Star Gazer W6

Francis of Assisi prayed to be made an instrument of the Lord’s peace. Where there was hatred, he sought to sow love. In places of sadness, he prayed to sow joy. In moments of despair, he sought to seed hope. The love and compassion that saves the world begins as a seed that grows to harvest in each heart. Our potential to live compassionately only comes to harvest by fertilizing deeds. Perhaps we should even fast and go hungry from words like "love," "compassion" and "reconciliation." For it is deeds that matter: acts of forbearance, of forgiveness, of accepting anyone we meet... These deeds of reconciliation, no matter how small or unnoticed, are a daily requirement for our personal and communal health of soul.

- Jonathan Montaldo & Robert G. Toth

Ongoing Prayer & Care Opportunities

We wanted to take a minute to highlight a few of the ongoing and often under-the-radar programs that happen here at The Star of the North and thank you for helping us connect folks to these resources.

• Twilight Recovery Evenings meet the second Thursday of each month and are open to anyone either in a 12 Step Program or loving one who is, as well as anyone wanting to learn more about addictions and the recovery process. Facilitated Bishop Sylvain, OMI, these evenings combine input, support group sharing and prayer. You are invited to participate in this exciting venture of faith, fellowship and personal growth. Their next meeting is Thursday, February 8 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Suggested donation: $20. www.starofthenorth.ca/twilight
  
  
• Centering Prayer Group is a weekly drop-in for those wanting to grow in the practice of contemplative prayer. This group meets in Our Lady of Good Counsel Chapel at The Star of the North every Tuesday from 2:00-3:00 pm with facilitator Jerry Moran. This gathering includes a set time of silence alongside teachings drawn from classic Christian traditions and Contemplative Outreach resources. Suggested donation: $20.
  
  
• Coping With Loss: Bereavement Support Group gathers for seven weeks on a seasonal basis with trained grief workshop facilitator Wanda Lehman. This group provides a safe environment for those who are bereaved; to share stories, gain support through one other and learn strategies to assist in coping with issues associated with their personal grief journeys. This April we hope to offer both a Wednesday afternoon and evening group: Wednesdays, April 9 to May 21, 1:00 to 2:30 pm OR 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Registration: $150. www.starofthenorth.ca/bereavement 

Registration Closing February 9th

Registration for the following two events will close this Friday at noon:

• Sacred Land Retreat - Join gifted presenter Lewis Cardinal, Project Manager of the first designated urban Indigenous ceremony grounds in Canada, as he weaves together storytelling, wisdom, and experience from his long track record in Indigenous education, media production, and public service. Lewis will lead a reflective retreat this Saturday, February 10, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, exploring the value of Indigenous healing practices and how communities thrive when they have a strong and vibrant connection to culture and traditions. Registration: In-Person $130 | Online $90.00. www.starofthenorth.ca/cardinal
  
  
• St. Valentine’s & Ash Wednesday Star Community Luncheon - Come celebrate St. Valentine and begin your Lenten journey with friends, family and loved ones next week at our St. Valentine’s & Ash Wednesday Community Luncheon on February 14th (between noon and 2 pm). A delicious meal of fish and potatoes will salads and desert will be prepared by our Star kitchen staff. Meal cost is $21.50. Register as an individual, a couple, or reserve an entire group table. All are welcome to attend the Ash Wednesday Eucharist at 11:15 am with Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, OMI in the Star Chapel. www.starofthenorth.ca/valentine