Julian of Norwich (1342-c.1416) “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.” Hermit, theologian, mystic, spiritual guide, author, visionary, woman of God.  This presentation will consider the world of Julian of Norwich, her life, her visions, her writings, and what wisdom she still speaks to us today. This program includes lunch. Sr. Elissa Rinere, C.P. has been a Passionist sister for over 30 years. She holds a Master’s degree in education…

Shot on location in Assisi, The Assisi Underground shows the work of Father Ruffino, one of the "Righteous Gentiles," in sheltering Italian Jews and transporting them to safety during the Nazi occupation. Unlike many World War II melodramas, this one rings true because it is true, and its good acting and simple direction add to the authenticity. Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/pZy6A3om4F4 Attendees will receive a boxed lunch to enjoy during the film. A short discussion will follow the screening. This day…

Join us for a movie night featuring Temple Grandin! Emmy winner Claire Danes stars as Temple Grandin, a brilliant young woman coping with the stigma of autism at a time when it was misunderstood. With the support of her loving family, Temple dedicates herself to learning and becomes a famed animal behaviorist. Her passion for animals gives her a unique ability to understand them, and she fulfills her love of education by teaching about autism and the most humane ways to…

Brother Michael Moran will present Praying with Art at OLC. As one who is an artist and who has meditated daily for a number of years, I have experienced the deep focus that is a part of the creative process and the mindful, prayerful process. Add to that the popularity of adult coloring books over the last several years, and you have a practical experience of creating something beautiful and quieting the mind to allow ourselves to be receptive to…

OLC Book Club: New this Season OLC Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am to 11:30. Our selection for January is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Future titles will be selected on a monthly basis, with the help of suggestions from participants. If you have not attended in the past you are very welcome to join us this month! Sisters Mary O’Brien, CP, and Anna Marie Becker, CP, are the moderators.  Long-time retreatants will…

A Monk’s Insights on Love - Thomas Merton’s realization on the core of the Spiritual Life Thomas Merton’s evolving and deepening insights on Love are woven throughout his writings. At the core of his Christian Spirituality, God and our true nature are identified with Love: To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true…

Explore how moments of crisis shaped the Church we know today. The history of the Church is long, complex and not without problems. Sister Mary Ann will offer an interactive presentation that will open up three windows into the past to look at three moments of crisis that have relevance for us today. In each instance, we will ask four questions. What happened and why? How did the Church respond to the crisis? How has that historical response shaped us…

This special Movie Matinee featuring the Stephen Spielberg film Amistad has ties to Farmington history! Attend this program and learn more! Fifty-three enslaved persons lead a revolt against a Spanish ship, “La Amistad,” that ends up on United States soil. They then are arrested and accused of murder and piracy – charges that bring the death penalty – when ex-President John Quincy Adams, no longer in office, takes their case. Based on a true story and set in 1839, Amistad…

According to Joan Chittister “Simplicity is an attitude of mind that enables us to stand unimpeded by the seductiveness of the unnecessary and the cosmetic.”  Simplicity is about the task of removing the clutter from our outer and inner lives so that we may move more gently through life.  Whether we are “pack-rats” or “neat-freaks”, this statement, is easier said than done.  It is a life-long journey, accomplished one step at a time.  During our time together we will spend…

Is it Even Christian? Exploring the Roots of Halloween Come explore the true origins of Halloween and its roots in the Celtic tribes who lived in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany. For ancient people, November 1 marked the beginning of a new year and the coming of winter. Many of our contemporary Halloween traditions date back to the ancient Celts belief that the souls of the dead including ghosts, goblins, and witches, returned to mingle with the living. In order to…

Most people have an instinctive fear of death, but many also have a conviction that something lies beyond, that death does not have the last word. The Catholic faith is rooted in the belief that God made us to enjoy eternal life with him. During our time together, we will explore what the Church says about death, facing death personally and what it means to die well. This retreat day will include a presentation by Sister Mary Ann, an opportunity…