This retreat invites us to experience ourselves as Loved by God. As people of faith we come to a time of retreat with all our love and longings, our dreams and fears. We long to be drawn more deeply into the Heart of God where we can live with greater joy the gift of each day. We come with our need for new hope and greater understanding of our world in crisis (at a turning point) and a desire to know how to respond. In this retreat we will contemplate the wonderous Revelation occurring in our time - the discovery of the origin and nature of our vast, exquisite, evolving,
Sacred Universe in which God is intimately involved with us! We will contemplate the wisdom and Love in which we are immersed which will give new meaning to life, expand our hearts, and draw us more deeply into the Heart of God.

About Mary Southard, CSJ
Mary Southard is a Sister of St. Joseph, an artist and an experienced educator, retreat facilitator and spiritual companion. Mary has been exploring the Sacred nature of Life and its origins through art and reflection for several decades, and has facilitated numerous retreats with groups of women and men, religious and lay here in the United States, in Ireland, Wales, Canada and Australia. She is particularly aware of the new sense of wisdom, energy and hope which the Story of the Universe ignites in people of all ages.

Note:  This retreat will be preceded by a Summer Institute July 10 - 11. You may wish to extend your visit at The Well to include this institute "God's Unfinished Story.". 

In this retreat, painting and reflecting will be in the context of the Universe Story and its impact on and transformation of our sense of meaning at nearly every level. Painting provides a way of more deeply and lovingly entering into and experiencing an unfolding within our own souls. Each day includes an input session in the morning, and a closing "wisdom circle" ritual in the evening. Participants are asked

to "tune in" to and follow their own inner rhythms and creativity in scheduling their sleep, exercise, walk, paint, and reflection as each feels moved. Retreatants paint in silence, which provides a safe and holy space for each one, and a heightened and shared energy. Outside of the painting space and meeting space, silence is according to your choice. Bring your favorite brushes if you have any, an apron and a journal.

All other materials are provided.

About Mary Southard, CSJ (See above)