MARCH 2021
Transfiguration Spirituality Center
News and Update
Week of March 1, 2021
We are grateful that the Convent Sisters have all been vaccinated, as well as much of the staff. However, because of ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus, TSC will be closed to guests at least through April 2021. Thanks to the generosity of the Sisters of the Community of the Transfiguration, our staff is able to continue working. We are preparing over 1500 meals a month for several feeding ministries in the greater Cincinnati area. If you would like to donate to the feeding ministry, please visit our website and use the 'donate/payment' tab or send a check to the Community of the Transfiguration, 495 Albion Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Please note the check is for "Food for the Soul".
CHECK OUT OUR RETREAT OFFERINGS - STILL ROOM FOR MARCH 6 "WHAT IS MINE TO DO" WITH WESTINA MATTHEWS!
Benignitas, Simplicitas, Hilaritas
Generosity, Simplicity, and Joy

This motto of the Community of the Transfiguration is the lens through which TSC and its staff view our place in the world. Mother Eva, the Foundress of the Community, defined Benignitas as a quality of graciousness that emphasizes the spirit of outgoing, disinterested generosity and kindness that must pervade all our actions. Simplicitas (Simplicity) she defined as the expression of singleness of purpose that keeps our mind and heart free to make Christ the focal point of life and thought. And Hilaritas is described as joy woven of kindness and simplicity…reflected in the cheerfulness of our words and actions….

Two years ago, the Housekeeping and TSC kitchen staff decided to adopt a family for Christmas. With the help of the leadership of the St. Monica’s Recreation Center in Lincoln Heights, OH (St. Monica’s is also a ministry of the Sisters), a family was identified and a gift list was requested. The head of the household—a widowed grandmother raising 3 grandchildren-- requested ‘a heater’. We learned that for 5 years the family had been without central heat, living with small space heaters in a few rooms in the house. Inquiries began, and the process of discovering what was needed unfolded. Over the last 14 months we have pursued the goal of providing central heat to this family. On March 1, the homeowner called with the words “Thank you so much. For the first time in 7 years the heat is on. It is wonderful and I am so grateful.”

Graciousness came through a small idea, a seed that was planted to provide a nice Christmas for a family expecting very little.
Simplicity kept our eyes on the prize, overcoming hurdle after hurdle, and negotiating lots of different steps to get the heat turned on.
Joy came in the morning, when the culmination of the work of many partners ushered in central heat on March 1.

Perhaps this story, this motto, or both, can serve as an inspiration in your life. Where do you experience generosity, and where do you find yourself being generous? How is living simply reflected in the focus of your day to day world? “Joy comes with the Morning” says the Psalmist (Ps. 30.5). Is cheerfulness reflected in our words and actions? Are we able to celebrate with others in their joy?

As we hope to leave the worst of the pandemic behind us, may you find the qualities of grace, simplicity, and joy in your life.

Musings from Anne Reed, Executive Director
Upcoming Retreats
What is Mine to Do? led by Westina Matthews
via Zoom

As we journey towards Easter, we are invited to begin to discern what is ours to do. Join us as we begin to listen with our spiritual hearts and hear what God is asking of us. 

March 6, 2021
9:30 am to 4 pm with breaks and small groups discussion.

On his deathbed, Saint Francis of Assisi told his brothers: "I have done what was mine to do, may Christ now teach you what you are to do." As we begin to move beyond this time of isolation, let us journey together to explore the question of “what is mine to do?” through prayer, journaling, quiet reflection, music, and interactive sharing. Gather for a time of replenishment that will help you live into hope. You will leave with resources and suggested practices for supporting your faith walk. 

Cost is $30. Register on line at www.ctretreats.org or email ctretreats@gmail.com.

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The Associates Retreat is now open to everyone!
April 16-17, 2021

Nurturing Hope: Practices for Our Times
Friday, April 16, 6:30 - 8:00 pm Eastern Time
Saturday, April 17 10:30 am - 4:30 pm Eastern Time
(breaks and reflection will be scattered througout the day)

Nurturing Hope: Practices for Our Times, created and facilitated by Gillian Ahlgren, offers an opportunity to consider insights from visionaries of the past, to reflect on the inner dynamics of personal and communal transformation; and to re-connect with others seeking wisdom, inspiration, and creative energy in these challenging times. Reflective time will help us to see what Teilhard de Chardin called “the slow work of God” in us, as individuals and as communities, to ask questions that will guide us toward greater creativity, and to be instruments and ambassadors of hope,
not because we believe in what seems impossible, but because we do what needs to be done.

Donations of $25 are welcome but not required.
Register on line at www.ctretreats.org or email ctretreats@gmail.com.

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Mark your calendars for retreats sponsored by TSC later this year
Details will be amplified in future newsletters.

Mindfulness Retreat in Nature, led by Dr. Mattie Decker via Zoom
June 12, 2021

Anxiety and Spirituality: Finding Calm after the Storm, led by Jason and Dena Hobbs
September 11, 2021

Through the Lens of Faith, led by documentary film producer Martin Doblmeier.
November 5-6, 2021

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Retreats held by others:
Happening NOW:
Contemplative Knitting during Lent with Julie Anne Cicora. Julie offers a Lenten practice using knitting as a way into prayer. Information can be found on her website: contemplativeknitting.com.



The Society of St. John the Divine in Toronto is offering on-line retreats. https://ssjd.ca/retreats-programs-retreat-calendar/retreat-calendar/

St. Mary's Sewanee has a regular program of retreats. https://www.stmaryssewanee.org/programs-retreats-events/
ON LINE and CONTEMPLATIVE RESOURCES FOR OUR TIME
Contemplative and Spiritual Resources available through other communities on the internet

There is a host of resources and on line courses available on the internet for individuals to engage any time of year. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is good to familiarize yourself with links to the wider contemplative community. Here is a list of just a few; if you click on the name, it will take you to the webpage:

New Camaldoli Hermitage - contemplative community offering retreats on line.


Resources for Renewal- Dr. Gillian Ahlgren

Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation-free and low cost webinars on topics of interest

Heartbeat Journey, John Philip Newell

Fetzer Institute: Helping build the spiritual foundation for a loving world

Spiritual Directors International-resource for many religious traditions

The Wild Church Network - Churches that encounter God in the wilderness

Jack Kornfield Meditations - Trained Buddhist monk, internationally known teacher of meditation
Resources from our Neighbors
The Hive
The Hive, a community collaborative effort in the Northside neighborhood of Cincinnati, is continuing to offer physically distanced programming for spiritual and physical health and wellness. Visit www.cincyhive.org.
Peace Dialogues

Peace Dialogue: Embrace the Season of Nonviolence - 64 days between the memorial dates of the Ghandi and Martin Luther King assasinations (January 30-April 4).

For more information, email worklife@fuse.net or Call 513.677.9448