Program Schedule

Inner Journey with Soul Collage
Saturday, September 24, 9:30am - 7:30pm

Do you want to experience a fun, creative way to explore your inner journey? Soul Collage is a deeply satisfying, nurturing, self-discovery process combining imagery with imagination and intuition.  Even those without artistic skills find this a powerful tool in their spiritual practice.  Using Soul Collage, readings, poetry, and optional journal writing as ways to move inward, you weave together the wisdom of your eyes, your hands, your heart, your emotions, your intellect and your intuition.  Images will seem magically to find you, revealing important aspects of who you are.  For more information about Soul Collage, visit www.soulcollage.com.

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Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 2, 1pm (Rain date: October 9, 1pm)

Would you like a special blessing for your beloved pet?  This custom evolved as a remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Come, bring your pet to be blessed.  Prayer slips and a special blessing box will be available for those animals who cannot come or are deceased.  Please let us know with registration what type animal you will bring.

 Rev. John O’Kane, Patty Corey,& Connie Messitt, CSJ     Free Will Offering

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Would you like to experience a new, creative way to pray?  Using the ideas of Sybil MacBeth as a starting point, you will explore a new way to pray.  Paper, colored pencils, magic markers, and crayons will be used to find new connections with God.  Come with an open heart and a readiness to relax.  You may want to bring your journal.  All other materials provided.

Mary Glazer     Donation:  $45

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Introduction to Christian Scripture
Sunday, October 16, 1pm - 3 pm

Would you like to know more about the Christian scriptures?  Explore how the Church approaches the Bible, the origin of the books, and some selected readings.  The intent is to raise the understanding and interest of those new to reading the Bible.

Br. James Posluszny, CSC   Free Will Offering

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Journal Writing and Spirituality
Sunday, October 23, 10am - 3pm

Are you curious how you can grow spiritually through journal writing?  Join other new and experienced journal keepers to explore and try out a variety of journaling techniques designed to discover your spiritual growth patterns, deepen your prayer life, and strengthen your relationship with God.

Francine Dempsey, CSJ       Donation: $45

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For Whom Have I Journeyed?  Spirituality for Midlife Men
Saturday, October 29, 10 am - 3 pm

Are you a man in mid-life? Are you searching for new meaning in your life? This workshop is for you. You will investigate those challenges and questions that emerge during this significant time in your life. The material presented for discussion is designed not only for those directly affected, but also for those who support and journey with these men in their personal lives, whether spouse, friends, or spiritual companions.

Dan Nelson, OFM, Ph.D.     Donation: $75

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Dreaming a New Way:  Living in the Heart of the Universe
Sunday, October 30, 1 pm - 3:30 pm

Are you yearning for a deeper way to relate to Mother Earth and her story?  Experience our oneness with the web of life and our communion with all other species.  Join Sr. Lin as she shares her love of life using large screen photos from the Hubbell telescope, the art of Marion Honors, CSJ, poetry, and reflections of Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme.  Enjoy time for reflection and sharing.

Lin Neil, CSJ    Free Will Offering

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Inner Peace for the Busy Person
Friday, November 4, 10 am - 3 pm

Do you long for simple tools to increase inner peace in your busy life?  It is common to feel overworked and overwhelmed in today’s do-more-with-less environment.  Achieving inner peace on a daily basis can be a challenge.  During this workshop you will:  learn techniques to reduce stress; discover strategies to gain a peaceful mind and heart; gather ideas to help you find the balance you want; and have time to experience several of these ideas and strategies.

Connie Messitt, CSJ      Donation: $45

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Book Group: In Search of Belief - Part 2
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 am - 3 pm

Do you ever question what you really believe as you pray the Apostles’ Creed?  The life of faith is a perilous journey because it involves placing one’s trust in God.  In Search of Belief will challenge you to experience the relevancy of this prayer to the age in which we live.  In this group, we will discuss what resonated within, what questions arose, and any insight each received.  Chapters 10-18 will be discussed.

Connie Messitt, CSJ   Donation: $45

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The Priory Christmas Sale
Friday, Dec. 2, 1-6 pm and Saturday, Dec. 3, 10am-4 pm

 Add this to your must-do list! Come to the Priory’s Annual Christmas Sale at the Chestertown Municipal Center Auditorium, Chestertown, NY, Friday Dec. 2, 2011, 1-6 and Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, 10-4. 

Come and purchase holiday decorations, gift items, toys, CDs, craft items, baked goods, plus much more!

Call the Priory with questions about making donations or about the sale at 494-3733.

The Advent Faces of Jesus
Sunday, December 4, 1 pm - 3 pm

Are you prepared to enter into the holy season of Advent?  We will look briefly at the incarnated Jesus of history, while pondering our own personal relationship with Him.  We’ll chat about waiting patiently without distraction, so that, in simplicity of heart, we are able to see God’s beauty: and reflect on what way we are able to fulfill the work of giving Christ life in us.

Eileen Davenport, MA         Free Will Offering

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Blessed Are They Who Grieve:  Saying and Praying Your Goodbyes
Saturday, December 10, 10 am - 3 pm

Are you struggling with loss?  “Blessed are they who grieve” seems a puzzling statement.   However, the many types of loss can be invitations into new life.  The way you “will be comforted” is in giving over to and allowing your grief process, and accepting blessing into your new life.  This workshop will provide you with a gentle, supportive environment to:  revisit the definition of grief, identify the many faces of loss, learn tools for moving through your grief process, have time for private reflection, and participate in at least one ritual for letting go of your grief.

Connie Messitt, CSJ   Donation: $45

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Please call or e-mail us by December 4 to let us know you can come.

Connie Messitt, CSJ   Donation: $45

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You are invited to A Priory Merry Christmas party! The Priory volunteers have transformed the house into a vision of Christmas and we want to share it with YOU.

Our open house begins at 3:15 pm.  Take a leisurely stroll through the house to look at the decorations.  Enjoy some tasty treats, and choose a gift from under one of our Christmas trees.

At 4 pm, join us in the candlelit Chapel for a reading of the Christmas story and caroling accompanied by Patty Corey on the piano and Judith Gross on the harp.

After the busyness of holiday preparation, come as you are and experience a gentle afternoon with us.  We look forward to seeing you!

Connie Messitt, CSJ   Donation: $45

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Deacon Greg & Marianne Zoltowski   Donation: $75

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Connie Messitt, CSJ   Free will Offering

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John Daubney   Donation: $55

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Connie Messitt. CSJ   Donation: $140

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Family Vacation Week
February 18 - 24

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Aging Gracefully
Sunday, February 26, 10 am - 3 pm

Do you resist looking at the aging process?  Are you afraid of the future?  During this program we will look at the realities of fear, diminishment, and loss and also the myths revolving around the aging process.  We are presently writing the history of this stage of our lives (the Third Age).  The gift of these years is not only merely being alive: it is the gift of becoming more fully alive than ever.  There will be time for input, reflection, prayer, and discussion.