Serenity Retreats
Serenity Retreats focus on the spiritual principles and practices of the 12 Step program of recovery from addictions. The Friars have had a long-standing outreach to the 12 Step communities. We listen to 5th Steps and our retreats support Step 11 – “we sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood him…”
Monthly Twilight Retreats
The Serenity Twilights take place normally on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month, September – June. This year the Serenity Twilights focus will be “The Prayer of St. Francis” Bill W and many men and women in a 12 step program have found this prayer helpful as they walk their spiritual path of recovery. Recovery is a process that unfolds one day at a time. Living the principles of recovery (honesty, humility, willingness, openness, etc.) allows new understandings, attitudes and practices to deepen over time.
For over 85 years countless individuals have found in these practical steps a spiritual path that has grounded them in their recovery.
To become “happy, joyous and free” does not guarantee a trouble-free life. How do we navigate the ups and downs in recovery? Bill W. wrote that greater emotional sobriety, developing greater maturity and balance in our relationships, is crucial. This serenity series will address important issues in these relationships, such as forgiveness, letting go of harmful patterns of thinking and building from the strengths of the program.
Registration/Times: To register please call 403.932.2012 or email mtfrancis@shaw.ca a few days before the date. The suggested contribution is $25.00 for each evening. Arrive any time after 4 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm followed by a presentation at 7:30 pm, quiet time and final prayer meditation. The evening concludes around 9:00 pm.
2023-2024 Dates:
Month | Women | Men |
---|---|---|
September 2023 | Thursday, Sept 7 | Wednesday, Sept 6 |
October | Wednesday, Oct 4 | Thursday, Oct 5 |
November | Thursday, Nov 2 | Wednesday, Nov 1 |
December | Wednesday, Dec 6 | Thursday, Dec 7 |
January 2024 | Thursday, Jan 11 | Wednesday, Jan 10 |
February | Wednesday, Feb 7 | Thursday, Feb 8 |
March | Thursday, Mar 7 | Wednesday, Mar 6 |
April | Wednesday, Apr 3 | Thursday, Apr 4 |
May | Thursday, May 2 | Wednesday, May 1 |
June | Wednesday, June 5 | Thursday, June 6 |
Serenity Weekend Retreat Theme: “The Traditions: Wisdom to Guide Us”
In addiction, the poison of resentments, dishonesty and selfishness disrupts a lot of our relationships. The twelve traditions of AA provide a framework for healthy relationships. The weekend retreat will draw wisdom from these traditions.
Registration: Please register with one of the captains whose name and contact information in listed with the retreat you are considering. If you need to cancel, please contact the captain as soon as possible. Some of the retreats have a waiting list. The suggested contribution is $215.00. If you are not able to contribute the entire amount, pay what you can. No one is turned away because of lack of finances.
Arrival/Departure: The rooms are available from 4:00 pm. Friday evening. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm followed by the first conference. The silence does not begin until after the first conference on Friday evening. The retreat ends with lunch on Sunday.
Men’s Serenity Retreats – Dates and Contacts
September 15-17, 2023, Friday to Sunday
Jim D. 780-484-8713
jdavid@moderndigital.net
Neil T. 780-459-0418
thompsonjoyce349@gmail.com
November 17-19, 2023, Friday to Sunday
Jim G., 403-242-0688, jgehl@telus.net
Lanny M., 403-863-8327, lansingj@shaw.ca
April 5-7, 2024, Friday to Sunday
Trent F., 403-803-1444, trent.foley@contractpro.ca
Ron P., 403-797-1957, purseyron@hotmail.com
Tim M., 403-869-1885, timmcginty3@gmail.com
Women’s Serenity Retreats – Dates and Contacts
September 22-24, 2023, Friday to Sunday
Friends & Relatives of Alcoholics
Presenters: Karen O’Sullivan Cookson and Susan Campbell
Title: Waking the Heart – Letting Love be the Light
Description: “Love is the ‘why’ of life…and grace is what makes all goodness possible”
Gerald May’s words will allow us to reflect on how love and grace have enabled us to move forward in our relationship with ourselves, others and life itself.
Emily U. 808-657-5412
eeulm@telus.net
September 29 - October 1, 2023, Friday to Sunday
Shawn D., 403-613-1704, olivercavi5@gmail.com
Kelly W 587-572-5702, camsteel9@shaw.ca
March 8-10, 2024, Friday to Sunday
Karen C., 403-479-6883, cklcleans@gmail.com
Stephanie D. 403-650-3067, stephanie.desouza@shaw.ca
Deb M. 403-619-8809, debmccullough22@gmail.com
Mixed Serenity Retreats – Dates and Contacts
January 26-28, 2024, Friday to Sunday
Dylan J., 780-278-0533, dajensen2012@gmail.com
Peter K. 403-880-4684
peter.kelsch.08@gmail.com