oldenburg franciscan center 2013 workshops and retreats

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OFC Program Calendar

Quick Index Page

Coffee Talks ............................................................................... 4-5

Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 14

Counseling ................................................................................. 14

Creativity & Spirituality ............................................................ 12-13

Franciscan Spirituality ............................................................. 8-9

Men’s Night ............................................................................... 14

Movie Nights ............................................................................. 6-7 Psychology & Spirituality Series .............................................. 10-11

Private Retreats & Group Retreats .......................................... 16

Spiritual Direction .................................................................... 14 July

5 Movie Night: Life of Pi.............................................................. 6

3 Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 14

20 Psychology (CEU): Managing Stress through Prayer .......... 10

August

2 Movie Night: TED Talks—Happiness. .................................... 6

3 Creativity: Spiritual Autobiography (Session 1) ..................... 12

5-9 Franciscan Weeklong Retreat ................................................. 8

10 Psychology (CEU): Compassion vs. Codependency .............. 10


September

6 Movie Night: Francesco ................................................................ 6

7 Franciscan Spirituality: The Life of St. Francis ........................... 8

8 Creativity: Spiritual Autobiography (Session 2)………………………. 12

9 Men’s Night ............................................................................... 14

11 Contemplative Prayer .................................................................... 14

15 Coffee Talk: Called to Live in the Light ..................................... 4

www.oldenburgfranciscancenter.org

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June—December 2013

September (continued)

28 Creativity: Finding God in the Everyday ..................................... 12

28 Catholic Social Teaching: Climate Change ................................... 18

October

4 Movie Night: The Way .................................................................. 7

5 Franciscan Spirituality: Franciscan Friendship .......................... 8


14 Men’s Night .................................................................................... 14

16 Contemplative Prayer .................................................................... 14

20 Coffee Talk: Called to Saging, not Aging ..................................... 4

26 Creativity: Card Making .............................................................. 12

November

1 Movie Night: Beasts of the Southern Wild ................................... 7

2 Franciscan Spirituality: Francis & The Hero’s Journey .............. 9


11 Men’s Night .................................................................................... 14

20 Contemplative Prayer.................................................................... 14

17 Coffee Talk: Called to Celebrate our Place at the Table .............. 5

23 Psychology (CEU): Vulnerability .................................................. 11

December

6-8 Meditation, Contemplation & Creativity Retreat ....................... 13

9 Men’s Night .................................................................................... 14

13 Movie Night: Les Miserables ........................................................ 7

14 Psychology (CEU): Dream Workshop ......................................... 11

15 Coffee Talk: Called to Compassion .............................................. 5


28 Audubon Society Bird Count at Michaela Farm ..................... 13

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OFC Coffee Talks Free to the public; donations appreciated!


Take a Sunday drive to Oldenburg, attend 9:30 liturgy in the Convent

Chapel, and join us afterwards for coffee, pastry, & faith sharing.

Called to Saging, not Aging Sunday, Oct 20th

S. Barbara Piller, OSF 10:45 a.m.—noon (Music Director, Spiritual Director) $freewill donation

Aging is a journey that every one of us must take—it is an inevitable part of

life. As we make this journey, we are offered a noble task that we may accept

or deny: to become wisdom figures for the people in our lives. We call this

process “saging.” Be inspired to draw on your inner wisdom, share your

experience with others, and let the wisdom within you rise!

Called to Live in the Light Sunday, Sep 15th

Jennifer Profitt 10:45 a.m.—noon (Lay Christ-bearer, scientist & scholar) $freewill donation

Everyone has a call to love and serve God. Some follow that call into vowed

religious life, others as single or married lay people. The ministries we build

and weave with our lives are as unique and individual as we are—and yet they

can be traced back to our shared call as Christ-bearers to Live in the Light.

Join us for a fresh look at the meaning of vocation for our 21st Century lives!

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812-933-6437 ~ [email protected]

“Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am.”

-Parker Palmer

Called to Celebrate Sunday, Nov 17th

Our Place at the Table 10:45 a.m.—noon

Dick & Millie Moorman $freewill donation (Married 49 years, 4 children, 9 grandchildren)

Called to Grow in Compassion Sunday, Dec 15th

S. Clare Teixeira, OSF 10:45 a.m.—noon (Educator & Pastoral Minister) $freewill donation

Family table traditions can be funny, formal, and even sacramental. Come

see how table traditions at home transfer to the table traditions of our faith!

Whether you host gatherings for family or friends, traditions enrich our lives!

Whether we are married or single, we share a commonality in our vocation:

to love and serve God. How are you being called to deepen your prayer

and relationship with God? As Sisters of St. Francis, we are here to support

one another on the journey, and we are here to support you, too! Spiritual

directors are available to companion you on your journey. See pages #14-15

for more information or call 513-543-5368.

How are YOU being called? Spiritual Direction

Come, talk with us! Call 513-543-5368. ~Private or Group~

Compassion is the gift we develop by learning to “stay” with our

discomforts and to allow ourselves to connect with the voice of

our inner wisdom. When we develop compassionate awareness of

ourselves, we develop a greater compassion toward others—even

when their experiences and behaviors may trigger our discomfort.

How does the model of Jesus call us to compassion?

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Film, Faith, & Franciscanism Free movie nights; donations appreciated!


Join us for farm-fresh popcorn, movies, & Franciscan conversation!

Make it a retreat: stay overnight for only $35/night (movie night only)!

Francesco Friday, Sept. 6th

Friday Film Series—Freewill Donation 6:30 p.m.—9 p.m.

Told from the perspective of St. Francis’ friends, the 1989

film Francesco offers a rich depiction of Francis’ times,

troubles, and triumphs. We invite you to join us to learn

more about Francis & explore his legacy through post-movie

discussion with the Sisters of St. Francis.

Retreat option: Stay overnight and attend “The Life of

Francis” on Sat., Sept. 7th. $55. See page #8 for details!

Life of Pi Friday, Jul 5th


Life of Pi tells the story of a 16 year old boy’s fight to survive

as he travels across the ocean in a lifeboat where he has

found himself castaway with a tiger. As the story draws to a

close, the mysterious gifts of Pi’s creativity & psychological

tenacity leave us with an interesting question to ponder.

TED Talks: Happiness Friday, Aug 2nd


What makes us happy? Come watch a series of TED talks to

learn what people are discovering about happiness. After

hearing recent perspectives by psychologists, scholars, and

spiritual seekers, we’ll talk about the story of St. Francis and

what wisdom we might glean from it for living happy lives.

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The Way Friday, Oct 4th


“Life is too big to walk it alone.” After his son’s death on

the trail of St. James in Spain, Tom finds himself making his

own pilgrimage. Along The Way, he faces many challenges,

including a reluctant adventure in companionship.

Retreat option: Stay overnight and attend “Franciscan

Friendship” on Sat., Oct. 5th. $55. See page #8 for details!

Beasts of the Southern Wild Friday, Nov 1st


“Faced with her hot-tempered father’s fading health, and the

melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou... six-year

old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love.” A

hero’s journey!

Les Miserables Friday, Dec 13th


Retreat option: Stay overnight the attend “Francis & the

Hero’s Journey” on Nov. 2nd. $55. See page # 9 for details!

Les Miserables is a timeless portrait of grace and human

spirit depicted through the character of Jean Valjean –a man

brutally imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread—and his

journey of liberation, healing, and transformation.

Retreat option: Stay overnight and attend S. Olga’s “Dream

Workshop” on Sat., Dec. 14th. $55. See page #11 for details!

“Do your good where you are; It’s those little bits of good put together

that overwhelm the world.” -Desmond Tutu

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Franciscan Spirituality


Francis is a saint for all times! Learn more about Franciscan spirituality

and how it inspires us to grow in peace & loving care for all creation.

You may even gain insight into why Pope Francis chose his name!

Franciscan Friendship Sat., Oct 5th

S. Daria Mitchell, OSF 9:00—11:30 a.m. (Franciscan Studies) $20

Join us in taking a deeper look at Francis’ relationships with his friends,

particularly Clare of Assisi, Lady Jacoba, Leo, Bernard, and Giles. Guided by

Thomas of Celano’s Life of Saint Francis, through prayer and small group

discussions, we will understand the fruit & bond of the Franciscan family!

The Life of St. Francis Sat., Sep 7th

S. Diane Jamison, OSF 9:00—11:30 a.m. (Director of Formation, Sisters of St. Francis) $20

Who is Francis of Assisi before he becomes a saint? We will reflect on the life

of Francis Bernadone and how he touches across the centuries into our 21st

Century Lives. He is so much more than the statue in the garden!

Retreat option: Come Friday for the movie: “Francesco” and stay overnight.

$55 for the package. See page #6 for movie info.

Retreat option: Come Friday for the movie: “The Way” and stay overnight.

$55 for the package. See page #7 for movie info.

Franciscan Retreat Aug. 5th—9th

S. Marya Grathwohl & S. Helen Prejean $575 resident (Social Justice Advocates, Writers, Lecturers) $450 commuter

The suffering inflicted on life by climate change, global economic breakdown,

and runaway consumption of fossil fuels ignites a Spirit-driven response in

our hearts. To guide and strengthen us, we gather in faith to encounter anew

Jesus, Francis, and Clare as we explore our role in this evolving Universe.

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“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary use words.”

-St. Francis of Assisi

Wounded Warrior, Man of Peace: Sat., Jan 4th Fr. John Quigley, OFM 9:00—11:30 a.m. (Artist, International Peace & Justice Worker) $20

Focusing on St. Francis’ life story, we will take a closer look at the Hero’s

Journey as defined by Joseph Campbell. This journey, which is common to

human experience, includes three phases: separation, initiation, and return.

We will see how Francis experienced these stages and so gain insight into our

own life journey.

People have written and spoken about St. Francis by

referring to medieval documents that were written at the

time of his canonization. Looking at St. Francis’ life from

our perspective today, Fr. John Quigley proposes that

St. Francis was an ambitious young man who had been

involved in serious matters of violence. After storming

the Fortress of the Holy Roman Emperor, the sacking of

castles, and the ill-fated battle at Collestrada where he languished in prison

for a year, Francis appears to have permanently changed. His behavior and

dress are characteristic of what we today call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Looking at St. Francis as a wounded war veteran opens new and deeper

appreciation for his personal suffering and holiness. It also helps to shed

light on the radical depth of his desire to promote peace.

Francis & The Hero’s Journey Sat., Nov 2nd

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF, PhD 9:00—11:30 a.m. (Jungian Psychologist, Spiritual Director) $20 reg. or $30 CEU

Retreat option: Come Friday for the movie: “Beasts of the Southern Wild”

and stay overnight. $55 for the package. See page #7 for movie info.

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Spirituality & Psychology:

Tools for Compassionate Living


The work of psychologist C.G. Jung opened the door of understanding

between spirituality and psychology. The following courses are inspired

by psychology & contemplative prayer to help us live healthier lives.

Managing Stress through Prayer Sat, July 20th

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF, PhD 9:00—11:30 a.m. (Jungian Psychologist, Spiritual Director) $20 reg. or $30 CEU

Our emotional responses to situations in daily life can either

enkindle grace and growth or cause depression, anger, and

shame. Medical research shows that spiritual exercises—

particularly mindfulness—positively impact our health in

many ways. In this workshop, participants will learn the

effects of sustained stress on their physical bodies and how

to manage their stress with prayer and meditation for

healthier living. Participants may also be interested in

Contemplative Prayer—see page # 14 for details.

Compassion vs. Codependency Sat, Aug. 10th

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF & Claire Sherman, PhDs 9:30—2:30 p.m. (Clinical Psychologists) $45 reg. or $65 CEU

Compassion is the learned practice of empathizing with

others as they face struggles and suffering in their lives

and treating them with loving kindness. Co-dependency is

characterized by the act of sacrificing one’s own needs to

solve another’s problems or ease their pain. In this class, we

will discuss how God calls us to compassion, and we will

learn to identify patterns of codependency in our own lives

and how to move from codependent giving to compassionate

living. Participants may be interested in attending Called to Compassion—

see page 5 for details.

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“Compassion is not a relationship with the healer and the wounded. It is a relationship between equals… Compassion becomes real

when we recognize our shared humanity.”

-Pema Chodron

OFC offers accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for LSW,

LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LAC, & LCAC in Indiana. Courses are marked.

Vulnerability: Opening to the Sacred Sat, Nov 23rd

S. Barbara Leonhard, OSF, PhD 9:00—11:30 a.m. (Theologian, Spiritual Director) $20 reg. or $30 CEU

Many people instinctively become uneasy in situations that leave them

feeling vulnerable. Hospital rooms, conversations involving difficult

truths, or taking risks for work or personal development are only a few

of life’s challenges that may bring us face to face with our vulnerability.

Some people try to live their lives without dealing with such issues, but when

we do that, we create barriers that tether our hearts and leave us less open to

grace. Come explore vulnerability as an opening to the sacred—an essential

part of spiritual growth and maturity—along with the gifts and wisdom it

bears for us.

Dreams: Our Personal Wisdom Sat, Dec. 14th

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF, PhD 9:30—2:30 p.m. (Jungian Psychologist, Spiritual Director) $45 reg. or $65 CEU

Do you pay attention to your dreams? The symbols, images,

and emotions that emerge in our dreams have much to teach

us about our inner selves. They can be wisdom guides for

our lives. Following a Jungian psychology approach, S. Olga

will provide techniques to help us learn, heal, and grow in

wholeness on our personal journeys with God.

Retreat option: Come Friday for: “Les Miserables” and stay

overnight. $55 for the package. See page 7 for movie info.

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Creativity & Spirituality


“God doesn’t give people talents that God doesn’t want them to use.” ~Iron Eagle, Cheyenne Chief

Card Making Sat., Oct 26th

S. Kathleen Branham, OSF & Joan Horner 9:30 am—2:30 p.m. (Artist & Social Worker) & (Artist & Mother) $45 includes lunch

We can approach card making as a form of prayer that centers

us and allows us to get in touch with our inner creative self. You

don’t have to be an artist! Join us for a day of prayerful crafting

and (re)discover the gift of card making!

Finding God in the Everyday Sat., Sep 28th

S. Sharonlu Sheridan, OSF 9:00—11:30 a.m. (Educator, Family Life Minister) $20

Our generous God leaves us with many reminders of how God is present in

our daily happenings. We will learn to use more than our eyes to find all that

is around us in the ever present message God sends us. Let us hope for good

weather so we can explore creation with a different motive.

Guided Autobiography Aug 3rd, Sept. 7th,

Angela Nevitt (Roesler) Oct 5th, Nov. 2nd

(Poet, Teacher, Mother) 9:00—11:30 a.m. $80/series

Join us and write your life story! This workshop provides structure, group

support, and thematic guidance for processing life stories in written form.

Loosely following the Birren Method for Autobiography, there will be time in

each session for learning about the writing process, personal reflection, and

sharing segments of our written stories. This is a four class series, at the end

of which participants may choose to continue to meet and share their ongoing

writings, or they may go on writing independently.

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“The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” ~Carl Jung

The human mind is inherently creative—constantly trying to make sense of the world, both to survive and to thrive. Through the use of meditation and the practice of contemplative arts we can take a more playful approach to the habitual patterns in our lives, to see through our stories and make room for new ones that can help to free us. This weekend program will offer an introduction to the principles and practices of contemplative arts. It will be a participatory and energizing program, including such activities as calligra-phy, object arranging, movement, vocal improvisation, storytelling, and oth-er forms of art and poetry. The program is open to anyone interested in ex-ploring how mindfulness and awareness can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Lance Brunner is a gifted and much sought after teacher, facilitator, & public speaker. He leads a variety of classes and retreats focusing on creativity and leadership. He combines his interests in arts, meditation, and action in the world through his consulting and facilitation, having worked with health professionals, businesses, leadership organizations, and within prisons. He has been a professor of music history at the University of Kentucky since 1976,

as well as a Kellogg National Fellow (1985-88) and founding Director of the Commonwealth Fellowship Program for community leaders in Appalachia.

The Mind’s Play: Weekend Retreat Meditation, Contemplative Arts, Dec. 6 -8, 2013 and The Creative Life 7 p.m. Fri—12 p.m. Sun.

Lance Brunner, PhD $215 Private Room (Music History Professor, Public Speaker, $180 Shared Room Shambhala-Buddhist teacher) $130 Commuter

Audubon Bird Count Sat., Dec 28th

At Michaela Farm 7:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. RSVP REQUIRED $10 for lunch!

Join us in tabulating species & number of birds for use in a national database

that helps determine trends in bird populations! Beginners welcome!

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Contemplative Prayer Jul 3rd, Aug 21st ,

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF Sept. 11th , Oct 16th

(Psychologist & Spiritual Director) Nov 20th , Dec 18th $ freewill 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Guided by modern contemplatives like Merton, Keating, and Rohr, we

practice contemplative prayer, share God’s movement in our lives, and

reflect on our experiences through the process. All are welcome.

As we advance in our journeys with God, we often need the support of a

“listening other” to help guide and encourage us along the way. Several of our

Franciscan Sisters are trained in the art of spiritual direction and have years

of experience listening and helping others recognize and attend to God’s

movement in their lives. Contact us to learn more! 513-543-5368

Spiritual Direction by appointment

Spiritual Growth

“Discovering the ways in which you are exceptional—

the particular path you are meant to follow—

is your business on this Earth.”

-Bernie Siegel, M.D.

Using materials from male authors and guest speakers, participants share

experiences of prayer and seeing God in the everydayness of their lives.

Men’s Night Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. $ freewill Sept. 9th, Oct. 14th, Nov. 11th , Dec. 9th

Counseling by appointment

Whether you face anxiety, depression, or are struggling with changes in your

life… counseling can help!! Licensed psychologists available: 812-212-0371.

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Meet Our Spiritual Directors

“Journeying with another is a profound call to break bread

and share at a deep level the mystery of life & faith.”

- S. Karla Barker, OSF


S. Janet Born, OSF has been a spiritual director for over 20

years and is a pastoral associate with particular interest in adult

spiritual formation. She loves sharing with spiritual seekers.

S. Patty Campbell, OSF has served as a parish life coordinator

and currently serves as a retreat leader and spiritual director. She

is a poet and artist who takes a holistic approach to life.

S. Barbara Leonard, OSF is a lover of scripture and preacher

of the Good News with degrees in Biblical Studies & Christian

Spirituality. She serves as a retreat leader & spiritual director.

S. Kathleen Mulso, OSF is a spiritual director who completed

Jesuit Training in Spiritual Exercises; she has her M.A. in reli-

gious studies, with interest in Franciscan & Everyday Spirituality.

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF is the director of OFC—a psychologist,

Jungian analyst, spiritual director & retreat director. She has a

passion for accompanying others on their journeys with God and

enjoys working with dreams.

S. Barb Piller, OSF has served for 53 years as an Oldenburg

Sister as an educator and leader. She enjoys walking with others

in spiritual direction.

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Retreats


Private Retreats

Rent our Facilities

“Come away with me.

Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.”

~Jesus

Men and women of all faiths are invited

to make private or group retreats at

Oldenburg Franciscan Center.

Private rooms are $45/person/night.

Shared rooms are $35/person/night.

We have a variety of dining options: dine with the Sisters ($4.50 breakfast,

$7.50 lunch, $5.50 dinner), bring your own food, or eat at local restaurants.

Please visit our website for more information, and contact us to learn more.

We’re happy to help you plan the type of retreat that best meets your needs!

We have perfect accommodations for groups

ranging from 5 to 200 people—depending on

the event! How can we help you plan your

group’s conference or retreat?

Our large conference room (The Assisi Room) can

accommodate up to 200 people for a conference, and our first floor provides

ample options for break-out sessions, including our Chapel, Kitchen, Library,

and several sitting rooms. We have beds for 113 people, and we host a variety

of high school, college, Emmaus, and other special interest groups. They love

us for our hospitality and cleanliness!! Call us to schedule a tour!

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Schedule your Retreat! Call 812-933-6437

“You want to put your treasure where your heart is. Well, where is your heart?”

-Episcopal Haiku

Sometimes we become so mind-cluttered, we are not sure of the state of our

heart. It is time then to come aside, be still with God in rest and prayer.

Retreats offer time to reflect on what we believe. It may be that we need to

recover from ideas and actions we are not proud to have nurtured. Perhaps

we need to discover another path to God and thus redirect our efforts.

Maybe we simply need to rest and let God work in us.

A retreat gives you time to do that. You can take a day, a weekend, a week,

or a month! Turn off your phone and TV and meet quiet again.

At Oldenburg Franciscan Center, we offer you options. You can just walk our

grounds, visit our chapel, or find a quiet bench to sit and enjoy nature.

If you are interested in meeting with a spiritual director, several are available

to you (see page 15). It is up to you. There are many opportunities for

retreats in this brochure. We would be happy for you to join us!

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Catholic Social Teaching

Climate Change Ambassador Program Sept. 28th

Patrick Carolan—Franciscan Action Network 10 am.—2 p.m. (Climate Change Ambassador—Executive Director) $30 incl. lunch

Do you know how you can positively impact climate change?

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have endorsed the Catholic Climate

Ambassador program. This program is established to raise awareness and

promote justice-inspired action in order to positively impact climate change.

Join us as Patrick Carolan, official Ambassador, shares with us the moral

implications of climate change as outlined in the US. Bishops’ document:

“Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good.”

Come as an individual, or register with members of your church! Our actions

matter! This program is based on Catholic Social Teaching. People of all

faiths are welcome to join the dialogue!

RSVP to [email protected] or 812-933-6437. If you have

questions about the program, please contact S. Marge Wissman, Director of

Peace & Justice for the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg at 812-933-6403.

The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change founded the Climate

Change Ambassador program in 2006 to ‘spur action’ and influence policy

through public education. Learn more at catholicclimatecovenant.org.

Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a leading grassroots Catholic Social

Justice organization that “seeks to transform U.S. public policy related to

peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights.” For more

information about FAN, visit www.franciscanaction.org.

“You don’t have a garden just for yourself.

You have it to share.”

-Aesop


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OFC Registration Form

RSVPs may be made to [email protected] or 812-933-6437

To Confirm your Registration, please:

Complete and mail this form along with payment to

Oldenburg Franciscan Center

PO Box 100, Oldenburg, IN 47036.

Personal Information (please print):

____________________________________________ Name

____________________________________________ Address City State Zip

____________________________________________ Phone (day) Phone (Evening)

____________________________________________ Email (please provide to receive reservation confirmation)

Check this box if you would like CEU credit for this program

Program Information:

____________________________________________ Program 1 Name Program Date(s) Commuter or Resident?

____________________________________________ Program 2 Name Program Date(s) Commuter or Resident?

Deposit (20% or full payment required to confirm for paid programs):

Select one:

Check enclosed - amount: $______ Please send me a bill to pay online

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oldenburg franciscan center 2013 workshops and retreats

Documents

creativity spirituality

mens night

franciscan spirituality

contemplative prayer

franciscan friendship

movie nights

psychology spirituality

spiritual direction