← RETREATS & EVENTS

Walking the Wisdom Path: The Journey of the Second Half of Life

July 11, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - July 13, 2025 @ 11:30 am

$285

Spirit, Holy Spirit, spirituality during pandemic

EVENT DETAILS

Start: July 11, 2025 @ 4:00 pm

End: July 13, 2025 @ 11:30 am

Cost: $285

Sale: Take advantage of our Earlybird special rate of $265 through 5/11/2025.

Event Categories: ,

Presenter: Paula Jilanis and Demara Stamler

Sale: Take advantage of our Earlybird special rate of $265 through 5/11/2025.

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. ~Proverbs 16:31

Wisdom is with the aged and understanding in length of days. ~Job 12:12

As you approach the second half of life:
-Are there times you feel left out
-Do you feel like you have lost your passion and purpose?
-Are there things that scare you about life after retirement?
-Where do you feel disconnected from life?

Our American society doesn’t say much about gray hair being a “crown of glory.” The culture in our country has been focused on ways to stay young and enjoy life, while those of us over 50 have been relegated to concerns such as social security, medication, and disease.

As these bible verses show us, focusing on youth is short-sighted and leaves out the experiences and contributions inherent in the second half of life. Using the work of Angeles Arrien and Richard Rohr, retreat participants will explore the wisdom they’ve gained and experiment with embracing their authentic story. Retreatants will be invited to reconnect with a deeper part of themselves through small group work, time in reflection, journaling, and creating a plan for next steps in walking the wisdom path. Since self-reflection is an essential part of the process, participants will have ample time for this between sessions. Guided by Paula Jilanis and Demara Stamler.

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.

Paula Jilanis, MA, LMT has facilitated retreats and workshops since 1995. She has been involved in retreat work at Bon Secours since 2009. Her intention is always to create a safe space where others can explore their inner world. As a spiritual director and a life coach, Paula works holistically to bring people more deeply into their spiritual journey. She is author of the book A Guide to Creating Your Wellness Center.

Demara Stamler, CLC, LMT is a certified Life Coach by the Brave Thinking Institute. In addition to coaching and consulting for individuals and businesses, Demara has taught workshops and led retreats since 2008 for a national accrediting agency, multiple massage therapy schools, and more recently for the American Massage Therapy Association, representing the organization in classes at their annual Summit and Convention. Her goal for each workshop and retreat is to inspire participants to connect with possibilities for their next chapter and take tangible steps toward them. Demara’s goal is always to facilitate a growth-rich environment that is supportive and engaging.   

Take advantage of our Earlybird special rate of $265 through 5/11/2025.

You will be entering your information for registration and payment next. If you would rather call us, please contact our Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 and they can accept credit card information over the phone. You can also contact them with your information and mail a check to: 1525 Marriottsville Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104. Please note that your registration is not complete until payment has been made.

If you would like to register a group to attend this retreat, please call our Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 or email Doris Gallagher, Manager of Marketing & Events, at Doris.Gallagher@BonSecoursRCC.org.

NOTE: If you would like to only pay a DEPOSIT at this time please click here.

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What our guests are saying about their stay at The Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center
"Everyone goes out of their way to be helpful and makes guests feel welcome."
— A Path and a Small Light
"Thank you for the comfort and warmth. The grounds are wonderful."
— Hempfield United Methodist Church
"I have been coming here for 25 years and it adds so much to my spiritual life."
— Aging with Wisdom
"Everyone was tremendously friendly and accommodating. Such a beautiful, welcoming place."
— Finding Your Way
"From the first time I inquired about the retreat I was given great information. Very informative team and more than willing to answer questions."
— University of Baltimore
"The Retreat Center is spotless, offers good food, private full baths, seems to have a “happy” staff, persons from office, persons to do housekeeping and all. The hospitality of all is 'tops'. I love the quietness that is encouraged."
— Aging with Wisdom
"The landscape and the beauty of this operation is spectacular. The scenery was breathtaking."
— NFBC Women’s Ministry
"Once again, a magnificent center. Location, building, grounds, staff, spiritual director, mass and dining experience were all excellent!"
— June Directed Retreat
"Could not have been better in any way."
— Gift of Animals: Our Spiritual Companions
"Beautiful campus. Food was outstanding. Thank you for being so welcoming."
— School of the Cathedral
"This place is awesome and thank God for all the staff."
— Heartland Hospice/Caring Hearts Camp
"Great facilities. Wonderful experience and I am very grateful."
— Grounded in Gratitude
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