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Honoring Our Legacy of Sisters |
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As we continue to celebrate our 40th Anniversary and honor the legacy of the Sisters who have richly contributed to our history, we recently reached out to Sr. Cecilia Corcoran, FSPA, who served in the Center’s administration from 2005-2016. Although Sr. Cecy’s contributions were many, she most notably managed the construction of the chapel wing and offices completed in 2010. Sr. Cecy loved the nature here and wanted visitors to enjoy our woodland sanctuary. This motivated her to outline a network of campus trails, which were developed by volunteers she recruited. The Center’s trails are named in her honor.
Sr. Cecy is a very special friend to many; her spirit and contributions have left imprints on the Christine Center and the hearts of those who come here. Guests often ask about her and how she is doing. Those who ask often gift us with reflections on how Sr. Cecy’s presence impacted their retreat experience. One of the most common reflections we hear is about her welcome… not only her welcoming of groups and individuals, but of her welcoming spirit that is felt simply by being in her presence. And though she now serves in her home community and blesses the lives of those around her, she remains a part of the spirit of the Christine Center.
At the end of our conversation, when we told Cecy of the many people who speak of her and ask about her, she responded, “they called me to be who I was.” Her words capture the essence of how the places and people we serve, especially in this spiritual sanctuary, invite us into the fullness of who we are.
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“They Called Me to be Who I Was”
I lived in Peace. That was the name of my hermitage, located around the pond and up the hill. But more than the name of my hermitage, peace was the aura of the Christine Center—I breathed it in from the quiet woods and the air all around me.
I was guided to the Christine Center. A true sanctuary, I was led down a path which brought growth and strength to the inner work as well as the outer work. It wasn’t just time to sit and contemplate, it was a time to build and establish the paths in the woods which brought animal life so close to us. Our deer, a dozen or so scattered around the woods were a delight; welcomed daily to our compost bin. The days were penetrated by heightened awareness of the divine presence all around us: in our daily gatherings for prayer, our gathering for meals, our walks and talks together, and our shared work.
Not always easy, but it seemed I was drawn into an altered reality… a place where the spirit was evidently at work. The center and the grounds welcomed me, and I was home.
The Christine Center shaped my soul and it is never far from me. The bonds of friendship and unity are with me yet. And no matter where I go, I remember that we are one, in the unity of the spirit and “ in light and love and power.”
I was graced and gifted to be there at that time. My hope is that everyone who comes finds a part of that.
Sr. Cecilia Corcoran, FSPA
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Program Highlight
Inner Life Fridays is a wonderful opportunity to experience deep spiritual nourishment within an online community. Recently, Kara and Kathleen have made some beautiful adjustments to their program offering, aligning with the season and the Winter Solstice.
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with Kara Vangen and Kathleen Graham
November 13, 2020
$25
This November sessions is complementary to the special solstice session on Sunday, December 20, 2020 3:00-6:30pm: Centering With the Solstice
(Cost $30)
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PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE
40th Anniversary Campaign Goal
$100,000
Greer Foundation
$25,000 Matching Grant Challenge
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On October 11, 2020 the Christine Center celebrated our 40th Anniversary. To mark this milestone we announced a $100,000 Preserve Our Heritage Campaign, which will allow us to continue with campus restorations and maintain operations through the current fiscal year. Additionally, the Greer Foundation presented us with a $25,000 matching grant to assist with meeting our campaign goal.
This means that your generous gift will be doubled by the Greer Foundation, since each dollar that you contribute will be matched up to $25,000.
We are grateful to many of our friends, who have already contributed generously. Your gift honors the efforts of the many Sisters who have given years of service to keep the Center’s mission of
Spiritual Deepening For Global Transformation alive and vital.
Here is another benefit for you to consider in making a gift to our campaign.
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2020 Tax Relief for Donors
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act known as the CARES Act provides additional tax relief for donors.
The CARES Act incentivizes charitable giving by providing a $300 above the line deduction for charitable gifts made by all taxpayers, who take the standard deduction on their 2020 return, including those who do not itemize.
For individuals who do itemize, Section 2205 of the CARES Act allows individuals in 2020 to deduct qualified charitable contributions up to 100% of their AGI (adjusted gross income) and excess contributions may be carried forward for 5 years.
Check with your tax advisor regarding these new CARES Act rules designed to encourage charitable giving to not-for-profit organizations, such as the Christine Center, recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Or mail your check to:
The Christine Center, w8303 Mann Rd., Willard, WI 54493
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Online Retreat Experiences |
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Click titles to view retreat descriptions |
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with Ronald E. Moor
Wednesday’s at 10am
$10 per session
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with Kara Vangen and Kathleen Graham
November 13, 2020
$25
This November session is complementary to the special solstice session on Sunday, December 20, 2020 3:00-6:30pm:
Centering With the Solstice (Cost $30)
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2 more days to receive the early bird discount! |
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With Debbi Horton
January 22-24, 2021
$150
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January 10-15
with Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew
$250
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We are now offering online registration for both online and on-site programs! |
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The Art of Self Care- Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation Retreat
with Andrea Russell
December 4-6, 2020
Going on retreat offers an opportunity to let down the stresses of life and deepen your yoga and meditation practices. In addition to alignment based yoga classes and mindfulness meditation instruction, you will learn Ayurvedic lifestyle and practice recommendations to align harmoniously with the season, so your health and well-being may flourish. This retreat offers just enough time to come back home to yourself without having to travel far. All levels are welcome.
For more information and to register-http://andrearussell.com/wisconsin/
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Hybrid Offering-Register to participate online or onsite! |
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The Oracle of Partnership: A Couples Retreat with the I Ching
with Ron Moor and Cheryl Long
December 11-13, 2020
This special weekend retreat is for couples to attend together.
Drawing on 5,000 years of Chinese wisdom teachings, Ron and Cheryl offer a unique experience for couples through the teachings of the I Ching. An ancient wisdom that has been used by individuals, communities and couples to aid in understanding and moving through the deeper challenges of living, the I Ching is a guide to greater acceptance and deeper loving.
Our focus in this weekend is on its application as a profound tool for relationships. We will explore how to commune with and apply these insightful words of wisdom.
Join us and give your relationship a loving gift of deeper communion. No experience is necessary.
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Hybrid Offering-Register to participate online or onsite! |
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In every season,
let Stillness call you!
Winter! Season One of Four: includes our annual New Year’s Meditation Retreat and Celebration Circle
Sunday evening, December 27, 2020 through Sunday Morning January 3, 2021
Retreat Fee Structure: $50 per day-you can choose which days you want to attend.
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Join the Christine Center Sisters in this signature retreat on-site or on-line!
A special 40th Anniversary Spiritual deepening experience to support all seekers in the natural sanctuary of the Christine Center. Come for the week, the New Year’s celebration or simply the days you can.
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The Joy of Movement
with Bill Miller
January 22-24, 2021
$150, plus meals and lodging
Finding physical and emotional balance in life can sometimes be a challenge. This retreat will focus on finding balance, both physical and emotional, using yoga, breath practices, meditation and physical exercises, so that a sense of contentment and well-being can be more fully realized.
This retreat is open to those who have never practiced yoga as well as experienced yoga practitioners. Consistent with the Viniyoga lineage, postures (poses) will be adapted to fit the needs of each participant. Breath techniques will be practiced to experience their role in creating balance in body and mind. Seated meditation, either in a chair or on a cushion, will follow certain yoga practices. Strength and balance exercises will be more fully enjoyed with the use of a chair or other props.
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Hybrid Offering-Register to participate online or onsite! |
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The Tao in Winter
The Deep Ecological Wisdom of The Tao Te Ching A Way Forward Calling To Us From Our Ancient Past.
with Ron Moor
January 29-31, 2021
$150, plus meals and lodging
Two thousand five hundred years ago a wise and revered elder composed a written Way Of Being for the people of his shattered country. Afterward, he rode off into self-imposed exile, never to be seen again. The words he left behind offered an alternative to the imperialistic, materialistic culture of his day and have survived through the millennia.
In our time, these ancient words from the land of China have re-emerged as 81 short, pithy sayings. They offer a way forward as we seek to meet our challenges. It is a way of greater harmony and sustainability, kinder and more in tune with nature than the highly competitive materialistic culture most now know is not healthy for our people or our planet over the long term.
Join us for a look into the past that may be one of our best hopes for a viable, compassionate future. Ron Moor, a student of The Tao (which simply means “the way”) for over 25 years, will offer an introduction into this ancient Chinese wisdom tradition that is rapidly gaining recognition in our time.
In the silence, in the stillness of deep winter, The Tao can be heard.
“It is the profound modesty of the language that offers what so many people for so many centuries have found in this book: a pure apprehension of the mystery of which we are part.”
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Visit our website to see all our programs and more information about the Christine Center.
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