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St. Gabriel and All Angels

Theme: The Healing Flame Within
Location: St. Gabriel and All Angels Church
Friday, October 22nd - Sunday, October 24th
Cost: Free will Offering
Registration requested

Registration is easy. Just send an email to retreat@stgabe.org and let us know you are coming.

St. Gabriel and All Angels Liberal Catholic Church is offering a local retreat titled “The Healing Flame Within." The dates are Friday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 24th. Everyone is invited to participate. As a mystical church, our mission is to connect with our inner spiritual heritage and fan with devotion our inner Godspark into a living, healing flame of Divine love.

The inspiration that led to holding a “local” retreat was to share the powerful spiritual boost of a retreat with all members of the church and community, without the need to travel. This is the fourth such in-town retreat we’ve offered, and our past experience promises a rewarding weekend for all participants.

The retreat begins on Friday, October 22nd with a check-in and introduction at 7:30 pm, followed by an experience of bibliodrama, presented by Deaconess Lucinda and Fr. Thomas at 8 pm. Bibliodrama is a form of role-playing in which parts are taken from biblical texts. The result is a form of commentary and interpretation blended with self-expression and discovery. It is a way to gain insight, ask questions, and build community. It can be challenging, provocative, and fun.

Saturday, October 23rd begins at 10:30 am with a service of Holy Unction. The purpose is to bring a powerful reconnection with our inner "still, small voice", and to bring an experience of the healing nature of Christ. The Archangel Raphael is invoked and the soul centers, or chakras, of the individual are anointed with consecrated oils. With the laying on of hands, one is opened to the downpouring of spiritual influence even as a flower opens to the sun. The service is powerful and moving, and at the same time dignified, welcoming, and comfortable for newcomers. Lunch will follow with a causal format of bringing your own, or carrying in from any of the local restaurants.

At 1:30 pm on Saturday, another Bibliodrama session is scheduled. Going into an even deeper scripture encounter, retreat participants will expand their experience from Friday. Newcomers may also take part. Immediately following will be another check-in; a time for individuals to speak, to be heard, and to listen. Just by comfortably being ourselves together a wonderful and lively connection develops, and a nurturing of our sense of community.

The crowning Saturday event is Sophia Sanctissima, a worship service lead by the Circle of Sophia at 8:00 pm. This moving ceremony, written by Fairfield women, celebrates the mystical feminine divine from ancient Christian practice. Sophia, or Wisdom, is considered the feminine aspect of Christ and also a quality of the Holy Spirit.

Sunday morning, October 24th at 10:15 the retreat reaches for a spiritual apex in the Holy Eucharist on St. Raphael's Sunday. This service is the central act of Christian worship, designed to help participants through the pouring out of a great flood of Spirit upon and within them, and on the world at large. The congregation participates with the angelic kingdom to create a wave of peace and strength for all.

The retreat concludes with a potluck, allowing for casual fellowship and celebration of the weekend.

Please register for the retreat by sending an email to retreat@stgabe.org. All are welcome to participate, church members and non-members alike. There is no charge for the retreat. Free will offerings will be taken at the worship services. Events take place at St. Gabriel’s at Burlington and “C.”

Frequently answered questions about the retreat:

• Is there a fee?
     There is no charge for the retreat, but an offering can be made during any of the services held during the retreat. We have to keep the lights on!
• Can I come to just some of the activities?
     Yes. However, there will be a real benefit to coming to all or as many as you can. It is a "whole experience." Be on the retreat and give yourself an enduring gift of inspiration, peace, and renewal of heart! Whatever you decide, your choice will be respected, and we will be glad to have you present whenever you are there!
• Do I have to register?
     Well, not absolutely, but it will help us to plan and therefore benefit you. If you are unsure about your schedule now, you can register later. Or just show up at the last minute if you need to.

You may leave a comment by clicking on "add new comment" link below if you have a question we have not answered.

Fr. Thomas