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.

Please note that we will not be having Tuesday morning Chair Yoga on December 25 and January 1 due to the holidays. DCM will be closed on those days.

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy.

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.

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

Join this contemplative interspiritual group that practices interspiritual and interfaith 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:

• January 14, 2019
• February 11, 2019
• March 11, 2019
• April 8, 2019

Cost: Free-will offering

FD: Spirituality

Sister Diane Zerfas, OP, is currently facilitating this program on David Benner's book, Surrender to Love. Though the program began on January 16, Sister Diane invites you to join her beginning February 20 for the remaining four meetings.

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David Benner’s book Surrender to Love invites us to discover and explore the HEART of Christian spirituality - LOVE.  Each month we will read, ponder, and reflect together on this gentle invitation to find the Perfect Love that surrounds us and participate in the very life of God.

How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good done for me?
~ Psalm 116

Remaining dates:

• February 20, 2019
• March 20, 2019
• April 17, 2019
• May 15, 2019

Cost includes book.

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

In this Creative Transformation: Honoring Loss program, our work will be on recognizing, respecting, and releasing grief as a process - and often a painful one. Loss of loved ones, jobs, status, and relationships weigh heavily on our soul. This Creative Transformation workshop will help us to recognize how loss impacts us. Using a reflective and creative process, learn to acknowledge the emotions that arise in times of loss.

All the art of living lies in the fine mingling of letting go and holding on.
- Havelock Ellis

Creative Transformation programs are facilitated by Art Therapist Leara Glinzak. She is recognized as a gentle, interactive presence that guides participants through mindful, creative steps toward healing and growth in times of transition and change. No artistic experience required … only life experience.

FD: Spirituality

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

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.

The Enneagram is a tool for personal and spiritual growth. The identity of your personality using the Enneagram gives you a clarity to better understand yourself and the habits that guide your thoughts and behavior.  Knowing yourself is foundational for any psychological and spiritual growth toward becoming fully human and fully alive.

The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just as they are, not the people we wish they would become so our lives would become easier.
― Ian Morgan Cron

The workshop is designed for those new to the Enneagram and who have a desire to understand and gain wisdom of oneself in relationship to interacting with others. Includes breakfast and lunch.

• Registration: 8:30am
• Program: 9:00am

FD: Spirituality

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy

Cultivating a Life of Wholeness invites you to integrate both your joys and your sorrows in a way that transforms you and helps you to grow into the most joyful and loving version of yourself. Focusing on enhancing what makes you feel whole can help you live your purpose with determination, grace, and equanimity.

The purpose of our journey is to restore ourselves to wholeness.
- Debbie Ford

Join us and enter into this contemplative experience to help you deepen your awareness of wholeness. Together, we will explore, discuss, and engage in several practices that help cultivate wholeness, such as labyrinth walking, breathing techniques, and guided meditation.

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

In Zentangle Found Poetry, using aged pages of text, we will find and focus on words that stand out on each unique page and then create tangled works of art around them. The result will be your own unique page of poetry art.  Opportunities to add color will be available as well.

Led by Amy W.M. Kam, Certified Zentangle Teacher, the Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.

Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.

*Prerequisite: Must have completed an Exploring or Introduction to Zentangle class. TOOLS NEEDED: Please bring your standard Zentangle supplies (Micron pen, pencil, tortillon). Learn more at zentangle.com.

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

Deepening our Dominican Commitment with Sr. Mary Ann Barrett OP

Deepening our Dominican Commitment begins with a closer look at the passion that animated St. Dominic’s life and preaching. How faithfully do we reflect his spirit today?
Pondering our call To Praise, To Bless, To Preach Jesus Christ can lead us to fresh insights about our mission today and stir our search for Truth.

Time will be provided for personal reflection and sharing among participants.

Please join us in DCM Rooms 1-3 for registration at 8:30 am. The program will begin at 9:00 am. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

This event is for Dominican Associates and Dominican Sisters only.
Dominican Sisters, please register at the Front Desk at Dominican Center.

RSVP by Friday, February 22, 2019.

Scholarships are available. For more information, call Lisa Mitchell 616-514-3115 or email lmitchell@grdominicans.org

Thank you for your interest in Write Your Heart: Anxiety.  The program is now full and registration is closed.  

Join us for a transformational writing experience that focuses on a specific state of being. As you put pen to paper, observe the emotions that pour from you, discover the truth of your feelings, and allow your heart’s energy to create both art and change.

Anxiety is the handmaiden of creativity.
- T.S. Elliot

Write Your Heart Out is a writing circle facilitated by Sandra Mitchell, coach and writer. Using stillness, writing prompts, sharing, and non-judgmental feedback, these reflective writing experiences are open to writers of all levels. From journal entries, to song lyrics, to fiction, and more, participants write in the genre they find best serves their process. Limited to eight writers.

Read more about transformational writing experiences >

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

Rooted in Jesus’s radical teachings of nonviolence, this eight-week program takes participants through explorations from self-focused nonviolence to what nonviolence can look like on a national or global scale. Our faith calls us to respond to being peace for this world.  Our faith calls us to move from indifference to action.

Listen to Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., as he calls us to do our part.  

This program will guide us in understanding nonviolence both on local and global levels. Through prayer, mind- and heart-opening readings and videos, spiritual exercises, dialogue, and invitations to action, participants will have a clearer understanding of how their involvement to a more peaceful world makes a difference - and how faith strengthens us in our resolve to do so.  

Cost: $80
Student Rate: $40, use code Peace at checkout
Cost includes book and immersion experience

Program Dates:

• March 4, 2019
• March 11, 2019
• March 18, 2019
• March 25, 2019
• April 1, 2019
• April 8, 2019
• April 15, 2019
• April 22, 2019

Program developed by JustFaith Ministries

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Evangelization

In Spirituality Through a Camera Lens discover the sacred in each other and in everyday moments. 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 surrounds us all. Over 6 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 share sacred stories of photographs with one another.  Please bring your camera or camera cell phone to each session.

SERIES DATES
March 5, 2019
March 19, 2019
April 2, 2019
April 16, 2019
April 30, 2019
May 14, 2019

FD: Spirituality

Visio Divina, Latin for divine seeing, is a form of prayer that uses images to open our hearts, focus our thoughts and helps us to pray with the Eyes of the Heart. Using Henri Nouwen’s Behold the Beauty of the Lord, we will spend time weekly gazing into sacred images, finding mystery and entering a space of shared contemplation of beauty that rests within us and outside of us.

Dates:

• March 12, 2019
• March 19, 2019
• March 26, 2019
• April 2, 2019
• April 9, 2019

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

Walking in His Footsteps: Join us for a weekend of learning about, honoring, and praying with the heart of St. Oscar Romero.

• The Life of Saint Oscar Romero at Dominican Center at Marywood on Saturday, March 16, 8:30 - 11:30 am
• Spanish Mass (Noon-1:00 pm) and Reception (1:00-3:00 pm) at Cathedral of St. Andrew Sunday, March 17.

Romero's teachings and beliefs in nonviolence are a beacon for good, and a sign of hope and peace for all humanity. His presence and example have influenced political, social, and faith thought leaders around the world.

So many are walking in the footsteps of one of South America's most influential justice advocates and prophetic voices of the Roman Catholic Church and Catholic Social Teaching. How has Saint Oscar Romero's legacy continued to inspire and challenge others committed to a life of nonviolence and who seek to follow Christ today?

One man whose heart was moved by Romero's passion and courage to speak truth to power is Bishop Oswaldo Escobar Aguliar, OCD, of  Chalatenango El Salvador. We welcome his presence for this
special weekend in Grand Rapids.

Join us at Dominican Center as Bishop Oswaldo reflects on the life of Saint Oscar Romero. Please register below.

On Sunday, Bishop Oswaldo will be at the Cathedral of St. Andrew for Mass, followed by a reception and reflection.

Born and raised in El Salvador, Bishop Oswaldo Escobar Aguilar entered the Order of Discalced Carmelites and made his solemn profession in December 1995. He continued his advanced studies in philosophy and theology at leading halls of academia in South America, Spain, and Rome. He served in formation and parish leadership roles throughout Latin America and in 2016 Pope Francis appointed Fray Escobar as the new Bishop of Chalatenango.

Sponsored by Dominican Center at Marywood, Catholic Information Center, and Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero, a servant of peace, served three short years as Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador in Central America. As a shepherd to the people, he was an outspoken advocate against violence and systemic injustice and for the rights of the most oppressed. The people grieved deeply when he was assassinated on March 24, 1980.

"Let us not tire of preaching love." ~  Saint Oscar Romero

Registration: 8:30am
The Life of Saint Oscar Romero: 9:00am

Presentation will be in Spanish with interpretation in English.

FD: Spirituality

Con Obispo Oswaldo Escobar Aguilar, ocd, desde Chalatenango, El Salvador
Un hombre cuyo corazón fue despertado por la pasión ye el coraje de San Oscar Romeo para hablar la verdad al poder is el Obispo Oswaldo Escobar Aguilar, ocd, de Chalentango, El Salavador. Nacido y criado en El Salvador, el Obispo Oswaldo Escobar Aguilar entró en la orden de los Carmelitas Descalzos e hizo su profesión solemne en diciembre de 1995.  Continuó sus estudios avanzados en filosofía y teología en las principales salas de la academia en Roma, España y Latinoamérica.  Sirvió en roles de formacion y liderazgo parroquial en Costa Rica, Honduras, y Guatemala y en 2016 el Papa Francisco nombró a Fray Escobar como el nuevo obispo de Chalatenango.  Únase a nosotros mientras el Obispo Oswald reflexiona sobre la vida de San Oscar Romero y cómo sigue siendo un signo de la esperanza y paz para todos nosotros.

Oscar Arnulfo Romero, siervo de paz, sirvió tres años como Arzobispo de San Salvador, capital de El Salvador en Centroamérica. Como pastor de la gent

e era un defensor abierto contra la violencia y la injusticia sistémica y por los derechos de los más oprimidos. El pueblo se afligió profundamente cuando fue asesinado el 24 de marzo de 1980. Esta estrella de la paz y la voz de la verdad se había ido demasiado
pronto. Y sin embargo, sus enseñanzas y creencias en la no violencia continúan siendo un faro para el bien de hoy. Su presencia y ejemplo han influido a los líderes políticos, sociales y religiosos de todo el mundo. La canonización de San Oscar Arnulfo Romero nos proporciona un ejemplo sagrado de alguien que verdaderamente amó al prójimo y a Dios.

El Programa será en español con interpretación

Registración: 8:30am
El Programa empieza a las: 9:00 am

El Programa será en español/castellano con interpretación en inglés.

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

Increasingly we are made aware of the impact good nutrition has on our body and spiritual health. Learn about the healing benefits of an Intuitive Plant-Based Lifestyle and how to introduce mindfulness into meal times. Learn how mindful eating can increase nutritional intake and help us move out of eating with a diet mentality. This is a great introduction to a Plant-Based lifestyle, cleanses, and a gentle step for those who are looking to lower their intake of animal products.

Each attendee will receive a free eBook developed by Sam Kalawart on plant-based eating.

Registration: 8:30am

Program: 9:00am-Noon

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

Due to expected weather conditions on January 29, this program is rescheduled for Tuesday, March 26.

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Sacred Self-Care focuses on learning to care for yourself as a sacred practice, which invites you to honor your whole being, body, mind, and spirit. Practicing self-care is a way of connecting with your true self amidst the stress and struggles of life.

Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.
- Eleanor Brownn

Join Susan for this contemplative program to deepen your awareness of this sacred practice. Together, we will explore, discuss, and learn several easy-to-use self-care techniques including breathing practices, guided meditation, and gentle yoga.

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

Using a Zentangle Opus tile, this class will lead you on a special journey to create a tangled labyrinth. As your pen fills the paths, you may find metaphors your life in the circular twists, turns, giving you moment to pause and reflect while creating this frame-able work of art.

A wonderful way for a person to grow in a quiet meditative atmosphere, expressing their creativity and sharing in the process with others.
- Zentangle Participant

Led by Amy W.M. Kam, Certified Zentangle Teacher, the Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.  . Learn more at zentangle.com

*Prerequisite: Must have completed an Exploring or Introduction to Zentangle class.

TOOLS NEEDED: Please bring your standard Zentangle supplies (Micron pen, pencil, tortillon).

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy.

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.

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy

~ Join the community of spiritual directors in contemplative conversations and learning ~

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In this Spiritual Director Conversation, Spiritual Direction ~ Transforming Spiritual Directors, listen to the stories of active spiritual directors as they share how spiritual direction has transformed their lives. Learn how they initiated their ministries, the challenges along the way, and their own life-long spiritual formation journey.  Those in spiritual director formation or those exploring a spiritual director ministry, may garner wisdom from those already in practice.

Registration fee waived for spiritual directors actively practicing at Dominican Center. Please use the code Active SD March at checkout for this.

Review Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

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.

Rest in Hope is an afternoon retreat of peace and reflection. Responding to the sacred call to care of loved ones, neighbors, and community often pulls away from our own self-care. This retreat is specifically designed for those in service of others yearning to renew mind, body, and spirit. Come and rest in a place of hope and rejuvenation so that you can be hope to those you serve.  The afternoon includes a nutritious lunch, an insightful message from an inspirational leader and retreat workshops to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.

Review Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

In this program, Dominican Praise: The Liturgy of the Hours, understand the nature and structure of this communal prayer that the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids pray daily.  The session will explore:

• Praying with the Psalms.
• Dominican Praise, which is the prayer book used by the Dominican Sisters.
• Music in Dominican prayer.
• The Dominican use of the body in prayer.

Please bring your Dominican Praise book if you have one. Includes continental breakfast.

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FD: Spirituality

At the core of gospel teaching is an invitation to personal transformation. It is a heart journey that the Gospel preaches, an invitation to open our hearts to the hearts of others, to recognize their kinship and to respond to each other’s needs with heartfelt compassion, generosity, and care. How do we venture into this place of active love of all – especially those who have been exploited, impoverished, and abandoned?

If you want peace, work for justice. - Pope Paul  VI

We welcome Jack Jezreel, creator and founder of JustFaith Ministries and author of a New Way to Be Church, with his powerful testimony and vision of realizing God’s healing presence in the world.

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

The Saint Series is a presentation and conversation with Dominican Associates that shines light on the many holy women and men in service of God.

Dominican Associates are non-vowed women and men who desire to practice their Christian faith in the spirit of the Dominican Order of Preachers. Interested in Dominican Associate Life? Visit grdominicans.org/associates.

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

Art and journaling, when used together, can be effective tools for reflection and expression of life experiences. Visual Journaling can help clarify and shape how we interpret life experiences. This workshop will include the creation of a visual journal. All artistic levels are welcome to attend. All materials will be provided for this workshop.

Creative Transformation programs are facilitated by Art Therapist Leara Glinzak. She is recognized as a gentle, interactive presence who guides participants through mindful, creative steps toward healing and growth in times of transition and change. No artistic experience required … only life experience.

Cost includes materials. Limited to 15 participants.

FD: Spirituality

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy

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.

DUE TO THE WEATHER, THE DATE OF THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN POSTPONED.  ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED ON FEBRUARY 9 THE NEW DAY IS APRIL 27.
WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

The loving-kindness meditation is based on metta, the Pali term for unconditional friendliness, or loving-kindness, and is a form of blessing/meditation practice. It is sourced in Buddhist tradition, yet versions of it are found in many spiritual traditions, including Judaism and Celtic Christianity. It is an interspiritual practice that supports many theologies.

Practice loving-kindness wherever you may go.
― Heather Wolf

Metta is a sitting meditation/prayer form and takes us through six levels of blessing: one's self, benefactors, loved ones, neutral others, difficult others, and ultimately wishing all earthly beings and creatures safety and happiness. This practice opens our hearts to ourselves and others in profound ways.

Take a listen to this personal invitation from  Spiritual Guide Janice Lundy, DMin, and facilitator for Loving-Kindness Meditation.

FD: Spirituality

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

Join us for transformational writing experiences that focus on a specific theme. As you put pen to paper, observe the emotions that pour from you, discover the truth of your feelings, and allow your heart’s energy to create both art and change.

Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.
― Stephen King

Write Your Heart Out is a writing circle facilitated by Sandra Mitchell, coach and writer. Using stillness, writing prompts, sharing, and non-judgmental feedback, these reflective writing experiences are open to writers of all levels. From journal entries, to song lyrics, to fiction, and more, participants write in the genre they find best serves their process. Limited to eight writers.

Read more about transformational writing experiences >

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

At this Tuesday Tabletalk, Hearing Young Wisdom Interfaith Voices, listen and learn from a panel of voices of young leaders from diverse faith traditions and worldviews. All under the age of 16, they gather to share their stories of faith and their hopes for the future of our community. Let us listen for the wisdom that comes from their lived experiences and the lessons they can gently teach us.

Join us for dinner, civil conversation, and a celebration of youth wisdom.

Tuesday Tabletalk is a collaboration between Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Dominican Center. It is a program that meets at the intersection of a shared meal and conversation

Cost: $25.00 / $10.00 for students, use code StudentTabletalk at checkout (includes vegetarian meal)

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Evangelization

Learn the benefits of the Zentangle Drawing Method, as well as techniques and basic steps of creating a Zentangle work of art. Discover the gifts of relaxation, expanded awareness, enhanced focus, new practices for problem-solving, and uncover new ways to see beauty and to embrace the unexpected.

Led by Amy W.M. Kam, Certified Zentangle Teacher, the Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.  Learn more at zentangle.com

A wonderful way for a person to grow in a quiet meditative atmosphere, expressing their creativity and sharing in the process with others.
- Zentangle Participant

Beginners welcome; no previous experience required.  Supplies included.

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy.

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 during this silent retreat.

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

View Dominican Center’s Refund Policy.

The Rosary has its roots in the early 1000s in the West and corresponds to the repetitive prayer of the heart, which developed in the East. Praying the Rosary is an ancient practice, yet remains a mystery to many of us.

Explore the Rosary by uncovering its roots and its relevancy as a contemporary spiritual prayer practice. We will see the mysteries from Scripture unfold as we pray the Rosary, blending vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation into the practice.

Includes Rosary and breakfast.

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

In this program, Mary and the Holy Spirit ~ In the Church and Contemporary Life, explore how Mary is the most significant woman in the Christian faith. She gave birth to the Christ, the Son of God, through an act of grace and courageous generosity. Scripture and the Tradition of Christian faith speak of her. The Church speaks of her. Feminist theologians speak of her. We speak of her. Both our heads and our hearts are engaged in this process of discovering her richness, her meaning, her relationship to our contemporary life.

These two presentations will explore how we have come to know Mary and consider how she can enrich and challenge our life and faith today as disciples of Jesus the Christ in an increasingly secularized world.  Listen to this beautiful version of Mary Did You Know and contemplate on how Mary continues to be a great source of strength, faith and love.

https://pixabay.com/en/virgin-mary-religion-faith-868970/

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy

FD: Spirituality

The Saint Series is a presentation and conversation with Dominican Associates that shines light on the many holy women and men in service of God.

Dominican Associates are non-vowed women and men who desire to practice their Christian faith in the spirit of the Dominican Order of Preachers. Interested in Dominican Associate Life? Visit grdominicans.org/associates.

All are welcome.

FD: Spirituality

Zentangle: Seed to Stem, is for those that love Zentangle AND color AND nature-based tangles. Prepare for spring as we explore the power of seed to grow amazing stems and tangles while we enjoy using tools of color such as chalk pencils.

Led by Amy W.M. Kam, Certified Zentangle Teacher, the Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.

Zentangle teaches us not to rush and to take good care of ourselves in the present moment — after all, the present moment is all there is.
- Cathy Malchiodi, Art Therapist

*Prerequisite: Must have completed an Exploring or Introduction to Zentangle Class

TOOLS NEEDED: Please bring your standard Zentangle supplies (Micron pen, pencil, tortillon).  Learn more at zentangle.com

View Dominican Center's Refund Policy.

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.

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Using a special pen-resistance technique, you will create seemingly invisible patterns that will stand out when you add color using special colored markers and water brushes. Final touches will include adding tangles and sparkle to your works of art.

Led by Amy W.M. Kam, Certified Zentangle Teacher, the Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.

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

*Prerequisite: Must have completed an Exploring or Introduction to Zentangle class.

TOOLS NEEDED: Please bring your standard Zentangle supplies (Micron pen, pencil, tortillon).

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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 program that focuses on how to be present enough to sense 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 practice of spiritual disciplines. Participants journey with each other and with Spiritual Giants who mentor them during the formation process. Participants are encouraged to find meaning in every moment, discover their true self, and make the deep connection with the One who loves us into life.

• Begins September 6, 2019  // Fridays 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Cost: $2000/year, plus book fees
• Application process required
• Prerequisite: Foundations in Spirituality

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

We all long and yearn for continual spiritual formation that deepens our faith. Spiritual Companioning deepens our sacred presence by examining how we listen to ourselves and others with our ears always attuned to the Spirit. Through study, writing, group sharing, process, and practice in contemplative listening, participants deepen the capacity to listen to self and others with a discerning mind and heart and without judgment. This spiritual formation experience cultivates an understanding of how to listen and recognize the holy within the context of our lives and in the context of personal transformation, cultural traditions, societal changes, and global concerns. We explore what it means to live in the presence of a loving God and to care and be in service to others with compassionate wisdom gained from Spiritual Companioning.

Begins September 10, 2019
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Cost: $475/year, plus book fees

Prerequisite: Foundations in Spirituality or Foundations in Wisdom

For more information, please visit our Spiritual Companioning page.

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

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 program that focuses on how to be present enough to sense how the Holy Spirit is present in our lives and in the lives of others. The practicum is a two-year process filled with contemplative prayer, study, and practice of spiritual disciplines. Participants journey with each other and with spiritual giants who mentor them during the formation process. Participants are encouraged to find meaning in every moment, discover their true self, and make the deep connection with the One who loves us into life.

• Begins September 13, 2019  //  Fridays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Cost: $2000/year, plus book fees
• Application process required
• Prerequisite: Foundations in Spirituality

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

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

Details

• Begins September 21, 2019 // Saturdays, 9:30am - 4:30 pm
• Cost: $600, plus book fees
• A required book of readings will be available for purchase at Dominican Center
• Each session includes lunch

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.

Details

• Begins September 21, 2019  //  Saturdays, 9:30am - 4:30pm
• Cost: $600, plus book fees
• For payment plan or scholarship information, please email Margarita Solis-Deal, Dominican Center director
• Each session includes lunch

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FD: Spirituality

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