Waterloo Catholics


Adult Formation, Enrichment
and Spiritual Growth

 
Home   Parishes Mass Times Contact Us About Us

 

The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo Present

Our 2010 Lenten Journey
“A Spiritual Safari”

Monday Evenings, Feb. 22, March 1, 8, and 22
6:30-8:15pm.
St. Edward Parish, Waterloo

Presented in Cooperation with
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center

No pre-registration required  •  Open to the public.

•   •   •

The Lenten season reminds us that the whole of life is a constant process of conversion to an ever-deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus Christ -- a kind of spiritual safari.

This year's four-part Lenten Enrichment Series will explore the many facets of our personal spiritual journey ... how we discover our peaceful savannahs ... face the challenges of our personal spiritual trek ... and the adventure of hunting for our authentic spiritual selves.  The journey will include meaningful rituals, group interaction, laughter and practical advice provided by our spiritual guides from Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha.

This is an excellent opportunity for adults and young adults who want to grow in faith and deepen their spiritual lives this Lent.

Schedule

Monday, February 22
Introducing the Spiritual Safari and the first excursion: walking the labyrinth.
This week's guides: Mary Ellen Dunford and Sr. Marg English OSF.
(This week's session takes place in the school cafeteria.)

Monday, March 1
The second excursion: An imaginative inner safari, traversing the savannahs, grasslands, woodlands and rivers of our spiritual lives.
This week's guides: Mary Ellen Dunford and Emy Sauter.
(This week's session takes place in the church hall.)

Monday, March 8
The third excursion: a creative review of the inner spiritual safari.
This week's guides: Mary Ellen Dunford and Sr. Marj English OSF.
(This week's session takes place in the church hall.)

Monday, March 22
The continuing journey: tips for spiritual self-care and moving forward in the spiritual life.
This week's guides: Sr. Marj English OSF and Sr. Helen Elsbernd FSPA.

(This week's session takes place in the church hall.)

•   •   •

About Our Spiritual Guides

Mary Ellen Dunford  is program coordinator and a holistic practitioner at Prairiewoods.  Mary Ellen has a BA in Occupational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul and an MS in Program Development and Training from Drake University in Des Moines. She is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Massage Therapist, a certified reflexologist, and a practitioner of Healing Touch and Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry. Mary Ellen is currently in training for certification in aromatherapy and is a student of permaculture, dedicated to living in ways that promote simplicity and care of the earth.

Sr. Helen Elsbernd, FSPA  is the director of Prairiewoods. She coordinates all aspects of the Center and also provides spiritual direction. Previously, Sr. Helen ministered as a member of the La Crosse Franciscans' leadership team, following many years of academic administration in colleges and teaching at all levels.  She has been a continuing student in the fields of spirituality and leadership. In addition to many workshops, retreats, classes and organizational activities, Sr. Helen has completed the program for spiritual directors at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Sr. Marj English OSF  is Coordinator of Spiritual Services at Prairiewoods. Among her responsibilities are providing spiritual direction and retreat services, facilitating Wednesday Women, creating and implementing various prayer experiences and outreach programs.  Sr. Marj has been a teacher, formation minister, campus minister, a member of the leadership team in her community and a presenter and supervisor in a spiritual direction internship. She was trained in spiritual direction and directed retreats at the Jesuit Renewal Center in Milford, Ohio and has ministered as a free-lance spiritual director in the Indianapolis area

Emy Sautter  is the Ecospirituality Coordinator at Prairiewoods. She provides ecologically-centered programming and services to those visiting Prairiewoods. She also focuses her energies towards improving the land health at Prairiewoods by restoring Iowa’s natural landscapes; the tall grass prairie and oak-savanna. Emy has a degree from the University of Illinois in Natural Resources and Environmental Science and a background in environmental education and land management.

•   •   •

About Prairiewoods

Prairiewoods is a spirituality/ecology center established in 1996 as a spiritual ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. 

Prairiewoods is located on 70 acres of green space surrounded by the cities of Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha. The staff of the center, in connection with outside presenters, offers programs and services that integrate mind, body and spirit. Under the umbrella of “Spirituality for the 21st Century,” these services and programs cover a wide range of opportunities for spiritual growth and are open to all regardless of religious affiliation.

The staff of Prairiewoods possesses a passionate commitment to the future of the Earth, to environmental awareness and ecological practices. The land offers shelter for wildlife and natural flora as well as spaces of solitude and peace for those seeking a spiritual connection with the land. The woodland trails, hermitages and an outdoor labyrinth help to provide a setting for individuals to connect with nature.
Click here for more information about Prairiewoods

•   •   •

For More Information Contact:

Director of Adult Faith Formation
320 Mulberry St., Waterloo IA 50703  •  Phone: 319-234-9912
email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us

Posted 02.01.10    Last Update: 02.09.10

ADULT FORMATION PRINCIPLES
The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are committed to providing life-long faith formation and spiritual growth for adults of all ages. We value individual life experience, respect the diversity of personal convictions, and welcome the wisdom of every participant. We encourage conversation and dialogue. We will never intentionally embarrass or offend participants.

Copyright Protected / The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo

 

St. Louis County and City