Contemplative Prayer Practices on ZOOM
  January 9, 2025 ~ 7:00 ~ 8:30 pm    
$25

Contemplative prayer practices are various spiritual practices that help us to draw
closer to God and to be better able to hear God’s voice. We will be learning and
practicing centering prayer and lectio divina (a sacred reading of scripture) in our
time together. If there is time, we will add another practice. No prior experience
is necessary. This class is for those who would like to nurture their spiritual
journey. All are welcome to participate.

Facilitator: Rev. Arlene R. Wilhelm. The Rev. Arlene R. Wilhelm is a retired/repurposed ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America (RCA). She is also a certified Spiritual Director/Companion, having received her formation at Linwood Spiritual Center, and she is an RCA certified Christian Educator. 

                                 Introduction to Bio-Spiritual Focusing                                            January 28, 2025 ~ 9:30 am ~ 3:30 pm
$45

Introduction to Bio-Spiritual Focusing. BioSpiritual Focusing is a gentle practice of body presence and contemplative awareness. It facilitates an experience of letting go in a loving and caring way. It invites a way of being with and present to whatever is real in one’s experience. Using bio-spiritual focusing, one learns to enter very special doorways into our bodies’ knowing; into unfinished places where we are called to grow in wholeness and holiness. This day will be conducted in a contemplative atmosphere, with presentations, small group work and practice exercises. 

Presenter: Kathy A Donnelly, SU. Sr. Kathy has studied the Spiritual Exercises at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, PA and Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario. Bio-Spiritual Focusing is one of her major areas of interest, connecting the wisdom of the body with the wisdom of the spirit. Kathleen offer spiritual direction supervision for spiritual directors.

Linwood Monthly Day of Prayer ~ Leaning Into The Heart of God 
    February 12, 2025 ~ 9:00 am~ 2:00 pm
$45

                      Evening of Celtic Prayer with Sr. Peggy Murphy, OP  on ZOOM                       February 13, 2025  7:00 ~ 8:30pm   
$25

                            Linwood Monthly Day of Prayer - Ash Wednesday                                   March 5, 2025 ~ 9:00 am ~ 2:00 pm
$45

Join us as we enter into Lent. Liturgy and distribution of ashes included. 
Facilitated by Fr. Tom Scirghi SJ


"Each Lent we are invited to ‘begin again’ in our life’s journey, especially mindful of any need for healing, forgiveness, and transformation, flowing from the unconditional love of our merciful God. During our evening, we will engage in well-known spiritual practices/tools from the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and reflect upon how the Holy Spirit assists us, as we increase our awareness of
God’s loving presence and deepen in gratitude. We seek to ‘begin again’ in our spiritual journey of intimacy with God, others, and our earth home. Welcome to all! During our gathering and presentation, there will be opportunities for quiet reflection, imaginative prayer practice, journaling, and small group conversations."

Presented by: Virginia A. Blass, D. Min. Virginia Blass is an experienced and certified Spiritual Director, (certification from studies at Creighton University) preacher, retreat master, author, and teacher. Virginia has been engaged in ministry for over thirty years and offers spiritual direction, guided retreats, parish missions and programs, and consultation. Many of her programs are also offered via zoom. She was also a Special Education teacher for many years. Virginia has engaged in ministerial collaboration with both the Passionists of the St. Paul of the Cross Province and with the Jesuits of the Tri-Province for many years.


Some of our times are harder than others. Whether its the loss of a loved one, health issues, financial worries or even positive changes like starting a new relationship, the "not knowing" can be challenging. Poet Rainer Maria Rilke in his famous volume “Letters to a Young Poet” encourages the young poet to “live the questions now.” On this day we will explore how a practice of Spiritual Journaling—writing regularly to the God of our understanding and listening for the replies by re-reading our journals—can help us to trust God and fully live, even as we question.

Facilitator: Anne Samson.  Anne Samson leads classes on Journaling as a Spiritual Practice in the Albany, NY area, and is the author of Journaling as a Spiritual Practice and Abba House & Me: Prayer Changes Everything. She is also a freelance magazine writer, publishing on a variety of topics. Anne is an Energy Healer and has practiced 12 Step Recovery for over 30 years.