Chiara Center offers March, April programming
A variety of programming is planned for the next two months at the Chiara Center, a retreat facility northeast of Springfield on the 300-acre campus of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis.
The Hospital Sisters sponsor Hospital Sisters Health System and the system’s 13 Illinois and Wisconsin hospitals including St. Joseph’s in Breese and Highland and St. Elizabeth’s in Belleville.
“Women at the Foot of the Cross,” a retreat day for single women seeking a Lenten experience based in Scripture, is set for Saturday, March 6. Led by Mary Cabrini Durkin, the session will offer time for quiet reflection, a prayerful environment and thought-provoking presentations. Contact 217-787-9561 or e-mail CSU.
Planned for Sunday through Saturday, March 7-13, is an Evangelical Life Retreat that is especially geared to Franciscan Friars, Secular Franciscans, Third Order Franciscans and Franciscans at heart. This newly developed retreat focuses on the five movements of living an evangelical Gospel way of life.
Sponsored by the Diocese of Springfield’s Office for Social Concerns, “Healing the Hurt of Abortion” will be offered Saturday, March 20. This will be a day of prayer and healing for those whose lives have been touched by abortion including post-abortive women and men, grandparents and family members.
“Palliative Care: The Spiritual Cloak of Comfort and Compassion” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24.
This conference will explore palliative care as the comprehensive care focusing on easing suffering and offering patients and families the best possible quality of life where a cure is no longer an option. Physicians, pastoral care providers, nurses and those with experience in palliative care will lead the conference.
The Motherhouse grounds, St. Francis of Assisi Church, reflection areas, audio and printed resources will be available during an “Ah Day of Quiet” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 10.
Prices depend on the program, accommodations and meals; registration is required for all programs.
For information or registration, call 217-523-0901 or visit www.chiaracenter.org.
