In Spiritual Direction Practicum, Part 2, participants go deeper into the realities of their own spiritual journeys, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the rules of discernment, the adult maturing of faith using the enneagram, and a celebration of that great cloud of witnesses of Spiritual Giants that remind us of God’s continual presence in this world and our lives.

For more information, please visit our Called to be a Spiritual Director page.

Dates of Sessions:

• September 7, 2018
• September 21, 2018
• October 5, 2018
• October 19, 2018
• November 2, 2018
• November 16, 2018
• November 30, 2018
• December 14, 2018
• January 4, 2019
• January 18, 2019
• February 1, 2019
• February 15, 2019
• March 1, 2019
• March 15, 2019
• April 12, 2019
• April 26, 2019
• May 3, 2019
• May 17, 2019

The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola form a structure for encountering and loving God more deeply. This adaptation from the 30-Day Ignatian Retreat feeds the hunger of our hearts with the Word of God.

Go forth and set the world on fire.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola

Through nine months of prayer, contemplation, and community, participants will explore Ignatius prayer methods and insight into the spiritual through personally meditating with Scripture and engaging in small group conversations and reflection.

Series Dates:

• September 10, 2018
• October 8, 2018
• November 12, 2018
• December 10, 2018
• January 14, 2019
• February 11, 2019
• March 11, 2019
• April 8, 2019
• May 13, 2019

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy.

Spiritual Companioning is a ministry that arises from one’s faith commitment to serve others. The two-year course deepens the sacred presence we offer one another. Through study, writing, group sharing, and prayer, participants cultivate a spiritual sensitivity toward societal and global responsibility. This spiritual formation course intentionally cultivates movement toward community, mutual solidarity, justice, and respect and dignity for all creation.

For more information, please visit our Spiritual Companioning page.

Spiritual Companioning applications:
Spiritual Companioning Application Part A
Spiritual Companioning Application Part B

Dates of Sessions:

• September 11, 2018
• October 16, 2018
• November 13, 2018
• December 18, 2018
• January 15, 2019
• February 19, 2019
• March 19, 2019
• April 9, 2019
• May 14, 2019

Please note the 2018-2019 year has fewer sessions than previous years. This is reflected in the new lower registration cost.

Discover the sacred in each other and in moments of everyday through photography. Being still to frame a moment in time requires us to slow down and to notice. In capturing a photo, the photographer is intentional. When photographing people, we learn to engage, develop trust, connect, and lean into each other.

It's less what the eye sees and more what the soul feels.
- unknown

This program gently guides you in seeing the holy that surround us all. Over 7 sessions, participants of all levels will be guided through artistic and technical skills of camera use; will sharpen their contemplative focus on life and living; and sacred stories of photographs will be shared with one another.  Please bring your camera to each session. Cell phones and cameras are welcomed.

Series Dates

• September 11
• September 25
• October 9
• October 23
• November 13
• November 27
• December 11

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FD: Spirituality

A spiritual director holds sacred the many stories heard in a one-on-one relationship or in a trusted group. The Spiritual Director Practicum is a formation that depends on the understanding of how the Holy Spirit is present in our life and in the lives of others. The practicum is a two-year process filled with contemplative prayer, study, and practicing spiritual disciplines. Participants will journey with each other and with Spiritual Giants who will mentor them during this formation process. Participants will have opportunities to provide spiritual direction under supervision, and will receive spiritual direction throughout the process.

For more information, please visit our Called to be a Spiritual Director page.

Dates of Sessions:

• September 14, 2018
• September 15, 2018
• October 5, 2018
• October 6, 2018
• November 9, 2018
• November 10, 2018
• December 7, 2018
• December 8, 2018
• January 11, 2019
• January 12, 2019
• February 8, 2019
• February 9, 2019
• March 8, 2019
• March 9, 2019
• April 5, 2019
• April 6, 2019
• May 10, 2019
• May 11, 2019

Join this interfaith contemplative group that practices interspiritual companioning. We will explore and participate in contemplative practices from global faith traditions to move us in deeper union with the Divine. All faith traditions welcome.

In collaboration with Kaufman Interfaith Institute.

Dates:

• September 17, 2018
• October 22, 2018
• December 3, 2018

Cost: Free-will offering

FD: Spirituality

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Discover Dominican spirituality. It is a spirituality rooted in prayer study for the sake of service and community. Be inspired to grow in your spirituality through the lived experiences and teachings of St. Catherine of Siena, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Meister Eckhart.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
- St. Thomas Aquinas

Series Dates:

• September 17, 2018
• October 15, 2018
• November 19, 2018
• December 17, 2018
• January 21, 2019
• February 18, 2019
• March 18, 2019
• April 15, 2019
• May 20, 2019

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

Foundations in Spirituality is a serious reflective study that opens our minds and hearts to the teachings and life examples of the great Christian spiritual teachers that continue to deepen our present spiritual journey.

Christ will make His home in your heart as you trust in Him.
Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
- Ephesians 3:17

Explore the rich preaching of St. Dominic; the unbreakable faith of St. Teresa of Avila; the deep spirituality of St. John of the Cross; the life-giving wisdom of the Beguines; the fortitude of John Calvin; the daily prayerful life of St. Ignatius; and the lives of many more that continue to enrich our own faith and spirituality.

The course introduces the practice of contemplative prayer and presence as basic to living a spiritual life. It is an experience that strengthens our own response to the longing in our hearts that seeks a deeper relationship with God.

The objectives of this course are to:

• Grow in understanding and appreciation of the diverse ways God has been present to and involved in the lives of the great spiritual teachers and guides throughout history
• Encourage awareness, commitment to, and integration of the spiritual journey in daily life through writing and living a personal rule of life
• Develop an understanding of contemplative attitudes and presence as basic to living a spiritual life
• Provide opportunity for an introductory study of writings from the spiritual classics for the purpose of reflection, discussion, and personal appropriation
• Foster respect for the diversity in past and present theology and spirituality.
• To present basic principles and tools for discernment that are useful for personal, prayerful decision making

Day and Times:  Class meets Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A required book of readings will be available for purchase at Dominican Center.

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Building on our connected, common humanity, Foundations in Wisdom offers the opportunity to explore spiritual practices, expand resources, and participate in shared experiences that renew one’s spiritual foundation, as well as the resolve to live in this world with compassion and to respond with contemplative service.

Martin Luther King knew that God and God alone gives us the interior resources to bear the burdens and tribulations of life, especially those that come as we fulfill our call to serve others and stand for what is right in this world. Had he not known how to move from action back into prayer - how to tap into a deeper Source than mere human activism - we would have lost him to fear and discouragement; the forces of evil would have prevailed, at least for a little while longer.
- Ruth Haley Barton, Author
MLK Jr. and the Soul of Leadership

All faith traditions and wisdom teachers are rooted in their commitment to social justice and to those living in the margins of society. The givens of our faith include being good stewards of the earth, empowering the vulnerable to live with dignity, and standing in equity with all peoples.

This spiritual formation experience guides participants toward a deeper understanding that will awaken and strengthen a commitment to justice.

• Companion with wisdom teachers who came before us - Dorothy Day, Howard Thurman, Monseñor Oscar Romero, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Teresa de Avila, St. Francis of Assisi.
• Companion with wisdom teachers still with us - Richard Rohr, Joan Chittister, Malala Yousafzai, Pádraig Ó Tuama, Margaret Benefiel, Thich Nhat Hanh, Pope Francis, Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Pema Chödrön, Don Goergen, OP.
• Companion with prophetic wisdom yet to come.
• Journey near and far to witness and participate in the work of those making a difference in the lives of others.
• Develop resources for cultivating the practices of meditation and contemplation in today’s world.
• Share one’s story and have one’s story be heard through the art of holy listening and conversation.

Cost: $600, plus book fees. For information regarding a payment plan or scholarship, please email Margarita Solis-Deal,  Dominican Center director.

View session dates and more information

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FD: Spirituality

This program has reached capacity, please call 616.514.3325 to be added to our waiting list!

Jesus looked deeply into the eyes of John the Baptist; He invited Nicodemus to be born again; He asked for a drink from a Samaritan woman; He made His hands and His side available to doubting Thomas. Jesus waits for us to be our Word, to become our friend, to share the journey of faith. The Gospels were written that we may become a believing disciple. Come and journey with us. Please bring a Bible to class.

Series Dates:

• October 1, 2018
• November 5, 2018
• December 3, 2018

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality/Theology

Lectio Divina is a way of praying the Scriptures so that the Word of God may penetrate our hearts. This prayerful practice is a blend of silence and slow, prayerful reading of Scripture.

Occurs every Wednesday from 12:00 - 12:30 pm.

There is no cost or registration for this event.

Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability within the practice. With an emphasis on the breath, alignment, and taking things at your own pace, Chair Yoga brings simplicity to the practice for easeful connection with the healing and restorative benefits yoga offers.

Yoga begins right where I am –
not where I was yesterday or where I long to be.
– Linda Sparrowe

In each yoga session, experience conscious awareness of breath, observe sensations in the body, notice thoughts, and expand the heart center.

Dominican Center’s yoga sessions create a healing space for all ages, fitness levels, and physical conditions so poses and breath work are accessible to all. For those new to yoga or working with special concerns and injuries, poses are modified and supported with props and detailed instruction for comfort and safety. Props are provided by Dominican Center at no additional cost.

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy.

Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability within the practice. With an emphasis on the breath, alignment, and taking things at your own pace, Chair Yoga brings simplicity to the practice for easeful connection with the healing and restorative benefits yoga offers.

Yoga begins right where I am –
not where I was yesterday or where I long to be.
– Linda Sparrowe

In each yoga session, experience conscious awareness of breath, observe sensations in the body, notice thoughts, and expand the heart center.

Dominican Center’s yoga sessions create a healing space for all ages, fitness levels, and physical conditions so poses and breath work are accessible to all. For those new to yoga or working with special concerns and injuries, poses are modified and supported with props and detailed instruction for comfort and safety. Props are provided by Dominican Center at no additional cost.

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy

This gentle class offers a peaceful session to gradually build strength and range of motion. With this quiet practice, experience how mindful movement and breath work can deliver much-needed nurturing, rest, and clarity.

The body is my temple, asanas are my prayers.
– BKS Iyengar

Using gentle and mindful movement as well as nourishing breath work, Gentle Yoga encourages softly stretching and strengthening. In each session, experience conscious awareness of breath, observe sensations in the body, notice thoughts, and expand the heart center.

Dominican Center’s yoga sessions create a healing space for all ages, fitness levels, and physical conditions so poses and breath work are accessible to all. For those new to yoga or working with special concerns and injuries, poses are modified and supported with props and detailed instruction for comfort and safety. Props are provided by Dominican Center at no additional cost.

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy

Calm the mind and nourish the body with Restorative Yoga. Restorative poses are held on a mat and deeply supported with yoga props. The practice seeks to balance the physical, mental, and spiritual while also experiencing profound rest and relaxation.

Don’t practice yoga to get better at yoga; practice yoga to get better at living.
- unknown

Using gentle and mindful movement as well as nourishing breath work, Restorative Yoga encourages softly stretching and strengthening. In each session, experience conscious awareness of breath, observe sensations in the body, notice thoughts, and expand the heart center.

Dominican Center’s yoga sessions create a healing space for all ages, fitness levels, and physical conditions so poses and breath work are accessible to all. For those new to yoga or working with special concerns and injuries, poses are modified and supported with props and detailed instruction for comfort and safety. Props are provided by Dominican Center at no additional cost.

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy

The labyrinth is an ancient gift that invites you to walk a path to wholeness, integrating life’s positive and negative experiences along the way. Known as a path of meditation or as a path of prayer, the labyrinth has an uncanny ability to open one’s receptivity, intuition, and inner knowing.

The labyrinth provides the sacred space where the inner and outer worlds can commune, where the thinking mind and the imaginative heart can flow together.
- Dr. Lauren Artress

The labyrinth will gently and graciously offer you profound guidance on how best to proceed on your journey with an open, joyous heart.

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FD: Spirituality

Join us for the November Reflective Film Series featuring The Concert. Andrei Simoniovich Filipov, renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra, was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a cleaning man, he learns that the Châtelet Theater in Paris invites the Bolshoi orchestra to play. He decides to gather together his former musicians to perform in place of the current Bolshoi orchestra.

Rated PG-13

Popcorn and soda provided.

Co-sponsored by Dominican Associates. Special thanks to Zulema Moret, Dominican Associate, for her generosity.

Join us for Advent Icon Retreat: The Nativity. For followers of Christ, Advent is a season of preparation for the arrival of holy peace, perfect love, and true compassion to light up our hearts with spiritual joy. Sacred icons are images of those whose hearts were on fire with this joy. These images reflect God’s love.

Reflection, prayer, contemplative creativity, and gentle instruction will guide participants in painting this image on a 9” X 12” board. Beginner and experienced artists welcome. No previous painting experience required. Paint, brushes, and supplies  included.

Price of $350.00 includes the retreat, breakfasts, and lunches.

This program has reached capacity. Please call 616.514.3325 to be placed on a waiting list. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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FD: Spirituality

During this Advent season, let us resolve to find a better rhythm of work and play, of justice and peace, of prayer and silence.  Let us resolve to hold Sabbath sacred.  Sabbath is resting in the Lord, making room for God, making better choices, and finding space to just be.

If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my Holy day; if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s Holy day honorable; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights.
- Isaiah 58: 13-14

FD: Spirituality

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The best gift that you can give the world is a you that is fully present. Come, retreat to a place focused on quieting the environment around and all that is within you. Learn to respond to your need and longing for time and space to renew body, mind, and spirit. Come on your own, invite a friend, or gather with a special group to Be Still in Sacred Spaces.

Participants may choose three sessions. Continental breakfast included.

Gentle Yoga: Come Home to Yourself, with Kathy Julien - Return home to yourself as you build awareness of your breath, observe the body's sensations, and expand the heart. Gentle yoga is suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and physical conditions.

I Light: Release and Trust the Journey, with Leara Glinzak, MSAT - Using an art experiential, explore how creativity and faith, when woven together, create centering. Ground in your faith and experience a creative process and an art therapy directive that will guide you on an introspective journey.

Labyrinth Walk: Connect With Your Truth, with Susan Duesbery - Known as a path of prayer the labyrinth has an uncanny ability to help access our deepest truths. In challenging times, labyrinth walking graciously offers profound guidance on how to navigate our journeys with an open, loving heart.

Sacred Scripture, with Nahed Fernando - In this busy season, experience a contemplative reading of Sacred Scripture, guided meditation, and time of contemplation. Through stillness, journaling, and sharing we will seek more presence and openness as our spirits move into a deeper awareness of God.

Seated Stillness: Finding Sacred Space Within, with Sandra Mitchell - In this restful session, using seated guided meditation, silence, and gentle inquiry of the heart, seek stillness and discernment of what will best serve you in your journey of finding sacred space within.

Zentangle®: Be Present, with Amy Kam, CZT - The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. This artistic meditation creates a safe space to discover new ways to open up to your self-expression and allows you to see the beauty in all things.

In this fun class, Zentangle: Zen-Bedded Letters, learn to zen-bed (embed) letters of the alphabet into a work of art! This meditative technique is ideal for making cards or bookmarks and for personalizing gifts. Two Zentangle tiles are provided. Please bring your Micron PN, Micron 01, pencil, and tortillion (blending tool).

The Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor and model for inspiring a deliberate artistry in life.
- zentangle.com

A form of artistic expression and meditation, the Zentangle Method allows you to create beautiful images using techniques of drawing structured patterns and reflective prompts.

Prerequisite: Exploring Zentangle - or - Introduction to Zentangle

Register for Exploring Zentangle: An Introduction

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O' Antiphons is a seven-day prayer that is an ancient Christian ritual in preparation for the coming of the Light of the World ... Jesus. Each evening begins with a contemplative candlelight procession, then moves into the singing of hymns and psalms; the proclamation of scripture; and a reflection on the theme of each sacred evening. Join us in union with the global community, as we wait in holy anticipation.

There is no registration for this offering.

Join us for the February Reflective Film Series, Dheepan. The film tells the story of three Tamil refugees who flee the civil war-ravaged Sri Lanka and come to France, in the hope of reconstructing their lives. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. It was later shown in the Special Presentations section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

Rated R

Popcorn and soda provided.

Co-sponsored by Dominican Associates. Special thanks to Zulema Moret, Dominican Associate, for her generosity.

Scripture comes alive as we journey through the sacred places of the Holy Land. This pilgrimage brings a new richness as we will walk where Jesus walked in Galilee region and in Jerusalem and Bethany where he spent time with his beloved friends.

Cost: $3,699, includes round-trip airfare from Chicago, first class/select hotels, and most meals.

For more information on this pilgrimage or to register, view the brochure or contact Sr. Nancy Brousseau at email: nbrousseau@aol.com or phone: 616.560.4580.

FD: Evangelization

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 silent retreat.

This retreat is held at the Augustine Center. 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.

$335: Includes spiritual direction, meals, and room. Space is limited. Financial scholarships are available. Call to request information.

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Join us for the March Reflective Film Series featuring The Square. In this film, a prestigious Stockholm museum's chief art curator finds himself in times of both professional and personal crisis as he attempts to set up a controversial new exhibit. Christian is the respected curator of a contemporary art museum, a divorced but devoted father of two who drives an electric car and supports good causes. His next show is The Square, an installation that invites passersby to altruism, reminding them of their role as responsible fellow human beings. But sometimes, it is difficult to live up to your own ideals. Christian's foolish response to the theft of his phone drags him into shameful situations. Meanwhile, the museum's PR agency has created an unexpected campaign for The Square. The response is overblown and sends Christian, as well as the museum, into an existential crisis.

Rated R

Popcorn and soda provided.

Co-sponsored by Dominican Associates. Special thanks to Zulema Moret, Dominican Associate, for her generosity.

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.

$335: Includes spiritual direction, meals, and room. Space is limited. Financial scholarships are available. Call to request information.

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy.

FD: Spirituality

Join us for the April Reflective Film Series, Yesterday. This film tells the story of a young mother, Yesterday, who discovers she has AIDS. Her husband, a migrant mine laborer, rejected her despite being the one that infected her. Her ambition becomes to live long enough to see her daughter, Beauty, go to school. This film is the first commercial feature-length production in Zulu.

Rated R

Soda and popcorn provided.

Co-sponsored by the Dominican Associates. Special thanks to Zulema Moret, Dominican Associate, for her generosity.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the world-famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. The villagers of Oberammergau first performed the play in 1634 in fulfillment of their promise to God for sparing them from the Black Plague and it has been presented there every 10 years since then.

Cost: $4,479, includes round-trip airfare from Chicago, first class/select hotels, and most meals.

For more information on this pilgrimage or to register, view the brochure or contact Sr. Nancy Brousseau at email: nbrousseau@aol.com or phone: 616.560.4580.

FD: Evangelization

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. 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.

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

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy