2021 Retreat Schedule
Includes COVID-19 Precautions
LAST UPDATED 2/18/21
|
UPDATE: Retreats that can be done safely in small groups and/or through Zoom are being scheduled. Prior to arrival, guests are screened by answering a variety of questions and all safety protocols are sent in writing ahead of time. Upon arrival of all staff and guests we utilize thermal body temperature and blood-oxygen levels as arrival screening. Masking, hand washing and social distancing both indoors and outdoors will be in effect. All overnight guests are given their own private bathroom to use for the duration of their stay. We will opt for outdoor activities whenever and wherever possible including having the option for eating meals outdoors once the weather permits. Meals are served by staff or pre-boxed to reduce the possibility of cross contact. Hard surfaces and common areas are sanitized throughout the day. We will be following WHO, CDC & PA guidelines regarding group sizes, masking and social distancing. Space on all retreats is limited. |
Personal Days of Retreat and Renewal
Offering: $88 per night (includes meals)
Deposit: $25
Arrival: Anytime after 9am
World Labyrinth Day 2021
Walk as One for Peace
Saturday, May 1, 2021
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Each year on the first Saturday in May, thousands of people around the world participate in this moving meditation for world peace. The intention of World Labyrinth Day is to bring people from all over the planet together in celebration of labyrinths as a symbol, tool, passion and practice of spiritual growth. The labyrinth is a reflective exercise as you use each step to quiet your mind and your spirit.
Spend the day on the sacred grounds of Bethany Retreat Center learning about and walking the outdoor labyrinth as well as visiting other stations of prayer & reflection, while focusing on the theme of world peace, healing and restoration. This one day retreat on May 1st will be led by Carmel Stabley, an Advanced Certified Labyrinth Facilitator. The retreat will begin at 9:00 am and conclude by 5:00 pm with lunch provided. The cost is $35.00 for the day. Overnight accommodations are available for an additional $88.00 per night.
Carmel Stabley is an Advanced-Certified Labyrinth Facilitator with training through Veriditas in Chartres, France, as well as labyrinth studies and pilgrimages in Sweden, Spain, Germany, and Iona. Carmel hosts monthly walks and seminars throughout PA and the surrounding area where she creates labyrinth experiences and provides teaching on the history, sacred geometry and mental, physical and spiritual benefits of the walking meditation practice. She is the originator of the Labyrinth Connection of Susquehanna Valley, a group of walkers with a newsletter and Facebook page by the same name which connects walkers to events. She is also a certified Contemplative Leader and the Regional Representatives Chairperson for the Labyrinth Society.
A graduate of Faith School of Theology in Charleston, Maine (now Faith Bible College International), Carmel holds a bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies with a minor in Pastoral Theology Cum Laude. She also serves at the Hempfield United Methodist Church on Stony Battery Road in Lancaster, PA as a Retreat Planner, Spiritual Formation Leader and Steward of the Prayer Chapel. Through silence and solitude her personal Centering Prayer and labyrinth practice have guided her to service in these and other areas such as Prayer Companioning.
Cost: $35.00 for the 1 day retreat – Lunch included.
Deposit: $10.00
**Expand your retreat experience with an overnight stay for an additional $88.00 per night. All meals and lodging are included. Please note this in the comments when you register and we will contact you. (Space is Limited)
Re-Entering Community Through Silence
(Wait List Only. Please call 814-263-4855 to inquire.)
CENTERING PRAYER RENEWAL RETREAT
May 6-9, 2021 (Thursday- Sunday)
Presenter: Mary Dwyer
Come away to Bethany Retreat Center for a deeper experience of Centering Prayer in community. We will have extended prayer times (3 to 4 hours per day) and input on deepening our Centering Prayer practice. The retreat will be in silence with time for personal reflection and renewal. An already established knowledge and practice of Centering Prayer is required. Soul Friending will also be available along with attending Mass and praying with the Sisters in Residence. Enjoy a comfortable room, private bathroom and all meals included during your stay. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or special needs when you register.
Mary Dwyer is a long time student of Fr. Thomas Keating and has been practicing Centering Prayer since the 1980’s. In the early 1990’s she lived at Chrysalis House, a contemplative live-in community experiment blessed by Fr. Thomas. Her housemates included Mary Mrozowski, David Frenette and Cathy McCarthy. The community lived according to a rule of life and became an incubator of practice and programs in the early years of Contemplative Outreach’s growth. It was her experience at Chrysalis House that proved to her that a life of prayer, consent and practice is real, stable and deeply rewarding.
Mary received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in economics and spent some time as a banker and college administrator. After a few years at Chrysalis House, she went back to school and became a licensed clinical social worker and practiced this vocation for the next 15 years, all while maintaining her commitment to the contemplative life. In 2008 she met her beloved Juan through the Living Flame program. She moved to Miami, FL in 2009 and they married. Juan recently retired and they moved back to Erie, PA in July, 2018. Mary is currently in private practice as an LCSW in the Erie area devoting her time between that profession, serving on multiple boards & committees and giving retreats & workshops.
Offering: $298.00 per person
Deposit: $75.00
Arrival: After 3 pm on Thursday, May 6th
Departure: Sunday afternoon (exact time TBD)
Opening to Our Pre-existing Union With God
June 4-6, 2021 (Friday-Sunday)
Presenter: Keith Kristich
So many of us grow up with the message that God is the great, old Guy-in-the-Sky. This God loves the world, but is ultimately separate from it and separate from us.
But the great contemplatives say otherwise, that God is the Heart of our hearts and the very Center of our souls. From the contemplative perspective, the spiritual journey isn’t one in which we get closer to God, but rather about waking up to the reality that we are already one!
Join this weekend retreat as we explore Centering Prayer as a path of waking up to our pre-existing oneness with God. We are not ultimately separate from God, and we’ll explore the significance of opening to this reality through teaching, reflection, and centering prayer practice.
Keith Kristich is certified with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats, as well as, with Contemplative Outreach as a presenter of Centering Prayer.
Please let us know of your interest in an extra day when you register.
Offering: $198 per person
Deposit: $75 (non-refundable)
Arrival: Anytime after 3pm with dinner at 6pm
Departure: 11am Sunday
Contemplative Spirituality in a Contemporary Time
Stages of Prayer as Related to Faith Development
Prayer that gradually deepens toward Contemplation inspired by the Holy Spirit
June 10-13, 2021 (Thursday – Sunday)
Presenter: Susan Komis
What is Contemplation? In addition to exploring three stages critical to our spiritual journey relative to prayer and faith in ordinary life, this extended weekend retreat will include presentation and discussion on the dynamic of the many people who are beginning to experience and live a contemplative life in our contemporary time. We will explore awakenings that open the door to understanding contemplative prayer, transformation and union with God.
Portions of this retreat experience invite interactive engagement of participants, but will include periods of Centering Prayer, silence, solitude, small group process and serene enjoyment of the beautiful Bethany Retreat Center.
Susan Komis is the former Director of Chapter Programs & Services of Contemplative Outreach and continues to serve Contemplative Outreach as a commissioned presenter and retreat director. She is a Pastoral Minister and has been active in adult faith development, spiritual direction and inter-spiritual dialogue. Susan previously worked in Human Resources for two corporations. She resides in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Susan is married and is the mother of adult children and grandchildren.
“The most courageous thing we will ever do is to bear humbly the mystery of our own reality, to trust our divine image and grow in the likeness of God. It is simply a matter of becoming who we already are.” ~Susan Komis
Offering $298.00 per person
Deposit $75.00
7 Essentials of Well Being
Well Being as the Foundation for your Spiritual Life
June 24-27, 2021 (Thursday – Sunday)
Presenter: Elle Morgan
Elle Morgan, a certified yoga instructor is offering a four-day retreat to share the healthy lifestyle program she has developed called the 7 Essentials of Well Being This program supports all aspects of mind, body, and spirit on a daily basis while creating room for open heartedness and a portal for entering the mystery of the divine.
You will learn to see food as medicine and a real source of life force. You will learn how to incorporate more movement that you enjoy into your day. You will learn the techniques of breathwork and how it can expand your capacity to be strong, healthy, and happy. You will experience a renewed connection with nature through mindfulness, and a curiosity about your own special creativity which will enliven you.
Activities include: Campfire cooking for anti-inflammatory eating, Shin Rin Roku–mindfulness in nature, journaling, speed painting, gentle yoga, guided meditation, the role of non-violent communication and the emotions, readings and discussions from world wisdom traditions and the practice of lectio divina.
Elle Morgan is the Director of Summit Hill Transformation Center in Curwensville, PA, where she leads retreats for Health and Well Being and creates custom-designed experiences for campers in nature and art. She is a certified yoga instructor, a professor of Public Speaking at Penn State University and the author of The Elements of New Life Scripts–Sacred Theatre. She is also gaining traction as a go-to gourmet outdoor chef!
Offering $298.00 per person
Deposit $75.00
Pray Without Ceasing Centering Prayer 6 Day Retreat
July 7-12, 2021 (Wednesday – Monday)
Rooted in the ancient Christian contemplative tradition, the goal of this form of Christian prayer is to foster a deeper intimacy with Christ through the silence and stillness of contemplative prayer.
Intensive: An in-depth retreat for those experienced in Centering Prayer. The retreat will facilitate entrance into a more profound level of spiritual practice in an atmosphere of silence, solitude, and community.
Post-Intensive: An opportunity to spend extended time in deep silence in community to encourage a more intimate union with God. An Intensive Centering Prayer experience is a prerequisite of the Post-Intensive.
Offering $625.00 per person
Deposit $125.00
The Science & Soul of the Breath / Exploring Our Creativity, Nurturing Our Spirits
Anne Kertz Kernion will be returning to Bethany Retreat Center for a weekend retreat like no other. Over the course of the weekend she will be presenting 2 topics that we are sure you will find insightful & practical as well as nurturing to your soul and your faith journey.
July 16-18, 2021 (Friday – Sunday)
Presenter: Anne Kertz Kernion
The Science and Soul of the Breath
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” ~Etty Hillesum
As we emerge from a very difficult year, we can all benefit from some retreat time to nurture our brains and bodies. On this weekend together, we will explore how the breath can help us live in the here and now, manage stress, increase our focus and concentration, and increase our well-being. We will begin by reviewing the word “breath” in several languages and religious traditions, then pivot to look at the latest in neuroscience research. I’ll share some fascinating new information, and we will experience a variety of breath exercises along the way. These practices can bring calm to our days, nurturing our brains, bodies, and spiritual lives on a daily basis.
Exploring Our Creativity, Nurturing Our Spirits:
Insights from Neuroscience, Positive Psychology and Spirituality
“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The question is not “Are you creative?” but “How are you creative?” We can use our creativity to nurture our spirits and cognitive health, helping us navigate the added challenges in our lives today. We explore the various ways we can amplify our creativity, adding slices of joy, energy, and peace to our days. (One nurturing practice is observing the natural world, which we will do on our weekend together.) Current neuroscience and positive psychology research is included in this multimedia presentation. We will also spend time creating (no experience or talent required!), and dabbling in a variety of creative exercises to nourish us on our journeys.
Anne Kertz Kernion is a frequent lecturer and retreat leader, presenting topics that combine neuroscience, positive psychology, and spirituality to groups around the US and Australia. She holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from Penn State, an MA in Theology from Duquesne University, and graduate certificate in Positive Psychology from the University of Missouri. Anne is the owner/artist of Cards by Anne, an inspirational greeting card company founded in 1986 (cardsbyanne.com). For fourteen years, Anne taught “Cross-Cultural Understanding of Religious Meaning” at Carlow University, and courses ranging from Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition, to World Religions and Ethics at the community college level. Her second book, “Spiritual Practices for the Brain: Caring for Mind, Body and Soul,” was published by Loyola Press in October, 2020. A former Division 1 athlete, Anne teaches yoga and enjoys biking and hiking. She and her husband Jack have three grown children and six grandchildren.
Offering: $235.00 per person
Deposit: $75.00
Grounded Grieving Retreat
“Come with me, just you, to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31
August 6-8, 2021 (Friday – Sunday)
Presenter: Jackie Naginey Hook
When you’ve lost a loved one, the grief journey can be lonely and exhausting. This retreat will be a safe and gentle place to lovingly care for yourself as together we’ll hold our grief and maybe even heal a little. You’ll know you’re not alone as you’re present to one another and to God’s love. We’ll share stories, engage in creative expression, spend time in nature and deepen into the place where our grief is grounded.
Grounded Grieving is a supportive and spiritual gathering for individuals who have lost a loved one. Each person’s journey through grief is different and this group retreat is designed to help you find your own path. The support is not intended to replace the relationship that exists between you and any health professional. It is not a therapy or counseling group.
Jackie Naginey Hook, MA is a spiritual director, Life-Cycle Celebrant™ and end-of-life doula whose work helps people find hope, healing and wholeness. She coordinates the Helping Grieving Hearts Heal program with Koch Funeral Home, which includes memorable funeral ceremony creation, grief education and support programs gatherings and end-of-life support. Jackie also offers individual and group spiritual direction, programs and retreats in loss, grief, spirituality and forgiveness and writes articles for local publications. She has a B.S. in Business from Penn State University and an M.A. in Wellness from the University of Central Florida. Jackie can be reached at Jackie@JackieHook.com
Offering $235.00 per person
Deposit $75.00
Pray Without Ceasing Centering Prayer 6 Day Retreat
August 18-23, 2021 (Wednesday – Monday)
Rooted in the ancient Christian contemplative tradition, the goal of this form of Christian prayer is to foster a deeper intimacy with Christ through the silence and stillness of contemplative prayer.
Intensive: An in-depth retreat for those experienced in Centering Prayer. The retreat will facilitate entrance into a more profound level of spiritual practice in an atmosphere of silence, solitude, and community.
Post-Intensive: An opportunity to spend extended time in deep silence in community to encourage a more intimate union with God. An Intensive Centering Prayer experience is a prerequisite of the Post-Intensive.
Offering $625.00 per person
Deposit $125.00
Native Drumming Retreat ~ A Unique Drumming Experience
Saturday, September 11, 2021
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Presenter: Tom Campbell
Our Drums will echo again at Bethany! Our drumming retreat will include lunch, group drumming, storytelling, ritual, ceremony, prayer and an experience of Native American culture. If you attended previously, there is always something new and if you haven’t experienced the power of group drumming, join us for this daylong retreat.
Drumming connects you to a deeper part of yourself and the Great Spirit of God.
No experience necessary. Drums will be provided OR bring your own.
Tom Campbell has led the last seven drumming retreats at Bethany; many times there were close to 50 people in attendance. He has been leading retreats for 35 years, and he has been drumming over 30 years; leading drumming workshops/retreats in homes, churches, community centers and businesses. Tom has studied Native American spirituality for 30 years. Its Creator-centered approach to life with a reverence toward the Earth and all creatures on it, resonates with his Catholic upbringing. Tom is also a frequent visitor to Bethany as a volunteer and retreat guest. Tom lives in New Jersey with his wife and enjoys time with his grandchildren as often as possible.
Offering $35.00 per person
Deposit $10.00
The Practical Magic of Public Speaking
Voice of the Heart
September 24-26, 2021 (Friday – Sunday)
Presenter: Elle Morgan
Elle Morgan, Public Speaking teacher at Penn State University and a certified Yoga instructor will guide you through the mind, body, spirit approach to public speaking.
During this retreat you will learn that you have everything you need to be a great public speaker. It’s a spiritual practice. You must learn to trust! Trust your body, voice, and your unique message. You will learn how to connect with the deeper part of yourself, and at the same time practice methods of expression through storytelling and pantomime. Finally, you will share a short message from the heart with your fellow retreatants at the end of the weekend.
Elle Morgan is the Director of Summit Hill Transformation Center in Curwensville, PA, where she leads retreats for Health and Well Being and creates
custom-designed experiences for campers in nature and art. She is a certified yoga instructor, a professor of Public Speaking at Penn State University and the author of The Elements of New Life Scripts–Sacred Theatre. She is also gaining traction as a go-to gourmet outdoor chef!
Offering $235.00 per person
Deposit $75.00
Neuroscience & Well Being: How Spirituality Affects our Health & DNA
October 15-17, 2021
Presenter: Ann Kertz Kernion
Our spiritual habits affect our physical and emotional health in a variety of ways. We’ll explore recent findings in neuroscience and positive psychology, showing how practices such as Mindfulness, Meditation, Gratitude, Compassion, and Community slow aging in our cells, keep our brains healthy and nimble, reduce stress, and bring more health and happiness into our lives. We will also look at other habits that support brain health and keep our telomeres, the end caps of our chromosomes, from prematurely fraying. This multimedia presentation aims to educate and entertain.
We will incorporate these spiritual practices into our days, along with discussion and activities, allowing us to share and experience some of their benefits. Time for personal reflection and quiet will be provided, as well.
Anne Kertz Kernion (BS in Environmental Engineering, Penn State; MA in Theology, Duquesne University, Certificate in Science of Happiness, UC Berkeley, currently a graduate student in Positive Psychology, U. of Missouri) is the owner/artist of Cards by Anne, an inspirational greeting card company founded in 1986. Her book, “A Year of Spiritual Companionship” was published by SkyLight Paths in 2016. Anne’s cards are available online (cardsbyanne.com) and in hundreds of stores. For 14 years, Anne taught “Cross-Cultural Understanding of Religious Meaning” at Carlow University. For seven years, she was also an adjunct professor at CCAC, teaching courses ranging from Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition, to World Religions and Ethics. Currently, Anne is a frequent lecturer and retreat leader, presenting topics that combine neuroscience and spirituality to groups around the country. Anne is married to Jack and they have 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren.
Offering: $235.00 per person
Deposit: $75.00