The Fine Art of Personal Discernment - a "HOW TO"

The Mystery of Choice

One of those great Beatles songs had the lyric, "I get by with a little help from my friends." I'll skip over what they might have considered "help". I know what I consider help in my life. One of them has been the friendship and professional spiritual guidance of Brother Don Bisson, FMS.  The Marist Brothers have a mission just a few miles from us. They maintain a camp, retreat house, house of prayer community, and offer spiritual direction. The Brothers frequently join us for Mass in our monastery. Our communities benefit from mutual support of our vocations.

Brother Don is a spiritual director, trainer and supervisor of directors. He is widely respected as a commentator and workshop leader on the interrelationship of spirituality and psychology. He has graduate degrees in liturgy, spirituality, and transpersonal psychology. His D.Min. was earned at the Pacific School of Religion in the area of Spiritual Direction and Jungian Psychology.

In my position as Vocation Director for this community, I am in constant contact with women considering a vocation to religious life. Most are just beginning the process of discernment. Some have not yet realized that there is a process of discernment to be carried out. But the work of personal discernment is not confind to the question of religious vocation. It is a necessary response to any call or inspiration or guidance we receive by the grace of our loving God.

Brother Don will be offering two Saturday workshops at Mt. St. Alphonsus Retreat Center that will speak to just this issue.

How Do I Discern the "Call" of God?

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Vocation is a soul invitation to live in alignment with God's will. This is living in the spirit of discernment and listening to a Voice coming from a place much deeper than the ego. This workshop will examine the art of deep listening and courage necessary to incarnate the invitation.

What Does It Mean to Choose to Be Awakened?

Saturday, May 15, 2010

We are called to wake up from our sleep, our illusions, and our unconscious selves. Jung's psychology and Christian spirituality comment on the nature of authentic life. This workshop will look as the mystery of becoming fulle alive by embracing limits and dying.

Cost for each workshop day is $60 and includes lunch.

Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm.

Reservation and $10 deposit required.

Call Mt. St. Alphonsus - 845-384-8000 or register on-line.