Star Gazer W9

Latest News from the North

What a jump start to 2024 we have had here at The Star of the North—with so much going on, I know many of us are wondering where January & February went! Below we share with you a few highlights from things now behind us and a glimpse of good things yet to come.

• In January we started our 7th gathering of the Bridges to Contemplative Living series with facilitator Anita Allsopp. We were happy to welcome a few new faces to this warm and welcoming group that continues to grow in depth and relationship. Our next installment in this series is set to begin in early October—reach out to programs@starofthenorth.ca if you’re interested in more information.
  
  
• Throughout January a small-but-mighty team of volunteers helped us edit, print, staple, cut, fold and mail out our Winter/Spring 2024 Program Guide and other program information. We are so grateful for our volunteers as well as those who help promote local retreat ministry and in their parishes and communities. For a peek at our latest program guide click here.
  
  
• Our faithful team of hospitality ministers continue to serve as the first-point of welcome for Star programs and for the rental groups coming through our doors! This year we have been grateful to host groups such as The Studion School for Spiritual Direction, Life Associates Edmonton, St. Joseph’s College, Heart Spirit Healing and Wellness, Engaged Encounter, Regnum Christi, Mount Carmel Bible College and others. To join our hospitality ministry or serve as a general volunteer, please click here.

• Recently our Reconciliation Through Justice evening with guests Jo Ann and Jerry Saddleback was showcased as part of the national news for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. To view the APTN news feature click here. To read an article entitled "Justice is Healing" by Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, OMI on the experience click here. 
  
  
• In February the Winter/Spring addition of our biannual donor newsletter Luminaries was completed and published. Celebrate all our Star supporters, and stay up-to-date of fundraisers and projects that enhance the ministries of The Star. Click here to read Luminaries online.
  
  
• The dedicated planning committee for the upcoming Oblate Gala Tribute Dinner on May 2, 2024 at Chateau Lacombe continues to work tirelessly on planning, promotion, and fundraising. We invite you to join us for this special evening of celebration with people who share our faith. To register as a table group or as individuals, click here. 
  
  
• Our Star signature program, Aurora Living: Formation Though Word & Creation is set to finish it’s first cycle with our spring module entitled New Creation: Hope in Troubled Times starting April 12. The next cycle of Aurora modules will begin in fall of 2024. Stay tuned for exciting new details that we hope will make Aurora Living accessible to even more people! To find out more on how to join our spring module, click here.

Registration Closing Soon

Don’t miss out on our March programs! Make plans to attend a Star event with a friend, a colleague, or with family. Registration closing soon for the following: 

The Inclusion Journey online series with Maria Drueco starting March 6
Learn how to navigate the intricate terrain of multicultural relationships.

Rembrandt’s Jesus art & reflection evening with Pastor Tony Maan on March 14
How can timeless art inspire and guide our hearts in this Lenten season?

Les Femmes de la Résurrection retraite en francais les 15 et 16 mars
With Caroline Maillett-Rao & Sr. Catherine Grasswill, UJ

Spring Programs at The Star

To find out more about any of our upcoming spring programs, please click on the event graphic below. You can also browse our 2024 programs at the Programs page of our website: starofthenorth.ca/programs. Register early! Some programs fill up quickly; others may be cancelled due to insufficient registrations. As always, we invite you to familiarize yourself with our programs, and help support local retreat ministry by sharing program and event information with your circles of connection. We are so grateful for your ongoing support.