Contact:
To register for any retreats or to find out more information, contact Avila Retreat Center
To Download Calendar in Brochure Form (PDF file), click here: ScheduleofRetreats13-14-2
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY 2013 – JULY 2014
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MEN’S IGNATION RETREAT
Friday June 7-9, 2013 Fri. 6 pm-Sun 1 pm
Silent Men’s retreat sponsored by St. Luke’s- Knights of Columbus.
Presenter: Father Michael Proterra, S.J. will direct the retreat, drawing on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola in a weekend of prayer, listening and contemplation. Mass is scheduled on Sunday. There will be (optional) time for familiar devotions, personal prayer and reflection on our roles and relationships in our lives.
Contact: Jim Haag (919)841-5817 or Jim Haag jjmthaag@bellsouth.net
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WEEKEND FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
Friday July 12-14, 2013 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 12 noon
For information about this retreat contact: Mary DiSano, Coordinator, Marriage Prep Programs (919) 821-9710
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THEOLOGY WORKSHOP
July 19-21, 2013 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11 am
Theme: TheTheology of Joy
Description: The theology of joy is essentially the theology of Christianity. “Christ came to bring joy” (Pope John Paul II). BUT how can you be joyful in a world like ours? This
retreat will focus on lifting your spirit so that you don’t have to settle for half a loaf.
Presenter: Fr. John Catoir, a well-known author, is Director of Evangelization/Communications for the Diocese of Paterson, NJ and
President of the St. Jude Media Ministry. Fr. Catoir was the Director of the Christophers from 1978 to 1985 and hosted the nationally syndicated weekly television “Christopher Close-up” series.
Donation: $160
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CHARISMATIC RETREAT
August 16-18, 2013 Fri. 7 PM-Sun. 11 AM
Theme: Come Experience the Power of the Holy Spirit!!
Description: The retreat is an invitation to renewed spiritual strength and dedication to live our lives in Faith, Hope and Love, despite the challenges of this uncertain and unsettling world. Set aside this time to nourish that spirit within you, to renew your personal trust in God who loves you, and to gather courage for the continuing journey.
Presenter: Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR was ordained a priest in 1996. He currently serves as Director of Formation for the Franciscan Third Order Regulars after serving at Franciscan University of Steubenville for several years and then as the Director of the
Study Abroad Program in Gaming, Austria. He has been involved in the Renewal for over 20 years.
Donation: $160
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ART AND SPIRIT DAY RETREAT
September 25, 2013 Wed. 9:30AM-2 PM
Theme: “Looking Deeply for God’s Love in our Life”
Description: This day retreat will begin with a short period of meditation, followed by a discussion based on quotes from the Bible. Participants will be encouraged to share
personal experiences as well. An art project relating to the theme of the retreat will complete this special day.
Presenter: Graciela Rockwell has a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts. She
enjoys and admires all kinds of art. Religion is very important in her life. She is
Catholic, with a special place in her heart for the Franciscan order, but she
respects and accepts other people’s beliefs. She has been in contact with many
people of different cultures and religions because of her living and traveling
outside of USA.
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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SECULAR FRANCISCAN RETREAT
October 11-13, 2013 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11 am
Theme: “Letter from Assisi”
Description: An overview of St. Clare’s letters to St. Agnes of Prague, stressing
certain themes that are relevant for developing a deeper prayer life.
Presenter: Sr. Bernadette Marie Cappola, is a Poor Clare Nun from the Travelers Rest, SC Community. Sister has experience working with Secular Franciscan Fraternities as well as directing retreats at LaForesta, the Monastery Retreat House.
Donation: $160
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ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES
October 18-20, 2013 Fri. 6 pm – Sun. 1 pm
Silent Retreat
Contact: Guenda Bush (919) 531-0277
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WEEKEND FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
November 1-3, 2013 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 12 Noon
For information about this retreat contact: Mary DiSano, Coordinator, Marriage Prep Programs (919) 821-9710
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ADVENT RETREAT
Theme: “Advent and the Art of Constant Awareness”
December 4, 2013 Wed. 9:30 am-2 pm
Presenter: Fr. Thanh Nguyen is currently the Pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Durham, NC. He has been a priest for 18 years and served in many parishes throughout the Diocese of Raleigh. He came to the U.S. as a refugee and brought with him a rich heritage of Catholic traditions and religious enculturation in his journey of Faith.
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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SECULAR FRANCISCAN DAY RETREAT
December 7, 2013 Sat. 9 am-4pm
Contact: Presenter Joanne Jacovec (919) 844-6075 or jmjofs@live.com.
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WOMEN’S SERENITY RETREAT (FOR WOMEN IN RECOVERY)
January 3-5, 2014 Fri. 7 pm- Sun 11am
Theme: From Fear to Faith
Description:This weekend retreat addresses the underlying issues beneath our fear, doubt, and insecurity. Through presentations, humor, optional group sharing, music and ritual, participants will be given practical means of overcoming daily anxieties in order to move into a faith that works: a faith that helps us feel grounded and safe, provides
guidance and direction, and empowers us to stretch and grow into the women we
were born to be.
Presenter: Betty Hill Crowson is the author of The
Joy is in the Journey: A Women’s Guide Through Crisis and Change, a
book that outlines a course of action for women of all ages and stages to
successfully maneuver through the challenges and complexities of life’s crises
and changes. For over twenty five years, Betty has been a licensed social
worker. Her background includes work in the areas of grief counseling,
addictive disorders, and crisis intervention.
Donation: $160
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WEEKEND FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
Friday Jan. 24-26, 2014 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 12 noon
For information about this retreat contact: Mary DiSano, Coordinator, Marriage Prep Programs (919) 821-9710
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A BOOK REVIEW- FALLING UPWARD
February 4, 2014 Tues. 9:30 am-2 pm
Theme: In his book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, Father Richard Rohr says that the first half is where we build a container for our life by addressing “the big three concerns of identity, security, and sexuality and gender.” The second half of life is where we discover who we truly are and live into the vision God has for us. No longer driven by success, money, or who other people say we should be, we are free to discover our true selves. The irony is that failure is the doorway into the second half of life. It is only those who have gone “down” who can truly understand the meaning of “up.”
Presenter: James T. Weaver Jr.,
“Jimmy” has been an ordained United Methodist pastor of the past 20+ years and is currently serving at Bethany UMC in Durham. He holds a B.A. from Pembroke State University, a M.Div. from Duke Divinity School, and a D.Min. from Drew Theological School. Jimmy has served as a workshop and retreat leader throughout the southeast and for ten years has held an adjunct faculty appointment at Mount Olive College, teaching in the areas of biblical studies, Christian ethics, theology, and spiritual formation.
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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ART & SPIRIT WEEKEND RETREAT
February 7-9, 2014 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11 am
Theme: Rainbows as Bridges to the Spirit
Description: Come out of the cold and into the warmth of a room full of souls creating! No art experience is required to participate fully in this colorful weekend.
Presenters: Claudia Fulshaw and Lisa Giannini, Durham artists and entrepreneurs, have been facilitating art retreats at Avila since the mid-90’s. This caring expressive, dynamic duo will delight, challenge and encourage you throughout this soul-stirring, creative and fun weekend.
Donation: $160
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AFRICAN-ANCESTRY MINISTRY & EVANGELIZATION LEADERSHIP RETREAT
February 28-March 1, 2014 Fri. 7 pm-Sat 4 pm
Contact: Lauren Green (919)821-9762 or lauren.green@raldioc.org
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LENTEN SPIRITUALITY DAY
March 26, 2014 Wed. 9:30 am -2 pm
Presenter: Sr. Joanna Walsh, FCJ has lived and served in
the Triangle area for 18 years. She has extensive experience in the fields of spirituality, adult formation, and spiritual direction. Her ecumenical experience has included seminarian formation at Duke Divinity School, collaborative leadership of a continuing education program for pastors, and the formation of new spiritual directors. Her delight is to help people integrate their faith with their daily life. The FCJ House of Prayer in Durham is a ministry of the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (fcjsisters.org).
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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THE LABYRINTH: WALKING THE SACRED PATH (PART II)
April 8, 2014 Tues. 9:30 am-2 pm
If you attended this retreat last year, please come again to take a new and different look at the labyrinth. If you missed the chance last year to participate, no worries; now is your chance!
Presenter: Judy Homer is the founder of “Peaceful Paths” and is a spiritual director and holistic life coach with advanced training in spirituality and wellness. For over 12 years she has worked with the labyrinth in a variety of settings; offering introductory and advanced classes, workshops and retreats, and has facilitated labyrinth walks. Judy is a creativity coach and founder of “Soul Based Coaching,” and an associate spiritual director with “Lamb and Lion Spiritual Guidance Ministries.”
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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WEEKEND FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
Friday April 25-27, 2014 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 12 noon
For information about this retreat contact: Mary DiSano, Coordinator, Marriage Prep Programs (919) 821-9710
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LIFE, LOSS & HEALING WORKSHOP
May 2-4, 2014 Fri. 8:30 am-Sun. 11 am
We have all lost someone or something. In addition to the death of loved ones, we may lose health, relationships, pets, jobs, homes and even our childhood. This ecumenical workshop is an opportunity to explore the losses in our lives in a safe, confidential and
accepting setting. This is not a weekend for quiet reflection, but rather an opportunity to experience the intensity of our feelings and learn safe ways to express them. For more information about this retreat and/or to sign up,
contact: Mike Yow (336)392-8017 or myow4@triad.rr.com
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SPIRITUALITY DAY- “Recovery of Joy: Dwelling in Philippians”
May 13, 2014 Wed. 9:30 am-2 pm
Theme: There seems to be a lack of joy in a lot of Christians and in a lot of churches. In this retreat we will attempt to look through the lens of Philippians in order to recover our joy. There will be times of presentation, sharing, silence, and worship. Each participant is asked to read the book of Philippians before coming to this retreat.
Presenter: Rev. Larry Williams served for 19 years as pastor of Louisburg Baptist Church. Before that he served as Campus Minister at Meredith for 8 yrs. After his retirement in 2001 he became Director of the “Pastor as Spiritual Guide Program,”
which he co-led with Sr. Joanna Walsh for 8 years. Larry is a graduate of the Shalem Inst. For Sp. Formation and now serves as spiritual director and retreat leader. He is author of the books: Take Hope, Take Faith, and Take Grace.
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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HISPANIC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
May 23-25, 2014 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11 am
Contact: Lettie Banda (919) 821-9771
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“RECLAIMING THE SOUL OF SUMMER VACATION”
June 11, 2014 Wed. 9:30 am- 2 pm
Theme: Summer is here and we relax, unwind, travel, visit, host, entertain and enjoy. The
change in routine is refreshing, yet we can feel off-center if our spiritual focus gets displaced in the shuffle or lost in the summer haze. Re-focus your spirit during this retreat. Come experience some ways of prayer and reflection that nurture your spiritual life. Consider some practices that are simple to implement even on vacation— in your own quiet time or to deepen moments spent with family and friends.
Presenter: Ami Hudson, M.Div. offers spiritual direction, coaching & goals groups, couples enrichment, dream-work and retreats. She lives nearby in Virginia, enjoys
visiting Avila, and is online at www.AmiHudson.com
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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WEEKEND FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
Friday July 11-13, 2014 Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 12 noon
For information about this retreat contact: Mary DiSano, Coordinator, Marriage Prep Programs (919) 821-9710
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TWO PART SERIES: Presented by Sr. Rose Mary Eve Holter, OSF
*Please note that you may consider attending either or both retreats. Make it a 4 day weekend package (beginning Thurs. morning and ending Sunday at 11 a.m.) for a total of $250/person – meals included!
July 17, 2014 Thurs. 9:30 am -2 pm
PART ONE: Finding My Holy Place
Theme: Within each of us there is a Holy Place where the Spirit of God eagerly awaits to teach us how to nurture and nourish our spirits into radiant lights for others. This is the
sacred place where our inner spirits thrive on the abundancy of God’s holy love, amazing graces and limitless mercy and compassion. From such a holy place within, our personal
lives and ministries become transformed into creative expressions of God’s Holy Action in our church and world. Come away and find your Holy Place within.
Donation: $40 (includes lunch)
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July 18-20, 2014 Fri. 7 pm- Sunday 11 am
PART TWO: The Mysticism of Pots & Pans: Living and Praying in the Sacred Ordinary
Theme: Finding God in our everyday life is not as hard as some would imagine. God created the ordinary and continually invites us to find Him in all places, at all times and
in the everyday details of our lives. This day retreat will use story, music and prayer to reflect on the goodness and beauty of the Sacred Ordinary created by the God of Extravagant Love. Come and reflect on how to live and pray your daily life as a sacred time touched by God, in the tears and laughter, the aches and pains, the joys and frustrations of the comings and goings of ordinary life.
Donation: $160
Presenter: Sr. Rose Mary Eve Holter, OSF a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is a storyteller, musician and retreat director and enjoys teaching the Dances of Universal Peace. She has master degrees in spirituality and education and has been creating retreats for adults and youth since 1980. She was an educator in the Archdiocese of
Baltimore for thirty-four years and served as Director of Retreats at Christian
Brothers Spiritual Center in Adamstown, MD for nine years. Sr. Rose Mary Eve is currently serving at St. Stephen’s School and Parish in Bradshaw, MD.
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