Servants of Mary
Manifesting God's compassionate presence in the spirit of Mary

Servite Current Events

Servite Center of Compassion Program Calendar
* Registration for programs is due 5 days prior to the event.
* Weather cancellation policy: If Omaha schools are closed due to weather, Servite Center events are cancelled.
* All programs are held in the Servite Center of Compassion unless otherwise specified. The Center's entrance can be accessed from the parking lot off of 72nd and Ames Circle.

September - December 2010 Program Offerings

* To register for a Scheduled Program please contact the Servite Center of Compassion at scc@osms.org or at 402-951-3026 or click here to print out a registration blank which you can complete and mail in with the program fee.

EVENTS

Focusing: Listening to the Body
Saturday, September 25, 9:00 am - noon, $35
Focusing is a process of attending to one’s deepest self with a nonjudgmental presence. Regular practice allows access to the wisdom of the body and a deep level of knowing that leads to inner transformation. This workshop is ideal for spiritual directors, pastoral ministers and anyone interested in personal growth.

Mary Hogan OSM, Jane King, Debbie Sheehan, spiritual directors and practitioners of focusing

Focusing Groups
Sessions begin October 6, 10:00 - 11:30 am
further dates to be decided by participants
$10 per session or $35 for four sessions

This opportunity is available for those taking the workshop, mentioned above, and for those already familiar with the practice of focusing. The group will provide focusing practice with the help of an experienced facilitator.

Mary Hogan OSM, spiritual director and practitioner of focusing

Cultivating Kindness - Growing in Compassion
Saturday, October 9, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, $45 (includes lunch)
Explore the many-layered landscape of kindness as it is lived within the hectic terrain of challenging life situations. Various approaches to kindness will be presented, along with times of meditation and interactive reflections. This is a day to renew our intention to live more compassionately. “Every act of kindness enhances the quality of life.” Desmond Tutu
Joyce Rupp OSM, author, international speaker, Co-Director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence (ICP)
Margaret Stratman OSM, Director of the Servite Center of Compassion and Co-Director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence (ICP)

Mary Ferring R.N., certified pastoral care specialist, grief group facilitator, retreat leader, ICP participant

Dream Work:
A Tool for Personal and Spiritual Growth

Saturday, November 6, 9:00 am - noon, $35
Since ancient times, human beings have valued and reverenced their dreams. For many individuals, attending to and learning from dreams has been a rich source of both personal and spiritual insight and growth. This workshop will help participants engage with their own dreams by giving them a basic understanding of Jungian dream theory and an introduction to several proven methods of dream work. Participants are asked to bring a written dream, if possible.

Nancy Koley, MA in Christian Spirituality, experienced spiritual director and presenter, student of dream work for over thirty-five years

Longing, Waiting, and the Birthing of God: Reflections for the Advent Journey
Saturday, December 11, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, $35
The Advent season finds children creating “wish-lists” and eagerly awaiting Santa. But what can the season mean for us as adults? In this morning of reflection, Gospel stories will afford insight into the longing and the waiting by which we become, in the words of Meister Eckhart, “mothers of God; for God is always needing to be born.” Join us to create a Christmas “wish-list “ full of grace.

Sr. Susan Calef, New Testament scholar at Creighton University, offers Scripture-based retreats to church and women’s groups

SERIES

Compassionate Care Giving for Ourselves and Others
The second Friday of each month, September - November
9:30 - 11:30 am, $15 per session or $40 for three sessions

Have you discovered that you are neglecting yourself while struggling with caregiver responsibilities, work stresses, or relationship challenges? Although it may seem impossible to balance care for both ourselves and others, this series of workshops will provide the information, skills, and support needed to maximize your potential for self-nurturing, which enhances all of your interactions.

Val Lewandoski OSM, Assistant Director of the Servite Center of Compassion, licensed counselor and spiritual director

Qualities of the Spiritual Life
Thursdays, September 23 and 30, October 7 and 14
7:00 - 8:30 pm, $10 per session, $35 for four sessions

Based on the work of Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat’s book and DVD series entitled Spiritual Literacy, each of the four sessions will explore one of the qualities of the spiritual life in this order: attention, beauty, compassion and devotion. Group reflection will be facilitated by visuals, music, and poetry, all rich in the great traditions of spirituality.

Faciliators, Servite Center Staff

Enneagram Study Group
The third Wednesday of each month, September - December
7:00 - 8:30 pm, $40 for four sessions

This opportunity is for those who are familiar with the Enneagram Personality system. The group will meet monthly to explore various dynamics of the Enneagram to help deepen self-understanding and spirituality, and to enhance relationships.

Margaret Stratman OSM, educator, counselor, spiritual director, and Director of the Servite Center of Compassion

Yoga for Seniors
Tuesday mornings, September 14 - November 2
10:00 - 11:00 am, $10 per session

This Yoga class is designed for seniors but open to all. It includes gentle poses, breathing exercises and guided imagery. These techniques encourage a healthy lifestyle, improve balance and decrease falls, while also helping to reduce stress and bring the body and mind into harmony.

Dawn S. Staszko, Whole Body Wellness Consultant, working in healthcare since 1991 with pulmonary, cardiac, and cancer patients

Tai Chi
Thursday mornings, September 23 - October 14
10:00 - 11:00 am, $10 per session

Tai Chi is a series of 12 gentle movements which balance, renew, and rejuvenate the body regardless of age or physical condition.

Linda Hess OSM, licensed massage therapist, teacher of Eastern healing modalities

MONTHLY OPPORTUNITIES

Friday Films
The third Friday of each month, September - November
7:00 pm, $5 per session

Join us for “Friday Films.” We will view true or true-to-life films full of moral dilemmas and inspiring characters. Refreshments will accompany the group discussion that follows. The films that will be shown are:

September 17 The Visitor
Walter Vale is surprised to find that a young, undocumented couple has taken up residence in his apartment. As their friendship develops and challenges arise, the differences in culture, age and temperament fall away.

October 15 King Korn
Two friends plant and grow a bumper crop of America’s most-productive, most-subsidized grain. Following their pile of corn into the food system raises troubling questions for them, about how we eat and how we farm.

November 19 Tsotsi
On the edges of Johannesburg, Tsotsi’s life has no meaning beyond survival. Discovering a baby in the car he has stolen leads him down an unexpected path.

Book Sharing on Truly Our Sister
The third Thursday of each month, September - April
morning group 10 - 11:30 am, evening group 7 - 8:30 pm
$40 for eight sessions (Participants provide their own book)

The group will share on theologian Elizabeth Johnson’s book, Truly Our Sister. The book presents a view of Mary, Mother of Jesus, that is enlightening and satisfying, not only intellectually but emotionally and spiritually. Each session will include prayer, sharing, and light refreshments.

Nancy Marsh OSM, chaplain at Immanuel Medical Center

Retreat in Everyday Life
Information meeting Tuesday, August 31, 7 pm, no cost
The program runs from September - May
$360 for 24 sessions (may be paid in installments)

Continue the events of daily life while praying the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The information evening introduces the format and content of this yearlong, home-based program.

Mary Hogan OSM, spiritual director experienced in assisting adults toward spiritual growth through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

Spiritual Companioning Group
The first Thursday of the month, beginning September 2
3:30 - 5:00 pm $10 per session

Join with others for spiritual direction within a group setting as participants listen, reflect and discern their spiritual paths together. People of all faiths are welcome.

Val Lewandoski OSM, spiritual director, counselor, and Assistant Director of the Servite Center of Compassion

Wisdom Circles
Day Circles - 1:30 - 3:00 pm
second Wednesday of each month, September - December
Evening Circles - 7:00 - 8:30 pm
fourth Wednesday of each month, September - December Free will offering

Take time out of your hectic schedule to join a group of women doing a variety of crafts. The gifts of the group are: learning new crafts, developing or deepening friendships, and becoming aware of your own inner wisdom through prayer and sharing. All are welcome to join. Please bring a friend.

Lisa Sheridan OSM and Loene Herman, Co-Directors of the Servite Associate Program

Evening Prayer
The third Tuesday of each month, September - December
7:00 - 8:30 pm, in the Servants of Mary Chapel
Free will offering

Please join the Servite Sisters and Associates for an evening of prayer and reflection each month. The focus of our gathering is to pray for a less violent and more peaceful world. Prayer is followed by fellowship in the Servants of Mary Dining Room.

Lisa Sheridan OSM and Loene Herman, Co-Directors of the Servite Associate Program

A Day Away
Give yourself the gift of “a day away” to nurture your spirit. Take some quiet time to pray in the Chapel or Healing Garden, journal or listen to reflective music in a private sitting room reserved for you, walk the grounds, enjoy a buffet lunch. Reserve the day and the amount of time you wish. You can enjoy a full day from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. or just an hour or two. You are welcome to remain for the Convent Liturgy at 5:00 pm.

“Taking time for a day retreat at the Center of Compassion was a stepping stone in my personal growth and spiritual development. A personal day in the midst of our busy ordinary lives provides a renewed sense of purpose and valuable insight into our life’s journey.” Anonymous

During your day away you also might want to schedule time for one of our ongoing programs, noted below. These activities can be arranged for an additional fee and depend on staff availability.
Suggested donation for a full day, including lunch, is $25.00. To make your reservation contact Margaret Stratman, OSM, at scc@osms.org or (402) 951-3026.
events.

Ongoing Programs

* Most Ongoing Programs are available by appointment. Please consult the contact information below for the program in which you are interested.

INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES COUNSELING
PERSONAL COACHING

Confidential sessions for individuals and couples
Counseling covers issues such as stress, grief, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
Personal coaching is also available. Coaching includes working with life transitions and strategies, decision making and communication skills.
Available by appointment from licensed counselors
Lisa Sheridan, OSM, LMHP, 402-051-3066
Valeria Lewandoski, OSM, LMHP, 402-951-3093
Sliding fee scale. Insurance billing available.

ST. PEREGRINE LITURGY
Third Saturday of each month at 11:00 am – All year
Prayer for all those who suffer from life threatening illnesses
and for their loved ones
In the Servants of Mary Motherhouse Chapel
No fee

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Individual, confidential sessions to deepen one's spiritual life
Available by appointment from these spiritual directors
Sr. Valeria Lewandoski, 402-951-3093
Sr. Mary Hogan, 402-951-3055
Sr. Ann Marie Petrylka, 402-884-5101
Sr. Margaret Stratman, 402-951-3026
Sr. Joan Houtekier 402-504-1152
Sliding fee scale $25 - $45 per session
HEALING TOUCH THERAPY
An energy based therapeutic approach to healing
Available by appointment from healing touch practitioner
Sr. Mary Hogan, 402-951-3055
Sr. Suzanne Vandenheede, 402-315-9863
Sliding fee scale $25 - $45 per session

MASSAGE THERAPY
Systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for healing and relaxation
Available by appointment from massage therapist
Sr. Linda Hess, LMT 402-951-3092
$50 per hour

HOT STONE THERAPY
Massage of the body using specialized heated and oiled rocks
Available by appointment from massage therapist
Sr. Linda Hess, LMT 402-951-3092
$60 per hour

PIANO INSTRUCTION
Lessons for children and adults
Available by appointment:
Sr. Carol Claussen, 402-951-3016
Sr. Linda Hess, 402-951-3092
$20 per ½ hour lesson
GUITAR INSTRUCTION
Lessons for children and adults
Available by appointment
Sr. Linda Hess, 402-951-3092
$15 per ½ hour lesson

READING AND MATH TUTORING
Individualized tutoring for elementary school students
Available by appointment
Sr. Carol Claussen, 402-951-3016
Sliding fee scale $10 - $30 per hour

Servite Newsletter

Discover Vol. 5 Issue 1

 

Servite Happenings

RIP Sr. M. Adolorata Watson, OSM
New Provincial Leadership Team