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Sarah Donnelly B.A., M.Div. Retreats - Workshops - Grief Support
Groups - Spiritual Direction - Funerals |
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Contents |
On Retreat with The Rev. Ron Rolheiser, omi Over the past few years Oblate Media and Communications have
released several presentations - using a DVD format - given by Ron Rolheiser,
renowned author, teacher and theologian. The topics of these presentations
are engaging, and seem to “speak” to participants of any age. Due to the amount of information contained in each presentation, these DVD’s are frequently paused, to allow participants the opportunity to reflect on the material presented, respond to questions that invite them to reflect on how this material relates to their own lives, and engage in small group discussion. Each participant is given a detailed handout that summarizes the content of the presentation.
Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman
Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
(OMI), is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.
He is a community-builder, lecturer and writer. His books are popular
throughout the English-speaking world and his weekly column is carried by
more than 60 newspapers worldwide. The Cross of Christ This compelling retreat invites participants to reflect on a
symbol we see so often in our daily lives, and yet do not – and cannot –
fully understand. The cross has become the ultimate symbol of love in the
world. It is central to Christianity in that we are to forgive our enemies.
As such, it is the single most revolutionary moral event that has happened on
this planet. And, like all deep things in life, the Cross is largely a
mystery. The Cross reveals God's unconditional love and vulnerability and
invites us to discipleship. The Cross calls us beyond ourselves, our own agenda,
and invites us to live our own life without resentment. Topics
include: 1.
The Cross is Revelatory: revealing God’s unconditional
love, God’s vulnerability (exousia) rather than a God of violence, and God’s
identification with the victim 2.
The Cross of Christ as an
Invitation to Discipleship: inviting us to come to a deeper understanding of o
the necessary connection in our lives between
suffering and growing in depth and maturity o
the paradoxical nature of how life and love come
to us – summed up in “The Prayer of St. Francis” o
the centrality of self-sacrifice in love,
fidelity and service in our lives as Christians o
how the cross calls us to give our lives to
others without resentment – a powerful and challenging invitation! This retreat is offered in two
parts, each session lasting 2 hours. In the past churches have offered this
retreat as a one-day event, 10am – 3:30pm or as a 4-part series, each session
lasting two hours. The DVD is paused throughout the presentation to give
participants the opportunity to reflect on the presentation, answer prepared
questions and share their responses with others in small group discussions. While this retreat is usually requested during the season of Lent, it is suitable for any time of the year. This presentation is the first part of a two part retreat; the second part is entitled The Passion of Christ. I
most appreciated the sharing that took place in small and large groups – the
openness of people with their questions and their answers. I appreciated the
thoughts I had after each session when I got home and what I have learned
through these four evenings. Kathy
Middleton, Church of the Advent, Colwood. October 2009 I
most appreciated Sarah’s quiet, considered presentations and Ron Rolheiser’s enlightening rhetoric. The singing included
in the pray times was most helpful and calming. The questions challenged the
depths of our faith and our abilities to share that faith in dialogue... Doris
Barnsley, Church of the Advent, Colwood. October 2009 Ron
Rolheiser is a master teacher and clarifier. After watching his presentations
I felt that I had been shown a new perspective that dramatically improved my
understanding of these issues. His understanding of the life of Christ was
inspirational. Thank you for a wonderful experience. Garry
Olmstead, Church of the Advent, Colwood. October 2009 I
most appreciated the content – I see the cross in a much more positive way. I
was thrilled with the wonderful response from our church, and would like to
follow up this retreat with “The Passion of Christ” retreat. Celia
Norris, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Chemainus. March 2010 I
appreciated the presentation; very simple and very clear. The questions in
the handouts made us think and reflect on the meaning of Jesus in our lives.
Thank you!! Fr.
Oscar Paraiso, Pastor, St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church, Chemainus. March 2010 The
DVD was excellent. I enjoyed Ron’s presentation. I felt comfortable in the
group setting. Thank you for leading us today. It was time well spent! Ken
Swain, Duncan United Church, Duncan. March 2010 I
most appreciated that I was able to take one day apart for myself, to nourish
my soul and contemplate Christ’s Cross at the end of Lent. Ron makes the
message clear, simple, humorous and relevant. Eileen
Mais, Duncan United Church, Duncan. March 2010 I
most appreciated the DVD presentation and the small group sharing. The
Rev. George Pell, Rector, Trinity Church, Port Alberni. April 2010 I
appreciated the workshop, the DVD, Sarah taking the time to be with us, the
time for sharing in small groups and the relaxed pace of the day. Thank you
very much for making this retreat available for me. It is just what I needed
at this time. Joyce
Evans, Trinity Church, Port Alberni. April 2010 |
