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
April
Earth Day Canticles
ONLINE Thursday, April 22 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am ONSITE Thursday, April 22 – 1:30 pm – 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 am – 11:30 am
ONSITE
Tuesday, April 27 – 1:30 pm – 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
Watercolor and Mixed Media: The Fun of Mixing Paint Media
ONSITE Monday, May 3 – 9am – 3pm Registration Fee: $40
Watercolors and Gouache Paints: Watercolor, which is mostly transparent color, and gouache, which is an opaque watercolor can work very well together to create visually striking paintings. We will work with the two media to explore some possible combinations in a landscape painting. These programs are independent of each other, but all involve traditional water color combined with other water media. The attendee needs to bring watercolors, brushes, 140# paper, masking tape and paper toweling. The added mediums of gouache, metallics, and brusho will be supplied. Each day will be independent of the other so the attendee can choose which and how many days to attend at $40 each day. Bring a bag lunch. Register by April 26. Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Watercolor and Mixed Media: The Fun of Mixing Paint Media
ONSITE
Tuesday, May 4 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Watercolor and Metallic Paint: Using watercolors and metallic on both white and black watercolor paper. Metallics can give a shimmer to the painting through several layers of watercolor.
These programs are independent of each other, but all involve traditional water color combined with other water media. The attendee needs to bring watercolors, brushes, 140# paper, masking tape and paper toweling. The added mediums of gouache, metallics, and brusho will be supplied. Each day will be independent of the other so the attendee can choose which and how many days to attend at $40 each day. Bring a bag lunch. Register by April 26.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Watercolor and Mixed Media: The Fun of Mixing Paint Media
ONSITE
Wednesday, May 5 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Watercolor and Brusho Paints: We will learn how to use the fine powdered pigments and then apply them with traditional watercolor paints to produce a colorful field of flowers and grasses.
These programs are independent of each other, but all involve traditional water color combined with other water media. The attendee needs to bring watercolors, brushes, 140# paper, masking tape and paper toweling. The added mediums of gouache, metallics, and brusho will be supplied. Each day will be independent of the other so the attendee can choose which and how many days to attend at $40 each day. Bring a bag lunch. Register by April 26.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Clean Up, Clear Out: Make Some Soul Space
ONLINE
Thursday, May 6 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
Feeling squeezed in – or out – by “stuff” you no longer use or need? Let’s make some soul space in our lives by exploring the nature of clutter, its unhealthy effect on our bodies, minds and spirits, and how to “clean up and clear out” what squeezes out our physical, emotional and spiritual energy. Register by Thursday, April 29.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Embracing Creation LIVE: An Experiential Day in Creation
Saturday, May 8 – 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Registration Fee: $50 for Entire Day, $20 for Single Events
Come and immerse yourself in creation on this special day of wonderings and wanderings. Learn about the creator in this journey centered in exploring the area through exploring as we go birding, foraging, walking and kayaking. You will be invited you to use all your senses as you witness the interconnectedness of nature. There will be time for reflection and sharing in conversations about our experiences. Plan to come dressed for the weather and able to hike up to 2 miles on trails with some small hills and uneven terrain. Register by Saturday, May 1.
Presenters: Meg Earsley, FSPA, Beth Piggush, Pat Pintens, Grant Van Lishout
Hope Rising out of the Pandemic
ONLINE
Tuesday, May 11 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
The challenging months of 2020 left fragility in many forms of life on this planet. Together, we will examine
hidden and visible forms of fragility, as well as budding experiences of new hope. Your preparation: seek out new forms of life as well as its fragile nature in your setting! Register by May 10.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
Common Heart; Common Planet
ONLINE
Friday, May 21 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
We live on a diverse planet. There are commonalities between people from various cultures, tribes, and religions. What is it that you yearn for in life for our neighbors and our planet? We will share and hear wisdom of the heart from people of all walks of life. Register by May 7.
Presenter: Grant Van Lishout
Reaching In & Reaching Out:
Our Call to Ecological Relationship
ONLINE
Saturday, May 22 – 9:00 am – Noon
Registration Fee: $5
Register at https://fsc.retreatportal.com. All proceeds will be donated to Catholic Climate Covenant.
In today’s world of isolation, we feel a call in our hearts to create connections of love and hope. Join us as we deepen our relationship with the Creator and all of creation in a day of discovery, play, reflection and inspiration. This three-hour program will include online prayer, discussion, and offline reflecting including interacting with nature in your own environment. This is a collaborative event with Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center in Arbor Vitae, WI, Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, IA, and the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI.
When the Earth Speaks
ONLINE
Wednesday, May 26 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). What else might “the heavens … and the firmament” be “proclaiming” to us about the universe, ourselves, life and God? Let’s explore ways to “Stop, look, listen”, and hear how the earth is speaking to us. Register by May 20. Presenter: Pat Pintens
Vacation with a Purpose: Watercolor/Mixed Media Workshop
ONSITE
Monday, May 30 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Rice papers and watercolors
Come, explore ways to use watercolors with water and non-water based media to create a variety of surfaces to paint on. You might bring incomplete paintings to work on in a different way. Bring a bag lunch. Register by May 3.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality
ONLINE
Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day)
Wednesday, June 30
Friday, July 30
Monday, August 30
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Registration Fee: $20 for each session
Attention Men: This program is an ongoing discussion of the chapters of the book, From Wild Man to Wise
Man by Richard Rohr. It addresses male spirituality from a Christian perspective and how it evolves from the wild stage of life to the second/wisdom stage of life. The more sessions you make the easier it will be to
follow along. Register for the series by Friday May 28.
Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
Vacation with a Purpose: Watercolor/Mixed Media Workshop
ONSITE
Tuesday, May 31 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Metallics and watercolors
Come, explore ways to use watercolors with water and non-water based media to create a variety of surfaces to paint on. You might bring incomplete paintings to work on in a different way. Bring a bag lunch. Register by May 3.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Vacation with a Purpose: Watercolor/Mixed Media Workshop
ONSITE
Wednesday, June 1 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Watercolor, watercolor pencil, and acrylics with rice and hand-made paper
Come, explore ways to use watercolors with water and non-water based media to create a variety of surfaces to paint on. You might bring incomplete paintings to work on in a different way. Bring a bag lunch. Register by May 3.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Vacation with a Purpose: Watercolor/Mixed Media Workshop
ONSITE
Thursday, June 2 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Textural Supports of layered papers and watercolors
Come, explore ways to use watercolors with water and non-water based media to create a variety of surfaces to paint on. You might bring incomplete paintings to work on in a different way. Bring a bag lunch. Register by May 3.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
An Unlikely Addict, One Nurse’s Journey Through Addiction
ONLINE
Wednesday, June 2 – 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Registration Fee: $20
Join us for an inspiring evening and learn more about one woman’s transformative journey through substance use disorder, more commonly known as addiction. Kristin has been an RN since 1991. After losing much to alcohol and drug addiction, she turned her life round. She now works as a behavioral health nurse, has published a book, An Unlikely Addict, about her story of recovery, writes a blog on issues surrounding addiction, and works with others who struggle with substances. Register by May 26. Register by May 26.
Guest Presenter: Kristin Waite-Labott, RN
Vacation with a Purpose: Watercolor/Mixed Media Workshop
ONSITE
Friday, June 3 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Textural Supports of embedded natural elements
Come, explore ways to use watercolors with water and non-water based media to create a variety of surfaces to paint on. You might bring incomplete paintings to work on in a different way. Bring a bag lunch. Register by May 3.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
The Fatherhood of Saint Joseph
ONLINE
Tuesday, June 8 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
Who is this man who married the Mother of Our Lord? Who is this man who was chosen to raise Jesus and be a significant part of salvation history? Who is this man whom Pope Francis declared the year of 2021 the year to honor? Come and find out! Register by May 25.
Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
Turning Upside Down
ONLINE
Wednesday, June 15 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
God seems to be showing up differently now, in quite unimaginable ways. What spark of insight or whiff of
the divine are we catching in prayer, in action, and in others? Has COVID-19 put us in a new place or has it huddled us up in fear? How can we be on the lookout for God’s creative action? Register by June 14.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
We Will Survive By Sharing
ONLINE
Thursday, June 17 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
“We Will Survive by Sharing” is the title of a reflection from theologian, storyteller and lecturer Megan McKenna. At times we struggle to believe we will have enough money, time, space, resources, opportunities, etc. As risky as it seems, McKenna says sharing is the only way we and the earth will survive. Let’s explore the risky behavior of sharing, especially when we might be feeling a lack. Register by June 10.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Let’s Go Ride A Bike (Weather Permitting)
Tuesday, June 22 – 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Rain Date: Thursday, June 24
Registration Fee: $10
“Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” (Albert Einstein) Do
you need some balance in your life? Come ride with us. We’ll gather at the intersection of County M and County N just south of Marywood, begin our trek with a short prayer, and stop for lunch (Dutch treat) and reflection in Sayner before returning. Bring a bike, water, etc. Register by June 24.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Spiritual Mosquitos
ONLINE
Tuesday, June 29 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
Mosquitos are irritating, whether they are biting us or looking for a place to land on us. Sometimes we find ourselves battling small irritations in our lives, irritations as pesky and persistent as mosquitos. What do we do? Try to swat them away? Look for bug spray? Or learn important life and/or spiritual lessons from them? It’s up to us. Register by June 23.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Vacation with a Purpose: Beginning Watercolor
ONSITE
Monday, July 5 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Introduction to basic materials and initial trials on different papers. Brushes – types and strokes, watercolor paints.
This five-day program is for those who want to experience watercolor for the first time or to expand beginning skills. We will explore the enchantment of water and watercolor paints. Feel free to bring supplies you already have or wait for suggestions on what to purchase. This workshop isn’t just about working with techniques but about enjoyment of happenings that occur in watercolor and the beauty of color itself. Don’t worry about supplies as many will be provided if this is your first time with the media of watercolor. Register for workshops by June 28.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Vacation with a Purpose: Beginning Watercolor
ONSITE
Tuesday, July 6 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Basic Techniques: washes, glazes, hard and soft edge. These will be applied to a simple floral painting.
This five-day program is for those who want to experience watercolor for the first time or to expand beginning skills. We will explore the enchantment of water and watercolor paints. Feel free to bring supplies you already have or wait for suggestions on what to purchase. This workshop isn’t just about working with techniques but about enjoyment of happenings that occur in watercolor and the beauty of color itself. Don’t worry about supplies as many will be provided if this is your first time with the media of watercolor. Register for workshops by June 28.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Vacation with a Purpose: Beginning Watercolor
ONSITE
Wednesday, July 7 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Interaction of water and paint: wet into wet, dry brush applied to a landscape.
This five-day program is for those who want to experience watercolor for the first time or to expand beginning skills. We will explore the enchantment of water and watercolor paints. Feel free to bring supplies you already have or wait for suggestions on what to purchase. This workshop isn’t just about working with techniques but about enjoyment of happenings that occur in watercolor and the beauty of color itself. Don’t worry about supplies as many will be provided if this is your first time with the media of watercolor. Register for workshops by June 28.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Vacation with a Purpose: Beginning Watercolor
ONSITE
Thursday, July 8 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Preserving whites: block-out techniques applied to a floral painting.
This five-day program is for those who want to experience watercolor for the first time or to expand beginning skills. We will explore the enchantment of water and watercolor paints. Feel free to bring supplies you already have or wait for suggestions on what to purchase. This workshop isn’t just about working with techniques but about enjoyment of happenings that occur in watercolor and the beauty of color itself. Don’t worry about supplies as many will be provided if this is your first time with the media of watercolor. Register for workshops by June 28.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Vacation with a Purpose: Beginning Watercolor
ONSITE
Friday, July 9 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Creating textures the easy way. Applied to a seascape.
This five-day program is for those who want to experience watercolor for the first time or to expand beginning skills. We will explore the enchantment of water and watercolor paints. Feel free to bring supplies you already have or wait for suggestions on what to purchase. This workshop isn’t just about working with techniques but about enjoyment of happenings that occur in watercolor and the beauty of color itself. Don’t worry about supplies as many will be provided if this is your first time with the media of watercolor. Register for workshops by June 28.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Mysticism in the Franciscan Tradition
OFFSITE
Saturday, July 10 – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Registration Fee: Free-will Offering
Guest Speaker: Ramona Miller, OSF
This event will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff, WI
Mysticism is experiential knowledge of spiritual things. Franciscan mysticism is a trustworthy and simple though not necessarily easy path precisely because of its application to the ordinary person. Franciscanism is truly a sidewalk spirituality for the streets of the world, a path highly possible and attractive for all would-be seekers. You don’t need to be celibate, isolated from others, highly educated, or in any way “superior” to your neighbor. In fact, it is much better if you are none of these. During our time together, Sister Ramona will present aspects of Franciscan mysticism and how it applies to one’s everyday life. Bring a bag lunch and be ready to be inspired! Register by July 6.
Food for the Soul
ONLINE
Tuesday, July 13 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
Dorothy Day wrote: “Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.” Walking in a flower garden, a flower shop, or along a northern road is an easy way to nourish one’s soul for “Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul.” (The Koran) Let’s feed our souls by taking a virtual walk with the Creator of the very first garden. Register by July 7.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Seeking the Emerging New
ONLINE
Thursday, July 15 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
Endless recycling of fixed thinking can sometimes become “thought dust!” We die before we die! We will
explore some ways to see beyond the boundaries of ourselves with a strong sense of wonder, questions and yet trusting in Holy Mystery together! Register by July 13.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
What is Spiritual Direction and is it for Me?
ONLINE
Tuesday, July 20 – 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Registration Fee: $20
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 Friday, July 16.
Presenter: Elizabeth Amman, OP
Wisdom from the Ammas
ONLINE
Wednesday, July 21 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
We might say of wisdom what St. Augustine said of beauty: “O beauty, ever ancient, ever new!” The “Ammas,” Desert Mothers, have often been overlooked or overshadowed by the Desert Fathers, yet the “ever new” wisdom gained by these ascetics in early Christianity speaks to our 21st century lives. Explore how their ancient wisdom can renew our lives. Register by July 16.
Presenter: Pat Pintens and Mary Ellen Green, OP
What Children Can Teach Us about Spirituality
ONLINE
Tuesday, July 27 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
When Jesus said, “Let the Children come to me for theirs is the Kingdom of God,” he recognized them as important spiritual beings. Children have an openness, trust, and uniqueness that can teach adults about our own spirituality, if we only listen. Register by July 13.
Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
Come to the Campfire
ONLINE
Thursday, July 29 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Rain Date: Tuesday, August 3
Registration Fee: $20
Summer and campfires just seem to go together. They draw people together. Come enjoy campfire songs, stories, poems, conversation, fellowship and s’mores on the shores of Trout Lake. Bring your folding chair and mosquito repellent (if you use it). Register by July 23.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Enhancing Painting with Combination of Pastel with Watercolor
ONSITE Monday, August 1 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Registration Fee: $40
Using watercolor as an underpainting for an additional overlay of pastels. If you have any unfinished or disappointing watercolor paintings this could be a day of redemption for them, so bring what you term “failures”.
These programs are independent of each other, but all involve traditional water color combined with soft pastels. The attendee needs to bring watercolors, brushes, 140# paper, and masking tape and paper toweling and, if they have them, soft pastels. Each day will be independent of the other so the attendee can choose which and how many days to attend. Bring a bag lunch. Register by July 26. Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA Enhancing Painting with Combination of Pastel with Watercolor
ONSITE
Tuesday, August 2 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Combining watercolor and pastels for an impressionistic result of the capture of a sunlit field.
These programs are independent of each other, but all involve traditional water color combined with soft pastels. The attendee needs to bring watercolors, brushes, 140# paper, and masking tape and paper toweling and, if they have them, soft pastels. Each day will be independent of the other so the attendee can choose which and how many days to attend. Bring a bag lunch. Register by July 26.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Enhancing Painting with Combination of Pastel with Watercolor
ONSITE
Wednesday, August 3, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $40
Capturing the movement of waves on a .stormy day
These programs are independent of each other, but all involve traditional water color combined with soft pastels. The attendee needs to bring watercolors, brushes, 140# paper, and masking tape and paper toweling and, if they have them, soft pastels. Each day will be independent of the other so the attendee can choose which and how many days to attend. Bring a bag lunch. Register by July 26.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Healing from the Ground Up
ONLINE
Thursday, August 5 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
The past year and a half has left many of us feeling like we’re standing on “shaky” or “unfamiliar” ground. In times of uncertainty the literal ground we stand on – the “earth itself”- can be a source of healing, strength, comfort and so much more, leading us back to wholeness and holiness. Come experience healing from the ground up. Register by July 29.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Your Inner St. Francis
ONLINE
Sunday, August 8 – 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Registration Fee: $20
Peace, Goodness, Creation, Simplicity, Inclusivity, Gospel-Centered, Servanthood, Hospitality — if any of
these resonate with you, then you might have a little bit of the spirit of St. Francis in you. Discover ways you can nurture your inner St. Francis, connect with others, and live out the St. Francis charism. Register by Monday August 2.
Facilitators: Beth Allen and Grant Van Lishout
Our special guest, Elizabeth Allen, has served as the Director of Affiliation for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration since 2018 and has been an affiliate of the community for the past 15 years. Her educational background includes both counselor education and pastoral ministries, working in hospital chaplaincy and bereavement services for over a dozen years. She is very excited to be able to collaborate with the Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center and share her love of integrating Franciscan values into our daily lived experiences.
What Dogs Can Teach Us about Spirituality
ONLINE
Tuesday, August 17 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
Many are familiar with the saying, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” The wisdom and model of our best friends might also teach us more about ourselves and the way we treat each other. It’s a zoom program. You will have an opportunity to introduce us to your favorite dog(s). Register by August 3.
Facilitator: Grant Van Lishout
Seeking and Savoring God’s World
ONLINE
Thursday, August 19, 9:30am – 11:30am
Registration Fee: $20
To live with the vision of God is about attention, awareness and seeing with the vision of God, seeing more than we currently see. Seeing as God sees becomes an invitation to inhabit God’s world, notice it, and cherish it. Let’s savor some of this world’s wonder and goodness. Register by August 17.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
Praying Our Troubling Emotions
ONLINE
Thursday, August 26 – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Fee: $20
Emotions, both “positive” and “negative” are part and parcel of being human. Yet we often find ourselves struggling with or against certain “negative” emotions, for example: anger, jealousy, sadness, depression, etc. Nonetheless, these “negative” emotions carry important messages for us. Learning how to pray our “negative” emotions opens us to the messages and the gifts they offer us. Register by August 19.
Facilitator: Pat Pintens