Cup of Our Life Book Through Just Practices

In our virtual existence, you will need to access a copy of the book The Cup of Our Life ~ A Guide to Spiritual Growth by Joyce Rupp from your favorite online bookstore, borrow it from a friend, or see if your local library has it. This is a good opportunity to support local and small businesses and thrift online bookstores during these times. Please contact us at programs@dominicancenter.com if you need any help ordering and accessing this beautiful read.

Registration Fees

Your registration fees help advance the mission of Dominican Center. Through your program participation, you continue to support this transformational ministry of the Dominican Sister ~ Grand Rapids. Payment plans and scholarships available - please contact dcmreceptionist@dominicancenter.com for information.

Bookshelf Circle Gatherings Held via Zoom

Prior to our first Bookshelf Circle, participants will receive an email with a Zoom link.

 

 

Join us March 22 for Mudluscious and Puddle Wonderful ~ Voices of Spring. Come, hear the language of poets who celebrate the adventure and hope of Spring. Listen for words that inspire, images that resonate, and extraordinary metaphors that renew. We’ll hear the voices of Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, e e cummings, Billy Collins, Basho, Wendell Berry, Gerard Manley Hopkins, A.E. Houseman, and Mary Oliver. Listen with your whole being and be blessed by poems that are treasured favorites as well as poems that may be new to you.

Come with me into the woods
where spring is advancing, as it does, no matter
what, not being singular or particular, but one
of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.
~ Mary Oliver

 

Gathering Held Via Zoom

By using the link below, you will enter the Dominican Center Zoom waiting space. Participants will be greeted around 10:20 am. Come early and please feel free to invite a friend or family member to join.

Mudluscious and Puddle Wonderful ~ Voices of Spring Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89519406110

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If it moves you, please consider a donation. A small gift makes a big impact as we continue with the transformative work of Dominican Center. Feel free to adjust the amount of your gift below. Suggested donation ~ $10.

Gratitude abounds and much work to do!

Join us for Sacred Seed Retreat ~ A Contemplative Journey into Stillness beginning May 6. This soul-soothing retreat will help unearth guidance from nature so enable you to gently quiet everyday distractions and access deep spiritual tranquility. Dominican Center, in collaboration with Plainsong Farm, invites you to let your senses be revitalized by nature. Take part in an experience that will cultivate your ability to become silent and still, as you deeply listen and rest in God's presence.

Silence is God's first language.
~ John of the Cross

While you nurture and attend your inner garden it is our hope that you discover solitude in nature as a meaningful spiritual practice. In silence, we learn to listen — to ourselves and to God. In silence, we come to know ourselves and the reality of our lives more deeply. Allow prayerful silence to seed sacred spiritual growth for your journey.

This personal retreat is offered as a blended experience (online and in-person).

PLANT (Session I): THURSDAY / MAY 6 / 6:30-8:00 pm

(via Zoom)

The focus of this guided gathering is to explore new seeds of possibility to emerge in your heart and life. Using Scripture and prayerful prompts, cultivate space in both your interior and exterior home to enhance quiet reflection. During this first session, you will briefly meet with your Retreat Spiritual Director who will prayerfully accompany you on your journey. 

NURTURE IN NATURE (Session II): FRIDAY or SATURDAY / MAY 7 or 8

(in-person at Plainsong Farm in Rockford - COVID-19 safety guidelines in place)

During this in-person session at Plainsong Farm, experience a self-guided prayer pilgrimage that's both interactive and in harmony with the earth. After you register for the retreat, Dominican Center will contact you to confirm your day and time preference.

Plainsong Farm is located at 6677 12 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341

Friday (May 7)

10:00 am to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Saturday (May 8)

10:00 am to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 pm

HARVEST (Session III): SUNDAY / MAY 9

(via Zoom)

The Sacred Seed retreat experience concludes on Sunday with a 45-minute sacred conversation with your retreat spiritual director.

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After you register for the retreat, you will receive an email from Dominican Center with a map to Plainsong Farm, information on what to expect, and forms that will need to be reviewed, signed, and returned to Dominican Center before the retreat begins.

Download the Sacred Seed Retreat guidelines and suggestions here.

QUESTIONS

If you have any additional questions, please contact Dominican Center via email at programs@dominicancenter.com.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

For your time at Plainsong Farm, please understand face coverings are required. You will be outside for the majority or all of your time at the farm, giving plenty of room for social distancing. There is a small indoor area for meditation and prayer or to take a break from the elements - windows will be open throughout your retreat time and retreatants are asked to enter this area one at a time.

REGISTRATION FEE AND CANCELLATION POLICY

$165 - the registration fee covers all three sessions. Refunds for cancellations cannot be made after May 1, 2021.

Silence the world around you. Silence the world within you. Silence the thoughts that shout out to you. In the stillness hear God’s voice. In the quiet, sense the Divine’s presence and the spiritual love that is waiting to embrace you. Gently enter into silence during this retreat experience. A spiritual director will be here to companion with you on this summer silent retreat.

This retreat is held at the Augustine Center Retreat House. The center is a retreat house welcoming individuals and groups for ongoing formation, education, and spirituality. The Augustine Center is located in Conway, Michigan, on the northern border of Petoskey.

Cost: $465. Includes spiritual direction, meals, and room. Space is limited. Financial scholarships are available. Call to request information.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions

• Each guest must complete a health screening and sign a visitor health agreement (see form here)
• For groups of more than 14, "talks" will take place in the chapel to allow adequate social spacing
• The Siena Hall (lecture room) functions as a second dining room for social spacing purposes
• Retreatants sit in the same location each time for meals and in the chapel or lecture room spaces
• Kitchen staff individually wraps each cold item to be served; hot food will be plated for each guest
• Sanitizers and gloves are available
• Face coverings must be worn in common areas
• Exhaust fan systems remain on to create negative pressure in each bedroom and in the chapel
• Bedroom doors are to remain closed
• Employees at the center undergo daily health screenings

Although Augustine Center Retreat House takes many precautions, they cannot guarantee the health of a guest - each retreatant assumes their own risk in their decision to come to St. Augustine Center.

Catechist Certification
Many programs offered at Dominican Center may be taken for credit toward Catechist Certification for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. These programs are assigned a Content Formation Dimension (CFD). After attending the class in person, watching it live or as a video on demand, go to the Catechist Certification Credit Form. Fill out the form and answer the reflection questions. The completed form needs to be printed and submitted to your religious education director in your parish.

CFD: Spirituality

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy

Join us for Sacred Seed Retreat ~ A Contemplative Journey into Stillness beginning August 5. This soul-soothing retreat will help unearth guidance from nature so enable you to gently quiet everyday distractions and access deep spiritual tranquility. Dominican Center, in collaboration with Plainsong Farm, invites you to let your senses be revitalized by nature. Take part in an experience that will cultivate your ability to become silent and still, as you deeply listen and rest in God's presence.

Silence is God's first language.
~ John of the Cross

While you nurture and attend your inner garden it is our hope that you discover solitude in nature as a meaningful spiritual practice. In silence, we learn to listen — to ourselves and to God. In silence, we come to know ourselves and the reality of our lives more deeply. Allow prayerful silence to seed sacred spiritual growth for your journey.

This personal retreat is offered as a blended experience (online and in-person).

PLANT (Session I): THURSDAY / AUGUST 5 / 6:30-8:00 pm

(via Zoom)

The focus of this guided gathering is to explore new seeds of possibility to emerge in your heart and life. Using Scripture and prayerful prompts, cultivate space in both your interior and exterior home to enhance quiet reflection. During this first session, you will briefly meet with your Retreat Spiritual Director who will prayerfully accompany you on your journey. 

NURTURE IN NATURE (Session II): FRIDAY or SATURDAY / AUGUST 6 or 7

(in-person at Plainsong Farm in Rockford - COVID-19 safety guidelines in place)

During this in-person session at Plainsong Farm, experience a self-guided prayer pilgrimage that's both interactive and in harmony with the earth. After you register for the retreat, Dominican Center will contact you to confirm your day and time preference.

Plainsong Farm is located at 6677 12 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341

Friday (August  6)

10:00 am to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Saturday (August 7)

10:00 am to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 pm

HARVEST (Session III): SUNDAY / AUGUST 8

(via Zoom)

The Sacred Seed retreat experience concludes on Sunday with a 45-minute sacred conversation with your retreat spiritual director.

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After you register for the retreat, you will receive an email from Dominican Center with a map to Plainsong Farm, information on what to expect, and forms that will need to be reviewed, signed, and returned to Dominican Center before the retreat begins.

Download the Sacred Seed Retreat guidelines and suggestions here.

QUESTIONS

If you have any additional questions, please contact Dominican Center via email at programs@dominicancenter.com.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

For your time at Plainsong Farm, please understand face coverings are required. You will be outside for the majority or all of your time at the farm, giving plenty of room for social distancing. There is a small indoor area for meditation and prayer or to take a break from the elements - windows will be open throughout your retreat time and retreatants are asked to enter this area one at a time.

REGISTRATION FEE AND CANCELLATION POLICY

$165 - the registration fee covers all three sessions. Refunds for cancellations cannot be made after August 1, 2021.

Join us for our fall Sacred Seed Retreat ~ A Contemplative Journey into Stillness beginning October 7. This soul-soothing retreat will help unearth guidance from nature so enable you to gently quiet everyday distractions and access deep spiritual tranquility. Dominican Center, in collaboration with Plainsong Farm, invites you to let your senses be revitalized by nature. Take part in an experience that will cultivate your ability to become silent and still, as you deeply listen and rest in God's presence.

Silence is God's first language.
~ John of the Cross

While you nurture and attend your inner garden it is our hope that you discover solitude in nature as a meaningful spiritual practice. In silence, we learn to listen — to ourselves and to God. In silence, we come to know ourselves and the reality of our lives more deeply. Allow prayerful silence to seed sacred spiritual growth for your journey.

This personal retreat is offered as a blended experience (online and in-person).

PLANT (Session I): THURSDAY / OCTOBER 7 / 6:30-8:00 pm

(via Zoom)

The focus of this guided gathering is to explore new seeds of possibility to emerge in your heart and life. Using Scripture and prayerful prompts, cultivate space in both your interior and exterior home to enhance quiet reflection. During this first session, you will briefly meet with your Retreat Spiritual Director who will prayerfully accompany you on your journey. 

NURTURE IN NATURE (Session II): FRIDAY or SATURDAY / OCTOBER 8 or 9

(in-person at Plainsong Farm in Rockford - COVID-19 safety guidelines in place)

During this in-person session at Plainsong Farm, experience a self-guided prayer pilgrimage that's both interactive and in harmony with the earth. After you register for the retreat, Dominican Center will contact you to confirm your day and time preference.

Plainsong Farm is located at 6677 12 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341

Friday (October 8)

10:00 am to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Saturday (October 9)

10:00 am to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 pm

HARVEST (Session III): SUNDAY / OCTOBER 10

(via Zoom)

The Sacred Seed retreat experience concludes on Sunday with a 45-minute sacred conversation with your retreat spiritual director.

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After you register for the retreat, you will receive an email from Dominican Center with a map to Plainsong Farm, information on what to expect, and forms that will need to be reviewed, signed, and returned to Dominican Center before the retreat begins.

Download the Sacred Seed Retreat guidelines and suggestions here.

QUESTIONS

If you have any additional questions, please contact Dominican Center via email at programs@dominicancenter.com.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

For your time at Plainsong Farm, please understand face coverings are required. You will be outside for the majority or all of your time at the farm, giving plenty of room for social distancing. There is a small indoor area for meditation and prayer or to take a break from the elements - windows will be open throughout your retreat time and retreatants are asked to enter this area one at a time.

REGISTRATION FEE AND CANCELLATION POLICY

$165 - registration fee covers all three sessions. Refunds for cancellations cannot be made after October 1, 2021.