Star Gazer W38

Aurora Living Fall Module Deadline

Come join a formation community growing in scripture, creation care, and reconciliation!

THE THEME

Good News: An Invitation to Everyone is the scripture theme behind our fall module as we encounter together the life and teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. There is no conversion without encounter. It is closeness that moves us, that touches us. The message of Jesus reaches us through both his words and actions. Jesus touched people and let himself be touched. When we open ourselves to be touched by the life and message of Jesus, we begin to open ourselves to others. Experiences of closeness, of proximity, end up being a blessing for us. What we do transforms us. The wounded, the excluded, are God’s sacrament, they are the mediation of profound spiritual experiences.

THE FORMAT

Each 3-month formation module of Aurora Living includes:

• an opening weekend retreat and 2 Saturday retreats
• 3 small-group gatherings called Wisdom Circles
• monthly readings and video resources
• optional spiritual direction

THE PRESENTERS & CORE RESOURCES

Our module presenters will help us weave together themes from the Gospels with content from Laudato Si and the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action. For our opening retreat (Sept. 29-Oct. 1), Sr. Teresita Kambeitz will talk about the resurrection as the foundation of Christian faith and walk us through images of Jesus in each of the four gospels. For our October 28th gathering Dr. Linda Gibler will invite us into a cosmic spirituality that embraces Creation as both Companion and Teacher. For our final gathering on November 19th, Ron Rolheiser will bring further depth to the life, message, and meaning of Jesus. 

TUITION OPTIONS

Online $650  |  Commuter $800  |  Live-In  $975  — Subsidies available upon request.

Program Registrations Closing Soon

Registration for our Bridges to Contemplative Living group, starting on October 4 will close at the end of next week. This 9-week contemplative dialogue group facilitated by Anita Allsopp engages the teaching and practice of Thomas Merton toward spiritual transformation. Starting Wednesday, October 4 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Registration: $180. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/bridges

Ways of the Heart: Boundaries as a Spiritual Practice Women’s Retreat will soon be full with less than 10 spots remaining. Take a weekend to explore the landscape of healthy boundary-making in your life. Join presenters Sandy Prather and Glenda Sartore, October 13-15, for a powerful weekend of ritual, reflection, and celebration. Only 9 spots remaining. Cost: Commuter $345 / Live-In $395. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/heart 

Rite Relations: Developments in Indigenous Catholic Leadership and Unity

Our Reconciliation Through Justice Series continues this program year with a number of gifted Indigenous presenters. Join us online or in-person as we welcome Noah MacDonald, a Canon Lawyer with the Archdiocese of Toronto to speak on the topic of Rite Relations: Developments in Indigenous Catholic Leadership and Unity. Tuesday evening, October 17 at 7:00 pm. Suggested donation: $10. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca./reconciliation

Connect & Create With Us!

Fall Artful Reflection Evenings are a great way to unwind and rediscover the joy of creating. Creativity can be a way to channel our connection to the Divine. Bev Bunker and Émilie Bélanger provide step-by-step instructions to guide you into creating your own fall lantern: all materials and supplies included. Wednesday, October 25 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Registration: $30. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/artful

Spirituality of the Cosmos Public Lecture & Retreat 

Linda Gibler, OP, PhD, is a Dominican Sister of Houston. She has served as vicaress to her congregation since June 2022. Before her return to Houston, Linda was the Associate Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Science and Religion at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonion, TX. Her book, From the Beginning to Baptism: Scientific and Sacred Stories of Water, Oil, and Fire, tells the cosmic stories of the primary sacramentals of baptism and considers the difference it would make if we allowed Nature to teach us about God, ourselves, and right relationship with all members of the Earth community. 

This Friday evening public lecture (October 27) with Dr. Linda Gibler plays with the idea that the Cosmos has something to teach us about how to live well with ourselves, other people, and other beings. By considering the patterns of the Cosmos, we may be able to experience ourselves within the Whole. Our joys and struggles are not alien from the Cosmos but part of its very fabric. The retreat (October 27 & 28) develops Brain Swimme’s Powers of the Universe and applies them to a Cosmic spirituality we all share. It is a step toward creating a non-anthropocentric theology in which we see Creation as Companion and Teacher.

Public Lecture: $20 / Retreat: Online/Commuter $145 | Live-In $210. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/cosmos