Hope does not deny the evil, but it is a response to it. ~Jane Goodall, The Book of Hope
When we hold space for another person, we offer them the gift of our entire presence without judgment or agenda. We walk along with them, if only for the briefest encounter, to an unknown destination. In these seemingly hopeless days of divisiveness, conflict, poverty and greed, can we apply this same concept to Hope? Can we offer Hope the gift of our entire presence with no agenda or clear destination? Can we hold space for Hope?
On this retreat, we will listen deeply for Hope in the quiet of winter and in the deep wellspring of our being, offering Hope the gift of our entire presence and, perhaps, a space for Hope to be held.
We will gather for a time of welcome and introduction of the theme on Friday evening and then enter into silence for the weekend. Short reflections will be offered on Saturday morning and evening, with an optional time for tea and music on Saturday afternoon. We will gather again on Sunday morning for a time to share out of the silence and gather the graces of the weekend. Guided by Lorie Conway.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief welcome session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The retreat begins after dinner at 7pm on Friday and concludes before lunch on Sunday. Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday morning for those who would like to attend.
Lorie Conway has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual companionship, contemplative small groups, and spiritual retreats. Lorie received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation and holds a master’s degree in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in Behavioral Management & Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Lorie is on the programming staff at Well for the Journey and is the director of the Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Lorie’s spirituality is rooted in the Christ tradition and is welcoming of the many paths and unique journeys enfolded within Divine Mystery.
Looking for an extended retreat experience on the topic of Hope? Consider also signing up for “Renewing Hope in a New Season,” to be held Friday, January 10, 9:30am-4pm. Your combined retreat experience would begin with a day retreat facilitated by Dr. Kathleen Staudt on Friday, immediately followed by a weekend retreat facilitated by Lorie Conway. Please sign up separately for each retreat.