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Registration and Reservation Policy

To provide our guests with a well-prepared event and to ensure the best possible use of our resources, we are now asking that full payment be made for Spiritual Life Center offerings on or before the registration deadline date for each offering. Your reservation is not confirmed until full payment has been made. Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation in supporting this policy, it is greatly appreciated.

RETREAT: Individually Directed Retreat, July 12-20, 2009, with various spiritual directors—choose between 5 or 8 days.

RETREAT: “Come, Creator Spirit: A Breath of Rest,” with Fr. John P. Lanzrath, August 14-16, 2009.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES PROGRAM: “Catechetics,” with Ms. Gayle Beuke, M.A., Saturday, September 12, 2009 and Saturday, October 10, 2009, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENT: “An Evening of Reflection,” with Fr. Kent Hemberger, Thursdays, September 10, November 19, January 25, 2010, and March 25, 2010.

TWO-PART SERIES: “The Rosary,” with Marcelline Arnold, Thursday, September 24, 2009 and October 1, 2009.

RETREAT: “Introduction to the Theology of the Body: “Discovering the Master Plan For Your Life,” with Sharon (Herbers) Gagnon, Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2009.

THREE-PART SERIES: Pope Benedict’s “Christian Hope,” with Chris Stewart, M.A., Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15 & 22, 2009.

RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS: “Pope Benedict’s Guide to Surviving Tough Times” with Father Shane Tharp, Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2009

RETREAT: Individually Directed Retreat, with various spiritual directors, begins Friday, October 30 July 12-20, 2009, with various spiritual directors—choose between 2-3 days.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES PROGRAM: “Introduction to the Old Testament,” with Fr. Kent Hemberger, Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, December 12, 2009.

RETREAT: “The Parables—Peering Into the Heart of God,” with Fr. Kent Hemberger, Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009.

SPECIAL EVENT: “Advent Day of Prayer,” with Sr. Mary Kevin Rooney, ASC, Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Descriptions of Events

RETREATS are spiritual opportunities for growth in personal holiness, where the individual enters into a quiet dialogue in prayer with God. A retreat may be as short as a day or two, but can be a week or even longer. The type of retreat, (e.g. directed retreat, private retreat, group preached retreat), determines the specific format of the experience. For more information on types of retreats, please click on the page entitled, "Spiritual Formation", or here.

WORKSHOPS address a specific issue as presented through lectures of a featured speaker or group of speakers. Most often, there is an opportunity for group discussion and individual or group activity in “break out” sessions. Most of the workshops at the Spiritual Life Center are daylong events.

SERIES offerings typically take place on a specific evening of the week. The series may be as few as two evenings, but may last as long as six sessions, depending upon the topic being studied. Unlike retreats, where the primary focus is upon spiritual formation of the individual person, a series focuses more upon the educational element of a particular topic of faith.

DAYS / EVENINGS OF REFLECTION allow the individual to spend quiet time with the Lord at the Spiritual Life Center. A retreat director leads the group through conferences, individual and communal prayer, often with the opportunity provided for the celebration of the Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

SPECIAL EVENTS are those offerings throughout the year that do not fall under any of the other categories listed above. The staff of the Spiritual Life Center seeks to provide a variety of different ways for the pilgrim to come to this holy ground: to rest, to renew your heart, to respond to the Word of God as you walk your personal spiritual journey of faith.

Presenter: Father Kent Hemberger and other spiritual directors

Date: Sunday, July 12 through Monday, July 20, 2009.

Choose 5-8 days of retreat with all retreats beginning on Sunday, July 12.

Time: Check-in Sunday, July 12 begins at 6:00 p.m. with the Retreat beginning at 7 p.m.

Cost: $75 per day (overnight stay). Includes $50 non-refundable deposit due on or before Sunday, June 28. Full payment due on or before Monday, July 6.

Registration deadline: On or before Monday, July 6, 2009.

"Individually Directed Retreat"

We are excited to offer this time for guests here at the Spiritual Life Center. This is an Individually Directed Retreat,” but one that is offered to a number of people during the same time. Part of the reason is practical—our spiritual directors are setting aside this time for you. But there is also a community aspect to the retreat as we all celebrate the Eucharistic meal and the worldly meal times together. Oftentimes a sense of community grows as you share the Eucharist together.

An individually directed retreat allows God to speak in a very personal and direct way to the retreatant through their prayer, which is guided by a spiritual director. We are pleased to be able to bring experienced spiritual directors together for this time. Many of the names will be familiar to you: Sr. Helene Lentz, CSJ, Sr. Marie Veronica, CSJ, Sr. Joan Burger, CSJ, Bishop Emeritus Eugene J. Gerber, Fr. John Jirak, Sr. Martina Stegman, OP, Fr. John Lanzrath and Fr. Kent Hemberger. Requests for specific retreat directors will be honored, but may not always be possible.

On an individually directed retreat, the retreatant meets with a spiritual director once a day and the Eucharist is celebrated together as a group. The rest of the time is spent relaxing, reading, thinking, and praying.

Each retreat focuses on the way God is active in the individual's life, and each retreat follows a uniquely personal path. The retreat director is prepared with a wealth of suggestions from Scripture and the Ignatian tradition to guide the prayer of the retreatant.

You may customized the length of your retreat to include 5, 6, 7 or 8 nights, with all retreats beginning on Sunday, July 12. Click here to view or download a detailed brochure.

This retreat is held in silence to allow the retreatants to better listen to God.

Presenter: Father John P. Lanzrath

Date: Friday, August 14– Sunday, August 16, 2009

Time: Check-in Friday begins at 6:30 p.m. with the first Conference at 7:30 p.m. Retreat concludes Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Cost: Earlybird discount rate, on or before Friday, July 31, 2009; $120 per person (double occupancy) or $145 per person (single occupancy). Discount rate only available when full payment is made on or before July 31, 2009. Rate after July 31, 2009; $138 per person (double occupancy), or $165 per person (single occupancy). Includes $50 non-refundable deposit.

Registration deadline: On or before Monday, August 10, 2009.

"Come, Creator Spirit:

A Breath of Rest"

Come and rest awhile on these days of retreat, spending time in prayer and reflection upon the Third Person of our Triune God, the Holy Spirit.

Scripture passages from the Gospels and reflections on the ninth century Christian hymn, Veni Creator Spiritus, will be the foundations of the retreat conferences. The daily celebration of the Eucharist, time for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will grace us during this weekend retreat.

Although this is not a silent retreat, the weekend is designed to allow us to move toward an inner silence, where we might more closely listen to the Lord speak to us in prayer.

Those wishing to prepare in greater depth for this retreat are invited to read Come, Creator Spirit by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M.Cap., who serves as the Preacher to the Papal Household. His reflections on the hymn, Veni Creator Spiritus are very inspiring and will be used in the retreat conferences. This is not an obligation to attend the retreat, just a suggestion for very good spiritual reading.

Presenter: Ms. Gayle Beuke, M.A.

Date: Saturday, September 12 and Saturday, October 10, 2009

Time: Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., class in session from 9:00 a.m. to noon, lunch provided, then 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Cost: Earlybird discount rate, paid in full on or before August 29, 2009; $55. After August 29, $60.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Religious Studies Program:

"Catechetics"

“Go and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” —Matthew 28: 19-20

The Religious Studies Program (RSP) of the Diocese of Wichita is one of the best of its kind found anywhere. RSP graduates play crucial roles in virtually every parish of the diocese by assisting pastors with the mission of passing on the Catholic Faith in RCIA, Religious Education and Confirmation formation classes, Catholic school classrooms and many other settings.

Now the RSP format is being changed to allow the faithful to participate in individual courses without committing themselves to an entire year of study. An entire course is covered during two Saturday sessions held about one month apart. Whether you seek certification or simply want to explore more about the wonderful Catholic Faith, we invite you to partake of some or all of the RSP courses and sincerely hope this resource is of value to you and your parish.

The CATECHETICS course is the first offering under this new format. The aim of all catechesis is to bring your student to the "love that never ends." (CCC 25) What is the best way to accomplish that? What are the best methods to employ in the classroom?

The first session of this course is an overview of the major catechetical documents, especially the new General Directory and the new National Directory. We’ll focus on the vision—who we are called to be—and the mission given to us as catechists.

The second session is the “How To.” We’ll flesh out the ABC’s of evangelizing catechesis and look at how the model of the Baptismal Catechumenate can inspire the formation of articulate disciples of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Recommended Course Texts:
The General Directory for Catechesis
The National Directory for Catechesis

For a complete listing of Religious Studies Program courses and descriptions, click here to view and download a brochure.

Ms. Gayle Beuke, M.A. brings more than 20 years of Catholic education experience as a teacher and principal to the RSP, plus Master’s degrees in Education Administration and Pastoral Ministry. A former parish DRE, she currently serves as Facilitator of Faith Formation at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Andover.

Presenter: Father Kent Hemberger

Date: Thursdays, September 10, and November 19, 2009

Time: Check-in at 5:15 p.m. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Evening concludes with Mass at 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $20 per evening.

Registration deadline: The Monday before each Evening of Reflection.

"An Evening of Reflection"

The Spiritual Life Center is pleased to offer evening gatherings where the faithful can come to be nourished by food and the Holy Spirit.

We begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Dining Room with a meal and conference with Father Kent Hemberger. Eucharistic Adoration is then offered in the Chapel of Mary, the First Disciple.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available.

The Evening of Reflection concludes with Mass at 8 p.m.

Presenter: Mrs. Marcelline Arnold

Dates: Thursday, September 24, 2009 and October 1, 2009

Time: Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m., presentation from 7-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $18, covers both sessions

Registration deadline: Monday, September 21, 2009

"The Rosary"

The rosary is a uniquely Catholic prayer that is just as relevant and meaningful after Vatican II as it was before. It is a beautiful prayer full of comfort and tradition and spirituality. In some circles it has become something of a lost treasure, one certainly worth rediscovery!

This two-part offering with Marcelline Arnold is an invitation and an introduction to the Rosary that will also re-energize anyone and everyone who has maintained this devotion.

Come learn the historical background of the Rosary, its development and the Church’s promotion of it.

We will also explore the Mysteries of the Rosary and their significance. Even though the Dominican Rosary is the one most Catholics may be familiar with, we will examine and explain several other Rosaries and how to pray them.

Bring your rosary!

Presenter: Sharon (Herbers) Gagnon

Date: Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2009

Time: Check-in Friday begins at 6:30 p.m. 1st conference at 7:30 p.m.
Retreat concludes Sunday after noon lunch.

Cost: Earlybird discount rate, on or before Friday, Sept. 18, 2009; $120 per person (double occupancy) or $145 per person (single occupancy). Discount rate only available when full payment is made on or before Sept. 18, 2009. Rate after Sept. 18, 2009; $138 per person (double occupancy), or $165 per person (single occupancy). Includes $50 non-refundable deposit.

“Discovering the Master Plan For Your Life” workbook: $13.

Commuter rate: $100 (includes five meals).

Registration deadline: On or before Monday, Sept. 28, 2009

Introduction to the

Theology of the Body:

"Discovering the Master Plan

For Your Life"

Catholic scholars believe the late, great Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” will be viewed as one of the most important contributions to Catholic thought ever offered. This teaching is changing lives around the world with its focus on the profound meaning and mystery of the body; the nature of our sexuality; our need for communion and the authentic nature and purpose of marriage. “Unpacking” all the incredible insights will take decades—perhaps longer. But with the help of Christopher West and his widely acclaimed video series, combined with spirited, informed discussions led by Sharon Gagnon, parents, teens, educators, priests and Consecrated Religious and others have an extraordinary opportunity to sample this incredible intellectual feast during one, intense weekend.

Introduction to the Theology of the Body: “Discovering the Master Plan For Your Life” includes a series of eight 30-minute video presentations, each followed by discussion time for further exploration. This weekend is similar in content to the eight-part series offered this past winter at the Center, but with the option of staying at the Center as a guest or participating as a commuter with all meals included. Mass will be offered. All who come are asked to purchase a workbook for $13

Sharon Gagnon has 20 years of Family Ministry experience and earned undergraduate and Masters degrees in Education from the University of Kansas and studied under Christopher West at the Theology of the Body Institute and Black Rock Retreat Center in Southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, earning certification for completion of the “Theology of the Body I – Head and Heart Immersion” course.

Presenter: Mr. Chris Stewart, M.A.

Dates: Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15 & 22

Time: Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., presentation from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $25

Registration deadline: Monday, October 5, 2009

Pope Benedict’s “Christian Hope”

Christian Hope is infinitely more powerful than just wishing things will turn out okay—it changes us and what we do because we can have a great confidence that God will fulfill His promises. Christian Hope is particularly important during these tough economic times when all seems lost. Perhaps that economic worldview is part of why Our Holy Father speaks so eloquently and passionately of this great, unique sense of hope in his encyclical entitled “Spe Salvi,” (In Hope We Are Saved), which is the focus of this three-part series with Chris Stewart.

Come discover anew the authentic Christian hope that sets us apart from the world, yet brings hope to the world. Chris is a popular presenter and a familiar face at the Center who also serves as Chairperson of the Dept. of Religion at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School.

Please bring a copy of the encyclical which can be viewed, downloaded and printed free of charge at www.vatican.va, or by clicking here.

Presenter: Father Shane Tharp

Date: Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25, 2009
Time: Check-in Friday begins at 6:30 p.m., 1st conference at 7:30 p.m.
Retreat concludes Sunday after noon lunch.

Cost: Earlybird discount rate, on or before Friday, Oct. 9, 2009; $120 per person (double occupancy) or $145 per person (single occupancy). Discount rate only available when full payment is made on or before Oct. 9, 2009. Rate after Oct. 9, 2009; $138 per person (double occupancy), or $165 per person (single occupancy). Includes $50 non-refundable deposit.

Registration deadline: On or before Monday, October 19, 2009

Retreat for Young Adults:

“Pope Benedict’s Guide to

Surviving Tough Times”

This is the first major economic recession for many young adults and widespread layoffs, furloughs and underemployment are creating a crisis in the loss of hope. Be not afraid! Our Holy Father has written extensively about the virtues of faith, hope and love, providing us with a guideline and a lifeline to happiness and spiritual fulfillment during these tough times. The Center welcomes back Father Shane Tharp of Nicoma Park, Oklahoma as he weaves together a weekend retreat that is both practical and compelling. In addition to conferences there will be opportunities for the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, discussion time, prayer and rest. This retreat is co-sponsored by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Wichita and is geared toward single and/or married men and women aged 21-39

Presenter: Several experienced spiritual directors

Date: Friday, October 30, 2009, choose 2-3 nights

Time: Check-in Friday begins at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $75 per night. Includes $50 non-refundable deposit due on or before Monday, October 26, 2009. Full payment due on or before Monday, October 26, 2009.

"Fall Individually Directed Retreat"

Experienced spiritual directors will be available for this offering that begins Friday, Oct. 30. Retreatants may stay 3 or 4 days—or longer. Each retreatant meets daily with a spiritual director to talk about what is happening as they seek to open themselves to God and become sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In addition to this daily meeting with the spiritual director, retreatants spend time in periods of formal prayer, reflection, and rest. There is also the opportunity to take part in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Retreatants may request a particular spiritual director, but the Center does not offer in advance or guarantee who will be assigned as your director.

Those who are interested are encouraged to view and download a detailed brochure by clicking here.

Presenter: Fr. Kent Hemberger

Dates: Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, December 12, 2009

Time: Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., class in session from 9:00 a.m. to noon, lunch provided, then 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Cost: Earlybird discount rate, when paid in full on or before Nov. 1, 2009; $55. After Nov. 1, 2009 $60.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

RELIGIOUS STUDIES PROGRAM:

“Introduction to the Old Testament”

This is the second in a series of newly formatted courses that are part of the diocesan Religious Studies Program. The Old Testament provides a foundation for our Christian Faith. This course, taking place over two Saturdays with Fr. Kent Hemberger, examines Catholic understanding of Scripture and sources for the Old Testament, followed by an exploration of the great themes of the Old Testament like Creation, which are so rich in meaning once we move beyond the fundamentalist controversies. We will examine basic human questions of sin and evil, as well as the themes of “call,” “exodus” and “covenant.”

Moving on, we will hear of the prophetic call to fidelity and justice. Finally, we’ll look at wisdom literature as a whole, focusing on the profound question of suffering found in the book of Job. These and other themes addressed in the course are explored in the context of how they impact our daily living and our personal journey of faith.

Presenter: Father Kent Hemberger

Date: Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009

Time: Check-in Friday begins at 6:30 p.m., 1st conference at 7:30 p.m.
Retreat concludes Sunday after noon lunch.

Cost: Earlybird discount rate, on or before Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; $120 per person (double occupancy) or $145 per person (single occupancy). Discount rate only available when full payment is made on or before Nov. 6, 2009. Rate after Nov. 6, 2009; $138 per person (double occupancy), or $165 per person (single occupancy).
Includes $50 non-refundable deposit.

Registration deadline: On or before Monday, November 16, 2009

"Peering Into the Parables"

Jesus told parables to surprise and challenge the people of his day to see themselves and their world through the eyes and heart of God. The parables still challenge us today, but their impact is diminished by our failure to understand them in their cultural context. During this weekend retreat, Fr. Kent Hemberger explores the original meaning of the Gospel parables as they would have been heard and responded to by the people who listened to Jesus. This approach allows the parables to come alive for us in the here and now, and calls us to respond in understanding, prayer and action. As the parables are heard anew, suggestions will be given for prayer so that one might be led closer to God in both mind and heart.

Presenter: Sr. Mary Kevin Rooney, ASC

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009

Time: check-in begins at 8:30 p.m., 1st conference at 9:00 a.m., day concludes at 2:30 p.m.

Cost: Earlybird discount rate, on or before Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; $35 per person when paid in full; after Nov. 20, $40 per person. Includes lunch.

Registration deadline: On or before Monday, November 30, 2009

"Advent Day of Prayer"

As the time of Christmas approaches, much of the world is focused on this party or that gift. We as Christians are called to prepare—to be aware of the incredible, life-changing presence of the Child Jesus in our hearts, minds and everyday activity. This special Advent Day of Prayer led by Sr. Mary Kevin Rooney, a Sister of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ community in Wichita, is an opportunity to escape the shopping malls and secular furor of the season for a day of prayer and reflection. In addition to two conferences with Sr. Mary Kevin, there will be opportunity for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, lunch and rest.

Contact: The Spiritual Life Center (unless otherwise listed)

Phone: (316)744-0167

Diocesan Groups and Ministries at the SLC - 2009

Centering Prayer: Mondays at 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Retrouvaille: July 17-19, October 9-11, 2009 contact Tim and Betty Stolz at 796-0553. Click here to review and print a Retrouvaille Weekend application.

Engaged Encounter: July 10-12, 24-26, August 7-9, September 11-13, October 16-18, November 13-15 and December 11-13, 2009. Call the Center to register or Click here to review and download an Engaged Encounter brochure.

Marriage Encounter: (English) October 2-4, 2009, to register, contact Alex and Mary Ann Krauska at (316) 721-1650. Click here to connect to the Marriage Encounter web site.

Cursillo: Men's English, October 22-25, 2009. Click here to review and print a Cursillo Weekend application.

Beginning Experience: December 4-6, 2009. Click here to connect to the Beginning Experience web site.