Event Details
Learning from Francis and Clare in Times of Uncertainty
Franciscan Spirituality Online Retreat
Cancellation policy
Overnight or Multi-day/weekend retreats: $50 fee. Day Retreat: $20. Fees may be applied to future retreats. The fees may be waived in event of extenuating circumstances. Contact Kateri at 925-837-9141 x315.
About the Event
Due to the recent Omicron surge this retreat will be held virtually and consist of four one-and-a-half hour sessions with the first beginning on Friday evening and three on Saturday. LIMITED TO 25 PEOPLE.
If we have learned nothing else through the COVID-19 plague it is that life is unpredictable and uncertain. Our social world is different today than it was in January 2020, and what are the implications for us individually, as families, as workers, as a society? Francis and Clare of Assisi also lived in difficult times, and their challenges inspired them to simplify their lives and faithfully rely on God’s support. They struggled, and experienced trauma, but then found joy through their contemplative practices and deeper connection to a Cosmic Christ.
This weekend retreat is dedicated to exploring the lives of Francis and Clare, but even more importantly translating what we can learn from these two saints to deepen our own faith journey in these turbulent times. Leadership begins with how we lead our lives, and our decisions radiate and influence others in our family, larger community, and beyond.
Our retreat kicks off on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Pacific Time. All sessions begin and end with reflective prayer. Friday opens with an overview of the context and social worlds in Francis and Clare’s times, and then we reflect on our own times and how their journeys evolved. How and why did they become saints?
On Saturday we will unpack five tenets for living a Franciscan-style journey. What do the Franciscan narratives and lives of Francis and Clare tell us about how we might live our lives in ways that emulate the life of Jesus, who was their exemplar and guiding light. The sessions will run from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., 1:30-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-6:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
If you prefer making your reservation by phone or any question, please contact Kateri at 925-785-9850. Thank you!
About the Presenter(s)
Pauline Albert, PhD
Pauline J. Albert PhD, an experienced business leader, university professor, and devoted student of Francis and Clare. Her study of Francis and Clare was the basis for her doctoral dissertation in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University. She also holds an MBA in Finance and Multinational Enterprise from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in Romance Languages from Emory University. Over the last ten years, Pauline has led numerous workshops, retreats, and courses focused on mission integration and modern-day leadership based on the lives of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Most recently, she served as the curriculum director for The Padua Program: Foundations for Mission Leaders and Officers in Franciscan Institutes. Pauline lives in Oracle, AZ where she is working on a book about Francis and Clare’s leadership.
