ARCHIVE of recent retreats 2010
A Day with the King (Elvis) for the Kingdom of God! - Saturday, July 24, 2010
Come and enter into the depths of Elvis - enjoy music and reflections - as we explore the Gospel values of the Kingdom. St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
The Labyrinth - July 10, 2010 (Saturday)
The Prayer Labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known and thought of as a symbolic form of pilgrimage towards God. Come and experience this creative and simple form of prayer. Place: Christ Church Cathedral Deanery, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria. map »
7th Anniversary of Blessing of St John’s House June 12, 2010 (Saturday)
An invitation to celebrate with the Sisters. Eucharist at 10 am for Priest Associates, Associates, Oblates and friends at St John’s house, followed by a coffee party.
Patronal Festival of the Sisterhood of St John the Divine - May 6 Thursday
An invitation to celebrate with the Sisters. Eucharist at 10 am for Priest Associates, Associates, Oblates and friends at St John’s house, followed by a coffee party. 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
"A Circle of Quiet" Praying with Beads - using the Anglican Rosary April 24, 2010
The Anglican Rosary has been gaining new popularity as a tool for prayer. Learn to pray with the Anglican Rosary and to make your own. We will provide cord, plastic and wooden beads, crosses and instructions. Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map » 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
A Garden Work party at St John’s House! April 12, 2010 (Saturday)
Come and help the Sisters prepare the garden to for planting! This is a time of fellowship and fun, as well as a good work out!
“Consider the lilies of the field - How St Luke’s Gospel could save the Planet” A Wednesday evening series during Lent - February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2010
The reality of climate change, and the challenge it presents to sustainable living is perhaps the key issue facing humanity at present. This series will touch on a variety of topics including eco-crisis, sustainable living, and the future of the planet. What kind of footprint are we leaving? These Wednesdays are an opportunity to explore these themes together. Join Barbara and Barry Jenks, Su and Scott McCleod, and the St John’s household. Each evening will end with a short service of Compline (the monastic late evening prayer) At St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map » Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
Prayer in the Scrap Yards of our Hearts: Being Contemplative in the Midst of Chaos - A weekend silent retreat. March 19 - 21, 2010
If we look for signs in the heavens, we may easily overlook God’s presence in our day-to-day life. Margaret Silf, author of many books, writes: “There is more prayer in the scrap yards of our hearts than we imagine.” The weekend’s reflections might help us grow closer to God in personal prayer. In our time together we will go to the scrap yards, and there reflect on a couple of foundation stones for a life of personal prayer; explore some particular ways of praying; experience praying the word; uncover some stumbling blocks that cause prayer to fall apart; and reflect on a few means of encouragement to deepening our prayer life. Enjoy the walking trails and meditation sites while taking in the endless views overlooking the Finlayson Arm, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands. At The Malahat Park Retreat 801 TransCanada Highway, Malahat Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
“A Season of Conversion” A Quiet Saturday at St. Peter’s Lakehill Anglican Church, Victoria - February 20, 2010 (Saturday)
Lent is a time of focus on the call to a life of conversion and interior worship, mutual forgiveness, and the absolute claims of justice and love. It is a time of focus on Jesus, Word of God, healer and life-giver. This is an opportunity to come apart for a quiet Saturday of addresses and reflection as we seek to deepen our relationship with God during Lent in preparation for the celebration of Easter. All churches and interested persons in the region welcome. Held at St. Peter’s 250-384-7757 3939 St Peters Rd, Saanich, BC parish website » / map »
“A Season of Conversion” - A Quiet Saturday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nanaimo - February 27, 2010 (Saturday)
Lent is a time of focus on the call to a life of conversion and interior worship, mutual forgiveness, and the absolute claims of justice and love. It is a time of focus on Jesus, Word of God, healer and life-giver. This is an opportunity to come apart for a quiet Saturday of addresses and reflection as we seek to deepen our relationship with God during Lent in preparation for the celebration of Easter. All churches and interested persons in the region welcome. Please phone St. Paul’s Church 250-753-2523 for further information or to register. 29 Church Street, Nanaimo / parish website » / map »
St Mary Magdelene - A Quiet Saturday - January 23, 2010
She has been cast in the shadow of all the hype her name received after the Da Vinci Code was released. Known as the Apostle of the Resurrection, whose life and love call us and challenge us to a deeper life with God, we invite you to a time of prayer, reflection, refreshment and renewal. Who is Mary Magdelene and who is she for you?
Prayer in the Scrap Yards of our Hearts: Being Contemplative in the Midst of Chaos - A weekend silent retreat. January 15 - 17
If we look for signs in the heavens, we may easily overlook God’s presence in our day-to-day life. Margaret Silf, author of many books, writes: “There is more prayer in the scrap yards of our hearts than we imagine.” The weekend’s reflections might help us grow closer to God in personal prayer. In our time together we will go to the scrap yards, and there reflect on a couple of foundation stones for a life of personal prayer; explore some particular ways of praying; experience praying the word; uncover some stumbling blocks that cause prayer to fall apart; and reflect on a few means of encouragement to deepening our prayer life. Enjoy the walking trails and meditation sites while taking in the endless views overlooking the Finlayson Arm, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands. Where: The Malahat Park Retreat 801 TransCanada Highway, Malahat
ARCHIVE of recent retreats 2010
Feast of St John in Christmas Tide - SSJD Patronal Festival - Sunday, December 27th, 2009 2 pm - 4 pm
A time of fellowship and afternoon tea for Associates, Oblates and Friends of the Community. St John’s House, 3937 St Peter’s Road, Victoria Come and join in the celebrations with us. 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
An Advent Series : Angels and Announcements - How do we listen to God? December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2009
Advent, a time of waiting in the midst of a busy season preparing for Christmas. These Wednesdays are an opportunity to explore the themes of waiting and listening to God through the Advent stories in the Bible. Each evening will end with a short service of Compline (the monastic late evening prayer) Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm.
Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
A Handful of Light - Advent Joy Through Music & Meditation - Saturday December 12, 2009
A quiet time apart with the Community at St John’s House. This is an opportunity to spend a quiet day woven with Advent music and with reflections as we get ready for Christmas. We will explore a variety of themes from the Nativity Story, illustrating with music, talks and poetry, as well as offering space of silent reflection. St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map » Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
A Handful of Light - Advent Joy in the North Island parish - December 4 - 6, 2009
A time of fellowship, pot luck suppers, quiet reflections, music and celebration in the North Island parishes of St John Gualbert, Port McNeill and St Columba, Port Hardy as we explore a variety of themes from the Nativity Story, illustrating with music, talks and poetry, as well as offering space for silent reflection. Contact the Church office (St John Gualbert 250-956-3533) (St Columba 250-949-6247) for further information. 9190 Granville, Port Hardy, BC map »
Advent Quiet Day at St Luke’s Church, Victoria for men and women - Saturday, December 5, 2009
This is an opportunity to come apart for a quiet Saturday of reflection as we seek to deepen our relationship with God, and prepare for the coming of the celebration of Christmas. All churches and interested persons in the region welcome. St Luke’s Church 250-477-6741. 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd Saanich, BC map »
Advent Quiet Day at St Peter’s Church, Campbell River for men and women November 28, 2009 (Saturday)
This is an opportunity to come apart for a quiet Saturday of reflection as we seek to deepen our relationship with God, and prepare for the coming of the celebration of Christmas. All churches and interested persons in the region welcome.
St. Peter's website »
Made in the Image of our Creator God -
November 21, 2009 (Saturday)
A time of fellowship, prayer and quiet in which to discover and exercise your own creativity using art, clay, embroidery, photography, and music. There is that creative spark in everyone - this is an opportunity discover those sacred spaces and places of creativity in ourselves and in the world around us.
Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map » Time: 10 am - 3 pm Cost: $25 please bring a bag lunch, tea and coffee provided Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
Gardeners Needed!
A Work party at St John’s House! November 7, 2009 (Saturday) Come and help the Sisters put the garden to bed for the winter! This is a time of fellowship and fun, as well as a good work out! Time: 10 am - 3 pm. At noon: Share Eucharist together, then soup and a bun for lunch! There is no cost for this day long event. Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
An Altar Linen Workshop - Come and See and Experience!
November 12, 2009 (Thursday) In September 2008 the white embroidery department of the Sisterhood of St John the Divine moved with Sister Jocelyn to St John’s House here in Victoria. This is an opportunity to share in the skill and experience of Sister Jocelyn’s work. Learn about the care, use and making of altar linens. This workshop will include some good tips on hands on care of linens. Time: 10 am - 3 pm Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. Cost: $25 Please bring a bag lunch - tea/coffee will be provided Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
A Silent Retreat at the Malahat Retreat House: Jesus - this child is contradiction’s sign October 30 - November 1, 2009 (Friday - Sunday)
This retreat will reflect on Michael Talbot’s song “Go In Peace” (Canticle of Simeon) “this child is contradiction’s sign ...”. One way to grow into deeper truth is through paradox, through mystery. Paradox is an apparent contradiction that leads to a deeper truth. For example we do the greatest ministry through silence and stillness; you learn the deepest knowledge when you'‘unknow' what you think you know; if you want to learn who you are, lose your very self.
Place: Malahat Park Retreat - 801 TransCanada Highway, Malahat - enjoy the walking trails and meditation sites while taking in the endless views overlooking the Finlayson Arm, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands.
Woman’s Weekend at Camp Colulmbia - Friday-Sunday, October 23-25, 2009
Our Road to Emmaus: “Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” The Luke 24: 13 - 35 story of the Road to Emmaus is so vivid and poignant. Why on that seven mile journey did they not recognize Jesus? What on our journey blinds us from recognizing the presence of God? How can we grow to recognize God’s presence in our lives?Time: Friday evening through Sunday lunch. Place: Camp Columbia, Thetis Island [North Cove Rd, Thetis Island, BC V0R 2Y0 - (866) 946-3751 close up map» / big picture map » / Camp Columbia website »]
Praying with Icons - Saturday October 17, 2009
Icons are thought of as windows to heaven (windows to the Eternal) and used to draw us deeper into our time with God. Through the imagery of the Icon we come to understand more fully our own images of God. Join us as we explore this ancient form of Christian prayer. The day will begin at 10 am and includes a Eucharist at noon. The day concludes at 3 pm. Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
A Day Apart with the Sisters “Nourishing your Inner Monk” - Saturday October 3, 2009
Enter into the rhythm of our community life for a day. This is an opportunity to experience the balance of prayer, work and study in the context of a monastic community at St John’s House in Victoria. Reflections will be on the Rule of St Benedict as a contemporary tool for 21st century Christians struggling to find balance in their lives. The day begins at 9 am with Morning Prayer. There will be a time for reading, rest, prayer, work projects, shared reflections and some community time. The day ends at 5 pm after Evening Prayer
Associates of the Sisterhood of St John the Divine - Afternoon Tea at St John’s House - Sunday, September 20, 2009
An information and social time for Associates and Oblates. Join us to welcome Sister Patricia Marion, a Novice in our Community, who joined our household and ministry September 9; to hear recent news of the “Gathering” event at the Convent and SSJD Community news; share in Sister Doreen’s recent trip to Great Britain; and 'catch up' on each other.
A Day Apart with the Sisters: "Wisdom Distilled From the Daily" July 11, 2009 (Saturday)
Enter into the rhythm of our community life for a day. This is an opportunity to experience the balance of prayer, work and study in the context of a monastic community at St John’s House in Victoria. Reflections will be on the Rule of St Benedict as a contemporary tool for 21st century Christians struggling to find balance in their lives. The day begins at 9:00 am with Morning Prayer. There will be a time for reading, rest, shared reflections and prayer, work projects and some community time. The day ends with Evening Prayer at 5:00 pm. Place: St. John’s House, Victoria
June 13, 2009 (Saturday): Sixth Anniversary of
Blessing of St John’s House
Join the Sisters of St. John the Divine to celebrate this wonderful anniversary. There will be a Eucharist followed by a coffee party. Place: St. John’s House, Victoria
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2009 (Saturday Mornings in May)
Savouring God: Praying with All the Senses
Come and join the Sisters in exploring a different of praying - a different
way of seeing. This is an invitation to be with God through the very
tangible, specific objects of your everyday life. The morning begins with Morning Prayer at 9:00 am and ends with a Eucharist at
noon. Place: St. John’s House, Victoria
April 18, 2009 (Saturday):
A Garden Work Party at St John’s House
Come and help the Sisters prepare the garden to for planting! This is a time
of fellowship and fun, as well as a good work out. Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. At noon: Share Eucharist
together, then soup and a bun for lunch.
April 4, 2009 (Saturday): Walk the Way of the Cross
in Music & Meditation
From the Tree of the Cross Jesus spoke, and what he spoke are words that are
indeed impregnated with a healing power, words which minister to the whole
person, spoken for the healing of humankind, for the healing of the world.
And so, Jesus from the Tree of the Cross speaks words which are “like the
leaves of the trees that serve for the healing of the nations” (Revelation
22). Using music and meditation reflections, spend a quiet Saturday in
preparation for Easter. Place: St. Columba’s Church, Victoria.
March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1, 8, 2009 (Wednesdays in Lent): God’s Journey with Us
The created order bears the imprint of its Creator, and provides manifold
settings for encountering God, who is the source of all. Recent decades have
brought us to new consciousness of “the land” as a precious, integral
ecosphere for which we must assume true stewardship. Fresh appreciation for
Celtic spiritual traditions has given us language through which to express
the spirituality of our kinship with a creation blessed by the nearness of
the Creator.
We hope this series will encourage new understandings of and
appreciation for landscapes of the sacred and spaces hallowed by God’s
presence. The themes are ordered on the pattern of God’s life with us – the
garden, the sea, the desert, the mountain, the vineyard, and the road. The evening will end with a short service of Compline (the monastic late
evening prayer). Place: St. John’s House, Victoria
March 7, 2009: “St Mary Magdelene”
A Quiet Saturday at St John’s House in Victoria [cancelled
March 27 – 29, 2009 (Friday-Sunday):
A Silent Retreat with St Benedict [cancelled]
March 27 – 29, 2009 (Friday-Sunday):
A Silent Retreat with St Benedict [cancelled]
St Benedict’s rule is a plan for a spiritual life of balance and stability.
All time and tasks are holy. This is a time apart to discover some tools for
seeing God’s hand in every aspect of our life, to look for the holy in
ordinary circumstances, and to take time to listen with the ear of our
heart. A silent retreat, with individual direction available. Place: Malahat Park Retreat - 801 TransCanada Highway, Malahat.
Enjoy the
walking trails and meditation sites while taking in the endless views
overlooking the Finlayson Arm, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands.
March 7, 2009: “St Mary Magdelene”
A Quiet Saturday at St John’s House in Victoria [cancelled]
She has been cast in the shadow of all the hype her name received after the Da Vinci Code was released. Known as the Apostle of the Resurrection, whose
life and love call us and challenge us to a deeper life with God, we invite
you to a time of prayer, refreshment and renewal. Who is Mary Magdelene and
who is she for you? Come and join us in our home and gardens for reflections
on “St Mary Magdelene” in an atmosphere of quiet and prayer.
February 14, 2009 (Saturday): A Quiet Day at St John’s House Victoria “Soul Sisters”: Rediscovering and Befriending our Sisters in Scripture
Come apart for a quiet day with reflections on “our soul sisters in
scripture” – the hidden women of the bible. The day begins with Morning
Prayer at 9:00 AM, with Eucharist and lunch at noon, and concludes at 3:00
PM.
February 7, 2009: (Saturday): The Sisterhood of St John the Divine Celebrates Its 125th anniversary!
Come and learn about the monastic life - its history and its contemporary
contribution to the Church. In particular learn something about the life and
ministry of the Sisterhood of St John the Divine, and vocations to the
religious life. There will be opportunities to talk with Associates,
Oblates, and Sisters: why are they who they are? And what difference has it
made in their life? The day will include a multimedia presentation created
by all the Religious Communities who are members of the Conference of
Religious Orders of North America, as well as a presentation on the
Sisterhood of St John the Divine at St John’s House, BC. Place: St. Peter's Lakehill Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. There will be a 12:00 noon Eucharist of Thanksgiving. A
potluck lunch will follow the Eucharist. Come for the day, for the Eucharist, or
for a part of the day.
January 17, 2009: (Saturday) Discover Your Creativity Through Play with a Mosaic of Colours
This workshop will offer challenge, fun, and fellowship as we create colour-dyed
silk scarves. We will play with developing our own unique designs and
patterns. Come and find out what a spiritual experience this can be. If you
have attended a scarf workshop before, come with new and innovative ideas.
Place: St Peter’s Church, Victoria
ARCHIVE of retreats 2008
December 6, 2008 (Saturday): Advent Quiet Day at St. Peter’s Church, Campbell River, for Men and Women: The Joy of the Annunciation .
November 21- November 23, 2008: (Friday – Sunday): A Pre-Advent Retreat for Men and Women at Camp Columbia: Waiting in Joyful Hope—Living in Joyful Hope
Advent is a time of soul-searching longing for God, a time of waiting with hope and of watching for signs of God’s advent. What signs are there all around us that show God’s presence in the world? What Good News do we have for those who are without hope? How do we live as people of hope? In anticipating Advent we’ll reflect this weekend on the ways in which we wait, and watch, and live in the signs of God’s faithfulness. Time: Friday at 4:30 PM through Sunday lunch Place: Camp Columbia, Thetis Island
November 15, 2008: (Saturday): A Work Party at St John’s House
Come and help the Sisters put the garden to bed for the winter! This is a time of fellowship and fun, as well as a good work out. Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. At noon, share Eucharist together, then soup and a bun for lunch.
November 5, 12, 19, 26, 2008: (Wednesdays in November): Pioneers in the Canadian Church—Yesterday and Today
This is an invitation to join the Sisters as we explore how to enrich our spiritual life. We will look at the lives of the early pioneers in the Anglican Church in Canada, as well as some present day pioneers and share reflections around the influence of their lives and ministry within the Church and the world. Each evening will end with a short service of Compline (the monastic late evening prayer). Place: St. John’s House, Victoria
October 25, 2008: (Saturday): “Sacred Spaces and Places”: A Quiet Day at St John’s House in Victoria
Jesus regularly invited his disciples to get away for prayer, refreshment and renewal. Come and join us in our home and gardens for reflections on “Sacred Spaces and Places”, both our inner sacred spaces and places and those in the world around us, in an atmosphere of quiet and prayer. The day will begin with Morning Prayer at 10:00 AM, includes a Eucharist and lunch at noon, and concludes at 3:00 PM. Place: St John’s House, Victoria – 3937 St Peter’s Road
October 17-19, 2008: (Friday - Sunday): “Treasures of the Heart”
A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34)
The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. The heart is the core of ourselves, touching all that we are. It is when we let our mind descend into our hearts that we begin to discover riches beyond our imagination. What are the treasures of the heart? How do we discover the treasures of our hearts? Place: Malahat Park Retreat - 801 TransCanada Highway, Malahat. Enjoy the walking trails and meditation sites while taking in the endless views overlooking the Finlayson Arm, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands.
October 4, 2008: (Saturday): A Day Apart with the Sisters: “Wisdom Distilled From the Daily”
Enter into the rhythm of our community life for a day. This is an opportunity to experience the balance of prayer, work and study in the context of a monastic community at St John’s House in Victoria. Reflections will be on the Rule of St Benedict as a contemporary tool for 21st century Christians struggling to find balance in their lives. The day begins at 9:00 AM with Morning Prayer. There will be a time for reading, rest, shared reflections and prayer, work projects and some community time. The day ends with Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM. Place: St. John’s House, Victoria
September 26-28, 2008: (Friday – Sunday): Our Road to Emmaus
“Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” The Luke 24:13 – 35 story of the Road to Emmaus is so vivid and poignant. Why on that seven mile journey did they not recognize Jesus? What on our journey blinds us from recognizing the presence of God? How can we grow to recognize God’s presence in our lives? Time: Friday 4:30 pm through Sunday lunch. Place: Malahat Park Retreat - 801 TransCanada Highway, Malahat. Enjoy the walking trails and meditation sites while taking in the endless views overlooking the Finlayson Arm, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands.
