Advent Days of Prayer 2011
Blessed Grieving:
Finding Comfort and Hope During the Advent-Christmas Season
Losses are an inevitable part of our lives. The loss of a loved one to death can be a devastating and numbing experience. The loss of a job or relationship can also be a painful and difficult time. We feel alone and isolated from those around us, even when we are surrounded by family or friends. Major holidays are often the most challenging moments to get through. The words of Psalm 13 ring true:
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? // How long will you hide your face from me? // How long must I bear pain in my soul, //and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
Our Advent Prayer Days will focus on the general theme of Grieving. The first day will reflect upon what the Scriptures and our faith tradition tells us about grieving. The second day will focus on the loss of a loved one through death and the final day will reflect upon how the grieving process is applicable to other losses in our lives.
Wednesday, December 7, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Blessed Grieving–When a Loved One Dies
presented by Nancy Jo Sullivan
During the morning, bereaved parent Nancy Jo Sullivan will offer us some ways to face the very natural and necessary feelings of anger that accompanies the death of a loved one. Through stories of her Down syndrome daughter’s life and death, Nancy Jo will show how anger, respectfully expressed to God, can bring spiritual transformation to our lives. In the afternoon, Nancy Jo will invite us to ponder the WHYS of our lives. While sharing her experience of losing a child, she will show how spiritual questions and deep faith can co-exist together quite comfortably.
Wednesday, December 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Blessed Grieving–Living Through Life’s Losses
presented by Nancy Jo Sullivan and Bro. Bob Roddy
We will reflect upon how the grieving process is applicable to other losses in our lives: the loss of health, the loss of family, the loss of a job etc..
Nancy Jo Sullivan is a nationally known author and speaker, with many articles and books to her credit. She also writes regularly for two websites: CatholicExchange.com and CatholicMom.com.
Bro. Bob Roddy, OFM Conv., and Fr. Jim Van Dorn, OFM Conv, are on the staff of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center, and have sixty years of preached retreat experience between the two of them.
(See Our Staff for more information).
Cost: $20.00 per person (pre-registration/pre-paid). Pre-register and pre-pay on our Register page.
$25.00 per person ( walk-in, day of program)
Note: Participants bring their own lunch for the day. The center will provide beverages.
Schedule: 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
9:30 a.m. Gathering Time
9:45 a.m. Welcome followed by Opening Prayer and Conference
10:15 a.m. Time for Personal Reflection
11:00 a.m. Opportunity for Confession and Spiritual Direction
Noon Lunch (bring your own)
1:00 p.m. Second Conference
1:45 p.m. Closing Mass
