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 “More will be Revealed…” 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.
2022-2023 Dates:
Month | Women | Men |
---|---|---|
September 2022 | Thursday, Sept 8 | Wednesday, Sept 7 |
October | Wednesday, Oct 5 | Thursday, Oct 6 |
November | Thursday, Nov 3 | Wednesday, Nov 2 |
December | Wednesday, Dec 7 | Thursday, Dec 8 |
January 2023 | Thursday, Jan 12 | Wednesday, Jan 11 |
February | Wednesday, Feb 1 | Thursday, Feb 2 |
March | Thursday, Mar 2 | Wednesday, Mar 1 |
March | Wednesday, Mar 29 | Thursday, Mar 30 |
May | Thursday, May 4 | Wednesday, May 3 |
June | Wednesday, June 7 | Thursday, June 8 |
Serenity Weekend Retreat Theme: “We Will Know Peace,” Step by Step.
There is a spiritual wisdom within the 12 Step program that is simple, wholistic and life-giving. Everyone can find their way no matter what their particular understanding of spirit or one’s higher power. As the Big Book says: “The Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive.” Each step contain an underlying wisdom that speaks to human experience and what is required in the program: surrender, being open to mystery, self-reflection and awareness, willingness to be changed and make amends, fellowship, forgiveness, spiritual practices and sharing the message.
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 16-18, 2022, Friday to Sunday
Jim D. 780-484-8713
jdavid@moderndigital.net
Neil T. 780-459-0418
thompsonjoyce349@gmail.com
November 18-20, 2022, Friday to Sunday
Jim G., 403-242-0688, jgehl@telus.net
Lanny M., 403-863-8327, lansingj@shaw.ca
March 31 - April 2, 2023, 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 23-25, 2022, 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
October 14-16, 2022, Friday to Sunday
Shawn D., 403-613-1704, olivercavi5@gmail.com
Kelly W 587-572-5702, camsteel9@shaw.ca
March 24-26, 2023, 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 27-29, 2023, Friday to Sunday
Dylan J., 780-278-0533, dajensen2012@gmail.com
Eric M 403-831-8371. elmailloux@gmail.com