Foundations in Spirituality 2023-2024 (In-Person)

Spiritual Formation

Date(s):
Saturday 09/23/2023 - Saturday 05/18/2024
Time(s):
10:00am - 3:00pm EST

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.

It’s the beginning, the first step of the formation offerings at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College.

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 daily prayerful life of St. Ignatius; and the lives of many more who continue to enrich our own faith and spirituality.

The course introduces the practice of contemplative prayer as grounding practice for living a richer spiritual life. Immerse yourself in Foundations in Spirituality and begin deepening your relationship with God through study, prayer, and community.

What to Expect

If you are considering The Foundations in Spirituality formation intensive at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College, this video from a graduate of the program may be helpful. Phillip Johnson, Ph.D. completed Foundations in Spirituality in 2020. In this video, Dr. Johnson reflects on how his experience in Foundations transformed his approach as a counselor and member of the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University.

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.

Dates

Foundations in Spirituality 2023-2024 is an in-person class on Saturdays from 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

  • September 23, 2023
  • Oct 21
  • Nov 18
  • Dec 16
  • Jan 20, 2024
  • Feb 17
  • Mar 16
  • April 20
  • May 18

 

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

 

Facilitators

Diane Zerfas OP

Spiritual Director, Spirituality Program Coordinator

Diane Zerfas OP is the Spirituality Program Coordinator for Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College, and is deeply involved in the center’s Spiritual Formation programs through the planning and teaching of Foundations in Spirituality and the Spiritual Direction Practicum. She holds bachelor’s degrees in math, chemistry, theology, and education from Aquinas College; master’s degrees in Arts in Religious Studies and in Pastoral Studies; a Specialized Certificate in Parish Life and Administration; and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Sister Diane Zerfas has ministered in many ways, including teaching high school as well as serving as formation director for Grand Rapids Dominicans, initiation and evangelization director at St. Mary Magdalen in Kentwood, Diocesan director of RCIA for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, co-director of Pastoral Life at Marywood, and leadership team member for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.

Geralyn Myczkowiak

Spiritual Director, Facilitator

Geralyn Myczkowiak (pronounced mitch cove e ack) is a Spiritual Director. She facilitates Spiritual Companioning and Foundations in Spirituality.

She completed the Spiritual Director Practicum at Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2019. She practices spiritual direction at Dominican Center, Design Futures, and in her home office. Geralyn leads spiritual book studies and teaches classes on listening, happiness, and Thomas Merton. She is a former Michigan public and private school teacher, ISD administrator, and educational consultant. Geralyn is a mother, sister, daughter, and grandmother. Her intent is to journey with others as they experience God’s love and unity in their daily lives.

Details

Tuition + Fees

  • Program cost $900
  • Program is 10:00 am – 3:00 pm with a break from  12:00 – 1:00pm
  • Books are not included in registration fee
  • Financial scholarships are available.
  • Inquiries: call 616-514-3325 or email programs@grdominicans.org

Formation Intensive Held Online

 

Information

For more information visit the Foundations in Spirituality page.

View Dominican Center’s refund policy.

 

Register for Foundations in Spirituality

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