April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Retreat links sexuality to spiritual wholeness
Wellsprings has traditionally been a place for clergy, religious and occasionally laity to go on sabbaticals. The unique retreat on sexuality is part of a new effort to expand the center's programs, as well as making it possible for those who can't afford several months of sabbatical time to come to the center.
Wellsprings director Sister Margaret Picha, SSND, is leading the retreat along with associate director Brother Michael Laratonda, FSM.
Wholeness
"Our relationships with one another and ourselves have a great influence on our relationship with God," she explained of the retreat's theme. "The way we feel about being a whole person -- which is the expanded view of our sexuality -- has a great influence on how we relate to God, or how we are afraid to relate to God."Society, she said, tends to define sexuality very narrowly. But Sister Margaret noted that all people are sexual beings, and even celibates must learn to deal with their sexuality in healthy and appropriate ways.
In any walk of life, she said, "we need to be faithful to our celibate vow, our marriage vow or our single vow -- and live as a full, alive human being, which is an expression of our sexuality."
She said that clergy and religious can express that aspect of their humanity and still remain faithful to their vows by being warm, responsive, kind and compassionate, rather than bitter, sarcastic and angry.
Themes
The sexuality and spirituality retreat will include conferences each day on a different aspect of the theme. One day, for example, will focus on the stages of a relationship with another person or with God. Another will focus on intimacy with God or people and the barriers to intimacy. A third will explain what it means to be "a person with a heart that's alive," said Sister Margaret.Feature films that show aspects of healthy relationships will also be a part of the retreat. Participants will have opportunities for quiet prayer, spiritual direction and the Eucharist.
Sister Margaret called sexuality a "tough topic" but said it's one that must be dealt with. She noted that the retreat is open to laity as well as clergy and religious, saying: "The material relates to anyone."
(For information on the "Sexuality and Spirituality" retreat, call the Wellsprings Center at 792-3183.)
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