Jesus’ Healing Ministry of Forgiveness
Like the people of Jesus’s time, we are astonished by the “great deeds” of his miracles and cures. But we may not focus as much on Jesus’ healing ministry — the times he reaches out to touch someone’s isolation and spiritual brokenness.
Join us for a weekend of prayer and reflection as we ponder how allowing Jesus’ healing touch for ourselves invites us to reach out in compassion and forgiveness to “unbind” others. This weekend will include periods of silence as well as times for sacred sharing. There will also be limited times for individual spiritual direction. Guided by Joy Aker and Elaine Ireland.
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 after lunch on Sunday. Mass will be available Sunday morning for those who wish to attend.
Joy Aker, MA is a spiritual director, labyrinth facilitator, and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She has a master’s degree in Spirituality from St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore. She was also trained in Ignatian spirituality and the Ignatian Exercises at Ignatius Jesuit Center in Guelph, Ontario. Her focus is on helping others to develop a holistic spirituality which looks to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Joy also has a great interest in assisting others as they deepen their relationship with God through individual spiritual direction and group retreats.
Elaine Ireland, MA is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and writer with over 20 years in Christian ministry. She has a Master of Arts in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from Loyola University and has led numerous people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Everyday Life, as well as companioning others on their spiritual journeys. She writes weekly scripture reflections; for the past 17 years, she has written Come and See in ordinary time and Provisions for the Journey during Advent and Lent, both of which can be found on a Dominican website called Preacher (PreacherExchange.com/comeandsee.htm). She is passionate about world and indigenous faith practices, inspirational poetry and music, and how we are to live Christ’s calling in the 21st century.