Foursome takes over direction of Still Point Retreat Center

"In silence and solitude, God speaks deeply to each of us. This place provides that space for people."

Those words were spoken by Sister Helen Fay, one of the four new directors at Still Point Interfaith Retreat Center in Stillwater. The others are Sisters Anne Leger, Patricia Cassidy and Nicole St. John.

They came to their positions after a spiritual journey that brought them from the Orthodox Church to Roman Catholicism.

Life-changing events

In 1993, Helen Fay was a Catholic laywoman who lived at Still Point. She made the decision to join the monastic community at New Skete in Cambridge, becoming a sister of the Orthodox Church of America.

For ten years, she lived within that monastic community until the Holy Spirit intervened in her life, she said, and that of the entire New Skete community.

"All of our communities entered a time of discernment, which led to questions such as, 'Who are we?' and 'What are our values?' as a community and as individuals. During that time, some of our community members began reconnecting with their Roman Catholic roots. Over several years of ongoing discussion and prayer, it became increasingly clear to the four of us that we needed to reconnect with the Roman Catholic Church."

New opportunity

Simultaneously, the director's position at Still Point became available, and the four applied as a team.

"It seemed to be the perfect solution for us," Sister Helen said, adding that her familiarity with Still Point made for an easy transition. Each of the four sisters brings unique gifts:

* Sister Helen has budget and computer experience, and maintains the center's large garden;

* Sister Nicole has experience in machine and grounds maintenance -- as well as a degree in theology;

* Sister Anne is a musician and an experienced baker; and

* Sister Patricia has a background in finance management.

Wide net

The quartet has worked to develop programs that they hope will meet the needs of those familiar with Still Point as well as newcomers. They hope to draw not only Roman Catholics, but also those from other faith traditions.

"Still Point has always been primarily a Catholic center, and it remains that way now," Sister Helen said. However, "we welcome everyone interested in finding God's presence in his or her life, whether that tradition is Christian, Jewish or Muslim. What we are hoping is to be able to help people come in touch with the Divine, the many faces of God, our creator, who cannot be confined."

The four have begun to publish a biannual newsletter, "Weavings," which has more than 1,000 subscribers. It describes the center's workshops, interfaith gatherings and spiritual evenings.

"Still Point provides a place where one can hopefully meet God face to face," she said. "It is a place for everyone. There is so much division in the world today. This is a place of unity."

(Still Point House of Prayer was the idea of Sister Sylvia Rosell, OP. It was established in 1972 in Round Lake. Later moved to its current location, it expanded in 1976 to become an interfaith center. Under the direction of Sister Lillian Needham in the late 1990's, it was renamed Still Point Interfaith Retreat Center. To receive "Weavings" or information on the workshops at Still Point, call 587-4967 or email [email protected].)

(1/13/05)