2017-retreats-brochure26–28 the spirituality of friendship june 2–4 pentecost retreat 30–7/2...

AA

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S T. A N D R E W ’ S A B B E Y

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WELCOME TO VA LY E R M O

CONTENTS WELCOME 1 ABOUT US 3 RETREATS AT A GLANCE 4 PRIVATE & GROUP RETREATS 5

ABBEY-SPONSORED RETREATS 6 WINTER 7 SPRING 9 SUMMER 11 AUTUMN 15 CHRISTMAS 17 TALLERES EN ESPANOL 18

SPECIAL RETREATS & WORKSHOPS 21 MEET THE PRESENTERS 22 CONTACT INFORMATION 24

Why are you downcast, oh my soul? Why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise you, my help and my God.

PSALM 42:5

NESTLED IN THE NORTHERN foothills of the San Gabriel Moun-tains, Saint Andrew’s Abbey lies on the edge of the Mojave Desert at an altitude of 3,600 feet.

Here the seasons are experienced in dramatic fashion. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures

reaching into the 100s; winter days are generally sunny, while nighttime temperatures often dip to well be-low freezing. Spring offers glorious blooming trees and flowers; autumn, spectacular color changes. Visitors will fi nd a special beauty in the high desert in each and every season.

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ABOUT USST. ANDREW’S ABBEY is a Roman Catholic Benedictine Monastery. Named for its motherhouse in Brugge, Belgium, it was established in 1955 by several missionary monks who had been expelled from China. The founding members bought the Hid-den Springs Ranch in Valyermo, California, transforming it into a spiritual oasis that has served Southern California and beyond for over fi fty years. Today the abbey is home to twenty monks.

With special emphasis on hospitality, the monastic community welcomes people of all faiths to enjoy the peace, silence, and rhythm of the life of the monks who follow the Rule of St. Benedict. You are invited to join the monks for the singing of the Divine Offi ce and daily celebration of the Eucharist. Spiritual counseling and direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are available upon request. You are also welcome to visit

Abbey Books and Gi�ts and on weekdays the ceramics factory, or simply to walk or sit and enjoy the beautiful grounds.

The Retreat Center provides accommoda-tions for overnight guests participating in both directed and private retreats. The facili-ties include seventeen rooms, each with two twin beds and a private bath. Linens, towels, and soap are provided. The rooms are newly “refreshed,“ comfortable, and welcoming. Meals are served home-style and shared with the monks.

The Welcome Center opened in Spring 2008. This beautiful facility houses the Con-ference Center, which can accommodate day groups of up to 70 persons and Abbey Books and Gifts which, in addition to an excellent selection of books and religious articles, now sells our signature ceramic saints and angels.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall be satisfi ed.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil

against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven

MATTHEW 5:1–12

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25–27 Lectio Divina: The Monastic Art of Praying the Scriptures

SEPTEMBER 1–3 TBA 8–10 “ ¿Hacia Dónde Apunta tu Brújula

Espiritual?” 22–24 Leadership and the Rule of

St. Benedict: Stability 29–10/2 Contemplative Prayer in the

Early Monastic Tradition

OCTOBER 30–11/2 Autumn Artists’ Retreat

NOVEMBER 3–5 Edith Stein: Her Journey from

Darkness into Light 13–17 Guess What’s Coming for Dinner!:

A Cooking Retreat/Workshop 22–24 Thanksgiving at Valyermo 24–26 Mere Spirituality: Spirituality

According to Henri Nouwen 27–12/1 Priests’ Retreat: Healers in Christ

DECEMBER 1–3 Advent Retreat 3 Taller Adviento En Espanol 22–26 Christmas Retreat: The Mystery of

the Incarnation 29–1/2 New Year’s Retreat: Singing the

Music of the Incarnation

2017 RETREATS At a Glance

JANUARY 13–16 Mid-Winter Sacred Dance

Workshop: Seeds of Hope 20–22 Contemporary Cinema and

Spirituality: Winter Session

FEBRUARY 17–19 Hospitality: A Virtue That

Becomes a Way of Life 19 Taller Cuaresmal En Espanol 20–24 Priests’ Retreat: “God is Always on

Time” 28–3/3 Lenten Silent Retreat

MARCH 6–10 Priests’ Retreat: Healers in Christ

APRIL 13–16 Sacred Triduum

MAY 1– 4 Spring Artists’ Retreat 5–7 Praying in the Circle of St. John 12–14 In the Spirit of AA: A Twelve-Step

Retreat 26–28 The Spirituality of Friendship

JUNE 2–4 Pentecost Retreat 30–7/2 Discernment of Spirits

JULY 5–7 Discernment in Daily Life 7–9 Hildegard of Bingen: Prophet of

the Cosmic Christ 10–14 Benedictine Spirituality:

St. Benedict’s Teaching on Humility

21–23 Summer Sacred Dance Workshop: Discovering the Living Desert and Creator Spirit

24–28 Sophia/Wisdom in the Writings of John of the Cross

28–30 Contemporary Cinema and Spirituality: Summer Session

31–8/4 Women Mystics: St. Gertrude the Great, St. Hildegard of Bingen, and Julian of Norwich

AUGUST 11–13 A Power Greater Than Ourselves:

Reflections on Twelve-Step Spirituality

14–20 Six-Day Sisters’ Retreat: Clare of Assisi, Mirror of the Gospel

(Talleres en español están en rojo.)

PRIVATE & GROUP RETREATS

PRIVATE RETREATS are available on weekdays. Weekends have limited availability and may be on a “wait list” basis only.Monday–Saturday Night

$75 single; $125 for 2 persons shared ($62.50 per person); includes 3 meals.

Please note: We generally do not have guests on Sunday night as it is community night for the monks.

GROUP RETREATS are available on weekdays and some weekends. If the group provides its own facilitator:

Monday–Thursday Night $90 single; $155 for 2 persons shared ($77.50 per person); includes 3 meals and meeting room.

Friday and Saturday Night $230 single; $360 for 2 persons shared ($180 per person); includes 6 meals and meeting room.

If the Abbey provides the facilitator: Monday–Thursday Night

$100 single; $175 for 2 persons shared ($87.50 per person); includes 3 meals.

Friday and Saturday Night $250 single; $400 for 2 persons shared ($200 per person); includes 6 meals and meeting room.

DAY RETREATS are also available for groups of 7–70 persons.

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WINTER 2017MID-WINTER SACRED DANCE WORKSHOP: Seeds of HopeFriday, January 13–Monday, January 16

“I will transform the valley of trouble into a gateway of hope.” – Hosea 2:15

Hope is the dream of the soul awake; hope has no boundaries. Though we believe hope is a perennial flower of the human spirit, its seeds must be discovered, watered, and tended in each of our lives. That calls for time apart, time to reflect and tend to the spirit. This workshop is an invitation to come to the Abbey as a gateway and to use this retreat to sow those seeds of hope deep within; to look forward to a full healing and harvest of our soulful selves. Dancers, musicians, artists, liturgists, and poets of faith are called together this weekend to translate hope into movement reflective of God’s creative presence in all of humankind. The days are full of scripture, dance, prayer, and fellowship; evenings are open to silence and reflection. Sunday night provides the participants the opportunity to offer the work of previous days in a worshipful setting and in the company of the monks. Bring comfort-able clothes to move with ease. Presenter: John West, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:

$350 single, $287.50 each shared

CONTEMPORARY CINEMA AND SPIRITUALITY: Winter SessionFriday, January 20–Sunday, January 22The greatest human and spiritual truths are often embodied in stories and narratives. Today much of the burden of storytelling is carried by movies. We will view four mainstream films and have intensive discussions on how spiritual realities are shown in their plots, symbols, acting, and so forth. These films will revolve around a theme and are traditionally kept a mystery. This worksop seeks to raise and focus consciousness of the medium and offer ways to use it in the ongoing project of spiritual growth. (The summer session is offered July 28–30.) Presenter: Nikki Tucker, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:

$250 single, $200 each shared

HOSPITALITY: A Virtue That Becomes a Way of LifeFriday, February 17–Sunday, February 19St. Benedict encourages hospitality as a ‘sac-ramental’ means of loving and serving Christ himself. The rituals of hospitality in the Rule outline one way of understanding and actively living a sprit of welcome toward the guest, the friend, and the stranger. Such a spirit can become a paradigm for personal presence to

ABBEY-SPONSORED

RETREATS

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SPRING 2017SACRED TRIDUUMThursday, April 13–Sunday, April 16The Sacred Triduum is the holiest time of the liturgical cycle of the Church. You are invited to share the monastic experience of this sacred liturgy beginning on Holy Thurs-day and concluding on Easter Sunday. Since this time is rooted in silence and reflection, we ask that you plan to arrive in sufficient time to be settled in your rooms before 4 PM.Room and board: $350 single, $287.50 each

shared

SPRING ARTISTS’ RETREATMonday, May 1–Thursday, May 4This retreat is open to artists at all levels includ-ing beginners. Photographers, sculptors, and writers are also welcome to come and experi-ence the colors and beauty of the high desert in the setting of the monastery. Escape the stress of daily life while deepening a spiritual vision in your art. (A materials list will be provided.)Presenter: Deloris Haddow, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


PRAYING IN THE CIRCLE OF ST. JOHNFriday, May 5–Sunday, May 7The literature bearing the name of John — a Gospel, three letters, and the Book of Rev-elation — comprises some of the latest New Testament documents to have been written. Disparate in literary style and quality, these texts nevertheless reflect to varying degrees an outlook on the Christian mystery associ-ated with what might be called the “circle” of

Christians influenced by St. John the Apostle. In the course of this retreat, you will be invited to allow themes characteristic of Johannine literature to draw you into prayer as it were in the company of John’s circle.Presenter: Fr. Isaac Kalina, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


IN THE SPIRIT OF AA: A Twelve-Step RetreatFriday, May 12–Sunday, May 14Spend a weekend getting back to the key that unlocks the 12-Steps for those who fol-low them. We will take a slightly different approach to these conventional steps and traditions. Recovery can be a traumatic shock to the system, as are all experiences of God. We find God in adversity and weakness; in our common disease will be found our common strength and courage.Presenter: Fr. Isaac Kalina, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


THE SPIRITUALITY OF FRIENDSHIPFriday, May 26–Sunday, May 28This retreat will explore the ways of friend-ship — human and divine. Seeing God’s offer of creative and redemptive love to us in his Son, we will explore what the human experience of friendship offers us as we progress toward ma-turity in relationships. Our relationship with God is seen as an I-Thou, and our human rela-tionships as an intimate way of becoming,and of knowing the self by knowing another. Classic

God in prayer and deeper communion with others: members of our family, our primary faith community, our co-workers, and with the many others we meet along the way.Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


PRIESTS’ RETREAT: “God is Always on Time”Monday, February 20–Friday, February 24“God is always on Time” is the theme of this year’s retreat. The centerpiece of our days together will be Peter Van Breemen’s books The God of Our Deepest Longings and The God Who Won’t Let Go. Pope Francis has said that we priests must ask ourselves: “What is the place of Jesus Christ in my priestly life? A liv-ing relationship between disciple and master, between brother and brother, between a poor man and God, or is it a little artificial not com-ing from the heart?” We will reflect on these important questions during our days of retreat. Presenter: Fr. Joseph Brennan, OSBRoom, board, and tuition: $400 single

LENTEN SILENT RETREATTuesday, February 28–Friday, March 3During these days of silence at the monas-tery, the whole Church begins the sacred season of Lent. Short reflections will be of-fered daily with a special emphasis on the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The desert silence and the Liturgies of the monastery will provide an atmosphere conducive to deep reflection.

This is a wonderful opportunity to make our Lenten pilgrimage more fruitful this year.Presenter: Fr. Patrick Sheridan, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


PRIESTS’ RETREAT: Healers in ChristMonday, March 6–Friday, March 10This retreat for priests will highlight the min-istry of priests as compassionate healers in Christ. The homilies and writings of Pope Fran-cis will provide inspiration for our reflections on the mercy of Christ that works through us as sacrament-persons. Time will also be devoted to exploring pitfalls in our ministe-rial style with particular focus on compassion fatigue, a form of ministry burnout. (This retreat is also offered November 27–December 1.)Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition: $400 single


SUMMER 2017DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITSFriday, June 30–Sunday, July 2Beginning with the basic makeup of the hu-man person, many spiritual writers have tried to understand the powerful positive and nega-tive forces, both natural and supernatural, that act upon the individual. This workshop will continue that investigation.Presenter: Fr. Aelred Niespolo, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


DISCERNMENT IN DAILY LIFEWednesday, July 5–Friday, July 7Discernment is an essential theme in the spiritual life. As we progress through life we constantly need to make practical deci-sions within the context of our values. These values are founded on our belief system, our culture, our understanding of and relation-ship with God. St. Benedict in his Rule is concerned that people (in fact, all of us) often make decisions based on self-will or personal preference rather than on God’s will. God intends our good. God’s will calls us to become our “best” self for the good of others. Pursuing the will of God is a way of pursing the best in life and the best in ourselves as well. This retreat will explore discernment as an ongoing process of spiritual growth toward maturity in the Spirit. Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


HILDEGARD OF BINGEN: Prophet of the Cosmic ChristFriday, July 7–Sunday, July 9This retreat will focus on the spirituality of St. Hildegard, 12th century Benedictine abbess who was named Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI. We will consider selected passages of her writings, and in particular her Scivias, to come to a greater awareness of her Christology, her cosmology, and her monastic spirituality, as well as her “way of the heart” on the spiritual journey. Ample time for personal prayer and reflection will be provided.Presenter: Fr. Stephen Cof fey, OSB CamRoom, board, and tuition:


BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY: St. Benedict’s Teaching on Humility Monday, July 10–Friday, July 14This retreat is for oblates and those inter-ested in Benedictine monastic spirituality. This year’s focus will be on the virtue and the practice of humility in one’s daily life, utilizing Chapter 7 and other texts of the Holy Rule and the monastic tradition. Although Benedict’s words and emphases may not strike many as relevant or in keeping with contemporary psychological trends, his teach-ing provides us with a perennial wisdom. Michael Casey remarks, “true humility is a quality that enhances humanity”; and “Let his Rule become for us a doorway to a tradi-tion of life and thought that continues to

views of friendship will be seen as the human side of God’s intention that it is “not good for man (or woman) to be alone”: a deeper look into how deep relationships of friendship love enhance our relationship with God and vice versa. St. Aelred’s work, Spiritual Friendship (Cistercian Studies) is a good resource for exploring this theme. (This book is available at the Abbey bookstore.)Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


PENTECOST RETREATFriday, June 2–Sunday, June 4This preached retreat is for oblates of St. An-drew’s Abbey or anyone interested in Bene-dictine spirituality. The focus of the retreat is the Rule of St. Benedict and the liturgy of Pentecost.Presenter: Monks of ValyermoRoom, board, and tuition:


I plead with you – never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.

Pope St. John Paul II

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SOPHIA/WISDOM IN THE WRITINGS OF JOHN OF THE CROSSMonday, July 24–Friday, July 28This retreat will provide an opportunity to appreciate the Wisdom Christology that John of the Cross employs in all of his writ-ings. Special attention will be paid to John’s process of spiritual development, especially in the Spiritual Canticle, and the key role that Sophia plays for him. Retreatants will have an opportunity to pray with Scriptural texts from the Wisdom Literature and the New Testament that John employs frequently in his spiritual writings.Presenter: Fr. Stephen Cof fey, OSB CamRoom, board, and tuition:


CONTEMPORARY CINEMA AND SPIRITUALITY: Summer SessionFriday, July 28–Sunday, July 30The greatest human and spiritual truths are often embodied in stories and narratives. Today much of the burden of storytelling is car-ried by movies. We will view four mainstream films and have intensive discussions on how spiritual realities are shown through their plots, symbols, acting, and so forth. These films will be chosen around a theme and are traditionally kept a mystery. This worksop seeks to raise and focus consciousness of the medium and offer ways to use it in the ongo-ing project of spiritual growth. (The winter session is offered January 20–22.) Presenter: Nikki Tucker, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


WOMEN MYSTICS IN THE MONASTIC TRADITION: St. Gertrude the Great, St. Hildegard of Bingen, and Julian of NorwichMonday, July 31–Friday, August 4This retreat will explore the spiritual riches in the writings of three women mystics: two from the Benedictine tradition and one from the English anchorite tradition. Their pro-found relationship with God is able to inspire people of every age, showing us how to love the all-lovable God, God’s creation and God’s other children. Each mystic instills a unique optimism toward God and toward life in this world as we pursue wisdom, holiness and truth. They teach and practice the spiritual art with hope and with joy, despite the hard-ships that face each one of us. Presenters: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSB Audrey Spindler, Ph.D; Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


A POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES: Reflections on Twelve-Step Spirituality Friday, August 11–Sunday, August 13This workshop is designed for members of a 12-Step program and for anyone interested in its universal principles for spiritual living. Fr. Francis will begin his reflections as usual with his foundational premises on the spiritual life as they interface with the 12 steps of Alcoholic Anonymous. His particular emphasis this year will be on step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry it out; and step 12: Having

have much to contribute to the present and future of the Church.”Presenters: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSB Audrey Spindler, Ph.D; Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


SUMMER SACRED DANCE WORKSHOP: Discovering the Living Desert and Creator SpiritFriday, July 21–Sunday, July 23Creation and our shared role in it usually display themselves in the lush of spring and summer; the green of forest and blue, teaming shores and depths of water. Come rediscover the “seamless beauty” of Mother Earth, God’s original gift of “all that is,” in the midst of the mysterious desert and the warmth of the

California summer. Participants will revisit the dance of creation as called by the psalms, the dance of Miriam at the Exodus, and the spirituality of the Desert Mothers. We will come to sing and dance together “Laudato, Si.” Dancers, musicians, artists, liturgists, and poets of faith are called together this weekend to translate our care for the Earth into move-ment reflective of God’s creative energy in all of humankind. The days are full of scripture, dance, prayer, and fellowship; evenings are open to silence and reflection. Participants will have the opportunity to offer the work of previous days in a worshipful setting. Bring comfortable clothes to move with ease. Presenter: John West, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


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AUTUMN 2017TBAFriday, September 1–Sunday, September 3Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


LEADERSHIP AND THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: StabilityFriday, September 22–Sunday, September 24A defi ning characteristic of Benedictine spiri-tuality is stability, which means “staying put” from both physical and existential perspec-tives. This workshop will use the fi lm Gandhito reflect on the dynamics of stability in our lives. Participants will learn about monastic stability in history and at Valyermo, will use the life and actions of Mahatma Gandhi to illustrate the key concepts of stability, and will reflect on how this is made real in their own personal and work lives. Presenter: Michael Carey, Ph.D; Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER IN THE EARLY MONASTIC TRADITIONFriday, September 29–Sunday, October 2In early Christianity the word “contempla-tion” referred to those moments in prayer when we perceive God either in the rich and complex variety of creation or in simplicity and silence. The principal sources of con-templative prayer in the early Church were Scripture and the sacred liturgy, where the Scriptures are transformed into poetry and

song and internalized through an alternating rhythm of ritual chant and sacred silence. In this workshop we will seek to discover how the early monastic tradition understood and practiced the art of contemplation both in liturgical prayer and meditation on sacred scripture (lectio divina).Presenter: Fr. Luke Dysinger, OSB; Ph.D; M.D.Room, board, and tuition:


AUTUMN ARTISTS’ RETREATMonday, October 30–Thursday, November 2This retreat is open to artists at all levels in-cluding beginners. Photographers, sculp-tors, and writers are also welcome to come and experience the colors and beauty of the high desert in the setting of the monastery. Escape the stress of daily life while deepening a spiritual vision in your art. (A materials list will be provided.)Presenter: Deloris Haddow, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


EDITH STEIN: Her Journey from Darkness into LightFriday, November 3–Sunday, November 5Join us as we reflect on the life and times of Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, a brilliant philosopher and poet, a mystic and searcher of the truth, and a Jew — a daughter of Israel. Her encounter with the cross in the life of a Christian friend sparked an inner transforma-tion that led to her baptism into the Catholic faith. Her reading of the life of Teresa of Avila

had a spiritual awakening as a result for these steps, we tried to carry this message to alco-holics, and to practice these principles on all our affairs. Prayer, meditation and service to others will be explored. N.B.: There will be a 12-step meeting during the weekend for those who are members of any fellowship following the 12 steps. Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


SIX DAY SISTERS’ RETREAT: Clare of Assisi, Mirror of the GospelMonday, August 14–Sunday, August 20This six day retreat for Women Religious will consider the spiritual journey of Clare of Assisi, fi rst woman to write a Rule for Sisters. The retreat will draw heavily from the Letters of Clare to Agnes of Prague as the two women

supported one another in keeping alive their vision of religious life that did not conform to current Church norms. The contemplative dimension of Clare’s spirituality will be em-phasized, together with her understanding of a Gospel life. There will be conferences morning and evening, with late mornings and afternoons free for extended prayer.Presenter: Fr. Stephen Cof fey, OSB CamRoom, board, and tuition:


LECTIO DIVINA: The Monastic Art of Praying the ScripturesFriday, August 25–Sunday, August 27Lectio Divina, the ancient Christian art of praying the scriptures, is a way of allowing the Bible, the Word of God, to become a means of union with God: in other words, through lectio divina, the reading of sacred scripture becomes the gateway to contemplative prayer. In this workshop, ancient and modern ap-proaches to the practice of lectio divina will be studied and practiced. Presenter: Fr. Luke Dysinger, OSB; Ph.D; M.D.Room, board, and tuition:


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Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams.

Pope St. John XXIII


CHRISTMAS 2017ADVENT RETREATFriday, December 1–Sunday, December 3On this first weekend of Advent we will offer a potpourri of monastic insights, enabling participants to experience the Advent sea-son as a time rooted in scripture, history, art, music, and liturgy.Presenters: Monks of ValyermoRoom, board, and tuition:


CHRISTMAS RETREAT: The Mystery of the IncarnationFriday, December 22–Tuesday, December 26On the Solemnity of Christmas we first con-template the mystery of the Word becoming Flesh. The liturgical celebration at the Abbey starts with First Vespers on Christmas Eve and ends with Night Prayer on Christmas Day.Room and board:


NEW YEAR’S RETREAT: Singing the Music of the Incarnation Friday, December 29–Tuesday, January 2It is appropriate to ponder the gift of the Incarnation and its impact on our personal lives at this time of the year. The presenter will share insights from a French Benedictine nun, musician, and philosopher: Elisabeth-Paule Labat (1897–1975), drawing from her books in English: The Presence of God (Paulist, 1980) and The Song that I Am: On the Mystery of Music (Cistercian Publications, 2014) A glimpse of her theology can be found in a passage from her first book: “By the mystery of the incarnation,

our human nature has been assumed and implicitly saved by the Word of God. We give our consent to this, echoing and extending the fiat of the Virgin and the whole Church, and the Word made flesh assumes our person He, as it were, accepts responsibility for the whole of our being and our entire destiny.” (The Song That I Am is available in the Abbey bookstore.)Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


brought her to the door of the Cologne Carmel where she began her contemplative journey as a Carmelite nun. Her Jewish identity and her Catholic faith collided with the oppres-sive Nazi regime and led to her martyrdom at Auschwitz. Presenters: Fr. Joseph Brennan, OSB Cheryl Evanson, Obl.OSB Michaela Russell, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


GUESS WHAT’S COMING FOR DINNER!: A Cooking Retreat/WorkshopMonday, November 13–Friday, November 17Once upon a time, up in the cold north, there was an elderly widower who grew quite fond of making a different soup each night of the week. You wouldn’t believe what edible riches and delights the winter months provide for the pot on the stove. Come and spend a week of learning and fun in the monastery kitchen. Taste and see how good different veggies go together with legumes, with rice, with squash, mushrooms, breads … you get the idea!Presenter: Fr. Isaac Kalina, OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


THANKSGIVING AT VALYERMOWednesday, November 23–Friday, November 25This non-directed retreat provides time to reflect on all God has given to us and to enjoy the festive celebration of Thanksgiving with the monastic community.Room and board: $175 single, $162.50 shared

MERE SPIRITUALITY: The Spiritual Life According to Henri NouwenFriday, November 24–Sunday, November 26As a prolific writer, Nouwen addressed a slew of wide-ranging topics, but only insofar as they bore directly upon his main thrust — our life in the Spirit. Never did he stray from this sole emphasis! To the most basic question, “what constitutes the very essence of our spiritual life”, Nouwen’s conceptual trilogy (Solitude, Community, Ministry) provides the most solid answer as it represents a balanced conception of what authentic spirituality is about. It is spirituality pure and simple, without the unwanted trappings: mere spirituality indeed! This retreat focuses on Nouwen’s own articulation of the substance of our spiritual life.Presenter: Wil Hernandez, Ph.D; Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition:


PRIESTS’ RETREAT: Healers in ChristMonday, November 27–Friday, December 1This retreat for priests will highlight the ministry of priests as compassionate heal-ers in Christ. The homilies and writings of Pope Francis will provide inspiration for our reflections on the mercy of Christ that works through us as sacrament-persons. Time will also be devoted to exploring pitfalls in our ministerial style with particular focus on com-passion fatigue, a form of ministry burnout. (This retreat is also offered March 6-10.)Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSBRoom, board, and tuition: $400 single

Be joyful in hope, patient in af fliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12


venida del Señor. Se dice que el Antiguo Testamento fue el gran tiempo de espera y después de esa espera de muchos siglos, Cristo se manifestó en toda su gloria dán-donos la oportunidad de una nueva vida en el Espíritu. En nuestro caso, no tenemos que esperar siglos para su venida. Los que han ansiado la venida del Señor siempre han estado listos para el encuentro con el Amado. Durante este taller y a través vez de una reflexión teológica tendrás la oportunidad de un encuentro con Jesús donde Él pueda renovar y restaurar tu vida.Presentador: Carlos ObandoDonación: $40 incluye café o té en la

mañana y el almuerza

Carlos Obando nació en Costa Rica y vive en Los Estados Unidos desde 1966. Está casado, tiene tres hijos y tres nietos. En el año 2009 obtuvo una maestría de la Universidad de Loyola Marymount, Los Ángeles, en Teología Pastoral, es instructor en la Universidad de Loyola en el Centro de Religión y Espirituali-dad, el Instituto para el Ministerio Pastoral y también para la Escuela de la Renovación Carismática en a Diócesis de Orange. Ha sido Director Espiritual por más de 20 años. Tra-baja con la comunidad hispana desde 1979 en los condados de Los Ángeles y Orange en la formación de líderes y dando retiros a jóvenes y adultos.

TALLERES EN ESPANOL1TALLER CUARESMAL EN ESPANOLDomingo, 19 de Febrero, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.La Cuaresma es el tiempo litúrgico de conver-sión, que marca la Iglesia para prepararnos a la gran fiesta de la Pascua. Es tiempo para arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados y de cam-biar algo dentro nosotros para ser mejores y poder vivir más cerca de Cristo. En la Cuaresma, Cristo nos invita a cambiar de vida. La Iglesia nos invita a vivir la Cuaresma como un camino hacia Jesucristo, escuchando la Palabra de Dios, orando, compartiendo con el prójimo y haciendo obras buenas. Nos invita a vivir una serie de actitudes cristianas que nos ayudan a parecernos más a Jesucristo. Durante este taller examinaremos nuestras vidas haciéndo-nos tres preguntas fundamentales: 1. ¿A qué tengo que morir? 2. ¿A qué tengo que darle vida nueva? 3. ¿A qué tengo que resucitar?Presentador: Carlos ObandoDonación: $40 incluye café o té en la

mañana y el almuerza

“¿HACIA DONDE APUNTA TU BRUJULA ESPIRITUAL?”Viernes, 8 de Septiembre– Domingo, 10 de Setiembre ¿Qué debo hacer? Es la pregunta clásica que nos hacemos la mayor parte del tiempo especialmente aquellos que anhelan ten-er una intimidad con Dios y no se sienten satisfechos. Hay momentos donde el ser humano experimenta una “añoranza santa” y al mismo tiempo desean llenar sus vacíos emocionales y espirituales, pero no saben

cómo. ¿Cómo discernir la voluntad de Dios? ¿Qué debo hacer? ¿Cómo sé que lo que es-toy haciendo complace el corazón de Dios? Durante este retiro exploraremos cómo Dios trata siempre de comunicarse con el ser humano para manifestarle su Voluntad; y al mismo tiempo trataremos de contestar estas y otras preguntas sabiendo que el discernimiento requiere escuchar atenta-mente al Espíritu de Dios, que nos invita a la santidad y una vida ejemplar.Presentador: Carlos ObandoDonación: $250 una persona; $200 por

persona compartido

TALLER ADVIENTO EN ESPANOLDomingo, 3 de Diciembre, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.“Adviento significa venida. Es el tiempo en que los cristianos nos preparamos para la

“Que el Dios de la esperanza os llene de todo gozo y paz mientras confías en Dios, para que podáis desbordar de esperanza por el poder del Espíritu Santo.”

Romanos 15:13

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SPECIAL RETREATS & WORKSHOPSA DAY AT THE MONASTERY: A Field Trip for Students and AdultsFOR STUDENTS: This fi eld trip is designed for students (grades 5–12) who are interested in learning about monasticism today and how it contrasts with monasticism of the Middle Ages.

The day begins with a brief history of mo-nasticism and a mini-tour of the Abbey, fol-lowed by a question-and-answer ses-sion with a monk and a tour of the ceramics factory, where students learn how our signa-ture angels and saints are made. Mass at noon with the monastic community pres-ents an opportunity for students to hear the monks sing plainchant. After lunch, stu-dents are welcome to visit Abbey Books and Gifts before departure.

The special school rate includes a snack and lunch:

$20 per student (10–45 students),$15 per student (over 45 students),$8 per adult chaperone.Teachers’ lunches are gratis.

FOR ADULTS: Senior and Adult groups have also participated in this workshop, which is tailored to meet the needs and requests of the group. The focus is non-curricular, although the same basic schedule is followed.

$35 per person (includes morning beverages and lunch)

To schedule this field trip for your group, please contact the Retreat Office at 661-944-2178.

OTHER DAY-RETREATS &WORKSHOPSWe also offer retreats and workshops with themes and topics customized to your meet your needs. For further information, please contact the Retreat Offi ce at 661-944-2178.

Make me an instrument of your peace:Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

Divine Master, grant that I might not so much seek To be consoled, but to console, To be understood, as to understand, To be loved as to love. For it is in giving we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,And it is in dying we are born to eternal life.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISSI“It's best not to confuse optimism with hope. Optimism is a psychological attitude toward life. Hope goes further. It is an "anchor" which one hurls toward the future, it's what lets you pull on the line and reach what your aiming for and head in the right direction. Hope is also theological: God is there, too.”

–Pope Francis

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Dr. Wil Hernandez is an oblate of Valyermo. He teaches on the spirituality of Henri Nou-wen at Fuller Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacifi c College, and Loyola-Marymount Uni-versity. He is the author of Henri Nouwen: Spirituality of Imperfection, Henri Nouwen and Soul Care: A Ministry of Integration, and Henri Nouwen and the Integrated Journey.

Fr. Isaac Kalina has been a monk of Valyermo since 1984. Having completed his theological degree in Rome at Collegio Sant’ Anselmo, he was ordained a priest in 1989. He has served the Abbey as Prior, Sub-prior, Kitchenmas-ter, Youth Director, Assistant Novicemaster, Vocation Director, and Juniormaster. He is involved in retreats and workshops, bilingual ministry, 12-step recovery, addiction counsel-ing, spiritual direction, and grief coaching.

Michaela Russell is an oblate of Valyermo. She has a BA in International Studies/East Asia and a Graduate Certifi cate in Advanced International Affairs. Michaela spent many years in Asia and is fluent in Mandarin. She has co-facilitated retreats on the desert mothers, women in scripture, and Edith Stein.

Fr. Aelred Niespolo has been a monk of Valyermo since 2001 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2005. Having completed the Master of Theology program at Oxford University, he teaches at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo. He has served as the editor of the Valyermo Chronicle and as Director of Oblates.

Fr. Patrick Sheridan has been a monk of Valyermo since 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2011. He holds a BA in His-tory from Adelphi University in New York. He has served the Abbey as Kitchenmaster and head of the Ceramics Department. He is currently the Sub-Prior, Guestmaster and Retreat Center Administrator.

Dr. Audrey Spindler is an oblate of Valyermo and a presenter and facilitator of Centering Prayer under Contemplative Outreach. Hav-ing earned her Ph.D. and RD, she is a former professor of Foods and Nutrition and Direc-tor of the Didactic Program of Dietetics in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sci-ences at State University. She received over 10 teaching awards and published more than 40 refereed papers.

Nikki Tucker is an oblate of Valyermo and a private Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned a BA in Art History at UCLA with a focus on Medieval Art and an MA at Fuller Seminary. She has lectured and given retreats on art and spirituality and has facilitated sev-eral cinema workshops.

John West is an oblate of Valyermo and the founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer, choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting dance workshops at St. Andrew’s for many years. He is also a lecturer and educator at the international and national collegiate and university levels. His professional associations include mem-bership in the prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy.

MEET THE PRESENTERSFr. Francis Benedict has been a monk of Valy-ermo since 1967. He earned an MA in Philoso-phy from Loyola-Marymount University and an MS in Theology from Mt. Angel in Oregon. He was ordained a priest in 1976. He served as the Abbey’s abbot for 16 years. His special areas of ministry include spiritual direction, preaching retreats, and working with 12-step recovery groups. In addition to many respon-sibilities at the Abbey, he now serves as the Director of Oblates.

Fr. Joseph Brennan has been a monk of Valy-ermo since 1994 after having served as a par-ish priest in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for over 20 years. He is a spiritual director at the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for priests in Los Angeles as well as St. Andrew’s Prior.

Dr. Michael Carey is an oblate of Valyermo. He is the Dean of the Virtual Campus at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. He has taught leadership studies at the graduate level for over 25 years at Gonzaga and is currently working to ensure that Gonzaga’s graduate programs online follow in the tradition of Je-suit education that stretches back to St. Igna-tius of Loyola. But his fi rst love is St. Benedict and the community of St. Andrew’s Abbey, which he has been connected to since 1971.

Fr. Stephen Co�fey, a Massachusetts native, is a monk of the Camaldolese Congregation of the Order of St. Benedict and lives at the Monastery of the Risen Christ in San Luis Obispo, where he is director of oblates. He

is a retreat director, spiritual director, and is involved in other formation ministries at the Hermitage in Big Sur and at San Lorenzo Seminary in Santa Ynez. He is a graduate of St. John’s School of Theology in Collegeville, MN and holds degrees in Christian Spiritual-ity from Creighton in Omaha and in Pastoral Leadership from Chaminade in Honolulu.

Fr. Luke Dysinger has been a monk of Valy-ermo since 1976. He is a priest and a physi-cian who writes and teaches in the fi elds of mystical theology and biomedical ethics. He earned a Ph.D. at Oxford University and currently teaches at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA as well as online courses.

Cheryl Evanson is an oblate of Valyermo and former administrator of the Retreat Center at St. Andrew’s. She earned an MA in Educa-tion from the University of Denver and was an educator/curriculum specialist for over 30 years. She has facilitated retreats and work-shops including team-building, balancing work and prayer, women in scripture, and Edith Stein.

Deloris Haddow is an oblate of Valyermo. She is an artist and educator who studied in Europe, Ukraine, and Iran. She is involved with the California Plein Air Association and is a member of Faith and Forum, a liturgical art organization. She is a spiritual director/facilitator for adults, leading retreats and workshops on centering prayer.

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Contact InformationST. ANDREW’S ABBEY

31001 North Valyermo RoadPO Box 40

Valyermo, CA 93563661-944-2178

Fax 661-944-1076www.saintandrewsabbey.com

ABBEY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE661-944-8959

Fax [email protected]

ABBEY BOOKS & [email protected]

ABBEY CERAMICS661-944-1047 Fax 661-944-9175

ABBEY RETREAT OFFICE661-944-2178 Fax 661-944-2183saintandrewsabbey.com

ABBEY YOUTH RETREAT CENTER661-944-2734 Fax 661-944-8950

To view our online catalog and register online, please visit saintandrewsabbey.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Editor: Cheryl EvansonDesign: Michael Schrauzer Photography: Amy Bailey, Rudy Mamaril, Suzanne Farley

Among the principal sources of income for the Abbey are the funds

generated by these retreats.The monks of St. Andrew’s Abbey

thank you for your support and assure you of our prayers.

ST. ANDREW’S ABBEY31001 North Valyermo Road

PO Box 40Valyermo, CA 93563

661-944-2178saintandrewsabbey.com

2017-retreats-brochure26–28 the spirituality of friendship june 2–4 pentecost retreat 30–7/2...

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