Events at the Center

May 1, 2017

by Lucia Ferrara, Hospitality Coordinator
Spring is sprung and here at the Center we invited everyone for an evening to celebrate the Spring Equinox. We celebrate the birth of spring when creation buds forth a fresh start of the season. A meditation by Fr. Joe Nassal, a labyrinth walk and a soup dinner in the dining room was enjoyed by many.
“Musing from the Inner Room” was another Day of Reflection presented by Fr. Joe Nassal during Lent. We had a wonderful turn out for the day as we honored the mystic or sacred space within us! The Center is welcoming new groups monthly!
Sacred Heart Youth group from Sedalia, Missouri stayed here at the Center for their Mission Trip. The trip included time for spiritual renewal, reflection and fellowship with one another. Activities included volunteering for places like Harvesters in Kansas City. Fr. Timothy Armbruster continues to bring in parish groups like the St. James Altar Society, who made their own kites and flew them outside near the pond on a breezy afternoon! Evangelistic Center Church Women’s Group utilized our awesome facility for their annual “Spring Forth” women’s retreat. The bonds between these women grew as friendships and fellowship were formed during their time of renewal. Another women’s group from St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit spent their Day of Renewal here. They enjoyed walking to the Labyrinth and listened to a speaker from Avila University.
On the first Wednesday of each month you are invited to join our Circle of Understanding, where people from all faiths, cultures, races and orientations are celebrated and welcomed. We always have a diverse group that share their stories and grow in understanding of one another. Come share your story and listen to others at our next circle on May 3rd.
We spent an evening with two Muslim women Zehra and Zohra here at the Center for Growing in Awareness, which is an evening about enabling all of us to grow in our understanding of Islam. These two women broadened our lens through which you view their faith and culture.
Please join us again on May 17th as we welcome Biagio Mazza who will introduce us to the Qur’an and explore the similarities with the Bible. Each evening begins with a simple soup dinner at 6pm. Please register for a Day of Prayer and Reflection on World Labyrinth Day, Saturday, May 6th at the Center, presented by Fr. Joe Nassal. After lunch, we will participate in the observance of World Labyrinth Day by taking steps together for peace as we walk as one at 1 pm.
Remember that the Center is a safe place for all people seeking rest, reconciliation, and renewal. Our landscape offers serene areas for indoor or outdoor reflection and activities. Individuals or groups can experience this beautiful setting for retreats, to walk the labyrinth, spiritual direction or any activity that reenergizes and renews the spirit. Call Lucia Ferrara to make a reservation: 816-781-4344.

St. Agnes Parish Celebrates Rite of Welcome to Young Companions in Formation

May 1, 2017

by Vicky Otto, Companions Co-director
On Thursday, April 26, 2017, Fr. John and I joined the Fr. Dave, Fr. Tim and the youth group of Saint Agnes Church in Los Angeles to celebrate the rite of welcome for the members of the group in formation to become Precious Blood Companions. The youth and young adults have completed the inquiry period of discernment and look forward to beginning the formation process. During the ritual, we reflected on John’s gospel and Christ’s call to “come and see.” It was inspiring to listen to these young people so eloquently expressing their faith. Please keep them in your prayers during this time of formation as they discern their answer to Christ and to Saint Gaspar of “Come and See.”