God is Opportunity!

"Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.”"James 1:19

"The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Second Vatican Council invited us to read the signs of the times and discern God’s presence in the changing realities of our world. In the Council documents, we hear the call to be a pilgrim people, attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit and open to continual renewal.

In a world marked by polarization and division, this means creating spaces for sacred conversations marked by respectful dialogue, and deep listening. This prophetic path is at the heart of a synodal Church and our path to transformation.

Join us for this three part series where we will engage in some sacred conversations. Revisiting key themes from the Second Vatican Council, we will explore together how their wisdom speaks to the opportunities and challenges of our time. God is always opening new doors, inviting us to become more fully the Church the Council envisioned—journeying together, discerning together, and witnessing together to the hope of the Gospel.

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Series

^$100.00

Transforming Through Sacred Conversations

Event Details

Sandra (Sandy) Prather is a retreat leader and facilitator in the areas of faith and spirituality. Known for an infectious joy in her faith, she has worked locally, nationally, and internationally leading retreats, missions, and workshops. Drawing upon her theological training and faith perspective, Sandra ‘breaks open the ordinary’ so that we might know God `amidst the pots and pans.’ Sandra holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master of Theology from Newman Theological College. She served for 21 years as Executive Director of Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert. She is an Associate and Honorary Oblate of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Serena Shaw holds a Bachelor of Arts in Faith, Ethics, and Justice and a Master of Arts in Theology, with a focus on synodality and the role of the laity in the Church. She currently serves as Communications and Promotions Director at Star of the North Retreat Centre and previously served for twelve years as a Catholic school board trustee, supporting Catholic education and faithful leadership. Deeply rooted in parish life, Serena served as music and youth minister at St. Albert Parish and has volunteered in music ministry since childhood. A happily married mother of two and grandmother of one, Serena is passionate about creating spaces for prayer, reflection, and meaningful conversation. She believes that an open heart lies at the center of the Christian life, making room for God to transform us and helping us see Christ in one another.