JOY Retreat ~ A Morning of Rest and Renewal (In-Person)

Retreats

Date(s):: Saturday 05/06/2023
Time(s):: 9:00am - 12:00pm EST
Price:: $30.00

Join us for our JOY Retreat ~ A Morning of Rest and Renewal on Saturday, May 6, 2023

Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy.
~ Isaiah 60:5

In this life, there is Just One You -- JOY!-- You are a co-creator and the subject of your creation is your joyful life experience. Dominican Center Marywood on the campus of Aquinas College invites you to explore a variety of guided prayerful practices in a gentle in-person retreat that will serve to enliven your unique gifts. The ability to know your gifts and nurture them provides clarity in identifying where God is calling you to live a joy-filled life.

Meet Hildegard of Bingen, a medievil visionary and theologian, Cynthia Overweg, who studied her, wrote: "Hildegard was adept at pointing to nature in order to help us better understand ourselves and the planet which has been given to us. She saw a spiritual kinship between us and the earth: “The soul is a breath of the living spirit, and with excellent sensitivity, permeates the entire body to give it life. Just so, the breath of the air makes the earth fruitful. Thus the air is the soul of the earth, moistening it, greening it.” For Hildegard, the earth was sacred." (source)

On this morning of renewal, you will find a supportive spiritual space to practice sacred self-care. Take part in prayer-infused offerings and centering experiences that are certain to encourage self-compassion and reignite the joyful qualities you notice in yourself when you are aligned with God’s deepest desires for your spiritual journey.

Don’t ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
~ Howard Thurmon

Prayerful experiences include:

Experience the spirituality of Hildegard of Bingen: theologian, healer, teacher, writer, musician, poet -- and one of our favorite teachers from Foundations in Spirituality.
Centering Prayer
Spirituality practices including contemplative prayer walk
Spiritual Direction "real play", followed by small group introduction to spiritual direction led by certified spiritual directors

Retreat Facilitator

Diane Zerfas, OP (Foundations in Spirituality)

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 (Prayer Walk)

Spiritual Director, Foundations in Spirituality Facilitator, Co-Facilitator Spiritual Companioning, Retreat Facilitator

Geralyn Myczkowiak (pronounced mitch cove e ack) 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.

Esther Yff-Prins

Presenter, Spiritual Director, and Centering Prayer Facilitator

Esther Yff-Prins listens to sacred stories in spiritual direction and mentors aspiring spiritual directors. She writes poetry and lives an intentional, contemplative life

Andy Rebollar

Spiritual Director, Spiritual Direction Practicum Facilitator, Writer, and Speaker

Andy Rebollar is an apprentice and spiritual director referral coordinator at Dominican Center Marywood. He also leads our Spiritual Direction Practicum. He is a spiritual director, writer, and speaker. For more than 20 years, he has served the church in various roles ministering to youth, young adults, and adults, nationally and internationally. Andy loves the journey that God’s invitations have led him on, especially the people and places.

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