Aurora Living: Word & Creation

FORMAT

Aurora Living is a two-year formation journey comprised of six unique modules offered both in-person or online. Each three-month module includes:

• an opening retreat weekend
• two Saturday retreats (1 per month)
• two small-group Wisdom circles (1 per month)
• monthly readings and videos
• Optional spiritual direction (up to 3 sessions)

Inclusive of everyone, we invite you to consider joining us on this journey of hope and action! Do you have a higher-education goal? Contact us about how Aurora Living can contribute to your Master’s degree.

MODULES 

Creation: Stories of Beginnings
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2024 
Presenters: Rick Faw, Harry Lafond, Ron Rolheiser and Maureen Wild

Opening Retreat Weekend: September 27-29, 2024
Mid-Gathering: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Final-Gathering: Saturday, November 23, 2024

Wilderness: The Journey to Wholeness
JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2025
Presenters: Debbie Rolfes, Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan, Ron Rolheiser and Maureen Wild

Opening Retreat Weekend: January 24-26, 2025
Mid-Gathering: Friday/Saturday, February 21-22, 2025
Final-Gathering: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Psalms & Wisdom: The Wells We Drink From
APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2025
Presenters: Steve Bell, Gisele Bauche, Ron Rolheiser and Maureen Wild

Opening Retreat Weekend: April 25-27, 2025
Mid-Gathering: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Final-Gathering: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Truth-Telling: Finding Our Prophetic Voice
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2025

Opening Retreat Weekend: September 26-28, 2025
Mid-Gathering: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Final-Gathering: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Good News: An Invitation to Everyone
JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2026

Opening Retreat Weekend: January 16-18, 2026
Mid-Gathering: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Final-Gathering: Saturday, March 14, 2026

New Community: Together Toward New Creation
APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2026

Opening Retreat Weekend: April 10-12, 2026
Mid-Gathering: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Final-Gathering: Saturday, June 6, 2026

“Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (Gal 5:13) 

Aurora Living deepened my understanding of Scripture and the world we live in. The knowledge shared by various presenters, experts in their fields, helped open up the realities of the world we live in, and the effects humanity has had on Creation. Every time, I leave our retreats with hope, as well as actions I can take to better align my daily life with the call Jesus left us. - 2025 Program Graduate

This program took a leap of faith but widely and richly opened many doors! There are several things that I appreciate such as the multiple paths of beliefs covered, the meaningful and respectful conversations, the resources provided in the online library and the team dedicated to supporting participants. Threaded throughout are words of scripture, contemplative practices and issues pertaining to our natural and social environments. Finally is the possibility to grow in self-awareness and individual soul search, all under the umbrella of Love! - 2024 Program Graduate

“The wide variety of speakers that excel in their field and the knowledge of all the participants is so enlightening. The program gave us hands-on participation models that not only expanded the teachings but allowed us to express our own ideas. I would recommend Aurora Living to anybody.” - Online Participant

Participation in Aurora Living has been an enriching journey that integrated Sacred Scripture, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’, and diverse perspectives from Christian, Indigenous, and other faith traditions. The program encourages a contemplative lifestyle in response to the call to love and serve our global family and care for our common home.

Aurora Living has afforded me the opportunity to hear unique perspectives from a variety of presenters, spend time in personal reflection and in community with others while considering my role and responsibility to live in relationship with each other and the environment. Additional resources, such as books, online materials and small group discussions enriched the experience and deepened my understanding of the issues facing today’s world and my role to protect the planet through daily actions and decisions. - 2025 Graduate

Three years ago, I embarked on a spiritual journey that exceeded all my expectations. Aurora Living is a spiritual formation program that integrates Scripture, Catholic social teaching, and our relationship with Christ through encounters with the lived experiences of individuals from diverse traditions and backgrounds, with a special emphasis on the wisdom of our Indigenous brothers and sisters. These profound testimonies have illuminated my own faith journey and revealed God’s plans for my life.

All creation is inherently good, true, and beautiful, and God calls us to respond to injustice in ways that are life-giving and instill hope. Through this journey, I have discovered an abundance of hope; countless individuals, through their personal journeys, are bringing hope and peace to their communities in unique ways. It is within these seeds of hope that voices needing to be heard can flourish, ultimately growing into unstoppable movements.

If you were to ask if my life has changed, I might say that externally it appears much the same. However, internally, I know my heart has transformed. My confidence to take a stand when it truly matters, with love in my heart and unwavering resolve, has significantly grown. - 2025 Graduate

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What will I take away from this?

A transformed, integral life that joins faith and action together for the common good. A deeper sense of belonging and commitment with God, others, and creation. A certificate is awarded upon completion. Ask how Aurora might contribute to a Master’s degree or higher-education goal.

Who is this for?

Aurora is for those who desire a living, deepening relationship with Holy Mystery. The program is open to Christians willing to engage in the inner work of integrating contemplative prayer and social practice.

How do I apply?

If you are new to Aurora Living, please complete a one-time application and submit a spiritual reference before choosing a tuition option APPLICATION LINK HERE. Application inquires can be emailed to programs@starofthenorth.ca

Can I apply for a single module? Do I have to start the program at the beginning?

One of our goals with the program is to build a core of participants that will journey together for the full two-years and thus graduate together. At the beginning of a new cycle (September 2024), our promotional emphasis is on building this core group. That being said, we recognize the need for flexibility and are open to having folks join us mid-way, or even select just a module or two. Please reach out for an option that might work best for you.

Vision: Awaken Spirit – Transform the World

Guided by Laudato Si, sacred teachings and wisdom traditions, Aurora Living aims at learning, integrating and practicing a contemplative way of living in response to the call to love and serve our global family and to care for our common home.

Mission

Recognizing as common to all spirituality the longing for depth and communion, our goals are inspired by the universal wisdom contained in the Christian, Indigenous and other faith traditions, as communicated through Scriptures, guiding us to union with God, each other and creation.  

Goals: Love in Truth & Action

• Heart – Discern our path with God in the world through prayer and reflection
• Soul – Deepen our awe and wonder through faith-based celebrations and rituals
• Strength – Integrate faith and daily living by participating as active agents of social transformation for the common good
• Mind – Grow in spiritual wisdom through learning and experiencing the impact of the Scriptures and Mystical traditions
• Neighbour as Yourself – Communicate and practice in our relationships with each other and creation, attitudes of kindness and mercy
• As Jesus Loved – Nurture an awareness of the Person of Jesus to transform our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions into a commitment of self to each other and creation.

“You shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your strength,

and with all your mind;

and your neighbour as yourself.”

 

~ Jesus, Luke 10:27 ~