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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for St. Raphaela Center
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261001
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261101
DTSTAMP:20260829T201632Z
CREATED:20221003T192635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T201632Z
UID:1751-1790812800-1793491199@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:October Days of Prayer
DESCRIPTION:We have at least one day set aside each month for individuals to come and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Center. The retreat may begin with a common opening prayer to set the tone for the day\, after which retreatants are free to spend their time in personal prayer or quiet reflection. It may also include the celebration of the Eucharist. The Center is also often available so that you can come on other days to make a private day of prayer. Spiritual direction may also be available upon request. If you are interested in spiritual direction or the use of a bedroom\, please confirm with the Center that there is availability before making payment. \nDates: October 1-2\, 8-12\, 15\, 19\, 21\, & 26-31 \nCost: $15+ (depending on choice of services) \nRegister (include meals) \nRegister (no meals) \nInterested in a longer retreat-type experience in your daily life? Maybe our Busy Person's Retreat is for you! \nIf you are interested in an overnight retreat\, please inquire at info@straphaelacenter.org for availability.
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/october-days-of-prayer/
CATEGORIES:Days of Prayer
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T120000
DTSTAMP:20260923T010359Z
CREATED:20260829T210418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T010359Z
UID:3679-1791622800-1791633600@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:CANCELED: Ecological Examen
DESCRIPTION:WE UNFORTUNATELY NEED TO CANCEL THIS PROGRAM BUT HOPE TO OFFER IT IN THE FUTURE!\nAn English/Spanish Bilingual Mini-Retreat \nWe will walk together in nature and practice the beautiful spiritual exercise of the Ecological Examen\, following the tradition of Ignatian Spirituality. \nWe will meet at the Community Recreation & Environmental Center (CREC) in the Haverford Reserve: 9000 Parkview Dr\, Haverford\, PA 19041.\nIt features hiking trails and breathtaking views in 120 acres of preserved woodlands. \nThis is a commitment of approximately three hours\, including a leisurely walk with several stops—we will pause about six times for moments of prayer—as part of the Ecological Examen exercise. \nWe will begin this free offering promptly at 9:00 a.m. and finish around 12:00 p.m. \nPlease wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Each person is responsible for bringing their own water and a light snack (as needed). \nWe will also have a Community Planting Day from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the same day (October 10). If you are interested in participating in both offerings\, we will provide lunch! \n\nCaminaremos juntos en la naturaleza y practicaremos juntos el hermoso ejercicio espiritual del Examen Ecológico según la tradición de la Espiritualidad Ignaciana. \nNos reuniremos en el Community Recreation & Environmental Center (CREC)\, ubicado en Haverford Reserve: 9000 Parkview Dr\, Haverford\, PA 19041.\nEl lugar cuenta con senderos para caminatas y vistas impresionantes\, todo ello en 120 acres de zonas boscosas protegidas. \nEste es un compromiso de cerca de 3 horas. Será una caminata tranquila con varias paradas (haremos unas 6 paradas/momentos de oración) dentro del Ejercicio del Examen Ecológico. \nEs una oferta gratis. Empezamos puntualmente a las 9:00 a.m. y terminamos a eso de las 12:00 p.m. \nRequiere ropa y calzado cómodo. Cada persona es responsable de traer su agua y comida liviana (según necesiten). \nTambién tendremos una jornada comunitaria de plantación de 1:00 p. m. a 3:00 p. m. ese mismo día (10 de octubre). Si le interesa participar en ambas actividades\, ¡ofreceremos el almuerzo!
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/ecological-examen-walking-with-creation-caminando-con-la-creacion/
CATEGORIES:Ignatian Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sticker-Retiro-con-la-Creacion.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T150000
DTSTAMP:20260923T010434Z
CREATED:20260914T193737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T010434Z
UID:3682-1791637200-1791644400@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Community Planting Day - Living Waters
DESCRIPTION:This planting day will be dedicated to learning about and caring for the Watershed. \n\n\nThis year's Season of Creation asks us to consider Living Water. Every drop of rain that falls here goes somewhere: into the ground\, or off it and downstream. What we do on this land is already part of a much larger body of water we share with everyone below us. Roots and leaf litter are how hard ground heals enough to hold what falls on it\, so we will spend the afternoon planting shrubs and ground covers. No experience needed. Come dressed for the dirt! \n\n\nWe Need Your Hands! We are transforming the grounds at St. Raphaela Center into a haven for local biodiversity\, and we need volunteers to help us get these plants in the ground. This is a great activity to join the Church in prayer and celebration of the Season of Creation! \n\nWhen: Saturday\, October 10\nTime: 1:00pm - 3:00pm\nWhere: We will meet outside the dining hall.\nWhat to bring: Garden gloves\, a trowel (if you have one)\, a reusable water bottle\, and sun protection.\n\nPlease register so we know how many to expect!
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/community-planting-day-living-waters/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261011T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261011T183000
DTSTAMP:20260822T140033Z
CREATED:20250921T010448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260822T140033Z
UID:3117-1791736200-1791743400@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:The Mass That Takes Its Time
DESCRIPTION:Looking to slow down and actually be present at the Mass? Us too. \nWe're delighted to share that we are beginning a monthly Sunday liturgy that values spacious contemplation\, where silence is savored and community is built. \nSpace will be created for 20 minutes of guided personal reflection and open-format faith sharing. We'll listen to the Spirit\, acknowledge each other\, and let the Word sink in. We'll gather around the Eucharistic Table without urgency in order to truly receive. We'll be sent forth in resistant hope to return to our lives renewed and refreshed. Mass will be between 90-120 minutes. \nAll are welcome to also BYO picnic dinner/snacks/beverages for optional fellowship and community in the dining room (or outdoors) after Mass. \nOur celebrant this month will be Fr. Ray Donaldson\, SJ. We look forward to praying with you!
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/the-mass-that-takes-its-time-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T203000
DTSTAMP:20260822T135855Z
CREATED:20250131T170626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260822T135855Z
UID:2866-1792006200-1792009800@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Taizé Prayer with Adoration
DESCRIPTION:The practice of contemplative prayer opens us to encounter and to be formed by this love that is poured out. Taizé worship is a contemplative communal prayer service that consists of meditative singing\, Scripture reading\, and periods of silence in order to reach a contemplative state. It is an international movement\, inspired by an ecumenical interspiritual community in France. At St. Raphaela Center\, we integrate our charism of Eucharistic Adoration with this contemplative worship. \nCome to join us for a monthly Taizé prayer\, including Eucharistic Adoration that will extend in silence until 9pm after the hour-long Taizé service. \nTaizé Dates: 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30pm. Adoration continues until 9pm. \nAll are welcome – no reservations required.
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/taize-prayer-with-adoration-3/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T160000
DTSTAMP:20260825T133936Z
CREATED:20260825T133936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T133936Z
UID:3623-1792328400-1792339200@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:SoulCollage® in Autumn: Harvesting the Gifts Within
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to a Sunday afternoon of SoulCollage® and community. Through simple collage-making and reflective dialogue\, you are invited to explore what is coming to fruition in your life. What is ripening within you\, ready to be noticed and welcomed - perhaps growth\, gratitude\, healing\, release\, acceptance\, or something unexpected? "Blessed are you\, autumn\, your harvesting time has come. As we gather your riches into our barns\, reveal to us our own inner riches waiting to be harvested." Joyce Rupp\, O.S.M.\, & Macrina Wiederkehr\, O.S.B.\, "Autumn Blessing" SoulCollage® is a gentle\, contemplative practice that helps us notice what has been quietly growing within and is ready to come to fruition. Whether you are new to SoulCollage® or have experience creating and dialoguing with your cards\, you are welcome in this spirit-filled circle of creativity\, reflection\, and shared discovery. Come with curiosity and leave with a deeper appreciation for the wisdom and richness already within you. \nRegister by October 16
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/soulcollage-in-autumn-harvesting-the-gifts-within/
CATEGORIES:Art & Spirituality
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Soul-Collage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261115T160000
DTSTAMP:20260915T145310Z
CREATED:20260915T015902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T145310Z
UID:3695-1792332000-1794758400@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Embodied Spiritual Exercises
DESCRIPTION:The Embodied Spiritual Exercises is a five-week introduction to and extension of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Originally developed by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century\, the Spiritual Exercises are a series of prayers\, meditations\, and contemplations designed to help us grow in freedom and discern how to partner with God in daily life.\n\nThis series approaches the Exercises through the lens of embodiment\, inviting participants to engage the wisdom of the body. Although Ignatian spirituality encourages us to use our senses in prayer\, we often prioritize the intellect and imagination over other sensory experiences. By incorporating gentle somatic practices\, this series offers a more holistic experience of Ignatian prayer.\n\n\nEach two hour session will include movement\, prayer\, reflection\, and conversation. The first session will introduce participants to the foundations of the Spiritual Exercises and to embodied prayer. The next four sessions will explore somatic practices that follow the four major sections (called “weeks”) of the Exercises\, touching on themes such as desire\, discernment\, compassion\, suffering\, and interior freedom. Our final gathering will also provide space to reflect and consider how these practices can continue to nourish our everyday lives. \nThis series is designed as an accessible introduction for those new to the Spiritual Exercises\, while also offering fresh depth for those already familiar with Ignatian spirituality. No prior experience is necessary and all bodies welcome. \nSundays from 2-4pm (October 18\, 25\, November 1\, 8\, & 15) \nRegistration by October 11
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/embodied-spiritual-exercises/
CATEGORIES:Ignatian Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Embodied-Spiritual-Exercises-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261020T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261020T150000
DTSTAMP:20260625T201957Z
CREATED:20260625T201957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T201957Z
UID:3605-1792486800-1792508400@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Spiritual Directors Circle: Spiritual Guidance Across Faith Traditions
DESCRIPTION:The Spiritual Directors Circle of Delaware Valley presents\, \nSpiritual Guidance Across Faith Traditions\nFor the majority of religions\, spiritual guidance has been offered only within one’s own tradition—Catholics provided guidance for Catholics\, Buddhists for Buddhists\, etc. But increasingly\, people are expanding their spiritual direction practices to include people of other traditions\, and none. Our presenter\, John Mabry\, has been training people in the art of offering spiritual guidance “across traditions” for more than twenty years at the interfaith seminary\, the Chaplaincy Institute (www.chaplaincyinstitute.org). \nIn this lecture\, John offers a glimpse into theological ideas helpful in doing such work\, along with insights gleaned from his own practice of guiding people of various religious and spiritual persuasions. For this event\, we are pleased to offer a remote online option for those who are unable to attend in person. Please indicate this choice in your registration. You will be sent a link to use to sign in to the event; we will provide online break-out rooms for the discussion. \nEvent Details\n \nSchedule for the day: \n9:00 am – 11:30 am (in-person only): St. Raphaela Center welcomes all for optional contemplative time (arrive at any time)\n11:30 am – 1:00 pm (in-person only): “Catch up” time followed by lunch at noon\n1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Presentation\, Q & A\, Small Groups and Closing \nCost: \n\n$50 includes lunch\n$35 if you are bringing your own lunch or for the online option\n\nREGISTER by October 16
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/spiritual-directors-circle-spiritual-guidance-across-faith-traditions/
CATEGORIES:Spiritual Director Formation
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261030T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261101T110000
DTSTAMP:20260827T205604Z
CREATED:20260901T040119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T205604Z
UID:3550-1793376000-1793530800@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Fall Directed Retreat Weekend II 2026
DESCRIPTION:A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God's voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes.  Each director possesses the necessary skills to guide their directees compassionately and peacefully\, allowing them to listen to God’s voice and to journey closely with their loving God\, both within the retreat setting and going forth into their daily lives.  The number\, nature and length of periods of formal prayer each day will depend upon the ability and needs of the individual and will be determined in conversation with the director. Retreatants are provided suggested scripture passages tailored to their own prayer. Ideally retreatants will have some experience in meditative prayer\, the desire to enter into prolonged silence\, and sufficient self-awareness to recognize their own inward movements. All retreatants have the opportunity for daily liturgy and reconciliation. \nDate: October 30-November 1\, 2026 \nTime: Starting at 4:00pm \nCost: $270 \nRegister here by October 25
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/fall-directed-retreat-weekend-ii-2026/
CATEGORIES:Silent Directed Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Autumn-leaf-768x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261030T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261106T110000
DTSTAMP:20260514T223406Z
CREATED:20250410T202657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T223406Z
UID:2965-1793376000-1793962800@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Fall Directed Retreat II 2026
DESCRIPTION:A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God's voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes.  Each director possesses the necessary skills to guide their directees compassionately and peacefully\, allowing them to listen to God’s voice and to journey closely with their loving God\, both within the retreat setting and going forth into their daily lives.  The number\, nature and length of periods of formal prayer each day will depend upon the ability and needs of the individual and will be determined in conversation with the director. Retreatants are provided suggested scripture passages tailored to their own prayer. Ideally retreatants will have some experience in meditative prayer\, the desire to enter into prolonged silence\, and sufficient self-awareness to recognize their own inward movements. All retreatants have the opportunity for daily liturgy and reconciliation. \nDate: October 30 to November 6\, 2026 \nTime: Starting at 4:00pm \nCost: $650 - $750 (depending on room choice) \nREGISTER by October 23
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/fall-directed-retreat-ii-2026/
CATEGORIES:Silent Directed Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Autumn-leaf-768x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261108T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261108T183000
DTSTAMP:20260914T040607Z
CREATED:20251009T154245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T040607Z
UID:3186-1794155400-1794162600@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:The Mass That Takes Its Time
DESCRIPTION:Looking to slow down and actually be present at the Mass? Us too. \nWe're delighted to share that we are beginning a monthly Sunday liturgy that values spacious contemplation\, where silence is savored and community is built. \nSpace will be created for 20 minutes of guided personal reflection and open-format faith sharing. We'll listen to the Spirit\, acknowledge each other\, and let the Word sink in. We'll gather around the Eucharistic Table without urgency in order to truly receive. We'll be sent forth in resistant hope to return to our lives renewed and refreshed. Mass will be between 90-120 minutes. \nAll are welcome to also BYO picnic dinner/snacks/beverages for optional fellowship and community in the dining room (or outdoors) after Mass. \nGoing forward\, we'll aim to host The Mass That Takes Its Time on the 2nd Sunday of the month. \nOur celebrant this month will be Fr. Ray Donaldson\, SJ. We look forward to praying with you!
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/the-mass-that-takes-its-time-3/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261108T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261108T203000
DTSTAMP:20260914T083012Z
CREATED:20250131T170443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T083012Z
UID:2864-1794166200-1794169800@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Taizé Prayer with Adoration
DESCRIPTION:"[In the cross] we see definitively revealed the only divine omnipotence that can claim to correspond with a God of love: an omnipotence whose face bears the expression of a limitless love that nothing can quench\, discourage or prevent from pouring itself out inexhaustibly" (Brother Emmanuel of Taizé). \nThe practice of contemplative prayer opens us to encounter and to be formed by this love that is poured out. Taizé worship is a contemplative communal prayer service that consists of meditative singing\, Scripture reading\, and periods of silence in order to reach a contemplative state. It is an international movement\, inspired by an ecumenical interspiritual community in France. At St. Raphaela Center\, we integrate our charism of Eucharistic Adoration with this contemplative worship. \nSpecial for this month: We'll celebrate the Deacon St. Phoebe in this month of her feast day (September 3) during our Taizé service.  In her honor\, St. Raphaela Center is participating in Phoebe Fall and hosting an educational forum about women\, service\, and the Catholic church prior to Taizé\, beginning at 6pm (a light dinner will be available at 5:30pm).  Find more information HERE. \nCome to join us for a monthly Taizé prayer\, including Eucharistic Adoration that will extend in silence until 9pm after the hour-long Taizé service. \nDates: 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30pm. Adoration continues until 9pm. \n All are welcome - no reservations required.
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/taize-prayer-with-adoration-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261115T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261115T160000
DTSTAMP:20260914T194622Z
CREATED:20260914T194622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T194622Z
UID:3621-1794735000-1794758400@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Holding Space: A Faciliator Development Circle
DESCRIPTION:This will be a development retreat for facilitators of retreats and programs of all types. We will explore together the art and practice of holding space for others as we deepen our facilitator gifts for offering programs. In a circle of companions\, with discussion\, reflection\, experiential exercises\, and peer learning\, facilitators will strengthen their capacity to create welcoming\, supportive\, and transformative experiences for others. Topics include presence and deep listening; creating safety and trust; navigating emotions and group dynamics; and boundaries and facilitator self-awareness. Pre-reading is Holding Space by Heather Plett\, and we will be guided by this book. \nSunday\, November 15\, 9:30 to 4:00pm \nThe cost of participating in this workshop is $70. \nRegistration by November 8
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/holding-space-a-faciliator-development-circle/
CATEGORIES:Spiritual Director Formation
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261120T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261122T110000
DTSTAMP:20260914T212824Z
CREATED:20260914T195250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T212824Z
UID:3558-1795190400-1795345200@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Food & Faith Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Join our house chef\, Steven\, for a hands-on weekend retreat of cooking\, community and conversation as we explore how our faith calls us to break bread with each other. This 2-night experience will include several different communal cooking activities (including with the wood-fire pizza oven!)\, conversations about the place food has held in our lives and in our faith\, and time for personal reflection and meditation. It is the perfect way to feed your hungry soul and get into the Advent spirit of waiting with open hearts and active hands! \nFor I was hungry and you gave me something to eat\, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink\, I was a stranger and you invited me in. (Matthew 25:35) \nREGISTER by November 15
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/food-faith-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Art & Spirituality
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screen-Shot-2023-05-03-at-9.48.39-AM-1536x1119.png.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261201T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261201T150000
DTSTAMP:20260914T213839Z
CREATED:20260914T213839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T213839Z
UID:3635-1796113800-1796137200@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Advent Day of Prayer: Prepare Him Room
DESCRIPTION:A guided day of prayer\, silence\, and conversation — a spacious time to reflect on the mystery of God made flesh through art and poetry. To care is to prepare. As we ready our homes to welcome guests\, we’re invited to ready our hearts to welcome the True Guest\, Christ himself. Together we’ll pause amid the season’s busyness to listen\, create\, and open our hearts to the hope and wonder of Advent. \nRegistration by November 25
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/advent-day-of-prayer-prepare-him-room/
CATEGORIES:Advent Program
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Advent-2-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261204T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261206T130000
DTSTAMP:20260915T021408Z
CREATED:20260915T021408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T021408Z
UID:3553-1796400000-1796562000@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Advent Directed Retreat Weekend 2026
DESCRIPTION:A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God’s voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director twice for approximately 45 minutes.  Each director possesses the necessary skills to guide their directees compassionately and peacefully\, allowing them to listen to God’s voice and to journey closely with their loving God\, both within the retreat setting and going forth into their daily lives.  The number\, nature and length of periods of formal prayer each day will depend upon the ability and needs of the individual and will be determined in conversation with the director. Retreatants are provided suggested scripture passages tailored to their own prayer. Ideally retreatants will have some experience in meditative prayer\, the desire to enter into prolonged silence\, and sufficient self-awareness to recognize their own inward movements. All retreatants have the opportunity for daily liturgy and reconciliation. \nDate: December 4 - 6\, 2026 \nTime: Starting at 4:00pm; Ending December 6 after lunch \nRegistration by November 29\n 
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/advent-directed-retreat-weekend-2026/
CATEGORIES:Advent Program,Silent Directed Retreat
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261204T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261206T130000
DTSTAMP:20261006T174322Z
CREATED:20261006T173343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261006T174322Z
UID:3717-1796400000-1796562000@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Advent Abundance in Enough-ness: A Guided Weekend Retreat
DESCRIPTION:“Within abundance lies the belief that what you need will be available when you need it.” \nAdvent is the spiritual season of hopeful expectation and preparation for the coming of Christ. However\, in our modern secular society it can feel more like a precursor to permissive end-of-year capitalistic consumption. When we live\, move\, and have our being in a culture steeped in a market economy\, it is easy to slide down a slippery slope into assumptions of scarcity and competition\, instead of staying rooted in a theology of abundance and collaboration. Using the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer\, we’ll consider G-d’s economy and how we are invited to participate in holy gift-giving systems for mutual flourishing. Through radical acceptance of what we have\, instead of focusing on what we want but don’t have\, perhaps we can encourage one another this Advent season to recognize G-d’s extravagant enough-ness and cultivate our own prodigal practices of gratitude. \nPreparatory expectations for attendees include reading The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer in advance of the retreat. Purchase of the book is included in the registration fee and available to be picked up at the Center\, or shipped for an additional cost. \nDate: December 4 – 6\, 2026 \nTime: Starting at 4:00pm; Ending December 6 after lunch \nRegister here by November 29
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/advent-abundance-in-enough-ness-a-guided-weekend-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Advent Program
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261209T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261209T203000
DTSTAMP:20260915T144524Z
CREATED:20260915T143458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T144524Z
UID:3556-1796828400-1796848200@www.straphaelacenter.org
SUMMARY:Christmas Market & Advent Taize
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a wonderful evening of creativity\, community\, and seasonal cheer! We welcome old and new friends to walk through our decorated home\, sample delicious treats from our chef\, browse handmade gifts from visiting artist vendors\, connect with neighbors and friends\, and encounter God’s love through our Advent prayer service and Taize prayer service in the chapel. \n\n3:00 to 8:30pm - Christmas Market Open: local artists & vendors selling handmade gifts\n6:00 - Advent Reflection in the Chapel (25 minutes)\n7:30 - Taize Prayer Service: Songs\, Silence and Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel (1 hour)\n\nThe event is free to enter and open to the public! Financial donations are welcome and appreciated to sustain and grow our ministry! \n  \nThe Vendor Application Is OPEN & will close on November 11th.  \nChristmas Raffle & Cookie Pre-Order Coming Soon!  \nQuestions? Contact us at info@straphaelacenter.org \n 
URL:https://www.straphaelacenter.org/event/christmas-market-advent-taize-4/
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