Retreats
Saturday, Aug. 16
Six Saturday program: “The Hour is Coming: A Celebration of the World’s Spiritual Traditions.” At Mercy Center in Auburn. Presented by Passionist Father Tom Bonacci. Each Saturday session will begin at 9:15 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. First session: Aug. 16: Basis for Global Spiritual Study. Second session: Sept. 13: The Way of Creation. Third session: Oct. 11: The Way of Compassion. Fourth session: Nov. 8: The Way of Freedom. Fifth session: Dec. 13: The Way of Peace. Sixth session: Jan. 10: A New Emerging Spirituality for our World. Cost: $185 for all six sessions or $35 per session. Lunch included. Call (530) 887-2019 or register online at www.mercycenter.org.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Summer evening Series: “Awaken to the Sacred with Creativity.” At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by Chiara’s Lantern facilitators Nancy Burchett and Rena Grant. Topic: “Visual Journaling.” Come and learn to address buried feelings expressed in color, shape and image. Cost: $20. Pre-registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Call (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or register online at www.sandamiano.org.
Fri. to Sun., Aug. 22-24
Retreat for young adults: “Awaken to the Sacred.” At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by Franciscan Father Rusty Shaughnessy and Paula Jenkins. An invitation to slow down and meet with other young adults in their 20s and 30s on the beautiful grounds of San Damiano. The weekend will include conferences, sharing, prayer and an opportunity for spiritual direction. Begins Friday with registration from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and concludes with lunch on Sunday. Cost: $195 private room or $165 shared room. Call (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or register online at www.sandamiano.org.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Day for separated and divorced: “Crossing the Red Sea — The Journey through Separation, Divorce and Beyond.” At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by Victoria S. MacDonald. Are you feeling like you are wandering in your own personal desert? Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. The day will explore the big picture of life and all its possibilities. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., lunch included. Cost: $75. Call (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or register online at www.sandamiano.org.
Sunday, August 24
Day of dialogue for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by Franciscan Father Richard Purcell. Spend an afternoon sharing stories of faith and life. All are welcome to this peaceful, safe place to confirm and support one another. 1 to 5 p.m. Free of charge. For more information, call (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or visit the Web site at www.sandamiano.org.
Sun. to Fri., Aug. 24-29
Six-day retreat: “Panoramic Watercolor Painting.” At Mercy Center in Auburn. Facilitated by Jesuit Father William Breault. The class will include pleine aire sketching/painting and studio work. Cost: $375. Call (530) 887-2019 or register online at www.mercycenter.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Prayer day: “Oasis Day of Prayer and Contemplation.” At Mercy Center in Auburn. Offered every first Tuesday of the month, the day begins with morning prayer, Scripture reflection, time to journal or pray, and the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist. At the close of the day, participants are invited to engage in reflection and faith sharing. Facilitated by Mercy Sister Margaret Ann Walsh. 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free will donation. Please bring a bag lunch. Call (530) 887-2019 or register online at www.mercycenter.org.
Saturday, Sept. 6
“Pathways: The Bible, the Christian and Post-Modernity.” At Mercy Center in Auburn. Facilitated by Deacon “Red” Cheever. Pathways is a school of spirituality that studies sacred Scripture and sacred traditions. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 7-9, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 1-3. Cost: $145 for nine-month series or $30 per class. Call (530) 887-2019 or register online at www.mercycenter.org.
Fri. to Sun., Sept. 12-14
Retreat for married couples: “Awaken to the Sacred.” At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Facilitated by Franciscan Father Rusty Shaughnessy, Michael John and Mary Poirier. Experience amazing music, wisdom, practical advice, humor and an invitation to slow down and allow God’s merciful love to heal, renew and surprise you. Cost: $290 per couple. Call (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or register online at www.sandamiano.org.
