Pyramid Life Center adds virtual schedule

Pyramid Life Center is going virtual this fall and winter, adding an online component that will extend programs through the rest of the year. 

“This summer’s been a unique summer for us since we haven’t been able to gather as large of groups as we have in the past,” said Brian Evers, director of Pyramid Life, which is only allowed groups onsite of 40 people or less due to COVID-19 restrictions.

One of the first virtual events that Pyramid Life held this summer was Camp Breakaway, the retreat for teens in the Diocese and beyond, on July 19-23. So it was a natural progression to continue programs into the fall and winter when people, who would usually come to the Pyramid Life Center to find peace in the woods and reconnect with God, are spending much more time in their homes. Evers said people are looking for their own personal self-care. 

“That's why we have Mary (DeTurris Poust) and Beth (Thayer) talking,” Evers said. 

“At the same time, Pyramid offers a lot of programs for our young people and folks who work with young people throughout the summer, so we thought since we can’t gather, it would be good for people who are looking for a bit more professional development, that’s why we have Josh (Packard) and Roy (Petitfils) coming as well.” 

While most of the camp shuts down Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 10-11), there is one building that can host 20 people throughout the year at the Center. Although the winter calendar hasn’t been set yet, there are multiple Boy Scout troops that use the grounds and a mom’s group will be doing a retreat in November.

“It's a good opportunity for people who connect with Pyramid, but also connect with their own self-care,” said Evers of the online offerings. 

PLC’S VIRTUAL SCHEDULE 

SEPT. 23

Youth Mental Health First Aid, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This class teaches adults who have or work with youths dealing with common disorders and challenges. Anxiety, depression, screen time, suicide and self-harm, along with a prevention action plan, will be discussed. Two hours are self-directed learning and four hours consist of virtual instruction. Cost: $40.

Registration: https://travellka.wufoo.com/forms/r1o4nj4f18gikbr/

SEPT. 29

Virtual Coffee Talk led by Mary DeTurris Poust, “Put Your Own Mask On First: Spiritual Self Care During Challenging Times,” 10 a.m. This course intends to nourish the mind, body and soul, through discussing the difficulties many are facing during these times. DeTurris, a published author, retreat leader, communication strategist, wife and mother of three children, will share tips and tools for maintaining and sustaining self-care. Cost: $20. Registration: https://pyramidlife.org/registration/.

OCT. 21

Youth Mental Health First Aid, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This class teaches adults who have or work with youths dealing with common disorders and challenges. Anxiety, depression, screen time, suicide and self-harm along with an action plan to prevent will be discussed. Two hours are self-directed learning and four hours consist of virtual instruction. Cost: $40.

Registration: https://travellka.wufoo.com/forms/r1o4nj4f18gikbr/

OCT. 27

Virtual Coffee Talk led by Dr. Josh Packard, “Belonging: the Loneliness of the Teenage Generation”/“Who do you say that I am? Religion and Young People Q&A”, starting 10 a.m.  Packard will be discussing his newest work, “Belonging: Reconnecting America’s Loneliest Generation,” as well as the state of youth and religion based on research conducted by Springtide Research Institute, where Packard is also the executive director. Cost: $20. 

Registration: https://pyramidlife.org/registration/. 

NOV. 4

Youth Mental Health First Aid, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., online. This virtual class teaches adults who have or work with youth facing the common disorders and challenges they often face. Anxiety, depression, screen time, suicide and self-harm along with an action plan to prevent will be discussed. Two hours of this course are self-directed online learning, while four hours will consist of virtual instruction. Cost: $40. 

Registration:  https://travellka.wufoo.com/forms/r1o4nj4f18gikbr/

NOV. 9

Virtual Coffee Talk led by Roy Petitfils, “Helping Teens with Stress, Anxiety and Depression,” 10 a.m., online. Petitfils is a Catholic author, speaker and psychotherapist, who will blend his experience as a youth minister with his clinical practice as a licensed counselor to discuss the challenges facing youth today. This interactive question-and-answer session will explore the major causes of stress and anxiety in young people, how to distinguish between healthy and toxic stress, the art of listening and what we can do to protect our own mental health. Cost: $20. Registration: https://pyramidlife.org/registration/

NOV. 23

Virtual Coffee Talk with Beth Thayer, “Filling your own cup,” 10 a.m.  As we enter Advent, Thayer will discuss best practices to maintain and enhance your prayer life in order to dive deeper into the season. Cost: $20. Registration: https://pyramidlife.org/registration/. 

DEC. 4-6

Dwelling with God: An Advent Retreat, offers an opportunity to get away from your hectic schedule and come to a renewed awareness of the presence of Christ and His closeness to you. Cost: $150. Registration: https://pyramidlife.org/registration/. 

DEC. 13-17

A Busy Persons Online Retreat During Advent, including four spiritual direction sessions (no longer than 60 minutes each) and individualized suggestions and materials for prayer. Cost: $50. Registration: https://pyramidlife.org/registration/