A Faith Experience Mini-Retreat

Shirley Adler leads a one day version of a weekend retreat experience developed by Jesuit Fr. Jose Esquivel. As Jesus healed and brought hope through storytelling, we gather in small groups to do the same. Beginning with the genealogy and life of Jesus, we reflect on our own life story of faith, from our first major life decision up to the present. "Who is Christ for me?" and the "Christ Seal" bring the day to a close. Adler has a masters in religious education, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Her many years of experience include teaching, campus and parish ministry, spiritual direction, adult education and counseling. Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM (1.01)

Crisis in the Priesthood and the Church: Understanding It, and What To Do About It

ARCC - the Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church - hosts this symposium. The recent scandal around our bishops' cover-up of the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests has clearly revealed the need for reform in the governance structures of our church. The three speakers, pictured on left, are Eugene Kennedy, psychologist; Susan Ross, theologian/author of Extravagant Affections: A Feminist Sacramental Theology; and Tom Fox, journalist/author of Sexuality and Catholicism. The day will conclude with a panel discussion that includes Leonard Swidler, Temple University church historian, and Kathleen Pruitt, CSJP. Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM (1.02)

Nonviolence: A Requisite for Peacemaking

Philip Berrigan and Elizabeth McAlister explore 57 years of nuclearism and its consequences, and the deceit of the present war against terrorism. They comment on non-violence, from a Gospel standpoint and from the wisdom of Tolstoy, Gandhi, Woolman and King. The aim is to dispossess our hearts and the empire nation-state we live in. The couple live and work at Jonah House, a nonviolent resistance community in Baltimore, where they raised their three children. With Phil's brother Dan they have been resisting war for 35 years, participating in many plowshares actions, and often going to jail - Liz for a two year sentence and many shorter stays, Phil for a total of 11 years behind bars. Read more about them and their Saturday presentation. Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM (1.03)

People of Faith Meet the Global Economy: A Biblical Reflection on Economic Justice

Marie Dennis leads a process that blends scriptural insights with social, economic, and ecological analysis. The goal is to empower participants to act in support of the life-giving possibilities of globalization from below. Dennis is director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns. She chairs the Religious Working Group on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, an interfaith coalition addressing the global debt crisis. Mother of six, she belongs to Assisi Community in Washington, D.C., - religious, laity and families pursuing a simple lifestyle and working for social transformation. She is co-author of The Spirituality of Romero, and author of A Retreat with Oscar Romero and Dorothy Day. Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM (1.04)

A Day on Scripture and Justice

Edwina Gateley digs deep into the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures for the roots of our call to action for justice. The biblical authors summon us to constant reform. Our efforts to change systems and situations spring from our biblical faith, the root of all true change. What does it mean to be both disciple of God and prophet? Gateley travels the world preaching about discipleship, conversion, prayer and spirituality, all based in Scripture. Read more about her and her Saturday presentation. Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM (1.01)

BALM IN GILEAD: African American Experience and the Journey of Faith

Diana Hayes (right), theologian, teams up with singers Kim and Reggie Harris for a day of prayer, lecture, discussion and musical celebration. The day will encompass the history, religious experience and current challenges facing the African-American community. Come to learn, to share, to participate in the Spirit throughout this extraordinary day. Hayes teaches theology at Georgetown University. The Harrises are veteran folksingers. They and Diana Hayes are each making other presentations during the weekend. Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM (1.01)

ETHPHATAH!

Joseph Kilikevice, OP, unlocks deep meanings of the words of Jesus using the ancient texts that recorded them in his own Aramaic language. Pronunciations and translations of words found in the Lord's Prayer, Beatitudes and "I Am" sayings in John's Gospel will be considered. The mantric sound of these sacred phrases, and our simple reverent movement as they are prayerfully danced, offer a new way to "be opened and expanded" (ethphatah), to hear, feel and experience. Kilikevice is founding director of SHEM Center for Interfaith Spirituality, Oak Park, Ill., with over 20 years of national experience leading interfaith retreats in the creation spirituality tradition. Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM (1.07)

Bread for the Journey: A Panel on Interreligious Dialogue

Dirk Ficca anchors this panel. In each of the world's major religious and spiritual traditions there are resources for hospitality and cooperation. The interreligious movement worldwide seeks to enable these communities to draw on their resources in order to live and work in harmony. Come and hear three practitioners from different traditions discuss the values they bring to the building of a better world. Ficca is executive director of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions. Read more about him. Fri., 3:30 -5 PM (2.03)

Panel: Toward a Theology of Peace

Jeanette Rodriguez anchors a panel that includes Sr. Marge Eilerman, Basil Fernando, Sr. Kathleen Pruitt, and Farid Esack. Humanity is overwhelmed by incredible violence and conflict. Yet Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said, "The future is in the hands of those who can give tomorrow's generation valid reason to live and hope." We need more theological reflection on peacemaking, and a relevant pastoral praxis to respond to structural violence. Each panelist has been a catalyst for justice and reconciliation in regions of extreme conflict: Rodriguez and Eilerman in Latin America, Fernando in Asia, Esack in South Africa, and Pruitt at the international level. Rodriguez is chair of the theology department at Seattle University. Eilerman was a missionary in Chiapas, Mexico, and now works with the Colombia Support Network. Fernando escaped the civil war violence in his native Sri Lanka, and now heads the Asian Human Rights Commission in Hong Kong. Esack helped defeat apartheid and served as commissioner for gender equality in his homeland, South Africa. Pruitt served nine years as vice president of Pax Christi International. Fri., 3:30 -5 PM (2.09)