Vol. 04, No. 01

Sisters of Saint Francis Rochester, MN

Can we talk about it?* Thursday, February 9, 2012, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, $10. Pre-registration recommended by Monday, February 6, 2012. From his expertise in communication, Dr. Alan Fleischmann will reflect how the physician, family, and caregivers can meet the wishes of the individual experiencing the dying process. Communication can assure that everyone involved is moving toward the same goal. His talk will be followed by panel members who are engaged in end of life care-giving. Joyce Meyer, BSN and Sister Michaeline Healy, PBVM will respond from their roles as nurses and pastoral care ministers assisting the family in these end of life experiences. Certificate of attendance granted. Note: informational booths open at 5:30 pm. Alan Fleischmann, MD, is a Medical Vice President of the Mayo Clinic Health System, Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, WI, and a family physician who practiced in Caledonia, MN, for 19 years. He has responsibility for Service Excellence of Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, WI, and for both Service Excellence and Professionalism for the Mayo Clinic Health System.

*The journey of end of life issues.

The second program of this series will be a full day for professionals, May 8, 2012. Dr. Ed Creagan, MD will deliver the keynote address titled, “The Power of Relationships: What we can learn from patients at the end of life.”

Embraceable You: A Valentine’s Evening for Married Couples Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm$75 per couple includes dinner and program. Pre-registration required by Tuesday, February 7, 2011.

Enjoy a candlelight dinner in the quiet and serenity of Assisi Heights and the hospitality of the Sisters of Saint Francis. After dinner, Joe O’Toole along with his wife, Marie, will reflect on the ‘valentine concept’ of embracing the one you love and the ‘theological concept’ of being embraced in God’s unconditional love. Married couples from all faiths are welcome.

Assisi Heights Spirituality Center

“The Essence of Assisi”

Winter / Spring 2012

Upcoming Programs

February 9: Can we talk about it?(The journey of end of life issues,)

February 14: Embraceable You: A Valentine’s Evening for Married Couples

February 17: Nurturing the Body and Attending the Soul: A Silent Meditation Retreat

February 24: Sacred Threads: Quilting as a Sacred Art Form

March 3: The Life and Spirituality of Dorothy Day

March 8: International Women’s Day

March 28: Creating a “Group Mandala” for Insight, Healing and Self-Expression

April 21: Seed of Creation: Your Spiritual Self

April 22: Celebrate Earth Day: A Walk at Assisi Heights

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Nurturing the Body and Attending the Soul: A Silent Meditation Retreat Friday, February 17, 2012, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Saturday, February 18, 2012, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $75 includes breaks and lunch on Saturday. Partial scholarships available. Optional overnight accomodations: $25.

Use meditation practices in a group setting to go deeper into your inner silence, prayer and reflection. Personal reflection time will be enriched with inspiring readings and meditations. Whether you are new or seasoned in the art of meditation, this retreat will benefit all. Spiritual Directors will be available for optional one-to-one visits. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own meditation resources.

Franciscan Sister Linda Wieser has been a Spiritual Director and Retreat Director for over 35 years and is also a Certified Life Coach and Wellness Coach. Linda has a Masters degree in Pastoral Ministry from Creighton University with extensive studies in spiritual direction and holistic body therapy. She works at Riverseasons, LLC, an integrative healing center (www.riverseasons.net) in Rochester, MN.

Sacred Threads: Quilting as a Sacred Art Form Friday, February 24, 2012, 4:00 pm through Sunday, February 26, 2012, 3:00 pm$165 includes overnight accommodations for two nights. $115 for commuters. Non-refundable registration fee of $50 is due February 1, 2012. Final Payment due February 20, 2012.

Quilters often view their work as a spiritual experience. During this retreat, there will be input and time to reflect on the spiritual journey inspired by quilting. Bring your new or current quilting project and supplies.

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Our presenters: Sister Mary Eliot Crowley, OSF, has been quilting for 12 years. Having first hand–quilted a queen-sized log cabin quilt, she has since been doing smaller projects. The gift that quilting is to the quilter, as well as the recipient, keeps her cutting and sewing intentionally with every project. Kathy Flippin has been quilting for over 20 years. She will provide learning opportunities throughout the weekend for all those interested.

The Life and Spirituality of Dorothy Day Saturday, March 3, 2012, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm$45 includes lunch and snacks. Pre-registration required by February 24, 2012.

This retreat will focus on Dorothy Day’s embodiment of the works of mercy and the gratitude with which she lived. There will be time for silence and reflection and interaction with the presenter. Using Dorothy’s inner life and outer experiences as a lens, participants will explore their own spiritual journeys. Lisa Wagner-Carollo is the founder and director of Chicago’s Still Point Theatre Collective. For twenty years she has toured the country and overseas with Haunted by God: The Life of Dorothy Day. While researching the play, she lived with the St. Catherine of Genoa Catholic Worker community for two years.

www.facebook.com search “Rochester Franciscans”

www.rochesterfranciscan.org Click “What’s Happening/Events” - Event Listing

TO REGISTER: Enclose this form and a check payable to AHSC. Send to: AHSC Coordinator, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 Questions? Call 507-280-2195 or email: ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org

REGISTRATION FORM

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip: Phone:

Email:

Total Amount Due: $ Check # enclosed in the amount of $

Event Date Event Name Cost TotalThurs., February 9 Can we talk about it? The journey of end of life issues. $10 $

Tues., February 14 Embraceable You: A Valentine’s Evening for Married Couples $75 per couple includes dinner & program $

Fri., February 17 - Sat., February 18

Nurturing the Body and Attending the Soul: A Silent Meditation Retreat

$75 includes breaks and lunch on Saturday Optional overnight accommodations: $25 $

Fri., February 24 - Sat., February 26

Sacred Threads: Quilting as a Sacred Art Form Note: Non refundable deposit of $50 due 2/1/11

$165 includes overnight accommodations for two nights - $115 for commuters $

Sat., March 3 The Life and Spirituality of Dorothy Day $45 includes breaks and lunch $

Thurs., March 8 International Women’s Day Event $25 includes light supper $

Wed., March 28 Creating a “Group Mandala” for Insight, Healing and Self-Expression

$25$

Sat., April 21 Seed of Creation: Your Spiritual Self $45 includes light lunch $

Sun., April 22 Celebrate Earth Day: A Walk at Assisi Heights Free will donation $

2012 Rochester Franciscan Calendar $9.95 $

Register Online!

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Assisi Heights Spirituality Center 1001 14th Street NWRochester, MN 55901-2525

__________________________________________________________________________

Please refer any questions to:AHSC Coordinator507-280-2195 or ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org

Thank you!

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International Women’s Day EventThursday, March 8, 2012, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm$25 includes light supper. Registration required by March 2, 2012.

Sister Marlys Jax will facilitate a panel of women speaking on how their diverse spiritualities have contributed to their personal growth and empowered them in leadership.

Creating a “Group Mandala” for Insight, Healingand Self-ExpressionWednesday, March 28, 2012, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm$25. Registration recommended by March 21, 2012.

What is a Mandala? It is an ancient magic circle which, when created, helps one to center and challenge oneself to become the person each is meant to be.

In this session each person is invited to create a small part of a group Mandala with the theme “Peace.” You will take home your piece of the whole and a photo of the completed large Mandala. No artistic ability is needed; just an open heart and willingness to explore possibilities.

Please bring your own drawing materials. Paper will be provided. Sister Bernadine Jax, OSF, teaches Mandala classes and sells her watercolors, photography and mandalas at SEMVA Art Gallery and at the Assisi Heights Gift Shop in Rochester, MN.

Seed of Creation: Your Spiritual SelfSaturday, April 21, 2012 - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.$45 includes lunch and breaks. Registration recommended by April 13, 2012.

Imagine a seed of creation within your Self yet undiscovered. What are the possibilities for its growth and fulfillment? All are welcome to join this integrative experience that will be a combination of visual art, music, writing, movement, quiet reflection, group sharing and discussion. Being a part of the day will plant your intention toward the fullness of your creative spiritual Self.

Artist, musician, art therapist, spiritual director, teacher and workshop facilitator, Lavonne Lovstad seeks to integrate the whole person in her presentations. She brings versatility, compassion and healing to her work with individuals and groups.

Celebrate Earth Day: A Walk at Assisi HeightsSunday, April 22, 2012, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFree will donation. Registration recommended by April 13, 2012.

Come, see the beauty and variety of living things at Assisi Heights. This Sunday afternoon walking tour will be led by one of the Sisters who spends her summer days gardening, caring for the flower beds, grounds, and much of the outside beauty of ‘The Heights’!

Sister Mary Goergen, OSF, spends six months of the year tending the plants and beauty of the outdoors at Assisi Heights. Her daily presence with creation has formed her into a real contemplative in the midst of nature. She is delighted to share all that she has come to love.

Assisi HeightsSpirituality Center

1001 14th Street NW

Rochester, MN 55901-2525

“The Essence of Assisi”

is published semi-annually by the

Sisters of Saint Francis -Rochester, MN

If your address changes, you prefer to receive additional news via email, or be removed

from the mailing list, contact: AHSC Coordinator at 507-280-2195 or: ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org

We are here for you. We’ve created a peaceful atmosphere, conducive to open dialogue, prayer, idea exchange and contemplation. Let your worldly concerns slide away as you approach the drive to Assisi Heights. The serenity of our surroundings will embrace you and lift your spirits. Come explore the possibilities.

Looking for a new Venue

for your nextMeeting or Event?

Look no further. . .

Do you desire the opportunity to escape the hectic pace of daily life? If so, now is the time to schedule a day of quiet and rest at Assisi Heights. We welcome you to experience our surroundings for a day spent in quiet and prayer.

Once your date has been confirmed, we suggest that you arrive at the reception desk between 8:30-9:00 am. You will have a private room, lunch and access to Lourdes Chapel and Assisi Heights Life Library, as well as acres of outside beauty to explore. If requested, we can arrange a meeting with a spiritual companion during that day for $20.

To ensure space availability, we request that you make reservations at least a week in advance. Contact the AHSC Coordinator at 507-280-2195 or email: ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org. Suggested donation: $25.

As we begin the New Year, there will be a new staff/team assuming responsibilities for the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center. Thank you for your support of me and the programs we sponsored in the years I have been here. You have helped make the AHSC a success and I am grateful. Carol Marie Hemish, SSND, Coordinator

INDIVIDUAL DAYS OF QUIET AND PRAYER