Marywood offers a variety of online and onsite programs which can add to your spiritual journey. Topics include spirituality, personal growth, Franciscanism, art, creation, church history, and much more. These programs are available to everyone at any place on their spiritual journey. Take a look at our current offerings and register today.
Upcoming Programs
Big Brush Painting: Watercolor
ONSITE
Friday, December 1, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Using large brushes and broad strokes we will create watercolors that have the feel of minimal effort. Though minimal in appearance, there is much thoughtfullness in this approach to painting. Bring some of your colorful landscape photos that have some, but not alot of detail. Bring these references, watercolors, brushes you have, and stretched half watercolor sheet or large watercolor pad and smaller sheets for trial. Fee $30. Register by Monday, November 23.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Where is Christ Present and Experienced?
ONLINE
Tuesday, December 1, 9:30 – 11:00 am
ONSITE
Tuesday, December 1, 1:00 – 3:30 pm
After Christmas, after Easter, after Sunday Mass, etc. where is Christ present today? Where did the apostles and the women seek him after His Ascension? Where did you and I seek Christ during the COVID-19 pandemic? Let’s take time to ponder together the seeking of Christ this Advent. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, November 30.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
Watercolor: Painting with Alcohol Inks
ONSITE
Wednesday, December 2, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
We will be using Yupo Paper (provided), an ultra-smooth, acid free synthetic paper with a velvety smooth surface that takes pen, ink, pencil and marker. As a watercolor paper the unique advantage and challenge is its non-absorbent surface. Because the colors stay on top when they are dry, they remain more brilliant than standard watercolors. All materials will be provided. Fee $35. Register by Monday, November 23.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Family Fashioned Christmas Wonder
ONLINE Thursday, December 3, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Register Have you been thirsting to find your Christmas spirit? Is your family so caught up in the busy-ness and material-ness of Christmas that the joy and wonder of the season has been lost? Give yourself and your family the gift of exploring different ways to slow down and lean into the season this year that are low stress, fun and guilt-free. Bring everyone along as you plan your Wonder-ful Christmas! Free will offering appreciated. Register by Sunday, November 26. Presenter: Meg Earsley, FSPA
Our Lady of Guadalupe
ONLINE
Friday, December 11, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
December 12 is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe who appeared to an Aztec peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531 and blessed his tilma (cloak) with this image of herself. The image of Mary as an indigenous woman is sometimes associated with motherhood, sometimes with feminism, sometimes with social justice. How might Mary speak to us as she spoke to Juan Diego? Bring a bag lunch. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, December 7.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Embracing Creation: Finding Life in Desolation
ONLINE
Monday, December 13, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Embracing Creation is back by popular demand! Spend this winter exploring the natural world around you in an intentional and spiritual way. Sister Meg Earsley will lead seekers through experience-based connections with nature. From now through February, you will be invited to listen to a related spiritual reflection, share your experiences in small groups and join in gratitude and prayers to the Creator. Attend as many sessions as you would like. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Sunday, December 6.
Presenter: Meg Earsley, FSPA
“Hygge (Hoo-gah)”
ONLINE
Monday, December 14, 9:30 – 11:00 am
Onsite
Monday, December 14, 1:00 – 3:30 pm
For years, Denmark has been ranked among the happiest of countries on the planet. How does this country in the northern hemisphere with its cold and dark winters remain happy? What attitude or belief do the people have? Hygge! It’s a lifestyle of seeking joy and comfort. During this time we will discover how the Danes embody this spirit of Hygge and apply it to our lives. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Thursday, December 17.
Presenter: Grant Van Lishout
January
Breaking Open Fratelli Tutti
ONLINE
Tuesday, January 5 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Tuesday, January 12 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Tuesday, January 19 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Tuesday, January 27 -1:00 – 2:30 pm
Pope Francis chose the name of his latest encyclical because it “calls for a love that transcends the barriers of geography and distance.” Let’s explore the new social vision of Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, together. Each week, we’ll concentrate on two chapters as we discuss the ideas and themes contained in them. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Wednesday, December 30.
Presented by Meg Earsley, FSPA
Retreat: Lent’s coming!
ONSITE
Wednesday, January 13th – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For those of you involved with worship and church preparations, this is your heads-up: Lent is nearly here. This year Ash Wednesday is February 17. Congregation members need to be informed of your plans. This leaves a very small window between Christmas break and January publication due dates. Come find sanctuary at Marywood and let your creative juices flow. First we will gather and share ideas, then offer you a blessing on the rest of your time here to allow you to do what it is you need to prepare. Free will offering is appreciated. Overnight option is available. Bring a lunch. Please register by Tuesday, January 5.
Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
What is Spiritual Direction and is it for me?
ONLINE
Wednesday, January 13th – 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Have you ever wondered how God is working in your life? Have you ever wanted to talk to someone about your God journey? If you can answer yes to either of these questions, spiritual direction/guidance may be for you. Come to this introductory session and get your questions answered about this practice of “holy listening”. Register by Sunday, January 10.
Facilitator: Elizabeth Amman, OP
Embracing Creation: Enjoy the Silence
ONLINE
Sunday, January 10th – 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Embracing Creation is back by popular demand! Spend this winter exploring the natural world around you in an intentional and spiritual way. Notice the sights, sounds and other sensory messages you receive during this cold season of Winter. Sister Meg Earsley will lead seekers through experience-based connections with nature. You are invited to listen to a related spiritual reflection, share your experiences in small groups and join in gratitude and prayers to the Creator. Attend as many sessions as you would like. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Sunday, January 3.
Presenter: Meg Earsley, FSPA
Come Blessings
ONLINE
Thursday, January 14th – 9:30 – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Thursday, January 14th – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Each morning we are invited to bless the day by calling out: “Come Blessings.” Pierre Pradervand invites us to: “… bless this day for it is already full of unseen good which your blessing will call forth, for to bless is to acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the very texture of the universe and awaiting each and all. Let’s call out “Come blessings” together. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Friday, January 8.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
The Call of Christ to Help Wake Up the World!
ONLINE
Friday, January 15th – 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, January 16th – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Do you wonder if you are called to become a Sister, Brother or Priest? Have you felt an inner urging inviting you to delve deeper into the idea of religious life? It can seem overwhelming and difficult to know where to begin your discovery. Learn more about what religious life means today. We will provide details on who religious are, what they do and how this life is evolving. This is a great opportunity to learn more without requiring any commitment. We will honor the privacy of all participants. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Sunday, January 8.
Presenters: Marla Lang, and Meg Earsley, FSPA’s
Hope Rising Out of the Pandemic
ONLINE
Wednesday, January 20th – 9:30 – 11:30 am
The challenging months of 2020 left fragility in many forms of life on this planet. Together, we will examine the hidden and visible fragility, as well as budding experiences of new hope. Your preparation: seek out new forms of life and the fragility in your setting! Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, January 18.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
Snowshoe Walk
Friday, January 29th – 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Come, enjoy the quiet of the winter woods, the companionship of others, and reflect on God’s presence in the vastness of winter. Bring snowshoes, clothing to keep you comfortable, and a snack to share at the end of the trail. We will begin at Marywood. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, January 25.
Facilitator: Pat Pintens
Discerning Your Purpose: A Weekend of Deep Decision Making
ONLINE
Friday, January 29 – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 30 – 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 31 – 11:00 – 2:00 p.m.
If you are feeling general discontent or wonder what you should do next, it may be that you need to spend some time in discernment. You are invited to spend a virtual weekend on a journey to discover God’s direction for you. Over the course of the weekend, you will be encouraged to spend time listening to your mind, heart and gut in this holistic way. We will be exploring prayer, journaling and other creative ideas you can use in your process of discernment. This time away will be presented online, but Marywood cabins may be available for those who want to spend this time in a contemplative and sacred place. Contact Marywood for more information and pricing for our cabins. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Sunday, January 22.
Presenter: Meg Earsley, FSPA
Full Moon Snowshoe Walk
Friday, January 29th – 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Enjoy a full moon walk: the shadows on the snow, the quiet of the winter woods, the companionship of others, and reflect on God’s presence in the vastness of winter. Bring snowshoes, clothing to keep you comfortable, and a snack to share at the end of the trail. We will begin at Marywood. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, January 25.
Facilitator: Pat Pintens
February
Couple’s Check-in
ONSITE Thursday, February 4 – 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Register Whether you and your partner have been together 5 months, 5 years, or 50 years, you know the importance of checking in with each other. You also know how difficult it is to find time for each other without daily distractions. Your love tank may be running empty, or you haven’t had the time to have a good quality conversation in a long while. You are invited to step away from all the busyness for a time of reflection on nurturing your relationship. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, January 25. Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
Behind Our Masks
ONLINE
Tuesday, February 9 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Tuesday, February 9 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
The COVID pandemic has increased our familiarity with masks though perhaps not our understanding of their cultural, healing and spiritual role in our history. Let’s take a look at what’s behind our masks – besides our faces! Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Wednesday, February 3.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Embracing Creation: Peaceful Renewal
ONLINE
Sunday, February 14 – 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Spend this winter exploring the natural world around you in an intentional and spiritual way. Notice the sights, sounds and other sensory messages you receive during this cold season of Winter. Sister Meg Earsley will lead seekers through experience-based connections with nature. You are invited to listen to a related spiritual reflection, share your experiences in small groups and join in gratitude and prayers to the Creator. Attend as many sessions as you would like. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Sunday, February 7.
Presenter: Meg Earsley, FSPA
Sacred Art of Listening
ONLINE
Thursday, February 18 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
Let’s engage in practices that can lead us into deeper relationships with God, with our soul and with others. These practices will be listening beyond words, than about hearing words! Being truly listened to is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other at any time of the day. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Tuesday, February 16.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
Fasting and Feasting: Lenten Day of Reflection
ONSITE
Saturday, February 20 – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lent is a time to ask “who do I want to become?” and “what do I need to ‘give up’ in order to become that person?” Let’s explore both the fasting and feasting aspects of Lent. Bring a bag lunch. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, February 15.
Facilitator: Pat Pintens
March
Enhancing Watercolor Painting: Rushing Streams
ONSITE
Monday, March 1 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Oriental rice papers are tactilely stimulating and can provide desired surface enrichment leading artists in unanticipated directions. We will use a combination of oriental papers and watercolors to create textural paintings of rushing streams, waterfalls, and landscapes all having some element of rock patterns. The oriental paper will be provided. Artists need to bring watercolor supplies and ½ sheets of 140# cold press watercolor paper. Each class is independent of the other so one can choose 1 or 2 or 3 as a single workshop or all 3. Fee $30.00 each day. Bring your own lunch. Register by Monday, February 22.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Enhancing Watercolor Painting: Waterfalls
ONSITE
Tuesday, March 2 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Oriental rice papers are tactilely stimulating and can provide desired surface enrichment leading artists in unanticipated directions. We will use a combination of oriental papers and watercolors to create textural paintings of rushing streams, waterfalls, and landscapes all having some element of rock patterns. The oriental paper will be provided. Artists need to bring watercolor supplies and ½ sheets of 140# cold press watercolor paper. Each class is independent of the other so one can choose 1 or 2 or 3 as a single workshop or all 3. Fee $30.00 each day. Bring your own lunch. Register by Monday, February 22.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Enhancing Watercolor Painting: Landscapes
ONSITE
Wednesday, March 3 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Oriental rice papers are tactilely stimulating and can provide desired surface enrichment leading artists in unanticipated directions. We will use a combination of oriental papers and watercolors to create textural paintings of rushing streams, waterfalls, and landscapes all having some element of rock patterns. The oriental paper will be provided. Artists need to bring watercolor supplies and ½ sheets of 140# cold press watercolor paper. Each class is independent of the other so one can choose 1 or 2 or 3 as a single workshop or all 3. Fee $30.00 each day. Bring your own lunch. Register by Monday, February 22.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Befriending Fear
ONLINE
Thursday, March 4 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Thursday, March 4 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
What is fear? When are fears valid? When is it wise to be afraid? FDR admonished a fearful nation saying, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Another saying asserts, “Your largest fear carries your largest growth.” The most frequent scriptural message from God is, “Be not afraid.” Let’s explore how befriending our fears opens us to the grace within them and helps us grow from them. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Friday, February 26.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Book Study: Let your Life Speak: Listening to the Voice of Vocation – Parker Palmer
ONLINE
Monday, March 8 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. I must listen for the truths and values at the heart of my own identity, not the standards by which I must live–but the standards by which I cannot help but live if I am living my own life. Let the voice and wisdom of Parker Palmer guide our time together as we ponder, “What am I to do with my life?” Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, March 1.
Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
What is Spiritual Direction and is it for me?
ONLINE
March 11th – Thursday – 9:30 – 11:30 pm
Have you ever wondered how God is working in your life? Have you ever wanted to talk to someone about your God journey? If you can answer yes to either of these questions, spiritual direction/guidance may be for you. Come to this introductory session and get your questions answered about this practice of “holy listening”. Register by Monday, March 8.
Facilitator: Elizabeth Amman, OP
Women Who Followed Jesus
ONLINE
Tuesday, March 16 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
Eleven women in the Gospels were among the first Christian witnesses. They were disciples of Jesus in some way. Each woman had a name except one. Select one that especially engages you. Imagine her specialness and bring to share on March 16. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Monday, March 15.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
Praying St. Patrick’s Lorica
ONLINE
Tuesday, March 17 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Tuesday, March 17 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
In the Irish monastic tradition, a lorica, is essentially a ‘protection prayer.’ in which the petitioner invokes all the power of God as a safeguard against evil. St. Patrick’s Lorica begins, “I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.” Let us reflect on St. Patrick’s Lorica and enjoy some Irish treats. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Friday, March 12.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Greetings Favored One … Luke 1:26-38
ONLINE
Thursday, March 25 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
This is the Annunciation of our Lord, the time when the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to have a child who was to be named Jesus. This fascinating text shares the love of God for humanity through a woman named Mary. During this time we will focus on Luke 1:26-38 and how it applies to our lives today. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Thursday, March 18.
Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
April
Pastels: Building your Skills: Blending Techniques
ONSITE
Monday, April 5 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Blending, rubbing one color into another so lines are softened is the most used technique in pastel painting. It is an excellent way to create skies and soft effects. Broken-Pattern is created by using short strokes that mix color visually at a distance. It is highly used by Impressionists painters. Overlay of color is a technique that uses very light strokes over another, feathering or scumbling and building a mixed color in the process. Each class is independent of the other so one can choose 1 or 2 or 3 as a single workshop or all 3. Bring soft pastels- Nu Pastels are preferred and the most adaptable to the three techniques. Fee $30.00 each day. Bring your own lunch. Register by Monday, March 29.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Working Out, Working In
ONLINE
Wednesday, April 5 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
Breath and Movement are key factors in keeping ourselves physically healthy. Breath and prayer are key factors in keeping ourselves spiritually nourished. Based on the teachings of Paul Chek holistic lifestyle coach, we will explore the relationship between our physical and our spiritual selves. Note: There will be breathing and movement, but nothing physically demanding.
Free will offering is appreciated. Register by March 22.
Presenter: Grant Van Lishout
Pastels: Building your Skills: Broken-Pattern Techniques
ONSITE
Tuesday, April 6 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Blending, rubbing one color into another so lines are softened is the most used technique in pastel painting. It is an excellent way to create skies and soft effects. Broken-Pattern is created by using short strokes that mix color visually at a distance. It is highly used by Impressionists painters. Overlay of color is a technique that uses very light strokes over another, feathering or scumbling and building a mixed color in the process. Each class is independent of the other so one can choose 1 or 2 or 3 as a single workshop or all 3. Bring soft pastels- Nu Pastels are preferred and the most adaptable to the three techniques. Fee $30.00 each day. Bring your own lunch. Register by Monday, March 29.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Pastels: Building your Skills: Overlay of Color- Feathering/Scumbling
ONSITE
Wednesday, April 7 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Blending, rubbing one color into another so lines are softened is the most used technique in pastel painting. It is an excellent way to create skies and soft effects. Broken-Pattern is created by using short strokes that mix color visually at a distance. It is highly used by Impressionists painters. Overlay of color is a technique that uses very light strokes over another, feathering or scumbling and building a mixed color in the process. Each class is independent of the other so one can choose 1 or 2 or 3 as a single workshop or all 3. Bring soft pastels- Nu Pastels are preferred and the most adaptable to the three techniques. Fee $30.00 each day. Bring your own lunch. Register by Monday, March 29.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Miracle Trees United as One
ONLINE
Thursday, April 8 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Thursday, April 8 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
It is hard to believe two different trees have united as one for 50+ years! Yes, a pine and an oak tree are united underground and several feet above ground. We will explore such a tree and other usual and unusual aspects of trees and more, as Spring happens in this part of God’s creation! Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Tuesday, April 6.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
Spirituality and Poetry
ONLINE Wednesday, April 14 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Come relax, enjoy, and enrich your spirit! Sacred voices from the East and the West have left behind great nuggets of wisdom and God’s love for us. We will share writings from famous saints, leaders, people, and poets from our day, too. This time set aside will feed your soul. Free will offering. Register by April 10. Presenter: Elizabeth Amman, OP
Earth Day Canticles
ONLINE
Thursday, April 22 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Thursday, April 22 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
A canticle is a narrative or religious poem. Perhaps the most famous is St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun, also known as Canticle of the Creatures or Canticle of Brother Sun, written in praise of creation. Come and remember Earth Day as we reflect on this canticle as well as similar canticles from other traditions. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Thursday, April 15.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Wisdom in Times of Upheaval
ONLINE
Tuesday, April 27 – 9:30 – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Tuesday, April 27 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Though change is just part of life, living in the midst of change can produce uncertainty, confusion, indecisiveness, and stress. We look for solid ground to stand on and a wise word to hold onto. Who or what sources of wisdom do you turn to for such a word? Have you explored the Book of Wisdom in scripture? Let’s share our sources of wisdom. Free will offering is appreciated. Register by Tuesday, April 20.
Presenter: Pat Pintens