Click here for pdf of printed Schedule 
Click here for a list of Days of Prayer
Click here to view Unique Prayer Opportunities

Schedule of Ministry Programs
July 2008 - August 2009

The Cenacle's ministry programs are categorized as Ongoing Programs, Series and Retreats, Workshops and Days of Prayer. Ongoing Programs are in alphabetical order. You will find Series and the offerings within Retreats, Workshops and Days of Prayer are listed in chronological order. Enjoy perusing these wonderful ministries and prayerfully consider the ones that were planned just for you.

Please note that the site is under construction with the new offering recently published. If a link for online registration is not yet available for a program, please call the Houston Cenacle to register (281) 497-3131.

Ongoing Programs

Group and individual opportunities for spiritual growth are offered throughout the year. Program length varies from one hour to an individual day of prayer or overnight retreat. Come and see what suits your needs.

Al-Anon Book Study
Thursday (Weekly all year around)
7 - 8:00 p.m.
There is no need to register. Just come. You are most welcome.
Free Will Offering

Click here to learn more about Al-Anon Book Study

Bio-Spiritual Focusing Meditation
Cecile Beskow
First Wednesday, September 2008 through June 2009
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Focusing Meditation is a faith-filled, spiritual process of inner personal unfolding, mystery, gift, growth, discovery and grace.
There is no need to register. Just come. You are most welcome.
Free Will Offering
Click here to learn more about Bio-Spiritual Focusing Meditation

Discerners’ Gatherings
Sr. Roselle Haas, rc
Sunday, 2 - 4 p.m. (September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14, 2008)
Click here to learn more about the Sunday Discerners' Gatherings
Wednesday, 7 - 9 p.m. (September 24, October 22, November 19, December 17, 2008)
Click here to learn more about the Wednesday Discerners' Gatherings 
Do you desire to learn ways to discover and follow God’s will for your life? The Cenacle offers monthly gatherings for those seeking ways of listening to God’s invitations in their lives. Each 2-hour session will include input for reflection on God’s Word, time for prayer, discussion with the Cenacle Sisters and connections with other seekers and their experiences. You may attend any or all of these sessions.
Free Will Offering

Individual Directed Day of Prayer
Scheduled with you at least 5 days prior to your arrival. Please call the Cenacle at (281) 497-3131 to arrange your day of prayer.
Minimum Offering: $30 includes pri­vate room and lunch
Actual Cost: $70
Free Will Offering for spiritual direction appreciated
Click here to learn more about an Individual Day of Prayer.

Individual Directed Retreat
An individual directed retreat is a time of relaxation and rest in the presence of God. It is an opportunity to focus on your relationship with God – particu­larly regarding prayer and your interactions with others.
Scheduled with you at least 5 days prior to your arrival. Please call the Cenacle at (281) 497-3131 to arrange a retreat designed with you for you.
Minimum Offering: $60 / per night (includes private room and meals)
Actual Cost: $105
Free Will Offering for spiritual direction appreciated
Click here to learn more about Individual Directed Retreats.

WWIT Group
(Wise Women in Training – age 65+)
Sr. Mary Dennison, rc & Cenacle Ministry Team
Second Monday, 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.
September 2008 - May 2009
A follow up for those who have attended the Grace-ful Aging Retreat and others in this age cohort.
Free Will Offering
Click here to learn more about Wise Women in Training

Return to beginning of Schedule of Ministry Programs

The Artist’s Way At Work
Sherrie Bedford
Thursday, 7 - 9 p.m.
September 11 - December 11, 2008
Learn how to stay creative in the workplace despite its often hostile and competitive environment. Through powerful self-awareness exercises and practical tools, you will discover hidden reserves of power, intuition, and passion to work wisely and confidently regardless of the climate around you. The book The Artist’s Way at Work, Riding the Dragon by Mark Bryan, Julia Cameron, and Catherine Allen will be used in this 13-week series. Malcolm Forbes said, “When you cease to dream, you cease to live.” An unknown author said, “If you always do what you always did – you’ll always get what you always got.” There is space for only 12 participants. Register early.
Minimum Offering: $70 for the series
Click here to learn more about The Artist's Way at Work

T’ai Chi Chih
Sr. Carletta LaCour, OP
5 sessions in each series
T’ai Chi Chih is a series of 20 gentle movements that can help to reduce stress and balance the intrinsic energy – the “chi”. The easy-to-learn moves aid circulation and foster relaxation. Loose fitting clothing is recommended.
Minimum Offering: $50 for one 5 week series 

Level 1, Movements 1 - 10
Wednesday, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
September 17 - October 15, 2008
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 1 (PM) beginning September 17 
or
Thursday, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
September 18 - October 16, 2008
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 1 (AM) beginning September 18

Level 2, Movements 11 - 20
Wednesday, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
October 22 - November 19, 2008
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 2 (PM) beginning October 22
or
Thursday, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
October 23 - November 20, 2008
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 2 (AM) beginning October 23

Level 1, Movements 1 - 10
Wednesday, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
January 21 - February 18, 2009
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 1 (PM) beginning January 21
or
Thursday, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
January 22 - February 19, 2009
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 1 (PM) beginning January 22

Level 2, Movements 11 - 20
Wednesday, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
March 4 - April 1, 2009
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 2 (PM) beginning March 4
or
Thursday, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
March 5 - April 2, 2009
Click here to learn more about T'ai Chi Chih Level 2 (AM) beginning March 5

Beside Still Waters: An Introduction to Contemplative Prayer
Jeanie Miley
5 week series
Tuesday, 9 a.m. - Noon
This series is designed to deepen the practice of the Presence of Christ in daily life. Each session will include lec­ture and discussion, as well as time for journaling, group and individual prac­tice of the various methods of prayer.
September 23, 2008: Waking Up: awareness exercises, conscious breathing & the Jesus Prayer
October 7, 2008: Seeds of Contempla­tion: contemplative prayer in ordinary life
October 14, 2008: Centering Prayer: mini-workshop learning Thomas Keat­ing’s practice of centering prayer
October 21, 2008: Abiding in Christ: praying with Scripture (John 15 & 17)
October 28, 2008: Close Encounters: us­ing imagination with the Gospel stories
Minimum Offering: $70 for the series; $15 per session
Click here to learn more about Beside Still Waters

Cenacle Home Retreat
Sr. Roselle Haas, rc & Cenacle Ministry Staff
8 week series
Tuesday, 7 - 9 p.m.
September 30 - November 18, 2008
or
Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
February 10 - March 31, 2009
If you desire a deeper experience of prayer and relationship with God and feel your busy life makes it too hard to get away for a retreat, then one of these 8 week experiences is for you! Designed to help participants integrate prayer with the activities of day to day life, this series is an adaptation of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, using Scripture as the basis for individual prayer during the week and for sharing at the weekly sessions.
Minimum Offering: $75 for one 8 week series
Click here to learn more about Cenacle Home Retreat


Did you know...
Cenacle Home Retreats are facilitat­ed by trained spiritual directors
and can also be scheduled at your local church or participants’ homes.

Cenacle Wednesday Day of Prayer
Prayer Pathways to God
Cenacle Ministry Staff
Second Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
October 2008 - May 2009
(Second Friday in April we join the Good Friday Day of Prayer.)
Each prayer day will explore experi­ences of our daily lives that can open us to deeper friendship with God.
Themes: Creating, Music, Silence, Beauty, Poetry, Pain and Nature.
Minimum Offering: $30 per day, in­cludes lunch
Actual Cost: $80 
Prayer Pathways to God
October 8, 2008
Click here to learn more about the October Prayer Pathways to God
Prayer Pathways to God
November 11, 2008
Click here to learn more about the November Prayer Pathways to God
Prayer Pathways to God
December 9, 2008
Click here to learn more about the December Prayer Pathways to God
Prayer Pathways to God
January 14, 2009
Click here to learn more about the January Prayer Pathways to God
Prayer Pathways to God
February 11, 2009
Click here to learn more about the February Prayer Pathways to God
Prayer Pathways to God
March 11, 2009
Click here to learn more about the March Prayer Pathways to God
Prayer Pathways to God
May 13, 2009
Click here to learn more about the May Prayer Pathways to God

Inner Healing Day of Prayer
Cenacle Inner Healing Team
Come and see what the healing Christ within has for you.
Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
October 10, 2008: “Stuck in the Middle?” Having trouble hanging on or letting go?
Click here to learn more about Stuck in the Middle
November 14, 2008: ”Energy Crisis?” Come and refuel! What is wearing you out?
Click here to learn more about Energy Crisis
December 12, 2008: “Today’s Twin Tyrants: Perfectionism & Control” How much energy do you waste trying to measure up to your own high expecta­tions or that of others?
Click here to learn more about Today's Twin Tyrants
January 9, 2009: “Not My Fault!” Are you blaming others? Or are others blaming you?
Click here to learn more about Not My Fault
February 13, 2009: “Love: A Tug of War” Do you have trouble giving love? Do you have trouble receiving love?
Click here to learn more about Love: A Tug of War
March 13, 2009: “Spring Cleaning: Brushing Away Cobwebs of Our Past” What we experienced in our earlier years influences us now.
Click here to learn more about Spring Cleaning: Brushing Away Cobwebs of Our Past
April 24, 2009: “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Inner Healing through Under­standing Your Uniqueness” You were created by God to be a wonderful one of a kind. Reclaim the truth of who you are.
Click here to learn more about Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Minimum Offering: $30 per day, in­cludes lunch
Actual Cost: $80 

Discernment Series: For all who seek to integrate spiritual values into their life choices
Sr. Roselle Haas, rc
Tuesday, 7 - 9 p.m.
January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 2009
The complexities, pressures and dif­ficulties of modern day life sometimes interfere with making Gospel-based choices. This series will explore tools for discernment offered in the book The Art of Discernment by Stan Kiechle. Move beyond simply making decisions to spiritual discernment - listening for God’s invitations in your personal gifts and the opportunities of your life. In this series we will explore the spiri­tual tradition of lgnatian discernment; criteria and methods for discernment and ways to apply these tools to your life situations.
Minimum Offering: $50 for the series
Click here to learn more about the Discernment Series

Illuminations: Art as a Spiritual Path
Stephanie Visokay
6 week series
Wednesday, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
January 28 - March 4, 2009
Click here to learn more about Illuminations: Art as a Spiritual Path evening series
or
Thursday, 9 a.m. - Noon
January 29 - March 5, 2009
Click here to learn more about Illuminations: Art as a Spiritual Path morning series
Learn to create and pray with your own images. Each session provides a prayerful art activity suitable for all levels of creative experience. Gain facility with art materials as your lan­guage of prayer. Activate your sacred images with reflection exercises and a process of art lectio divina. Receive an Illuminations Workbook to continue your art-as-prayer practice. Open to 12 participants.
Minimum Offering: $100 for the se­ries, includes art supplies

Walking Jesus’ Easter Journey, Stations of Light - Stations of Joy
Sr. Roselle Haas, rc
4 week series
Sunday, 1:30 - 5 p.m.
April 19 - May 17, 2009 (does not meet May 10)
Many people are familiar with the fourteen prayerful reflections on Jesus’ journey to Calvary, the Stations of the Cross. The early followers of Jesus also celebrated the continued pres­ence of the Risen Jesus through the practice of the Stations of the Light marking fourteen post-Easter encoun­ters with Jesus. Based on the book Stations of the Light by Mary Ford-Grabowsky, this series will introduce participants to these events through a variety of spiritual tools including ancient and contemporary meditations, reflections, writing and other practices.
Minimum Offering: $50 for the series
Click here to learn more about Walking Jesus' Easter Journey

19th Annotation Internship for Spiritual Directors
Third Saturday, September – May, 10 a.m. - Noon
This specialized training is for spiritual directors who are guiding a directee in the Ignatian 19th Annotation Retreat for the first time.
To register, contact Sr. Mary Dennison, 281-497-3131 ext. 133.

 Return to beginning of Series

Retreats, Workshops, Days of Prayer
& Short Programs
The Cenacle offers a variety of prayer, spiritual growth and learning opportunities to meet the needs of contemporary seekers. These offerings can vary from a few hours to a week-long retreat. Enjoy reviewing the full schedule or click on a particular month to see what offerings are available during that month.

2008
July     August     September     October     November     December
2009
January     February     March     April     May     June     July     August 

Did You Know
To encourage you to come to the Cenacle when God calls,
we did not increase the offerings this year in spite of the tremendous increases we are
experiencing in the cost of food and fuel (just as you are!).
We have, however, indicated the higher Actual Cost of many programs.
When you come to the Cenacle, prayerfully consider an extra gift to help us
close the gap between the minimum offering and the actual costs the Cenacle is incurring
to bring these quality programs to you.

August 22 - 24, 2008
Spiritual Direction Institute Retreat
Srs. Mary Dennison, rc, Lois Dideon, rc & Ann Goggin, rc
7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday

August 29 - 31, 2008
Is Your Spirit Calling?
Sr. Lois Dideon, rc, Karin Boeringa & Cecile Beskow
7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
This spiritual spa weekend will help you to identify your needs for renewal and healing. Jesus said “I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.” What is the “more life” that you need? Is it your spirit, or mind, or body, or emotions? A variety of experiences will be offered for renewal of the whole person, including body and healing prayer, guided imagery, “Gentle Yoga”, massage and much more.
Minimum Offering: $140 includes overnight accommodations and 5 meals
Actual Cost: $175
Click here to register and learn more about Is Your Spirit Calling?

Return to beginning of Retreats, Workshops and Days of Prayer

September 2008

September 10 - 11, 2008
Catholic Charities Retreat
10 a.m. Wednesday - 2 p.m. Thursday
A retreat sponsored by Catholic Chari­ties Community Services for Indepen­dence. Call 713-874-6624 for informa­tion and registration.

Saturday, September 13, 2008
Music Ministers Day of Prayer: Singing and Living the Psalms
David Joseph Rofrano
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
As music ministers and choir members we sing the psalms every week! Are we also living the psalms? Come to the Cenacle to sing, pray, rest and re-focus on our call to live the Word of God as we serve the people of God through music.
Minimum Offering: $30 includes lunch
Actual Cost: $80
Or, begin with an Optional Friday Night by arriving at 7 p.m. for an evening of fellowship, prayer and praise music.
Minimum Offering: $70 includes overnight accommodations, snacks, continental breakfast, the Day of Prayer and lunch
Actual Cost: $120
Click here to learn more about Music Ministers Day of Prayer

Sunday, September 19-21, 2008
Silent Retreat: Dancing with Your Shadow
Kim Nataraja
7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
The spiritual path is a journey of inte­gration of Mind and Heart, of the ‘ego’ - our surface self - and the deeper ‘self’ - the center of our whole being and the link with the Source of All. In this process, all the lost, suppressed facets of ourselves, which Carl Jung called the Shadow, are also recovered and integrated into our whole being to join the dance. We are “Dancing with our Shadow”. During this retreat we will explore together the practical ways we can use to become aware of this journey of integration and the role of contemplative prayer, allowing grace to enter and make us whole.
Minimum Offering: $140 includes overnight accommodations and 5 meals
Actual Cost: $185
Click here to learn more about Silent Retreat: Dancing with Your Shadow

Sunday, September 21, 2008
Towards a Healthy Retire­ment: Perceptions, Reflec­tions and Attitudes
Pastor Chuck Kindsvatter
1:30 - 5 p.m.
Whether you are retired, considering retirement or just wondering about it, this mini retreat is an opportunity to reflect upon the dynamics of retire­ment and its gifts. We will focus on our perceptions and attitudes in regards to retirement choices in our lives and consider the spiritual dimensions of this part of our life’s journey. Includes time for input, quiet reflection and discussion.
Minimum Offering: $15
Click here to learn more about Towards a Healthy Retirement

Friday, September 26, 2008
Professional Day for Spiritual Directors: Healing Our Image of God
Rev. Matt Linn, SJ
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
We can receive God’s love to the degree we have a loving image of God opening our heart. This workshop will focus on the power of images to heal even deep trauma, and, how to ac­cess this power of the unconscious especially through Ignatian spirituality. The remaining time will focus on how our image of God is formed and the healing of where it has been distorted by our personal experience, scripture, and church teaching. The focus will be on experiencing a God of love who always loves us at least as much and more than any experience of giving or receiving love.
Minimum Offering: $40 includes lunch
Actual Cost: $95
Click here to learn more about Professional Day for Spiritual Directors

September 26 - 28, 2008
Fully Living the Second Half of Life – Journeying with the Prodigal Son
Rev. Matt Linn, SJ
7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
How do we journey through the second half of life and become more fully alive even as our biological clock winds down? Too often we find our­selves on life’s treadmill going through the motions but tired and longing for new life. Jesus revealed the dynam­ics of healing all of life in his greatest parable, the Prodigal Son. During the second half of life we journey from being angry at oneself (prodigal) or at another (elder brother) to becoming the Father celebrating all of life. This retreat is for those in the second half of life who want to receive more life and be sages – not just aged.
Minimum Offering: $140 includes overnight accommodations and 5 meals
Actual Cost: $185
Click here to learn more about Fully Living the Second Half of Life

Sunday, September 28, 2008
Healing the Father Wound
Rev. Matt Linn, SJ
1 - 3 p.m.
The book Alcoholics Anonymous makes an astounding statement: “Resentment is the number one offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else. From (resentment) stem all forms of spiritual disease.” If our father was not perfect, we often have difficulty saying “yes” and “no” and using our will to overcome compulsions. We may lack inner strength, the ability to take initiative, or struggle with author­ity and have a God as Father like the one we had on earth. This session will focus on recovering and deepening positive memories of father figures and then healing wherever we have been wounded.
Minimum Offering: $15 
Click here to learn more about Healing the Father Wound

Return to beginning of Retreats, Workshops and Days of Prayer


October 2008

October 10 - 12, 2008
How is God inviting me into my future? Exploring Religious Life
Sr. Roselle Haas, rc & Sr. Alice Weckerle, rc
7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
How does God use events and other people to reach into my life? How is God working in my life to help me become my fullest, truest self? Might I be invited to live as a Sister or As­sociate in a Religious Community? The answer to all these questions lies within you. Discover ways to incorpo­rate your gifts with the needs of God’s people and learn tools to use when considering God’s directions in your life. Come spend a weekend with your God, yourself and others who are also on the journey.
Free Will Offering
Click here to learn more about How is God inviting me into my future?

October 11 - 12, 2008
T’ai Chi Chih Overnight Retreat
Sr. Carletta LaCour, OP & Donna Griffith
9:30 a.m. Saturday - 1:30 p.m. Sunday
In an atmosphere of silence and prayer, participants will experience deep re­laxation and renewed energy, refresh­ing body, mind and spirit. Includes a short presentation on the movement of “Chi”; a review of movements 1-20 with Scripture; walking meditation and solemn practice of T’ai Chi Chih. This retreat is open to all participants in T’ai Chi Chih who have practiced the 20 movements with Sr. Carletta.
Minimum Offering: $110 includes overnight accommodations and 4 meals
Actual Cost: $165
Click here to learn more about and register for the T'ai Chi Chih Overnight Retreat

Saturday, October 11, 2008
Exploring the Universe Story
Sr. Lois Dideon, rc & Jan Casey
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This day of prayer focuses on the new revelations about creation that help us to experience the wonders of God the Creator. We will take time to marvel at the wonders of the human universe within.
Minimum Offering: $30 includes lunch
Actual Cost: $80
Click here to learn more about Exploring the Universe Story

October 24 - 26, 2008
Sitting Strong: Wrestling with the Ornery God
Jeanie Miley
7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
When life knocks the props out from under you, it is possible to gather up your agony and wrestle with it in the presence of God. The biblical char­acter Job is our model for “being with” the challenges, tragedies and traumas of life. As Job shows us how to wrestle with our sorrows, we learn how those very things that break us have the power to heal and transform, liberate and empower us. This retreat will include both lecture and dialogue, as well as times for reflection, prayer and journaling with best-selling author Jeanie Miley.
Minimum Offering: $140 includes overnight accommodations and 5 meals
Actual Cost: $185
Click here to learn more about Sitting Strong: Wrestling with the Ornery God

October 29 - 30, 2008
Grace-ful Aging Retreat
Sr. Mary Dennison, rc
1:30 p.m. Wednesday - 3 p.m. Thurs­day
This retreat is a time for “harvesting” our lives. We will explore the mystery of our own lives and connect them with the mystery of Christ. Discover a new way to see the spiritual invitations of the later years and respond to them, finding meaning through this integra­tion. This retreat is for both men and women.
Minimum Offering: $70 includes overnight accommodations and 3 meals
Actual Cost: $140
Click here to learn more about the Grace-ful Aging Retreat

31 de Octubre - 2 de Noviembre del 2008
Honrando Nuestros Antepasados con Fé: Dia de Los Santos
Jorge Coyoy
Viernes, 7 p.m. - Domingo 2 p.m.
Durante este fin de semana trataremos de honrar a nuestros antepasados, es­pecialmente a los sanguíneos, quienes nos han dado el regalo de la Fé par­tiendo desde Adán hasta Jesús nues­tro salvador. Trataremos de encontrar el vacío que ha quedado en nosotros y sanar las heridas que aún quedan por aquellas relaciones donde no existió el amor, el perdón y la reconciliación.
Ofrenda minima: $140 incluye cuarto privado y 5 comidas
Costo Actual: $185
Chasque aquí para aprender más sobre Honrando Nuestros Antepasados con Fé

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November 2008 

November 1 - 2, 2008
Overnight Retreat: St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle
Sr. Lois Dideon, rc
9:30 a.m. Saturday - 2 p.m. Sunday
Come walk the soul’s journey deep into the presence of God Within. This retreat will be an experiential weekend as we explore the seven mansions of St. Teresa of Avila. Reading Caroline Myss’s book Entering The Castle will be important preparation of this weekend. (Available in the Cenacle Book Store.)
Minimum Offering: $110 includes overnight accommodations and 4 meals
Actual Cost: $165
Click here to learn more about St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle

November 7 - 9, 2008
Silent Retreat: Spe Salvi – The Culture of Hope
Rev. Donald Nesti, CSSp
7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
In his first encyclical letter, Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict speaks to us of the “love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others.” Now he offers hope in his second encyclical, “Spe Salvi facti sumus…in hope we are saved!” Fr. Nesti will break open Spe Salvi, leading us to find hope in a seemingly hopeless world…the hope that can only come through the outpouring of the love of God. Participants will need a copy of the encyclical which can be downloaded from the Vatican website: www.vatican.va. Copies of the encycli­cal will be available for purchase at the Cenacle Book Store.
Minimum Offering: $140 includes overnight accommodations and 5 meals
Actual Cost: $185
Parishes
Sacred Heart (Conroe): Cecilia Boyle, 936-760-3904; Gloria Kehoe, 936-273-4128
St. Anthony of Padua (The Woodlands): Amy Goldknopf, 281-362-1904; Pat Redding, 281-298-5864
Click here to learn more about the Silent Retreat: Spe Salvi - The Culture of Hope 
 
Friday, November 14, 2008
Professional Day for Spiritual Directors: Spiritual Director as Care Giver
Rev. Paul Mast
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Care giving today touches people in a variety of ways: aging parents, autis­tic children, dysfunctional families, loved ones with mental illnesses or substance abuse, domestic violence, victims of cancer, emotional trauma, sexual abuse, corporate fraud, identity theft, etc. Often a spiritual director is sought out as a care giver triggered by the seeker’s desire for a special com­panion/listener. On a deeper level the need is for someone who can help the care giver replenish an inner dry well that has been emptied by the high energy output needed for care giving. This professional day will explore is­sues related to the spiritual director as care giver; how that call is nurtured; and the inner well replenished by an intimate relationship with Jesus, the Divine Care Giver.
Minimum Offering: $40 includes lunch
Actual Cost: $95
Click here to learn more about Spiritual Director as Care Giver

November 14 - 16, 2008
Effective Living I Workshop
Judith Arceneaux & Cenacle Ministry Team
7 p.m. Friday - 3 p.m. Sunday
Effective Living is a spiritual seminar that fosters personal growth on both the psychological and spiritual levels of human life. Developed and presented by Cenacle Sisters and their staff for more than 25 years, it stresses per­sonal responsibility for our own happi­ness and helps to renew our faith in a loving God.
Minimum Offering: $155 includes overnight accommodations and 5 meals
Actual Cost: $200
Click here to learn more about Effective Living I

Saturday, November 15, 2008
Faith & Film Day: Away from Her and the Spirituality of Care Giving
Rev. Paul Mast
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
When viewed through the lens of entertainment, movies are just an art form. When viewed through the lens of the soul, movies are doorways to the sacred containing hidden revela­tions of God. The movie, Away From Her was released in 2007. It focuses on a mostly happy marriage and moves it forward into the waiting darkness of Alzheimer’s disease. Julie Christie garnered a Best Actress Oscar nomi­nation for her role as Fiona, an elegant and noble woman slipping deeper into the disease. The movie focuses on the obvious issues linked with the care giver and the hidden, deeper issues of developing a spirituality of care giving. The movie will be shown at the begin­ning of the day and will be used as the centerpiece of small group discussion and large group sharing.
Minimum Offering: $30 includes lunch
Actual Cost: $80
Click here to learn more about the Faith & Film Day

Sunday, November 16, 2008
Dealing with Prickly People
Sr. Roselle Haas, rc
1:30 - 5 p.m.
Whether it’s a friend’s occasional moodiness or the grouch at work, there are people with whom we are uncomfortable at times. No matter what our personal environment hap­pens to be, we all interact with people who are irritating, defensive, irksome, and frustrating, in short – exasperating. This workshop will focus on coming to a peaceful place within ourselves when dealing with such people and situations. We will explore factors that contribute to “prickly” behavior, work­ing at interior peace, setting personal boundaries, avoiding placing blame or trying to “fix” others, ways to affirm our own goodness and the goodness of others and tools to appropriately ad­dress prickly behavior.
Minimum Offering: $15  
Click here to learn more about Dealing with Prickly People

Sunday, November 23, 2008
Fall Day of Prayer for Religious
For information and registration, please contact Sr. Heloise Cruzat at 713-741-8733.

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December 2008 

Saturday, December 6, 2008
A Spiritual Spa Day of Prayer
Elaine Butler, Lorrie Kehoe, Sandy Smith & Cenacle Ministry Staff
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4 p.m. Celebration of Eucharist
Gift yourself with a day of rest and relaxation! Come and see how the Lord invites you to lay aside your stress and concerns as you relax in the peaceful, prayerful environment of the Cenacle. Create your own prayerful day by choosing from a variety of restful body activities such as gentle yoga stretch­ing, T’ai Chi Chih, meditation, guided imagery reflection on Scripture, earth touching, walking the labyrinth, private prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, journaling and other ways of nurturing your mind, body and spirit. Participants can also register for Chair Massage and/or Healing Touch upon arrival for an additional fee. Our special day will culminate with the celebration of the Eucharist. This quiet time with the Lord will leave you refreshed and renewed! Limited Enrollment--register early! Comfortable, non-confining clothes are recommended.
Minimum Offering: $40 includes breakfast bites, lunch & afternoon tea
Actual Cost: $90
Click here to learn more about A Spiritual Spa Day of Prayer

Sunday, December 7, 2008
Advent Mini Retreat
Sr. Mary Dennison, rc & Cenacle Ministry Staff
2 - 5 p.m.
This mini retreat will introduce a Bibli­cal Guide to help us explore the mean­ing and mystery of Christmas. Come join us for a time of reflection, quiet and sharing.
Minimum Offering: $15
Click here to visit the Advent Mini Retreat

Did you know
You want to register early since many programs fill up quickly.

December 12 - 13, 2008
Doing December Differently: Recovering a Spirituality of Advent
Sandra Derby & Pat Kerwin
7 p.m. Friday - 5 p.m. Saturday
Have you noticed how much the rhythm of our church year and the rhythm of our culture seem at odds with each other? At no time is this more apparent than in De­cember. This retreat invites you to leave the rushing, the demands, and the per­petual motion of our culture’s clock and to rest in a season that compels us to forsake the “too much-ness” of our lives. In this quiet sanctuary, we will hear again the call to discover and embrace what is most essential. Come explore a deep space of silence and stillness – a space that will allow you to meet and welcome anew Emmanuel, God with Us.
Minimum Offering: $90 includes overnight accommodations and 2 meals
Actual Cost: $140
Click here to learn more about Doing December Differently

Sunday, December 14, 2008
Keeping Christmas Merry with the 12 Steps
Steve Misthos, LCDC
2 - 5 p.m.
Advent/Christmas is a time to cel­ebrate God’s Promise with hopeful ex­pectation and the joy of knowing that God is birthed into our humanity. How can we use the 12 Steps of Recovery to keep the promise going during this season that can also be filled with the stress of too little time with too much to do, loneliness and disappointment when OUR expectations are not met? Join us for this day of prayer, support, fellowship and sharing.
Minimum Offering: $15
Click here to learn more about Keeping Christmas Merry with the 12 Steps 

Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve Mass
Rev. Jim Gschwend, SJ, PhD
5:00 pm
Come celebrate the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass with the Cenacle Commu­nity. Carols at 4:30 pm.
Call the Cenacle at (281) 497-3131 to reserve your space.
Free Will Offering

Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year’s Eve Vigil Retreat
Rev. Jim Gschwend, SJ, PhD
Evening only: 7 p.m. Wednesday - 1 a.m. Thursday
Overnight: 7 p.m. Wednesday - 10 a.m. Thursday
The New Year’s Vigil of Prayer at the Cenacle is an invitation to reflect on that conversion event in quiet, prayer, song, and feasting on Eucharist and fellowship.
Minimum Offering: $30 evening only or $60 overnight
Click here to learn more about the New Year's Eve Vigil Retreat

Return to beginning of Retreats, Workshops and Days of Prayer


January 2009

Saturday, January 10, 2009
God Works with Our Hands - Knitting/Crafters Day of Prayer
Sr. Roselle Haas, rc
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Can you journey into spirituality through the medium of craft? Reflec­tively working with your hands can lead you into spiritual practice and help you discover the stillness within. Hand-crafting can create an inner rhythm, like a chant for your body. Bring your craft and spend the day with others discovering this new treasure. Listen to God at work in your hands as you explore the spirituality of craft: knitting, crocheting or other handwork.
Minimum Offering: $30 includes lunch
Actual Cost: $80
Click here to learn more about God Works with Our Hands

January 16-17, 2009
Strength for the Journey: Facing Life Challenges with One Another and with God
Anne Grizzle, LCSW & Deborah Krum­mel, MA, LPC, LMFT
7 p.m. Friday - 5 p.m. Saturday
Are you or someone you love facing a difficult time in life -- with cancer, grief, caretaking of a loved one, divorce, par­enting, chronic illness or just everyday life? Come hear and share the journey of facing disappointments, loss and grief; discovering treasures in ashes; finding humor and hope during dif­ficulties; wrestling with life and death; celebrating growth as God’s beloved; unfolding fresh layers of God’s Word and new powers of prayer in the midst of suffering. This retreat will include presentations, meditations, small group sharing, prayer, and optional contemplative and writing workshops.
Minimum Offering: $90 includes overnight accommodations and 2 meals
Actual Cost: $140