Star Gazer W44

“One way to think of the Christian mystics is that they were the first psychologists, and I’m pretty sure that people will be surprised at how close to modern practice they were. In some cases, what the mystics recommended is verbatim what a mental health practitioner might recommend today.

Whatever else they were, the mystics were specialists in the human condition, and they knew what might help. I hope to increase people’s knowledge of the understanding and practice of the mystics, but also to have people engage in some of the practices so that they will be able to incorporate their learning and experience into their everyday lives.” 

— Ron Klok, Monk Therapy: Ancient Spiritual Practices & Modern Day Mental Health

Registration for our upcoming Monk Therapy retreat with Ron Klok will be closing next week. In this retreat we look at nine spiritual practices of the Christian mystics—talk, tears, self-knowledge, group, breath, trauma, track, imagination, imitation—and how we can incorporate the ancient practices into our modern lives for better mental and spiritual health. Ron Klok is a long-time friend of the Star and an incredible facilitator with a pastoral heart. You’ll leave this retreat feeling both inspired and well-cared for! We really hope you are able to join us!

Friday, November 15 at 7:00 pm to Sunday, November 17 at 1:00 pm
Registration: Live-in $395 | Commuter $325 | Online $270.
Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/monk

You can read our short interview with Ron Klok here or visit his website at www.ronklok.com.

Register Now: Events & Retreats in 2024

Wâpiwin Circles: Listening & Sharing During Challenging Times Psychologist Alice Miller believes that a listening witness is needed for people to heal. Wâpiwin – is a Cree word meaning the act of seeing. Our inclusive Listening Circles are a place where we hope to truly see one another, with witnesses listening to the stories that need to be told. The Star of the North continues to work out its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action through healing and renewing relationships grounded in faith, hope and love. Wednesday, November 13 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Suggested donation: $20. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/circle

Domestic Monastery: A Public Lecture with Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI God is more domestic than monastic and is found more in your home than in your church. The domestic can also be the “monastic”. Your marriage, your family, and your work can be your own monastery. The alarm clock that wakes you in the morning is your monastic bell and your work and duties each day are your monastic rhythm. Monks have secrets worth knowing. This presentation will draw wisdom from the monastic tradition to shed light on our own human and spiritual journey. Friday, November 29 at 7:00 pm. Early Registration: $30. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/domestic

Generative Discipleship: Deeper Secrets in the Gospels – A retreat with Ron Rolheiser How do we move from being good to being great? How do we break the long-standing patterns and habits of mediocrity in our lives? How do we move beyond the last and deepest sadness of our lives? Come take a deeper look at the invitations that Jesus has given us to grow. The great mystics stated that when we reach the highest level of human maturity, only one question is left: How can I be more helpful? How can we be more mature and more generative? Friday, November 29 at 7:00 pm to Sunday, December 1 at 1:00 pm. Registration: Live-In $395 | Commuter $325 | Online $270. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/rolheiser

Waiting in Stillness: Advent Contemplative Prayer Retreat  Are you craving a time of stillness in this busy season? Have you been drawn to connect with your spiritual life but aren’t quite sure how or when to do this? As a time of expectant waiting and hope, Advent is the perfect time to do this! Learn how the practice of Centering Prayer is an experience of waiting in love for the holy to arrive. Join an in-depth introduction to the practice followed by periods of Centering Prayer, teaching, and collective reflection. Facilitators: Mary Jane Yates & Heather Mattson McCrady. Friday, December 13, 1:00 pm to Sunday, December 15, 1:00 pm. Early Registration (by Nov. 15): Live-In $375 | Commuter $335. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/advent

Aurora Living: Formation Through Word & Creation is still accepting applicants for our winter module–Wilderness: The Journey to Wholeness– starting January 24, 2025. Come join a formation community growing in scripture, creation care and reconciliation! Each 3-month module includes an opening retreat weekend and two Saturday retreats, smaller Wisdom Circle gatherings, monthly online resources and optional spiritual direction. Our presenters for this module include Debbie Rolfes, Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan, and Ron Rolheiser. Our early-registration deadline for our Winter Module is December 15th. Find out more at www.starofthenorth.ca/wilderness

Teachers, community builders, and lay-leaders have found that Aurora Living provides grounding and growing in the Word of God, “Laudato Si” Care for Creation, community building, contemplative prayer, and justice as right relationship. Aurora Living is informative, formative, and transformative, with a focus on spiritual exploration more than doctrinal orientation. The program provides a rich exchange and learning experience about current faith and justice issues, most significantly the TRC Calls to Action, within a spirit of respectful dialogue. The monthly wisdom circles are proving to be an effective way of teaching communal skills of listening, speaking and discerning through personal and intellectual sharing to integrate the rich content of the process. Inclusive of everyone, we invite you to join us on this journey of hope and action!