by Lucia Ferrara, Hospitality Coordinator
Greetings Everyone! I am sure that your summer activities are coming to an end as we begin our next season filled with new adventures as the autumn leaves change color and fall. Here at the Center we are continually busy with programs and guests. Biaggo Mazza presented Growing in Awareness of the Qur’an, Part 2: How Does It Relate to the Bible? in late June. This program was informative because Biaggio shared how the Bible and the Qur’an are two completely different books in terms of literary style and purpose. Yet, they share similarities in terms of people and stories. This program was well attended.
If you wanted a weekend filled with walking our labyrinth, silent reflection and faith sharing, A Transformed Life Weekend Retreat, facilitated by Kathy Keary is where you should have been. The weekend centered on a DVD series, A Transformed Life, featuring, Sr. Maria Tasto, OSB. Individual spiritual direction was available as well. If you missed it, the Center is offering another weekend retreat entitled “Following the Mystics Through the Narrow Gate…. Seeing God in All Things” on October 20-22. This retreat will be facilitated by Kathy Keary centered on the DVD series featuring James Finley, a Merton scholar and master of contemplative life. Individual Spiritual Direction will be offered during this program. Please register by October 18th.
The Center hosted many groups this summer and one came all the way from West Bend Quad Parishes in Wisconsin. They are a group of young people working with Catholic Heart Work Camp, serving the marginalized in the areas surrounding metro Kansas City. Several homeless families from Family Promise of the Northland stayed at the Center this summer. As a host congregation, we help provide a safe, homelike accommodations and friendly support to all.
Local organizations like Jobs with Justice and Cross Border Network spent time at the Center developing and planning for future activities, workshops, and meetings. Both groups advocate for economic justice, peace, and equality. St. John Lalonde from Blue Springs and St. James School Faculty in Liberty, both held day retreats here at the Center for some rest and renewal before heading off to greet the kids to a new school year.
Please do not miss out on our next serval events and programs scheduled at the Center in the next months. Circle of Understanding is on the first Thursday of every month beginning with a soup dinner. Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton will be facilitated by Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.P.P.S. and Kathy Keary on Thursday evenings starting September 14th. Growing in Awareness of the Struggle of Bipolar Disorder will be presented by Donovan Gardner, a mental health activist and motivational speaker on Thursday, September 21st. Sessions will begin with a soup dinner followed by the presentation. Join us for an evening of reflection and prayer led by Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.P.P.S. on Friday, September 22nd from 6-8 p.m. for a Celebration of the autumn equinox.
Please register for all programs and events at info@pbrenewalcenter.org or 816-415-3745.
