June 17 - July 2, 2008
Falling in Love
Presenters: Marcia Allen, CSJ and Bette Moslander, CSJ

This mini-sabbatical is designed for sisters, agrégées and associates of Communities of St. Joseph. It is a fifteen-day intensive of study and prayer for those graced with the charism and called by the mission of Sisters of St. Joseph who trace their origins to mid-17th Century France and the founders Jean Pierre Medaille S.J. and the first six women of LePuy.

Content includes the historical roots and expansion of the Congregation, the Founders and first communities, agrégées and associates and the primitive documents. Special attention is given to the spirit and spirituality and the mystical aspect of the vocation. The sabbatical closes with a six day retreat in the context of the Eucharistic Letter.

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July 6-13, 2008
Weaving with Threads of Love:
A Lace Making Retreat
Presenters: Janet Lander, CSJ & Ramona Medina, CSJ

This retreat finds its inspiration in the founding charism and events of the Sisters of St. Joseph. It is designed to give individuals the opportunity to experience and integrate the spirituality and the practice of making bobbin lace in a contemplative setting. Lace making as contemplative practice creates in us heart-space where the connections with God and the dear neighbor may be woven in prayer, as surely as the design of threads and spaces evolves on the lace pillow before our eyes. No previous experience in lace making is required. Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to Sunday, 12:00 noon.

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June 17 - July 17, 2009
Bearers of the Tradition
Presenters: Anne Hennessey CSJ, Orange; Patricia Byrne CSJ, Baden; Barbara Baer CSJ, Congregation of St. Joseph; Marcia Allen CSJ, Concordia; and Bette Moslander CSJ, Concordia

The Bearers of Tradition Institute is a month long learning experience designed to communicate a body of knowledge regarding the history, origins, primitive documents spirituality and contemporary understanding of the spiritual heritage of communities of St. Joseph that trace their foundation to Jean Pierre Medaille S.J. and the women who formed the first 17th century groups. Participation in the Bearers of Tradition will help participants develop a knowledge of content and skills that will enable them to facilitate retreats and workshops on the history and spirituality of the Medaille documents s well as to develop a deeper personal sense of the vocational grace for the on-going living of the charism in the contemporary world.

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June 25 - August 1, 2008
School of the Heart

This program is designed especially for initially professed sisters and/or sisters in transfer who are preparing for Final Profession as a Sister of St. Joseph. It consists of a five day workshop on the "Ignatian Roots of CSSJ Spirituality," followed by a Thirty Day Directed Retreat. For further information contact Bette Moslander, CSJ at 785-243-4428 or bmoslander@mannahouse.org.

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Resources
Available through Manna House of Prayer Bookstore

State of the Heart and Order of the House: A Way of Nonviolence by Christy Cogil, CSJ; Theresa Kvale, CSJ; Janet Lander, CSJ and Dottie Moss, CSJ, © 2005.

This booklet orients the reader to the history, spirit, and practice of the prayer form unique to Sisters of St. Joseph, "State of the Heart" and "Order of the House." These practices are placed in the context of today's world where Gospel nonviolence may very well be the contemporary expression of the charism of unioning love and reconciliation.
Cost: $3.00 each

Associate Handbook by Janet Lander, CSJ (editors: Jean Befort, CSJ and Norma Schlick, CSJ),
© 2006.

This booklet is a rich resource for Associates and those who accompany them, including: Consensus Statement, Prayer to St. Joseph, Scriptural Touchstones, contemporary Consecration to the Two Trinities, Portrait of a Sister of St. Joseph, contemporary CSSJ "family tree," descriptions of Associate vocation, formation, lifestyle, commitment...and more.
Cost: $3.50 [hole punched, binder not included]

Also available: Associate Animator's Handbook by Janet Lander, CSJ (editors: Jean Befort, CSJ and Norma Schlick, CSJ), © 2006.

This booklet was designed to empower any Sister or Associate to start and accompany an Associate group in her area, with aids to the formation process (modeled on the RCIA process).
Cost: $5.00 [hole punched, binder not included]

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