photograph by Cherie Westmoreland
Anam Cara Retreat
Friday, March 31 - Wednesday, April 5, 2023
with Cherie Westmoreland, Heather Mattson McCrady, Margie Savigny, and Sabina Harpe
Rivendell Retreat Centre, Bowen Island, BC
“May you recognize in your life the presence, power and light of your soul.
May you realise that you are never alone.” – John O’Donohue
Come away to be in companionship with yourself; to reflect on connections both with the natural world and with others, in the spirit of the Celtic ways of Anam Cara. Each day will include reflection, movement, creative expression, and time in nature. This will be a gentle retreat with time to respond to what is calling for your attention in the spirit of awakening to your own inner wisdom and possibility.
We begin March 31 at 4:00 pm. We end on April 5 at noon.
The Rhythm of Our Days
We will follow the Rivendell values of silence, prayer, simplicity, hospitality, and social justice.
• embodied prayer and meditation
• self-catered breakfast
• morning gathering
• quiet time
• lunch
• quiet time
• Rivendell Sacred Hour
• dinner
• evening gathering
Spiritual direction and healing touch will be available. The mentors for this retreat have all completed the Pacific Jubilee Program in Spiritual Direction.
Cost
$400 with a $100 deposit at the time of registration. This includes meals, group gatherings, spiritual accompaniment, and supply fees. Accommodation is an additional cost paid directly to Rivendell Retreat Centre.
Accommodation and Meals
Each person will have a room with bathroom; linens and towels provided. We ask everyone to help with minor preparations and clean-up for meals. Please bring your own breakfast items. Coffee and tea provided. If you have dietary concerns, let us know on your registration form. Meals will be simple and nutritious. A soup/salad lunch will be offered and evening meals will be catered.
Registration
To register, complete the registration form and email to Margie Savigny. Deadline for registration is March 22, 2023
Send $100 deposit, either by e-transfer or cheque. Mail cheque to:
Cherie Westmoreland
#9-1070 Miller Road
Bowen Island, BC
V0N 1G1
Cherie Westmoreland
is an artist with a particular focus on contemplative photography and writing. She has explored and experienced a variety of faith traditions and finds the natural world to be her most potent teacher of heart and spirit. She has completed the Pacific Jubilee SoulGuiding and SoulMentoring programs, and brings a quiet and grounded presence to her practice of spiritual accompaniment.
Heather Mattson McCrady
has been on a contemplative spiritual path for many years. She has a Masters of Theological Studies in Spirituality, a Pacific Jubilee certificate in spiritual direction/companioning, and recently completed a year-long eco-ministry certificate. Retired from a career in healthcare in Volunteer Management, Patient and Family Centred Care and Community Development, she now describes herself as a Being of the Natural Order and Wild Christ Monastic.
Margie Savigny
has been a spiritual companion for the past ten years. In private practice or group facilitation, Spirit is always invited to what is unfolding. The work is to create intentional time and sacred space for what is longing for our attention to appear and be nurtured. Margie has always had a thirst to enliven her spiritual life through learning in the company of others. Through the Pacific Jubilee SoulGuiding and SoulMentoring programs, courses at the Vancouver School of Theology, and the Living School (Centre for Action and Contemplation), Margie continues to nourish her contemplative life.
Sabina Harpe
is a retired educator who finds joy and satisfaction in community organizing. She credits the Pacific Jubilee Program (SoulGuiding and SoulMentoring) in supporting her spiritual journey. Her explorations of heart and soul are often expressed in visual arts such as collage and photography. Her practices of spiritual direction and healing pathway are passions that challenge and inspire her. Sabina loves exploring the natural world, both locally and in travels farther afield, and she treasures her time with family and friends.