Star Gazer W21

Plant Some Seeds: Star Garden Update

Our urban garden project focused on increasing access to fresh produce for those in need within our community continues to hum along. We are so thankful for the volunteers who came out to help finish preparing our three plots this week. Our goal for this year is to plant these three 7 m x 7 m (23’ x 23’) plots and then begin preparations on the next three plots. How much organic material goes into each plot?

• Over 500 sq. feet of cardboard as a base layer
• Almost 50 wheelbarrows of wood chip for a base, edging and pathways
• Over 70 bags of yard waste, mostly composed of leaves, wood chips and grass clippings for our mulch layer
• 25 wheelbarrows of compost

This week we will be continuing regular afternoon drop-in work bees on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (June 1-3) from 2:00 to 5:00 pm as the weather permits with our main focus on planting. Why not gather a small planting team and help us get a crop in the ground? If there are alternate morning, evening or event weekend times you are available, let us know. Contact Clint Porritt at 780-459-5511 or programs@starofthenorth.ca

There are still a number of practical things we are looking for to move this project along:

• Tomato plants & seed potatoes
• Untreated/unpainted fence boards (in any condition)
• Untreated/unpainted plywood (in any condition)

Interested in partnering in this project as a regular volunteer? Please take a minute to sign up on our volunteer list at https://forms.gle/z2DS6U75p2w6vprc7

Sr. Joan Chittister on Fratelli Tutti

June 18th marks the last day of Aurora Living Year 1 and we are gathering mark this milestone occasion with celebration! We invite the public to join us for a Saturday afternoon featuring an exclusive video presentation by Sr. Joan Chittister on Frattelli Tutti, a time of discussion, and a powerful ritual and ceremony followed by a celebration dinner. Limited dinner tickets available, so register early. The deadline for early-bird online registration is Wednesday, June 1st. We look forward to celebrating together!

Schedule: 

• 2:30 pm (MT) Aurora Living Video Presentation by Joan Chittister
• 4:30 pm (MT) Aurora Living Year 1 Closing Ritual & Ceremony
• 5:30 pm (MT) Celebration and Dinner

Registration starofthenorth.ca/celebrate or call 780-459-5511:

• Early-Bird Online (by June 1) - $25
• Regular Online (after June 1) - $40
• In-Person with Dinner Ticket - $60

Star Camino Fundraiser: June 25th

Welcome to the Star of the North Camino/Estrella del Norte 2022 
Walk Where You are or join us to walk in Support of the Star!

Join us June 25th, from 8:30 am to noon with lunch provided after our walk

This year we invite you to join us on your choice of one of three local paths beginning from The Star of the North on Saturday, June 25th. Or chose a time on Saturday or Sunday and walk where you are, in your neighborhood or in an area of sacred nature you’d like to explore.

Walk a spiritual pilgrimage in support of the Star’s ministries of spiritual renewal through programs and hospitality on the pilgrim path. St. Augustine is quoted as saying, "It is solved by walking." Make your Camino intentional as a way to pray for an end to the war in Ukraine, for peace in our world, for immigrants and refugees, for our own hearts conversions, and to commune with nature, become more aware of our environment’s needs, and to ultimately draw closer to God.  

Register to walk through starofthenorth.ca/star-camino ($50 individual/$80 for family) to create your camino, set a fundraising goal, and begin your pilgrimage in support of the Star!

Let God Rise Up - Silent Retreat

An Eight Day Silent Directed Retreat with Lucie Leduc and Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie

Sunday, July 3 (3:00 pm) to Sunday, July 10 (1:00 pm), 2022

Registration: Live-in $900 (includes meals and lodging)

Find rest and renewal in a peaceful and healing environment. This retreat is an opportunity to come aside; away from the usual noise and busyness of daily life. The invitation to enter stillness, refresh your spirit, and renew your relationship with our loving God awaits you in this summer retreat. Prayer, daily reflections, individual direction sessions, Eucharist, healthy meals, walking trails, and rest are all elements of this retreat. Includes meals, accommodations, spiritual direction & brief daily reflections.