[email protected] - 812.933...raimon panikkar (1918-2010) was spanish, born to a roman...

[email protected] - 812.933.64372

www.oldenburgfranciscancenter.org 3

Meet the OFC Staff!

S. Olga Wittekind, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist trained at St. Louis University and is a Jungian Analyst trained in Zurich and Chicago. She is the Director of the Oldenburg Franciscan Center. S. Olga is a Franciscan Sister who has taught clinical psychology at Marian University, Indianapolis. She enjoys combining psychology and spirituality, and presents workshops and retreats on these subjects. She is a therapist and spiritual director.

Mary Waskewich is the Program and Administrative Coordinator. She is motivated by opportunities that allow her to integrate her passions and skills into projects and programming that drive positive change. Whether it’s programming to further develop and enrich spirituality or implementing wellness initiatives, she is motivated while organizing programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the OFC.

Beverly Wilson is an art teacher, photographer and graphic designer/digital media specialist. She received her BA from Purdue and her MAE from Ball State. She is the graphic design specialist for the Oldenburg Franciscan Center.


Quick Index Page Coffee Talks ....................................................................................... 6-7 Contemplative Prayer, Spiritual Direction & Counseling..................... 20 Meet The Staff........................................................................................3 Private &/or Group Retreats.................................................................19 Programs & Retreats………………………………......………......................... 8-18 Spiritual Directors ............................................................................... 21

January6 Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 20 9 Forgiveness & Healing Retreat.....................................................823 Mindfulness Retreat………….……….….……................…............…...10 24 Coffee Talk: Caryll Houselander....................................................6

February3 Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 20 6 Writing Workshop (Part 1)........................................................ 1020 Golden Years..............................................................................1121 Coffee Talk: Raimon Panikkar.......................................................6

March3 Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 20 4 Lenten Series 1.......................................................................... 1211 Lenten Series 2...........................................................................1318 Lenten Series 3..…………………………................……….…............….. 13 25 Lenten Series 4...........................................................................1327 Way of the Cross........................................................................1428 Coffee Talk: Wendell Berry...........................................................6


April7 Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 20 10 Writing Workshop (Part 2).........................................................14 11 Coffee Talk: Thomas Merton........................................................724 Climate Change, Poverty and Migration..............………....………..15

May5 Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 2015 Prayer Life: A Space for God..................................................16-1716 Coffee Talk: Sister Thea Bowman.................................................7

June2 Contemplative Prayer ............................................................... 20 5 Discovering Our Complexes....................................................... 1826 Ho’oponopono............................................................................1827 Coffee Talk: Meister Eckhart.........................................................7

Mission StatementThe Oldenburg Franciscan Center fosters the Franciscan values of peace-making,

reconciliation and reverence for Earth and all people by providing a prayerful gathering place

for those who seek to grow in their relationship with God.


OFC Coffee Talks Theme: “Mystics & Prayer”

Free to the public, donations appreciated!

Raimon PanikkaR Raimon PanikkaR Sun., Feb. 21st Sun., Feb. 21st Bruce Garrison 10:45 am—noon

Raimon Panikkar (1918-2010) was Spanish, born to a Roman Catholic mother and Hindu Indian father. His early commitment to Catholicism and his three doctorates and mastery of Hindu texts led to a significant modern audience for his work and the founding of several interfaith organizations. Come and pray with Raimon Panikkar!

CaRyll HouslandeR CaRyll HouslandeR Sun., Jan. 24th Sun., Jan. 24th S. Amy Kistner 10:45 am—noon

Caryll Houselander (1901-1954) was well-known for both her wit and her wisdom. Her artwork, children’s stories, and letters provided inspiration, guidance and comfort to a generation of English Catholics during and after the two World Wars. Come and pray with Caryll Houslander!

Wendell BeRRy Wendell BeRRy Sun., March 28th Sun., March 28th Dick Towner 10:45 am—noon

Poet, novelist, and environmentalist Wendell Berry (1934) lives in Port Royal, Kentucky. Mistrustful of technology, he holds deep reverence for the land and is a staunch defender of agrarian values. He is the author of over 50 books of poetry, fiction, and essays. His poetry celebrates the holiness of life and everyday miracles often taken for granted. Come and pray with Wendell Berry!


OFC Coffee TalksFree to the public, donations appreciated!

THomas meRTon THomas meRTon Sun., April 11thSun., April 11thBill Tonnis 10:45 am—noon

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a writer and Trappist monk at Our Lady of Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. Merton is the author of more than seventy books that include poetry, personal journals, collections of letters, social criticism, and writings on peace, justice, and ecumenism. Come and pray with Thomas Merton!

Gifted with a brilliant mind, beautiful voice and a dynamic personality, Sister Thea Bowman (1937-1990) shared the message of God’s love through a teaching career. The bishop of Jackson, Mississippi, invited her to become the consultant for intercultural awareness. Sister Thea, an African American, encouraged people to communicate with one another so that they could understand other cultures and races. Come and pray with Sister Thea Bowman!

Meister Eckhart (1260 - 1328) is one of the great Christian mystics. He was born near Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany and he became a Professor of Theology in Paris. He took a leading pastoral and organizational role in the Dominican Order. Come and pray with Meister Eckhart!

Coffee Talks will be presented as ZOOM EVENTS!

sisTeR THea BoWman sisTeR THea BoWman Sun., May 16thSun., May 16thS. Jannette Pruitt 10:45 am—noon

meisTeR eCkHaRT meisTeR eCkHaRT Sun., June 27Sun., June 27S. O lga Wittekind, OSF 10:45 am—noon


Programs & Retreats

FoRgiveness & Healing ReTReaTFoRgiveness & Healing ReTReaT Sat., Jan. 9thSat., Jan. 9thS. Bernice Stenger, OSF 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Psychologist & Spiritual Companion) $25/$40 CEU’s

Life situations can challenge us but our invitation to experience forgiveness, mercy and transforming grace is freely given. We will explore our own journey of forgiveness and the heart and spirit’s desire to be reunited with one another and with God. Forgiveness can provide a pathway to profound peace and healing!

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”

~Mark Twain


Programs & Retreats

a day oF QuieT ReneWala day oF QuieT ReneWal Fridays: To Be AnnouncedFridays: To Be Announced 9:00 am – 4:00 pm $20 / $70 with Spiritual Direction

Masks will be required while on the grounds of the Convent and at Michaela Farm

Experience a day of renewal and relaxation. Take time out of your busy schedule to spend some quiet time on the grounds of the Sisters of St. Francis. Explore our library, grab a comfy chair and read, journal or just gaze out the window. Take a walking tour of the shrines and to Michaela Farm for fresh vegetables and a Labyrinth walk. Experience Spiritual Direction with a Sister.

Spend time to center and renew yourself.

“It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.”

~Thomas Aquinas

Our ‘Day of Quiet Renewal’ retreats have been temporarily postponed.Check our website often to see when they will resume!


Programs & Retreats“Wherever you are, be there totally.”

~Eckhart Tolle

Life is a journey. Often, we find ourselves at an impasse: Questions arise, self-doubt arises, and meaning is lost. Taking an open, non-judgmental look at ourselves in the privacy of a journal is a wonderful tool for self-growth and understanding. Join us for a 2-part series of self-exploration through journaling using Jungian tools and concepts.ßPart 1: We will take a look at our early years, school years and young adult years. These are the years when our Ego and Persona are developed. Aspects of the Shadow, both negative and golden, form in the unconscious. Greet the person you were! Learn how we can make friends with our past through journaling!

WRiTing FRom THe inside ouT: WRiTing FRom THe inside ouT: Sat., Feb. 6thSat., Feb. 6tha Jungian JouRnaling seRies (PaRT 1) a Jungian JouRnaling seRies (PaRT 1) S. Olga Wittekind, PhD & Claire Sherman, PhD 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Clinical Psychologists ) $25/ $40 CEU’s

Join us for a day of Mindfulness Meditation Practice. Mindfulness is a practice that helps us pay attention to the present moment. Drawing from the insights of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff and Mechtild of Magdeburg, a Benedictine nun, we will explore the benefits of Mindfulness for reducing stress and the clutter of our minds. Come and experience joy and inner peace!

mindFulness ReTReaT mindFulness ReTReaT Sat., Jan. 23rdSat., Jan. 23rdS. Olga Wittekind, PhD & Claire Sherman, PhD 9:30am-11:30am(Clinical Psychologists ) $25/ $40 CEU’s


Programs & Retreats

THe golden yeaRs: THe golden yeaRs: Sat., Feb. 20thSat., Feb. 20thWhat Is the Gold in the Second Half of Life? What Is the Gold in the Second Half of Life? S. Olga Wittekind, PhD 9:30am-11:30am(Psychologist & Spiritual Director)

We will be challenged to go deeper and acknowledge our desires to discover our authentic selves.

Come join us to experience the wonder, awe, and adventure on the second journey of life.

Using Jungian concepts, we will learn about freedom, our true selves, and our holy longings which lead to deeper relationships with others and with God. Become attentive to the symbols of the unconscious and the God within!

“Our seniors have worked long and hard to better the economy, raise families and serve their communities.

They deserve to live independent and active lives in their golden years.”~Christopher Dodd


Programs & Retreats

i am THe BRead oF liFei am THe BRead oF liFe Thurs. March 4th Thurs. March 4th S. Barbara Leonhard, OSF 6:30 – 8:00 pm (Theologian) $15 per session/ or $55 for all

“For those who love, nothing is too difficult, especially when it is done

for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Saint Ignatius

The first “I Am” statement in John’s gospel is “I am the Bread of Life.” Jesus’s identification with bread signifies many layers of meaning. We will look at the significance of bread at the Passover setting, and other symbolic meanings of bread, the most basic form of nourishment. We find ourselves hungering for meaning and for God at this time in our lives!

God reveals Himself to His people as “I AM” and comes to redeem us. Jesus applies the title “I AM” to himself as God’s divinity. Join us as we discuss the “I AM” statements, from the Gospel of John, which will reveal to us the identity of Jesus.

lenTen seRies: THuRsdays, lenTen seRies: THuRsdays, March 4th - 25thMarch 4th - 25th“i am” sTaTemenTs oF Jesus“i am” sTaTemenTs oF Jesus 6:30 – 8:00 pm $15 per session/ or $55 for all


Programs & Retreats

i am THe ligHT oF THe WoRldi am THe ligHT oF THe WoRld Thurs. March 11th Thurs. March 11th Jan Erlenbaugh Gaddis 6:30 – 8:00 pm (Parish Nurse) $15 per session/ or $55 for all

How do we awaken to the Light within, the mystical and Divine in us? We will go within, into the darkness where the Light of Christ shines. We will explore the mystery of darkness and lightness in the dyings and risings of our lives; the endings and the new beginnings. Celebrate the transformations Light brings to our lives and how our Light connects us to each other!

i am THe good sHePHeRdi am THe good sHePHeRd Thurs. March 18th Thurs. March 18th S. Delouise Menges, OSF 6:30 – 8:00 pm (Teacher & Pastoral Minister) $15 per session/ or $55 for all

i am THe ResuRReCTion and THe liFe i am THe ResuRReCTion and THe liFe Thurs. March 25th Thurs. March 25th Jennifer Profitt 6:30 – 8:00 pm (Medical Profession) $15 per session/ or $55

During the Lenten season, we are drawn to the compassionate heart of God, who tends us in our vulnerabilities. John’s Gospel depicts the “I AM” as Shepherd, leading and nurturing us into strength and wholeness. Let us explore together the tender relationship between the Shepherd of Souls and the flock he guides.

From the Gospel of John, in the middle of the story of the death of Lazarus, we read these words from Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Together we will unpack and explore the richness and evocative emotions of this powerful, poignant, and important portrait of the life of Christ. Join us as we explore this “I AM” statement that reveals to us the identity of Jesus.


Programs & Retreats“Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God.

They are won where the way leads to the cross.” ~Megan McKenna

The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross, is a beautiful meditation to honor the passion of Christ. Join us as Sister Noella helps us to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, by meditating on Christ’s sufferings and death. The object of the mediations is to become one with Christ in our world today.

Way oF THe CRoss Way oF THe CRoss Sat., March 27thSat., March 27thSister Noella, OSF 9:30am-11:30am(Director of Justice & Peace Office) $25

WRiTing FRom THe inside ouT: WRiTing FRom THe inside ouT: Sat., April 10thSat., April 10tha Jungian JouRnaling seRies (PaRT 2) a Jungian JouRnaling seRies (PaRT 2) S. Olga Wittekind, PhD & Claire Sherman, PhD 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Clinical Psychologists ) $25/ $40 CEU’s

Life is a journey. Often, we find ourselves at an impasse: Questions arise, self-doubt arises, and meaning is lost. Taking an open, non-judgmental look at ourselves in the privacy of a journal is a wonderful tool for self-growth and understanding. Join us for the 2nd of the series of self-exploration through journaling using Jungian tools and concepts. Completion of Part 1 is not necessary.Part 2: We will explore our mid-years and the later years of our lives focusing on transitions, changes, and living life to the fullest. The deeper aspects of consciousness, the unconscious and spirituality will bring new wisdom and hope. Using journaling, we will also deal with the reality of our mortality that is beginning to surface in our daily lives. Come for inner wisdom!


Programs & Retreats“There is no plan B because there is no planet B.”

~Unknown

ClimaTe CHange, PoveRTy and migRaTion: ClimaTe CHange, PoveRTy and migRaTion: Sat., April 24thSat., April 24thiT’s all ConneCTed iT’s all ConneCTed S. Caroljean Willie, SC 9:30 am – 11:30 am(Program Director of Earth Connection) $25

“Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest.” This quote from Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ speaks so clearly of the connection between climate change and poverty and the effects it is having on migration patterns throughout the world. The US Catholic Bishops remind us that “At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God’s creation and the one human family.” What are we called to do? Do we recognize all of God’s people as our family? Do we care for the sacred gift of creation? Are we willing to allow God to call us out of our comfort zone and accept the invitation to respond with love and compassion?


Programs & Retreats

Prayer Life is a sacred space to find peace and joy in the presence of God. Moment by moment, through inspiring ways, we will explore ways to pray, connect and share in faith with one another. Come and experience prayer in a multifaceted way. Join us as we create and enrich our prayer life to bring God’s peace to our day, our world.

PRayeR liFe: a sPaCe FoR godPRayeR liFe: a sPaCe FoR god Sat., May 15th Sat., May 15th (FouR BReakouT sessions)(FouR BReakouT sessions) 9:30 am – 11:30 am $25

“If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you’ that would suffice.”

- Meister Eckhart


Programs & Retreats

PRayeR liFe: a sPaCe FoR god PRayeR liFe: a sPaCe FoR god FouR BReakouT sessions: FouR BReakouT sessions:

Contemplative Prayer with Sister OlgaContemplative prayer can be practiced anywhere… while mindfully washing dishes, singing, being with a friend, or walking in a park. Contemplation is simply being fully present in God—listening with heart, mind, and body. The deep listening of pure contemplation is the path to Stillness and the delight of “Just Being!”

Mandalas with Renee BakerThe mandala, the circle and symbol of wholeness, reminds us of our unity with God. Through creativity, it reveals to us the heart’s profound need and desire to walk with and in God. This type of prayer will help us to pause, reflect and focus on the exchange between Divinity and us!

Taize Prayer with S. Janet BornTaizé Prayer is evening prayer for all Christian faiths. It is a simple, meditative form of worship with music, calling us to dwell deeply on Christ’s presence around and within us. Taizé Prayer is named for the ecumenical Christian community formed in Taizé, France during World War II.

Praying with Nature with S. Marty Dermody, SCSister Marty is an avid bird watcher and photographer. By Praying with Nature, S. Marty has deepened her relationship with God. This provides her an opportunity to gift others with the blessings of our natural world through the lens of her camera. We will pray with the beauties of nature and meditate on God’s wonders of nature!


Programs & Retreats“We all have an eraser incorporated within us, a delete key,

but we forget how to use it. Ho’oponopono helps us to remember the power that we have to choose between

erasing (letting go) or reacting, being happy or suffering. It is only a matter of choice in every moment of our lives.”

~Mabel Katz

Complexes are unconscious psychic energies with strong emotional power. They behave like a partial personality operating outside our conscious control. Some examples are a money complex, father/mother complex, inferiority complex, etc. Using Carl Jung’s theory, discover your own complexes and how they can be a stimulus for your growth!

Ho’oPonoPono: Ho’oPonoPono: Sat., June 26thSat., June 26thTHe anCienT HaWaiian PRaCTiCe oF FoRgiveness THe anCienT HaWaiian PRaCTiCe oF FoRgiveness Rose Meenach 9:30 am – 11:30 am(Therapist) $25

Ho’oponopono is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in the Polynesian Islands and Hawaii. It was used as a ritualistic method to help one island kingdom settle their differences with another. Learn the powerful practice of Ho’oponopono to settle differences with others in your own life and how this sacred practice can create miracles in your life!

disCoveRing ouR ComPlexes: disCoveRing ouR ComPlexes: Sat., June 5thSat., June 5thTHe PoWeRFul eneRgies WiTHin us THe PoWeRFul eneRgies WiTHin us S. Olga Wittekind, PhD & Claire Sherman, PhD 9:30 am – 11:30 am(Clinical Psychologists) $25/$40 CEU’s


Private &/or Group Retreats

Individual retreatant overnight stays are available on the Convent grounds.

Call (812)933-6437 for reservations.

Men and women of all faiths are invited to make private or group day retreats “up to 60 persons”

at the Oldenburg Franciscan Center.

For overnight groups local hotelshave adjusted rates for OFC guests.

For more information about hotel discountscall Mary at 812.933.6437

Please call us or visit our website for more information!

We’re happy to help you plan the type of retreat that best meets your needs!

“You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.”

~Psalm 119:114


Prayer & Spirituality

ConTemPlaTive PRayeRConTemPlaTive PRayeR Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:30 pm S. Olga WIttekind, OSF Jan. 6 Feb. 3 March 3(Psychologist and Spiritual Director) April 7 May 5 June 2

sPiRiTual diReCTionsPiRiTual diReCTion by appointment

CounselingCounseling Whether you face anxiety, depression, or are struggling with changes in your life… counseling can help!! Licensed psychologists available: 812-212-0371.

As we advance in our journeys with God, we often need the support of a “listening other” to help guide and encourage us along the way. Several of our Franciscan Sisters and Associates are trained in the art of spiritual direction and have years of experience listening and helping others recognize and attend to God’s movement in their lives. Contact us to learn more! 812-933-6437.

Guided by modern contemplatives like Merton, Keating, and Rohr, we practice contemplative prayer, share God’s movement in our lives, and reflect on our experiences through the process. All are welcome!

“When you can’t put your prayer into words, God hears your heart.”


Meet Our Spiritual Directors

S. Janet Born, OSF is a spiritual director with an interest in adult spiritual formation. She loves sharing with spiritual seekers.

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF is a Jungian Analyst and spiritual director. She enjoys working with Dreams.

S. Barb Piller, OSF is a spiritual director, educator and leader. She enjoys walking with others on their spiritual journey.

S. Kathleen Mulso, OSF is a spiritual director who completed Jesuit Training in the Spiritual Exercises and has an interest in Franciscan & Everyday Spirituality.

S. Marj English, OSF is a spiritual director who loves the ministry because she palpably experiences the presence of God in the process.

S. Ann Vonder Meulen, OSF has served as a spiritual director and offers a variety of art retreats at OFC and the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Cincinnati.

Christy Wesselman is a spiritual companion, retreat and workshop facilitator and Associate with the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg.


OFC Registration FormRSVPs may be made to [email protected] or 812-933-6437

Please complete registration online at www.oldenburgfranciscancenter.org or

Complete and mail this form along with payment to Oldenburg Franciscan Center

PO Box 100, Oldenburg, IN 47036.

Personal Information (please print)

Program Information

Payment: We accept cash and credit cards

______________________________________________________ Name______________________________________________________ Address City State Zip

______________________________________________________ Phone (day) Phone (Evening)

______________________________________________________ Email (please provide to receive reservation confirmation)

_____Check if you would like CEU credit for this program

________________________________________________________________ Program 1 Name Program Date(s)

________________________________________________________________ Program 2 Name Program Date(s)

_____ Check enclosed - amount: $______

[email protected] - 812.933...raimon panikkar (1918-2010) was spanish, born to a roman...

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