Shrouded in legend and imbued with romance, the Celtic lands have produced a surprising number of saints and spiritual guides, both ancient and contemporary.  In our day, as Christians seek ways to care for God's good creation, a healthy and balanced relationship between men and women, and a spirituality that links the quest for holiness with an embodied sense of the love of God — again and again, the Celts emerge as meaningful and sure-footed guides.  Themes such as hospitality, pilgrimage, the sacredness of nature and the loving presence of the Divine mystery will inform our conversation and our shared prayer.

Guest presenter:  Carl McColman is a renowned author, speaker and professed lay Cistercian at Holy Spirit Monastery.  (www.carlmccolman.net)

This session will also be open to the public.

Ecological spirituality begins, as any spirituality must, by authenticating conscientious practice.  This class will focus on being collaborators with our Creator as we discover what it means to be a caring steward of the earth.

Guest presenter:  Sr. Rose Marie Tresp, RSM, certified climate ambassador.  (www.sistersofmercy.org/south-central)

This class is designed to equip you with the skills to write the story of your life with the Holy.  A spiritual experience that will focus on your life’s journey, this writing will include reflections on significant events, people and places that have influenced your relationship with God, others and yourself.

Guest presenter:  Dr. Barbara L. Peacock, BLP Ministries.  (www.barbaralpeacock.com)

Having contemplated the meaning of Jesus’ life, we now turn to the question of how we are called to follow his ways of peace, love, justice, simplicity, and non-violence.   How and what am I invited by God to live, to be?

Guest presenter:  Greg Jarrell, Family Tree Intentional Community.  (www.qcfamilytree.org)

It was God’s choice to become human, to take on the limitations that implied.  Yet, it is in this action that God raises our human potential.  What can we learn from the Incarnation?  We’ll be delving into the meaning of soteriology, Jesus’ baptism, and ministry from an incarnational/Ignatian point of view.  Short film with discussion.

The first meeting will begin with the differences between religion and spirituality.  Religion is a container, a crucible for spirituality, the experience of God, which keeps it grounded and anchored in reality.  Then through listening and journaling, through contemplation and sharing we will explore the spiritual journey and the longing we feel for a deeper relationship with God.

Guest speakers: Interfaith panel from the Charlotte community.