July
13 - 18 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Words Made Flesh: Deepening a Relationship with the Spirit of God In the
Theater of your Imagination
Led by Br. James Michael Dowd, OHC
This workshop is intended for anyone interested in deepening a relationship
with God by exploring that relationship in the realm of their imagination.
Employing theatrical creativity, specifically utilizing ritual and myth,
we will explore the Incarnation of our God within the Theater of our Imaginations.
Lovers of the theater with any level of training or experience (or none)
are welcome.
The only requirement is the willingness to be actively involved in creating
theatrical pieces to assist us in understanding and communicating our deepening
relationships with God, both individually and communally. A considerable
amount of time will be given to improvisation, theater games, writing, rehearsing
original scripts and the like. Meditation periods and talks will round out
the workshop experience.
Before he became a monk, Br James was a professional theater director with
more than 100 shows to his credits, a teacher, having taught theater to
thousands of students of all grade and professional levels, and director
of live television events seen throughout the world. He lived and worked
in NYC and spent a great deal of time with writers, actors and students
creating new theatrical pieces in both traditional and improvisational formats.
Fee: $430; Deposit: $80
July
23 - 25 (Friday to Sunday)
Insight Meditation Retreat
Led by Jose Reissig
This retreat is appropriate for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
It consists of periods for sitting, walking, receiving instruction, listening
to talks, and inquiring. Jose Reissig's teachings are inspired by the teachings
of the Buddha. (Brs. Bede and Bernard have long attended Jose's weekly meditation
sitting in Rhinebeck, NY).
Participants should not bring any reading materials or electronic devices,
and should plan to keep writing to an absolute minimum. Sittings will occupy
most of the day. Bring a cushion or a bench, and a zabuton or blanket to
place underneath (unless you prefer to sit on a chair). Please bring only
fragrance-free hygiene products and no perfumes.
Please note: Holy Cross Monastery is hosting this program, but registration
is handled by the presenter. To register, please send an email to raquelrabinovich@frontiernet.net
that includes your mailing address. Registration information will be mailed
in May, 2009.
Fee: $170; Deposit: $30
Introduction
to Centering Prayer Workshop
Sat, Aug 28
Led by Bruce Gardiner, hosted by Br. Charles
Based in the Christian contemplative heritage, and most particularly in
the anonymous 14th century English classic, The Cloud of Unknowing, Centering
Prayer is a method of response to God’s invitation to enter into loving
intimacy and ever-deepening relationship. The practice prepares us to be
open, available, and present to God’s action and presence in the innermost
recesses of our being. It facilitates a process of interior transformation
initiated by God and leading, as we consent, to divine union.
Centering Prayer has been given its contemporary expression by Trappist
abbot, Fr. Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., who also founded Contemplative Outreach
in order to bring the riches of the Christian contemplative heritage to
a lay audience beyond the cloister.
“An Introduction to Centering Prayer” will consist of four brief
talks and two periods of centering prayer. The talks explore prayer as relationship,
the method of centering prayer, and its fruits. Also there will be ample
time for responding to participants questions.
Bruce Gardiner is the local contact person for Contemplative Outreach in
the Albany and upper Hudson Valley area. He is a graduate Formation for
Ministry Program (Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany) and has served as an
FMP retreat leader and staff member. Bruce has been commissioned by Contemplative
Outreach and Fr. Thomas Keating to teach Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina.
With over thirty years of management and church consulting experience, Bruce
is currently affiliated with the Princeton-based consultancy Kepner-Tregoe,
Inc.
Fee: $35 for day, includes lunch
Deposit: $35
September
14 - 17 (Tuesday to Friday)
Library Volunteers Work Week
Accompanied by Brs Adam and Bernard
Holy Cross monks and their friends have been collecting books since 1884.
The West Park part of the Holy Cross Library has over 15.000 volumes and
counting...
In recent years, the librarians have embarked on yet another conversion
experience: shifting the catalog form index cards to an on-line medium.
This is a long-term project that requires a lot of labor. Over the past
few years we have accomplished a great deal with the help of enthusiastic
volunteers - and we have plenty more to do.
The work week balances work, rest, prayer and recreation.Work in the library
can be dusty; bring appropriate clothing for your work times.
Fee: $210 Deposit: $70
September
17 to 19 (Friday to Sunday)
Fall Associates Weekend - Living with your Rule
This retreat is a time for Associates, working with members of the Monastic
Community and other Associates, to explore ways of enriching your life through
a clearer understanding of the Benedictine Rule and the individual Associates
Rule. We share insight and experience as we
journey together on our conversion of life. This program is particularly
well suited to newer Associates (or to those considering becoming Associates)
who are looking for guidance in developing and maintaining their rule.
Fee: $170 Deposit: $85
September
28 to October 1 (Tuesday to Friday)
A Feast for the Soul
Retreat for Adults Who Work With Youth
Led by Jenifer Gamber and Fran McKendree
Since 2007, youth leaders from across the country have gathered for a time
of spiritual refreshment, learning and networking at Holy Cross Monastery
in West Park, NY. Join Jenifer Gamber and Fran McKendree in September 2010
for "A Feast for the Soul." Our time together will focus on the
prayer as the heart of our lives and the lives of the youth we serve. Through
worship, music, conversation and meditations we will explore a variety of
spiritual disciplines that ground our life and ministry. Come and explore
within the peace of a monastic setting. Special guests Ana Hernandez will
lead a session of chants and Becky Neilson will lead a session
in painting icons.
Jenifer Gamber is the author of My Faith, My Life: A Teen's Guide to the
Episcopal Church and Youth Faith, Your Life: An Introduction to the Episcopal
Church.
Fran McKendree is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. He lives
in Hendersonville, North Carolina and can be frequently found at Kanuga
sharing stories, games, and songs with youth and those who love them.
Fee: $320 Deposit: $80
October
5 to 8 (Tuesday to Friday)
Paint your Faith
Led by Elizabeth Rundquist
How can you express your faith without words? If you would like to join
a group of people who have questions, and are eager to explore new art media,
come join us. The structure of this retreat will be in workshop format.
We will move from group discussion to individual art expression. There will
be ample individual reflective time. The Monastery and the life within it
inform our journey, adding to our deepening understanding of what faith
is for each of us. Although the retreat is geared towards visual expression,
writers may find different ways of using words. Directed are activities,
designed to enhance flexibility and increase expression will be presented.
Art materials will be provided. Journals for writing and sketching to use
during the retreat and take home will be provided. Come; be prepared for
a challenging journey, while anticipating the growth of new branches.
"Paint Your Faith" workshop will be led by Elizabeth Rundquist,
MA, ATR-BC. She is a practicing artists and art therapist/psychotherapist.
She has many years experience working individually and in groups. She is
a graduate of Education for Ministry.
Fee: $260 Deposit: $70
October
5 to 8 (Tuesday to Friday)
Monastic Living as a Vocation
A program for single men aged 20 to 48 who are interested in exploring
Benedictine monastic life as a possible vocational path. Join the brothers
of Holy Cross Monastery for three full days of prayer, work, study and conversation.
Discover what this ancient way of life can offer you today. Begins at 2
p.m. on Tuesday and ends after lunch on Friday.
Fee: $50 to be paid as a deposit at the time of reservation
Meditation
in the Christain Tradition I (Silent)
Fri, Oct 29 — Sun, Oct 31
Led by The Rev. Mary Gates
& Br. Bede
This retreat will introduce the participants to the major practices of
meditation currently used in Christianity. Each method will be introduced
and a generous amount of time allotted to practice each one, so full familiarity
with the meditation practice can be begun. Plenty of time is also allowed
for questions and for sharing the experience of the practices. We also touch
on the meditative stage where techniques need to be abandoned so a deep
and silent awareness of God can be cultivated. Beginners will find plenty
of help in getting started and people with experience will find challenge
to develop their practice.
The Rev. Mary Gates has studied with Thomas Keating and has taught Centering
Prayer for more than 20 years.
Br. Bede is Prior of Holy Cross Monastery and active in the ministry of
spiritual direction and teaching meditation.
Fee: $250 Deposit: $80
Benedictine
Spirituality and the Arts
Channels of Grace for Daily Living
Thu, Nov 04 — Sun, Nov 07
Led by Jane Tomaine
One of life’s joys is to experience the arts—music, fine art,
craft, architecture, poem and story. Yet, the arts do more than provide
an experience of beauty. They are God’s Presence and Spirit touching
a place deep within us to bring peace, energy and hope. How might we be
open on a deeper level to the grace that comes through the arts? How can
the arts become a daily experience of God’s presence? How can the arts
help us see the sacred in the ordinary? This retreat will explore how the
arts are windows to the holy that teach us to look deeply at life around
us and how they support the spirituality found in the Rule of St. Benedict.
We will explore ways that the arts are channels of God’s grace and
presence, and seek God’s presence through reflection and prayer using
the fine arts, music, poem and story. We will look for ways to bring the
spiritual gifts of the arts into daily life and share how the arts have
been meaningful to us. We will also learn ways that Benedictine Spirituality
can prepare us for this experience of God through the arts and in our daily
life with all its challenges and joys.
Please bring to the retreat an example of the arts that has been important
and meaningful to you. This could be an actual painting or a craft item,
picture of a painting, sculpture or building, a piece of music, a poem,
play, movie or ballet, etc. These can be religious in subject matter but
do not need to be. Choose an example that has deeply moved you. At the retreat
you will have an opportunity to reflect on and share your experience with
this meaningful example of the arts.
Jane Tomaine is an Episcopal priest and nationally known retreat leader
from New Jersey and is the author of St. Benedict’s Toolbox: The Nuts
and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living, published by Morehouse.
Fee: $420 Deposit: $85
Unity
in Contemplation
A Centering Prayer Retreat
Tue, Nov16 — Fri, Nov 18
Led by Br Charles
This Centering Prayer immersion retreat will give participants an opportunity
to deepen their Centering Prayer practice. We will also view a series of
talks by Fr. Thomas Keating on the Spiritual Journey. The talks include
The Divine Economy, The Symbol of the Cross, and The School of Love. The
basic method of Centering Prayer will also be reviewed making this retreat
appropriate for both new and long time practitioners.
Fee: $240 Deposit: $70
Thanksgiving
— the Monastery Way
Tue, Nov 23 — Fri, Nov 26
Thanksgiving is a national holiday with deep spiritual roots. In our lives
filled with tremendous blessings it is vital to take time to give God thanks.
Join us to help put some holy into your holiday. And yes — we do have
a lovely and traditional thanksgiving feast.
Join us for as many of these days as you like.
Fee per day: $70 Deposit: $35
Awakening
in Advent (Silent)
Fri, Nov 26 — Sun, Nov 28
Led by Carolyn Bluemle
Wake up in mind body and spirit to the unbelievable gift of God’s
incarnation among us. This Advent, let us strip away layers of busy-ness,
tension, distractions, and exhaustion… Let us allow ourselves to be
open and vulnerable enough… That we may awaken to the gift of God’s
presence that is given every day, and is celebrated at Christmas.
In this guided retreat we will pray with silence, with song, and with our
bodies, as each is inspired and able. We will practice yoga to open and
integrate our bodies with our minds and spirits. We will pray with postures
to music and words. By working with the postures and song, we can tap into
the depth of our longing and the depth of our hope. Also: beautiful prayer
with the monks, Taize Chant together, guided nap, and times of silence and
stillness for meditation.
No previous yoga experience is necessary. All sequences and poses can be
adapted for any and every body. Discover how opening your body can help
to deepen your relationship with God.
Please bring a symbol of your intention for the retreat to place on a prayer
table in the practice room.
Carolyn Bluemle has taught yoga since 1989 and is Iyengar certified. She
teaches at Unity Woods Yoga Center and in the Sacred Circles program at
the Washington National Cathedral. During doctoral studies in philosophy
at UC Berkeley, she honed her analytical skills. Years as a dancer inspired
her appreciation of the rhythms and poetry of the body. Through the healing
practices of yoga, meditation, and Taize chant she has renewed her Christian
faith with joy and compassion. Her teaching, precise and enthusiastic, reflects
her deep experience of yoga as prayer.
Fee: $240 Deposit: $80
Advent
Retreat (Silent)
Fri, Dec 03 — Sun, Dec 05
Leb by Br. Bede & The Rev. Suzanne Guthrie
Music by Sr. Helena Marie, CHS
Darkness and light, endings and beginnings, longing and fulfillment. These
are the themes of Advent; and we will weave them together through reflection,
silence, music, and story, to help you prepare for the living of the coming
Mystery of Christ among us.
Suzanne Guthrie is an author and conductor of retreats and conferences.
Her books Grace’s Window and Praying the Hours have been widely read
and appreciated, and her retreats at Holy Cross and elsewhere have been
greatly valued by those who have attended. She concentrates on the spiritual
tradition of Christianity, especially the Carmelite mystics, and uses their
teachings in her work with young people and with retreatants of all ages.
Br. Bede is Prior of Holy Cross Monastery. He has been active in the practice
of spiritual direction for many years and in teaching about spiritual direction
and meditation. He is the author of the widely-read booklet, Using the Jesus
Prayer.
Fee: $240 Deposit: $80
Individually
Directed Retreats
Tue, Dec 07 — Fri, Dec 10 or Sun, Dec 12
Limited Registration
Spending time in prayer and silence is a classic way to deepen your spiritual
life and to enhance your experience of Advent. Participants will meet individually
each day with a Spiritual Director who will assist and guide you in responding
to God’s movement in your life and in responding to the invitation
to deeper union with God. Participants start the retreat on Tuesday and
may conclude on Friday or Sunday, depending on your needs.
Participants are asked to include a brief synopsis of your spiritual journey
and a statement of your hopes for the retreat.
Fee for Tue — Fri: $250 Deposit: $80
Fee for Tue — Sun: $430 Deposit: $80
Christmas
or New Year’s
the Monastery Way
Tue, Dec 21 — Sun, Dec 26
Tue, Dec 28 — Sat, Jan 01
Christmas time at the Monastery is quite remarkable. It is a time filled
with feasts and celebration. Many evenings in the Pilgrim Hall are accented
with a story reading or carol sing. Most of all it is a time to gather,
as those shepherds did in Bethlehem, to offer praise to God and pray for
peace on earth using the ancient cycle of monastic prayer. Join us for any
or all of these days.
Fee: $70 per weeknight, $85 per weekend night Deposit $35
“Cheshbon
Nefesh”
An Accounting of the Soul at the New Year
Thu, Dec 30 — Sat, Jan 01, 2011
The retreat begins at 2 PM on December 30th
Led by Br. James
“Cheshbon Nefesh” is the practice of our Jewish sisters and brothers
of accounting for their soul and for their community between Rosh HaShanah
and Yom Kippur (the Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement which occurs in
the Autumn). This is a spiritual practice with ancient roots and one that
can apply to our Christian heritage as well.
We invite you to spend the New Year holiday in a relaxing and peaceful
atmosphere in which we will have ample time and silence to reflect on the
past year and prepare for the new one as well. There will be meditations
led by Brother James on the turning of the year, and in private reflection
discerning how our soul’s account ledger adds up at this point in time.
Additionally, we will “pray in the New Year” (voluntarily) with
a meditative service from 11:30 pm until 12:30 am over the New Year.
Fee: $160 Deposit $70
Hold the dates:
Joan Ball — Rest, Rejuvenate, Reflect and Write, a Winter Retreat
for Writers
(Tue, Jan 18 — Sun, Jan 21)
Winter Associates Retreat
(Thu, Jan 27 — Sun, Jan 30)
Diana Butler Bass — A Peoples Spirituality: Following Our Ancestors
Footsteps to a Hopeful Future — for Clergy, Diocesan Staff, Vestries
and Church Growth ministers focusing on theology and leadership in congregations,
faith communities and societies. — Feb 1 to 4 (Tue — Fri)
Diana Butler Bass — A Peoples Spirituality: Following Our Ancestors
Footsteps to a Hopeful Future — for Individuals focusing on personal
spirituality and prayer. — Feb 4 to 6 (Friday to Sunday)
Esther De Waal — Reflections on Thomas Merton
(Fri, Feb 11 — Sun, Feb 13)
Fr. Carl Arico, VP of Contemplative Outreach — Divine Forgiveness
& Compassion: A Centering Prayer Immersion Retreat (Tue, Feb 15 —
Sun, Feb 20)
Esther De Waal — Interpreting Monastic Architecture
(Tue, Feb 22 — Fri, Feb 25)
Martin Smith — Lenten Retreat
(Fri, Mar 18 — Sun, Mar)
June
18 - 20 (Friday to Sunday)
