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Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat
The Prairie Bulletin

Welcome to the Prairie Bulletin with 16 programs to choose from - June through October 2010.
  
We look forward to seeing you at The Prairie.


KNIT ONE, PRAY TOO!
A Day of Knitting, Fellowship & Prayer
 
Tuesday, June 1, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ann Green, Anne Johnson, Karen Brooke
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
 “Everyone seems to be knitting these days . . .” Its very rhythm encourages contemplation and invites us to be open to the Holy Spirit. Bring size 11 or 13 knitting needles, 3 six-ounce skeins of yarn (or a project in progress), and join us as we create a prayer shawl, a scarf or a special gift for someone in need of comfort. We will knit and pray together, share “yarns” of our individual journeys, and enjoy the spring colors at The Prairie.

Target Audience: All knitters, including beginners, women and men
 
Ann Green is a lay minister at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and a private piano instructor.
 
Anne Johnson is a fiber artist who has been knitting, spinning and sewing since childhood.
 
Karen Brooke is a lay minister at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and development director for the Sisters of Humility. Call 533-336-8401 for more details. 

WOMEN OF COURAGE:
CLAIMING OUR ANCESTORS
 
Wed, June 16, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Alice Ann Byrne, OP
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
We will rekindle our Sisterhood with remarkable women of the Scriptures, including Sarah of Hagar, Mary of Nazareth and Mary of Magdala. We will recognize in the joys, tears, fears and courage of each woman, the Woman Gifts that allow each to step from powerlessness into Freedom. We will look into our own stories to claim the divine heritage of our own birthright in the unfolding of God’s Dream.

Target Audience: Women and men - all ages   
 
Sr. Alice Ann Byrne OP, is a Sinsinawa Dominican educator and parish minister. For the past twenty years, she has been giving retreats and spiritual direction in Montana and Washington. She now delights in the wonder of the New Universe Story and the Oneness of all peoples and life.

MODERN MAN IN OUR MODERN WORLD
 
Sat, June 19, 9:30 am– 3:30 pm
Charlie Smiech, OFM
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
Reflecting upon the tapestry of our history, remembering and learning from the outstanding men in our church history, commonly known as saints, we live today reflecting the same Christ as they did. How do we live what is ours today for the same Christ?

Target Audience: Men of all faith traditions
 
Fr. Charlie Smiech, OFM, a Franciscan Friar of the Province of St. John the Baptist, is an international retreat director, spiritual advisor and an itinerant preacher. He currently resides in Chicago.  

 
PEACE AND THE RULE OF SAINT BENEDICT
 
Thurs, July 8, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Timothy Backous, OSB
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This day will explore how peace must come from inside us first in order for it to exist in the world. Learn how to explore peace, both inner and communal, through our actions, attitudes and beliefs. We will end the day with the Eucharist.

Target Audience: All those who wish to reflect on what it takes to be a peacemaker
 
Fr. Timothy Backous, OSB, a monk of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota has held several administrative positions at Saint John’s University. He currently serves as headmaster at Saint John’s Preparatory School.

COME TO THE QUIET
Silent Summer Retreat Day
 
Thurs, July 15, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
Set aside your hectic pace and routine to listen to the inner needs of your heart and soul. Enjoy the beauty and silence of a summer day at The Prairie. Pray, meditate, read, walk or just sit in the quiet beauty of The Prairie. This day is yours but the time includes short opening and closing prayers together. Sessions with a spiritual director are available. (Separate fee paid directly to the director.)

TOOLS TO SUPPORT THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION CONVERSATION
 
Tuesday, July 20, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lucy Abbott Tucker
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
Using the focusing process as the primary tool, we will explore ways a director can assist directees to listen reverently to their own stories. We will use body knowing, the imagination, memory work, and a developmental understanding of God experiences. The day includes input, discussion, small group work and personal reflection.

Target Audience: primarily for spiritual directors but open to anyone who sits with others in a helping relationship
 
Lucy Abbott Tucker has worked at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, preparing individuals for the ministry of spiritual direction for over 25 years. She is active in Spiritual Directors International and has been involved in retreats and workshops in Europe and Canada. Lucy has published several articles on the ministry of spiritual direction. 

WHOLENESS, HOLINESS,
AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
 
Sat, July 31, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
IlaMae Hanisch, M.P.S.
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
We will explore ways to be renewed in our own life as we pour out our life for others. We will find that balance in wholeness and holiness that deepens our understanding of who we are in relationship to God and to others. Tending to our ‘inner soul’ is a way to fill up our spiritual reserves in order to accomplish much more than we ever thought!  Participants may select the activities that best meet their needs.

Target Audience: Adults who want to take time to ‘replenish’ their personal spiritual reserves
 
IlaMae Hanisch, M.P.S., a lay ecclesial minister in the Roman Catholic Church has spent eighteen years in parish ministry and thirteen years with the Diocese of Davenport. She is currently the coordinator for lay ministry formation and adult/family formation in the Diocese of Davenport.
 

TWELVE-STEP SPIRITUALITY
 
Tuesday, August 10, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Martin Pable, OFM Cap.
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
Over the years, thousands of alcoholics and other addicted persons have achieved health and sobriety through living out the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Moreover, creative minds have seen the Twelve Steps as a program of spiritual growth for everyone, including non-addicted persons. This day will offer a model of spiritual conversion, healing, and growth based on the Twelve Steps and on Christian spirituality principles.

Target Audience: Anyone who wishes to grow spiritually
Fr. Martin Pable, OFM Cap, a Capuchin friar based in Milwaukee, holds a doctorate in counseling psychology and has been involved in teaching, retreat work, and spiritual direction for more than 40 years.

WEEKEND RETREAT FOR WOMEN
 
Fri, August 13, 7 pm–Sun, August 15, 10 am
Ramona Kaalberg, CHM
Fee: $100 (includes Saturday meals and Sunday breakfast)
 
An opportunity for women to come to a quiet setting to celebrate God’s presence reflected in the wonders of nature. A time to be attentive to God’s presence in the midst of ordinary daily experiences on life’s journey.

Target Audience:  Women. Limit 8
 
Sr. Ramona Kaalberg, CHM, coordinator of formation for the Sisters of Humility of Mary, completed the Spiritual Direction Program at Creighton University in Omaha. She has given numerous “busy persons” retreats to college students and professionals.
 

PRAYER AND THE VISUAL ARTS
 
Fri, August 20, 9:30 am–3:00 pm
Gale Francione
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
What is the relationship between the visual arts and prayer? Be with us as we explore how art can deepen personal prayer and how we can create an inviting atmosphere for group prayer.

Target Audience: Those who love the arts; those who lead prayer
 
Gale Francione is a liturgical consultant working with congregations when they build or renovate their churches. She has a passion for the visual arts and the liturgy of the church, and loves to share opportunities to blend the two. Gale has a Masters in History and Pastoral Studies and lives in Davenport.
 

“WHO DO PEOPLE SAY THAT I AM?”
The message of Jesus Christ for a Postmodern World
 
Mon, August 23, 9:30 am– 3:30 pm
Fr. Bob Miller
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
In our confusing postmodern world, the message of Jesus Christ can get warped. We will reflect upon the core spiritual message and identity of the Man at the center of all human history  He is Savior, prophet, healer, Lord, transforming force, “five in the deep,” the “one who knows how to ask questions."

Target Audience: Anyone who loves the Lord and Scripture, and seeks to know Jesus better
 
Fr. Bob Miller, former associate pastor of St. Alphonsus Church in Davenport, is pastor of St. Dorothy Parish in Chicago. He preaches missions and retreats nationally, celebrates healing and  charismatic Masses, and teaches in the archdiocesan deacon formation program.
 

ARE THERE GHETTOS IN OUR PARISHES?
 
Thurs, September 2, 9:30 am– 3:30 pm
Caridad Inda, CHM, and
Kathryn A. Bissell, CHM
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
A ghetto is caused by cultural sensitivity gone awry. It is created where immigrants in the parish live next to friends from their homeland, eat native foods, and socialize among themselves. Then the local parishioners grow agitated that their parish has been colonized by foreigners who fail to try to be part of local parish activities. We will examine what can be done to identify and offset the ghetto that is fueled by well-meaning leaders who believe immigrants should maintain their own culture while living in their new surroundings. We will propose ways to manage the evolution of multi-cultural parishes—on both sides of the divide.

Target Audience: All who are concerned about cultural sensitivity and diversity
 
Sr. Caridad Inda, CHM and Sr. Kathryn A. Bissell, CHM are founders and co-directors of The Center for International Resources Inc. (CIRIMEX) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, which offers one-on-one total immersion Spanish language, cross-cultural and culture-based pastoral training for the US clergy in Guadalajara. 
 

WALKING FOR SPIRIT
 
Sat, September 11, 9:30 am– 3:30 pm
Lisa Martin Bellomy and Joan Sheil, CHM
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
Be in the moment—observe the beauty around you and reconnect with yourself. Discover that walking can lead to inner peace, mental focus, and spiritual awareness. After a short warm-up we’ll explore The Prairie trails together. Following a healthy lunch break, you’ll enjoy a personal journey walking the labyrinth or hiking on your own or with new friends. Rain or shine!

Target Audience: People interested in walking as a spiritual exercise. Wear long pants and hiking shoes.
 
Lisa Martin Bellomy, is a nature hiker since days hunting mushrooms with her dad. Career highlight: backpacking in the Grand Canyon. She is the communications director for the Sisters of Humility. 
 
Sr. Joan Sheil, CHM, archivist of the Sisters of Humility and retired library director at the former Marycrest College, is an avid bird watcher and seasoned Rocky Mountain hiker.
 

CARE GIVING: FEELINGS,
FAITH, AND FACTS
 
Tues, September 21, 9:30 am– 3:30 pm
Judith A. Carrara, CHM
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
We will explore psychological, spiritual, and practical sides of caregiving for impaired older adults and address such questions as: How does my attitude toward aging and familial relationships affect my caregiving experience? How does caregiving provide opportunity for spiritual growth? What resources are available to the caregiver? What level of care can I assume?

Target Audience: Persons who will or already have caregiving responsibilities for an older adult, especially a parent, spouse, other relative or friend. 
 
Sr. Judith Carrara, CHM has a MSW degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and has been professionally involved in planning and giving direct service to older adults for 30 years. For the last three years she was the primary caregiver for her mother who died recently at age 100.
 

COME TO THE QUIET
 
Autumn Silent Retreat Day
Tues, September 28, 9:30 am– 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
Set aside your hectic pace and routine to listen to the inner needs of your heart and soul. Enjoy the beauty and silence of an autumn day at The Prairie. Pray, meditate, read, walk or just sit in the quiet beauty of The Prairie. This day is yours but the time includes short opening and closing prayers together. Sessions with a spiritual director are available (Separate fee paid directly to the director.)
 

KNIT ONE, PRAY TOO!
A Day of Knitting, Fellowship & Prayer
 
Tues, October 5, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Ann Green, Anne Johnson, Karen Brooke
Fee: $15.00 — includes lunch
 
(See first program description)  


 Entrance to Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat
The Prairie Retreat - catering to your soul.
 
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat is situated on 200 acres of tall grass prairie and woodlands and is a quiet, reflective, modern facility available for use by groups and individuals. Located 15 minutes north of the I-80 Walcott exit, The Prairie accommodates groups of 30 during the day and 10 for overnight.

At The Prairie, everyone has a smile.

To see the facilities, plan for events or personal retreats, or to register for summer and fall retreats contact:
Barbara Gross at 563.336.8414
or e-mail:
olpretreat@gmail.com.

Also, send Barb an e-mail if you prefer to receive only this electronic brochure and want to be taken off the paper copy mailing list - saving trees, postage and fuel.
Space is limited, registration on a first come/first serve basis. We encourage early registration. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled event or fee will be forfeited.

Registration Form

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Walk for Spirit Retreats are a popular new program.

Summer at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat is beautiful. Here you will enjoy hospitality and service in an atmosphere of tranquility. All are welcome to experience a lovely day in the country.

Prairie Heights accomodates 30 for meetings and 10 overnight


 



Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat

2664 145th Avenue

Near Wheatland, Iowa

Conveniently located in central Iowa, about an hour’s drive from Iowa City, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids or the Quad Cities. U.S. Interstate 80 makes The Prairie easily accessible to visitors from throughout the midwest.  Find directions on the
registration form or visit chmiowa.org
 

The beauty of The Prairie is inspiring.

Mission Statement:  We who carry on ministry at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat provide hospitality and service in a sacred area of peace and beauty that promotes respect for all creation in the tradition of the Humility of Mary community. We welcome all to come for prayer, spiritual renewal, solitude, conferences and meetings. Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat is a ministry of the sisters of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary and New Horizons of Faith.
 

Programs at The Prairie always offer something new.


The Prairie is a great place to leave your cares behind.

The natural beauty, serenity and quiet provide an ideal setting for private reflection and nature walks. Guests can also enjoy a variety of birds and other wild life.

Sisters prepare delicious meals for program participants.

Program participants can look forward to delicious home cooked meals prepared by Humility Sisters.

A statue of Joseph is a popular fixture at The Prairie.


The outdoor labyrinth at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat

Those who visit The Prairie are welcome to walk the labyrinth - possibly leading to spiritual insight and inner peace. Nature paths through and surrounding the property are a favorite way to unwind.

Statue of Mary by the nature pond.

Knitting retreats are a favorite!
 
Preserving Our Prairie
  • We strongly discourage the use of plastic water bottles.
  • We ask you to join us in our efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle.
  • We strongly encourage our guests to carpool (check with our office for rides from your area).
the nature pond at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat

A contemplative setting is located near the wildlife pond where guest may sit to pray, reflect, sketch, paint, meditate and relax. Nearby is the statue of Mary, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom.

Like minded individuals come together at The Prairie.


Beautiful paths for peaceful walks.

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davenport, IA 52804

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