Sober women to share strength

Women living with the challenges of recovering from alcoholism will have the opportunity to gather for a weekend of relaxation and reflection at a "Women's Fall Sobriety Weekend."

The event will be held at The Priory retreat house in Chester-town Nov. 13-15. Organizers hope the retreat will give women recovering from alcoholism the opportunity to connect with and support one another.

Since many people see the disease of alcoholism as one that is physical, emotional and spiritual, the retreat weekend is designed to help participants with their spiritual needs.

"We are open to where people are," said Sister Connie Messitt, CSJ, director of The Priory. "My prayer before each retreat is that each individual finds the graces they need and that they can bring that grace back home with them. I pray that God will work in each individual."

Sister Connie said the weekend will feature group presentations, time for quiet reflection, tai chi and other movement activities, as well as therapeutic art activities.

Participants can also make use of the 100 acres of land in the southern Adirondack Mountains where The Priory is located, with its hiking trails and labyrinths.

Participants can be assured that anything shared while on the retreat will remain private. "This is a safe place," Sister Connie stated. "Everything said is confidential."

Those wishing to participate have several options: They can stay overnight and participate in all of the retreat activities ($140), participate in all of the activities, but not stay overnight ($90) or come for a single day's activities ($50).

For information, call 494-3733.

(11/05/09)