2. FOOD FOR THE
SOUL
2013 — 2014
The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine
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Quiet Garden Days
June 22, July 13, August 10, September 21, 2013
Inspired by the Quiet Garden Trust in England, these are days to relax,
renew, and rest outdoors in the beauty of God’s creation, as well as to
enjoy the Sisters’ chapel and library. In case of rain, there is plenty of space
indoors to wander, sit, dream, and pray. We begin the day with a brief time
of prayer; then a Sister will offer suggestions on how to use the day. The rest
of the morning is yours. The Eucharist is celebrated at noon, followed by
dinner, and the afternoon is again free, with a brief gathering at 3:30 pm for
a closing time of prayer, and the option of sharing the blessings of the day.
Begins 9:30 am with gathering for coffee; ends 4 pm. Fee: $20 if you bring
a bag lunch (+ $15 if you wish a hot meal).
Pray as You Can, Not as You Can’t September 20 - 22, 2013
Jean Gill wrote, “Prayer is like a window. It is our way of opening our Self
to God. It is the response to our deep desire to allow the Spirit of God
to blow through our souls, to feel the movement of God within our Self.
. . .” We will look at prayer through different kinds of windows, e.g. bay
windows, stained glass windows, rattling windows, and picture windows.
Led by Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas, SSJD, Prioress and Novice
Director. Begins 4 pm Friday; ends 1:30 pm Sunday. Fee: $220;
deposit: $50.
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SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: RETURN OF JOHN BELL
Doing Worship Differently October 1 - 3, 2013
The liturgies of the Church have traditionally
shown variety of both style and content,
according to denomination, season of the year,
reason for gathering, potential of the local space
and people. But a common presumption has
been that the pastor knows best. This is a notion
from a pre-literate society in which the priest
or minister was the only educated person. We
live in a different world today which requires an
approach to preparing worship which is more
cooperative and thereby more creative, which
respects tradition and yet breaches barriers of
tired convention. “Doing Worship Differently”
does not intend to undermine 'normal' Sunday
morning worship, but to enable participants to
discover alternative ways of engaging minds and
congregations in offering to God different textures
of prayer, scriptural reflection and praise. Led by
John Bell of the Iona Community, an inspiring
speaker and the composer of much well-known
and loved contemporary Christian music used
in the Iona Community and around the world. Begins 4 pm Tuesday;
ends 1:30 pm Thursday. Fee: $280; deposit: $50
A Mosaic of Colours — A return engagement by popular demand!
October 12, 2013
Discover your creativity and enjoy the challenge, fun and fellowship of
making colour-dyed silk scarves as Christmas gifts for yourself or others.
Led by Sr. Jessica Kennedy, SSJD, our Sister in charge of the infirmary.
Begins 9:30 am with gathering for coffee; ends 4:00 pm. Fee: $40 if you
bring a bag lunch ($30 for Associates and Oblates) Includes silk fabric and
dyes. A hot meal is an additional $15.
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Connecting More Deeply with Jesus
October 26, 2013
Jesus said, “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my
voice and open the door, I will come in to you” (Revelation 3:20). This
transformative Quiet Day will help you to dissolve inner barriers that may
be preventing you from fully accepting Jesus into your heart and mind.
Jesus also said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew
28:20). Through a series of gentle guided meditations, reflections, and
discussions, you will have the opportunity to connect directly with the
enduring strength, compassion, love, and wisdom of Jesus Christ. Led by
Ellen Fleming. In 1993, Ellen experienced a profound mystical vision of
Jesus while listening to a guided meditation tape. She has over twenty years
of personal experience in establishing and maintaining a strong and resilient
inner connection to Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. Begins 9:30 am with
gathering for coffee; ends 4:00 pm. Fee: $25 ($15 for Associates and
Oblates) if you bring a bag lunch. A hot meal is an additional $15.
The Task of Making Peace: Transforming the World from Within
November 15 - 17, 2013
Despite evidence to the contrary, transforming the world is not an
impossible task! Fundamental to our lives as Christians living in an often
troubled world is the understanding that hope is a choice. God calls us
to the task of making peace and enables us to offer peace to others. A
viable, practical way to cultivate peace around us is to deepen our inner
life. Together we'll explore, and practice, an ancient form of silent, interior
prayer, sometimes called "the prayer of the heart", that was recovered for us
by Dom John Main. Led by the Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith, an Oblate
of SSJD. Frances is a parish priest in the Diocese of NS & PEI, a wife
and mother, for whom the practice of Christian Meditation has been an
accessible way to deepen her friendship with God and live hopefully. Begins
4 pm Friday; ends 1:30 pm Sunday. Fee: $220; deposit: $50.
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Advent Quiet Day for Associates, Oblates and Friends
November 30, 2013
In Advent, We Watch, We Wait, We Wonder
The Holy Season of Advent is a time when the world around us is filled with
people who are shopping and baking and attempting to meet all manner
of expectations—their own and others’—of what Christmas should be like.
On this Advent Quiet Day, we take the time together to contemplate and
anticipate the birth of our Lord—a baby to be born in a manger, rather
than a prince to be born in a palace. We will have the opportunity to watch
together, to pray and wait together, and to experience the joy and wonder
of the miracle that was (and is) Jesus’ birth. Together we will explore what
it means to model Mary and to say, “Here am I. . . Let it be with me
according to your word”. Led by the Rt. Rev. Barry Clarke, Bishop of
the Diocese of Montreal and an Associate of SSJD. Begins 9:30 am
with gathering for coffee; ends 4:00 pm. Fee: $25 ($15 for Associates and
Oblates) if you bring a bag lunch. A hot meal is an additional $15.
Christmas Retreat: Snapshots of Christmas
December 23 - 26, 2013
Celebrate Christmas with the Sisters, enjoying the pre-Christmas and
Christmas liturgies, with time for both quiet reflection and festive
celebration. Sisters of SSJD will lead participants in a daily reflection
using the films of the Christmas Season, with opportunity to express their
creativity in decorating the Guest House as well as joining in the singing
and celebrations of Christmas. Begins 4 pm Monday; ends after breakfast,
Thursday. Special holiday rate of $220 for this three-day retreat;
deposit: $50.
Creating the New Year December 31, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Consider spending 28 hours (or more if you wish) at the Convent,
celebrating the New Year in an environment of peace and quiet fellowship.
Enjoy a candlelight labyrinth walk (weather permitting), festive food, and a
new creative way of beginning your year. Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas,
SSJD, Prioress and Novitiate Director, will guide participants in
finding a balance of life through living life mindfully and intentionally.
Begins 9 am Tuesday; ends 1:30 pm Wednesday. Fee: $110; deposit:
$50.
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Walking the Rock of Faith January 18, 2014
Simon Peter was the Rock of Faith on which Jesus chose to build his
Church; according to all the Gospels, he was also an imperfect human being
who could exasperate and, in the end, deny his Lord. Join Sr. Sue Elwyn,
SSJD, as we look at how this flawed and faulty Rock of Faith can be a
model for our own lives in Christ. Sr. Sue is the Spiritual Care Co-ordinator
at St. John’s Rehab. Begins 9:30 am with gathering for coffee; ends 4:00
pm. Fee: $25 ($15 for Associates and Oblates) if you bring a bag lunch. A
hot meal is an additional $15.
Drawing Spirituality with Celtic Knots — Return Engagement
January 25 - 26, 2014
Can you draw a dot, a line and a square? Of course you can! Surprisingly,
they are the 3 key steps to learning a simple, accessible, authentic way
of drawing Celtic knots—no art training required. The method will open
you to an appreciation of knots as a spiritual meditative practice that
is playful and easy, but also thoughtful drawing remarkable depth and
meaning from connections to the Bible, theology and liturgy. Or. . . knots
can also be just fun creative doodling! The Saturday workshop will be an
introduction to the knots, focused on establishing ease and familiarity with
a basic repertoire of interlace types. The Sunday workshop will be a more
advanced session, exploring complex variations, with closer attention to
ways that knotwork is capable of disclosing insight and meaning hidden
in the enormous collection of examples from the religious and secular
historical record. Led by The Rev. Brian Dench, author of The Knotty
Book, and a graphic designer and former president of the Calligraphic Arts
Guild of Toronto. Each day begins 9:30 am with gathering for coffee; ends
4 pm. Fee: $25 ($15 for Associates and Oblates) if you bring a bag lunch.
A hot meal is an additional $15. Fee for staying overnight (including
meals) and attending both sessions is $125.
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Patrick's Song — Brigid's Well — Columba's Island
February 7 - 9, 2014
Far from being a
romantic historical
curiosity, the chapter of
our Christian story that
was lived out on the
Atlantic islands from the
5th to the 7th century
has once again become
a rich spiritual resource
for our contemporary
spiritual questing.
This retreat on Celtic
Spirituality will be led
by The Rev. Dr. Canon Herbert O’Driscoll, a brilliant scholar and
mesmerizing Irish storyteller. He is the celebrated author of 30 books,
including A Doorway in Time, a reflection of his own Celtic spirituality.
Dr. O'Driscoll is also one of the most highly regarded preachers in
the Anglican Church, a former Dean of Christ Church Cathedral,
Vancouver, BC, and former Warden of the College of Preachers at
Washington National Cathedral. Begins 4 pm Friday; ends 1:30 pm
Sunday. Fee: $250; deposit: $50.
Diakonia: Epiphany Images of Christian Ministry
February 13 - 15, 2014
Following on last year’s Lenten retreat, this 48 hour experience will explore
diakonia through contemplative pondering on the images of Epiphany,
paying particular attention to the place of baptism, revelation, and mission
as dimensions of our ministry. There will be time for theological and
spiritual reflection, participation in the life of the Sisters of St. John the
Divine, including their Daily Office, and for connecting with others within
the ecumenical, diaconal tradition. The retreat is open to anyone wishing
to deepen their understanding and practice of ministry. Begins 4 pm
Thursday; ends 2:30 pm Saturday. Overnight cost: $230; commuters:
$120. Deposit for both: $50. Led by: Maylanne Maybee, Principal &
Program Staff, Centre for Christian Studies, Winnipeg. Maylanne has been
a deacon for more than 30 years. She is a writer, speaker and advocate
for the Diaconate in Anglican and ecumenical circles. She is also a long-
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time Associate of SSJD; Ted Dodd, Program Staff, Centre for Christian
Studies, Winnipeg. Ted is the first person in the United Church to change
ministry designation from ordained to diaconal. He completed a D.Min. in
2008 with a focus on transformational theological development; Sr. Debra
Johnston, N/SSJD. Debra was a deaconess with the ELCA Deaconess
Community from 1987 to 2000 when she was ordained a Pastor of the
ELCIC. She has served five congregations and is currently under special call
by the Eastern Synod to serve with the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine.
The Lord Is My Light February 28 - March 2, 2014
This retreat, based on the music of Taizé, will consist of prayer services in
the Taizé style as well as brief inputs based on the theme of “Preparing for
Lent”. There will also be the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with
a spiritual guide. The retreat will be led by Fr. Erik Oland, SJ. Fr. Oland
is a long time associate of Loyola House in Guelph where he was involved
in retreat ministry and training prior to taking up his current responsibilities
as Novice Director at the Jesuit Novitiate in Montreal. Fr. Oland is a classical
musician by training and has performed in a wide range of musical styles.
He visited Taizé (France) in 2007. Begins 4 pm Friday; ends 1:30 pm
Sunday. Fee: $250; deposit: $50.
Lenten Quiet Day for Associates, Oblates and Friends
March 15, 2014
“To live fully, to love wastefully, and to find the courage to be all
that I can be.”
What does it mean to live life to the full? What does it mean to love
wastefully as the father of the prodigal son did? What would happen if
all Christians sought to be the best they could be and worked together to
transform the world around them? Where do we find the courage to be all
that we can be? Led by Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas, SSJD, Prioress
and Novice Director. Begins 9:30 am with gathering for coffee; ends 4
pm. Fee: $25 ($15 for Associates and Oblates) if you bring a bag lunch. A
hot meal is an additional $15.
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Understanding Icons March 28 - 30, 2014
Icons have been venerated around the world for centuries. This workshop
will explore their history and meaning. Participants will learn clues on how
to read an icon as well as take time to contemplate these "windows into
heaven". Led by the Rev. Dr. Margaret Trapnell, icon writer and
minister of the Charing Cross Pastoral Charge of The United Church of
Canada. Begins 4 pm Friday; ends 1:30 pm Sunday. Fee: $220; deposit:
$50.
A Spiritual Spa for Mums: A Retreat for Busy Mothers
April 5, 2014
Rediscover or discover for the first time, the true peace that passes all
understanding. Mums of all ages and stages, working outside the house
or in, can learn from centuries of Benedictine wisdom how to simplify
their lives and make space for God. Join other harried mothers in learning
how to create a frame of discipline for a deep spiritual peace that will
lighten the burden of work, parenting, and relationships. More relaxing
and rejuvenating than any quick-fix trip to the spa! Led by Sr. Elizabeth
Rolfe-Thomas, SSJD, Prioress and Novitiate Director and Molly Finlay,
Principal, Finlay Communications, and Special Advisor, Communications,
at World Vision Canada. She is actively involved in the Ontario Liberal
Party, an Associate of SSJD and is married and a mother of 2 young
girls. Begins 9:30 am with gathering for coffee; ends 4 pm. Fee: $25 ($15
for Associates and Oblates) if you bring a bag lunch. A hot meal is an
additional $15.
Holy Week Retreat April 16 - 20, 2014
As Christians we are called to walk in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Join us as we walk through the triumphs, the sufferings and the glories of
Holy Week and Easter Day. Sr. Debra Johnston, N/SSJD and a pastor
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, will lead the conversation
as we look at our own lives in relation to Jesus’ experiences. Begins 4
pm Wednesday; ends 1:30 pm Sunday. Special Holy Week fee: $340;
deposit: $50.
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SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY — The Rev. Carl Daw, Jr.
Audible Grace: Promise and Challenge in Congregational Song
May 23 - 25, 2014
The goal of this retreat is to cultivate an awareness and appreciation
of sacramental dimensions in what we sing in worship, especially
the ways congregational song awakens memory and hope. Such
connections with the past and the future
engage us on many levels and offer both
promise and challenge for shaping our
faith and for leading us into paths of
service and witness. This retreat will be
led by the Rev. Carl P. Daw, Jr., an
American Episcopal priest who served at
various parishes throughout the Eastern
United States before he began work on
hymns. He served on the committee
that created the 1982 Episcopal hymnal,
and served in a variety of roles related
to sacred music. Now Curator of
Hymnological Collections and Adjunct
Professor of Hymnology at Boston
University School of Theology, he previously was Executive Director
of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada from 1996-
2009. In May 2011, he was named a Fellow of the Royal School of
Church Music. Begins 4 pm Friday; ends 1:30 pm Sunday. Fee: $280;
deposit: $50.
Special Event Open to the Public
A Hymn Festival with Carl Daw
Saturday, May 24th at 7:30 pm
Fee (for those not attending the retreat): $20 (at the door)
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Quiet Garden Days
June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, 2014
Inspired by the Quiet Garden Trust in England, these are days to relax,
renew, and rest outdoors in the beauty of God’s creation, as well as to
enjoy the Sisters’ chapel and library. In case of rain, there is plenty of
space indoors to wander, sit, dream, and pray. We begin the day with a
brief time of prayer; then a Sister will offer suggestions on how to use the
day. The rest of the morning is yours. The Eucharist is celebrated at noon,
followed by dinner, and the afternoon is again free, with a brief gathering at
3:30 pm for a closing time of prayer, and the option of sharing the blessings
of the day. Begins 9:30 am with gathering for coffee; ends 4 pm. Fee: $20
if you bring a bag lunch (+ $15 if you wish a hot meal).
For Women Seeking Direction in Their Lives
Women at a Crossroads July 4 - 27, 2014
This 3½ week program, held each summer, is for women who are
intentionally committed to seeking God's guidance in living out their
baptismal call — in business or professional careers, in homemaking
or lay careers, in the church, in ordained ministry or life in a religious
community, or in the many other ways in which we may serve God.
You may be called to participate in this program if you are interested in:
• sharing in an intentional Christian community
• learning how to live a balanced life of prayer, work, study, rest and
recreation
• engaging in classes and discussions about Christian life and vocation
• receiving personal guidance in deepening your prayer life
• discerning God’s will for your life
There is no fee for room and board, but participants contribute to the
life of the Community by sharing in the Sisters' work. A monetary
contribution (tax deductible) may be made to the Sisterhood.
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PREVIEW FOR FALL, 2014
The Hospitality of Abraham (The Ven. Stephen Rowe) Sept. 19 - 21
Lectio and Visio Divina (Br. Ignatius Feaver, OFM Cap.) Oct. 11
Redeeming the Time (Fr. Monty Williams, SJ) Oct. 24 - 26
Being and Believing in the Age of the Spirit Oct. 31 - Nov. 2
(Phyllis Tickle)
Mosaic of Colours (Sr. Jessica Kennedy, SSJD) Nov. 15
Advent Quiet Day: Christ Will Come Again (Bp. Linda Nicholls) Nov. 29
Christmas Retreat (SSJD Sisters) Dec. 23 - 26
New Year’s Retreat (A Sister of SSJD) Dec. 31 - Jan. 1
FOOD FOR THE SOUL: OPPORTUNITIES AND FEES
Guided Retreats: These overnight retreats focus on a particular theme
and include four or five talks over the course of two days, with ample
time for personal reflection, reading, walking, and prayer. Participants are
invited to join the Sisters for chapel services. Meals are eaten in silence,
and the Guest House is a place of silence during the retreat. The fee and
(nonrefundable) deposit is listed under the description for each retreat.
Commuters are welcome if there is space. The fee is 55% of the overnight
fee, and the deposit is the same as listed. The full-time student rate is $55
per night.
Quiet Saturdays: These are one-day retreats, beginning with coffee and
conversation at 9:30 am and ending by 4 pm. Each focuses on a particular
theme, and the retreat leader gives two or three short talks during the
day, leaving ample time for participants' prayer and personal reflection,
and the opportunity to join the sisters for the noon Eucharist. There is an
opportunity for quiet conversation over a bag lunch or, for an additional
fee, a hot (silent) dinner in the Refectory with the Sisters. Fees are listed
under the description for each Quiet Saturday. No deposits are required for
Quiet Saturdays.
Quiet Garden Days: Enjoy some time for rest, reflection and prayer in
the Convent courtyard, labyrinth, gardens and walks, beginning with coffee
and conversation at 9:30 am and ending by 4 pm. A Sister will give a brief
introduction with suggestions for how to use your day, you may join the
Sisters for the noon Eucharist, and the day ends with a brief gathering for
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sharing and reflection. The standard fee is $20 including coffee breaks,
$5.00 of which goes to help support the Quiet Garden Trust. Bring a bag
lunch; coffee and tea provided. (A hot meal is available in the refectory for
an additional $15.00.) No deposit required.
Personal Retreats: Schedule your own retreat or come with a friend.
Standard fee is $75 per night, including three meals. If you would like to
have individual spiritual direction during your retreat, the cost is $25.00 per
session. A reduction of $10 per night is offered for seniors. Fee for full-time
students is $40.
Bursary Assistance: Please let us know if you cannot afford the full cost
of a retreat (even at senior / student rates). We can assist with a special
bursary fund supported by donations for this purpose. Please contact the
Guest House Office for a bursary application form.
Special Dietary concerns: We are able to provide for gluten-free and
vegetarian diets only. If you have any food allergies, please consult with the
Guest House prior to arrival.
DESIGN YOUR OWN PROGRAM
See our website or contact the Guest House for information on the
following:
• Personal retreats scheduled to suit your timetable, for a day, a week, or
longer;
• Group retreats and quiet days for your church or fellowship group. Bring
your own leader or ask for a Sister to lead;
• Personal sabbatical time: come for a month or longer and enjoy the
prayerful, peaceful environment of the Convent chapel, library, and gardens
as well as comfortable accommodation and delicious meals.
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CUSTOMIZED SABBATICAL PROGRAMS
Do you have some sabbatical time coming up? Consider spending all or
part of it at St. John’s Convent Guest House, and making use of our
varied resources:
• our library of over 16,000 volumes which includes an excellent collection
on spirituality, theology, church history, and scripture study, as well as good
recreational reading plus the Associate Library with another 2000 volumes;
• easy access to the Toronto School of Theology and its varied
denominational colleges;
• availability of all the cultural resources of the Greater Toronto Area;
• the option of participating in any or all of the “Food for the Soul”
programs while you are here;
• the availability of spiritual direction at the Convent;
• the opportunity to join the Sisters, as desired, for the daily celebration
of the Eucharist as well as sung Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and
Compline;
• comfortable rooms, lounges, and pantries, with the option of a room with
ensuite bath (depending on availability);
• a peaceful, relaxed environment both inside and out, with beautiful
gardens and walks;
• option of taking a bag lunch if you are going out for the day;
• free high-speed internet access;
• free parking and laundry facilities;
• easy accessibility to public transit.
Special weekly and monthly rates are available.
Contact the Guest House for details.
guesthouse@ssjd.ca
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Guided Retreats 2013
Pray as You Can, Not as You Can’t Sept. 20 - 22
Doing Worship Differently Oct. 1 - 3
The Task of Making Peace: Transforming the World from Within
Nov. 15 - 17
Christmas Retreat Dec. 23 - 26
Creating the New Year Dec. 31 - Jan. 1
2014
Patrick's Song—Brigid's Well—Columba's Island Feb. 7 - 9
Diakonia — Epiphany Images of Christian Ministry Feb. 13 - 15
The Lord Is My Light Feb. 28 - Mar. 2
Understanding Icons Mar. 28 - 30
Holy Week Retreat Apr. 16 - 20
Audible Grace: Promise and Challenge in Congregational Song
May 23 - 25
Quiet Saturdays 2013
A Mosaic of Colours Oct. 12
Connecting with Jesus for Emotional Healing Oct. 26
Advent Quiet Day for Associates, Oblates and Friends Nov. 30
2014
Walking the Rock of Faith Jan. 18
Lenten Quiet Day for Associates, Oblates and Friends Mar. 15
A Spiritual Spa for Mums: A Retreat for Busy Mothers Apr. 5
Workshops
A Mosaic of Colours Oct. 12, 2013
Drawing Spirituality with Celtic Knots — intro Jan. 25, 2014
Drawing Spirituality with Celtic Knots — advanced Jan. 26, 2014
Quiet Garden Days June 22, July 13, Aug. 10, Sep. 21, 2013
Quiet Garden Days June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sep. 13, 2014
Summary of Programs
June, 2013 - August, 2014
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TO REGISTER FOR ALL FOOD FOR THE SOUL EVENTS:
To register for any of the Food for the Soul events, please fill out a
registration form and mail it to St. John’s Convent with your deposit.
The Guest House only accepts cash or cheques. Registration forms can be
downloaded from our web site at www.ssjd.ca or can be requested from
the Guest House office. Where no deposit is needed, you can submit your
registration form by e-mail.
St. John’s Convent Guest House
233 Cummer Ave.
Toronto, ON M2N 2E8
Phone: 416-226-2201, ext. 305
e-mail: foodforthesoul@ssjd.ca
www.ssjd.ca
