>  

Chiara Center Featured Events
To view our 2011-2012 Events brochure, please click on this link. (file size: 2 MB)

Ah Day of Quiet

 
 
July 16, 2012
Ah Day of Quiet
9:00 AM - 3:00 AM
This is a day for you to enjoy the Spirit's invitation to: walk...read...journal...appreciate...reflect...wonder...pray...listen...draw... Guests will have access to the spacious grounds, the beautiful St. Francis of Assisi Church, peaceful reflection areas as well as spiritual audio and printed resources. There is an optional session at 1 p.m. - Reflecting with Clare of Assisi. Massage is also available by appointment (additional fee). Guests are welcome between 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. $20 per person. Overnight accommodations are also available for an additional fee. Reservations are required. 217-523-0901 or email mrenfro@chiaracenter.org.


 
     
Centering Prayer Retreat

 
 
June 29, 2012 - June 30, 2012
Centering Prayer Retreat
Susan Komis, Director of Chapter Resources and Communication Services for Contemplative Outreach will be presenting two workshops at the Chiara Center, 4875 La Verna Rd, Springfield on June 29th. The morning workshop, titled Stages of Prayer Related to Faith Development is an interactive presentation which reviews faith development from early childhood to maturity. The afternoon workshop, teaches the Welcoming Prayer. The Welcoming Prayer is a method of consenting to God’s presence and action in our physical and emotional reactions to events and situations in daily life. The purpose of the Welcoming Prayer is to deepen our relationship with God through consenting in the ordinary activities of our day. The workshop cost is $30. Lunch is $9. Email collspringfield@gmail.com for registration information. Call Carole Strick at 494-9212 if you have questions.


 
     
Directed Retreat

 
 
June 24, 2012 - June 29, 2012
Directed Retreat
A directed retreat is a time of prayer, silence and solitude with the opportunity to meet daily with a spiritual director. Retreatants are invited to reflect on ordinary life, its joys and struggles, along with experiences of prayer and one's response to all of it.


 
     
Food & Faith: Dinner Over a Book that Engages and Transforms

 
 
August 2, 2012
Food & Faith: Dinner Over a Book that Engages and Transforms
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
"Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life" By James Martin,SJ


 
     
 
September 13, 2012
Food & Faith: Dinner Over a Book that Engages and Transforms
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
"Beauty: The Invisible Embrace: Rediscovering the True Source of Compassion, Serenity, and Hope" By John O’Donohue


 
     
 
November 8, 2012
Food & Faith: Dinner Over a Book that Engages and Transforms
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
"Riding the Dragon: 10 Lessons for Inner Strength in Challenging Times" By Robert J. Wicks


 
     
 
February 21, 2013
Food & Faith: Dinner Over a Book that Engages and Transforms
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
"The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See" By Richard Rohr


 
     
 
April 18, 2013
Food & Faith: Dinner Over a Book that Engages and Transforms
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
"Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re In without Going Crazy" By Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone


 
     
 
June 6, 2013
Food & Faith: Dinner Over a Book that Engages and Transforms
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
"Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis" By Ilia Delio, OSF


 
     
Franciscan Nativity Festival

 
 
November 30, 2012 - December 2, 2012
Franciscan Nativity Festival


 
     
Journey into God

 
 
August 2, 2013 - August 10, 2013
Journey into God
This exceptional retreat, given internationally and presented annually in the United States, is an exploration of the content of Journey into God, the classic work of spiritual theology written by St. Bonaventure. The full eight day retreat leads participants through the prologue and seven chapters of the work. Each day is a balance and rhythm of instruction on the text, periods for reading and personal prayer, and community participation in Eucharistic liturgy, morning and evening prayer. Silence is a key element of the retreat. The liturgical and para-liturgical prayer is designed to disclose Bonaventure’s profound themes through contemporary experience.


 
     
Retreat - Aramaic Words of Jesus

 
 
July 8, 2012 - July 13, 2012
Retreat - Aramaic Words of Jesus
This retreat features the mantric Aramaic words of Jesus and will include sacred chants, movement, restful silence and other spiritual practices.