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…”
The Provincial Government has extended the COVID-19 restrictions until January 21. This means we are not able to offer our Serenity Twilight Retreat in January. Our next Twilight retreats will be Wednesday February 3 (Women) and Thursday February 4 (Men). Please call to register and please pass this message along in your groups. We know this is a difficult time for everyone and we wish we could welcome you after the holidays, but, hopefully, we will be able to gather again in February. Know that we continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Stay safe and well; One Day at a Time.
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 will focus on the spiritual wisdom found within the 12 Step Program. The program is simple – although not easy – wholistic and life-giving. For over 85 years countless individuals have found in these practical steps a spiritual path that has grounded them in their recovery.
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.
2020-2021 Dates:
Month | Women | Men |
---|---|---|
September 2020 | Thursday 10 | Wednesday 9 |
October | Wednesday 7 | Thursday 8 |
November | Thursday 5 | Wednesday 4 |
December | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 |
January 2021 | Thursday 7 | Wednesday 6 |
February | Wednesday 3 | Thursday 4 |
March | Thursday 4 | Wednesday 3 |
April | Wednesday 7 | Thursday 8 |
May | Thursday 6 | Wednesday 5 |
June | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 |
Serenity Weekend Retreat Theme: “The 12 Steps: A Spiritual Path”
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 $195.00. 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 18-20, 2020, Friday to Sunday
Jim D., 780-484-8713, jdavid@moderndigital.net
November 20-22, 2020, Friday to Sunday
Jim G., 403-242-0688, jgehl@telus.net
Lanny M., 403-863-8327, lansingj@shaw.ca
April 9-11, 2021, 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 25-27, 2020, Friday to Sunday
Women: Friends & Relatives of Alcoholics
Guest Presenter: Helena Fitzgerald, Winnipeg
Peggy P., 403-872-3277, peggy.peterson@icloud.com
Joann D., 403-783-1426, joanndoupe@hotmail.com
October 30-November 1, 2020, Friday to Sunday
Shawn D., 403-613-1704, olivercavi5@gmail.com
Lynn H., 780-720-5297, lyhug4@gmail.com
March 26-28, 2021, Friday to Sunday
Sharon G., 250-341-1640, lolg@telus.net
Karen C., 403-479-6883, cklcleans@gmail.com
Mixed Serenity Retreats – Dates and Contacts
January 22-24, 2021, Friday to Sunday
Jim B., 780-435-2403
Dylan J., 780-278-0533, dajensen2012@gmail.com
Gord G., 780-340-3547, gcgushue@yahoo.ca