Aurora Living: Word & Creation
The Star of the North Retreat Centre’s signature two-year program is Aurora Living: Formation Through Word and Creation. Our emphasis is to deepen our relationship with Sacred Word and renew our relationship with Christ’s Spirit for the good of creation. Aurora Living is learning, integrating, and practicing a contemplative way of living in response to the call to love and serve our global family and care for our common home. For more detailed information on our upcoming cycle click here: www.starofthenorth.ca/aurora
Word ~ Creation ~ Community ~ Contemplation ~ Right Relationship
will transform us for a radical way of life to become agents of a new dawn.
Welcome to Aurora Living!
FORMAT
Aurora Living is a two-year formation journey comprised of six unique modules offered both in-person or online. Each three-month module includes:
- an opening retreat weekend
- two Saturday retreats (1 per month)
- two small-group Wisdom circles (1 per month)
- monthly readings and videos
- Optional spiritual direction (up to 3 sessions)
Inclusive of everyone, we invite you to consider joining us on this journey of hope and action! Do you have a higher-education goal? Contact us about how Aurora Living can contribute to your Master’s degree.
MODULES
Creation: Stories of Beginnings
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2024
Presenters: Rick Faw, Harry Lafond, Ron Rolheiser and Maureen Wild
Wilderness: The Journey to Wholeness
JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2025
Presenters: Debbie Rolfes, Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan, Ron Rolheiser and Maureen Wild
Psalms & Wisdom: The Wells We Drink From
APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2025
Presenters: Steve Bell, Gisele Bauche, Ron Rolheiser and Maureen Wild
Truth-Telling: Finding Our Prophetic Voice
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2025
Good News: An Invitation to Everyone
JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2026
New Community: Together Toward New Creation
APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2026
We aim to keep our application process relatively simple, so if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Step 1: Check Admission Requirements
❑ Applicants must demonstrate in their application a desire and openness to personal spiritual growth and a commitment to the learning process through participation in all aspects of our program.
Step 2: Complete Application
NOTE: To download and print these forms, please find the attachments at the bottom of this page.
❑ Complete the online Application Form, including a brief reflection outlining your background and spiritual formation journey; their reason for application to Aurora Living, etc. as outlined.
Step 3: Make Reference Request
Please contact a spiritual and/or professional reference (i.e. mentor, spiritual director, employer, pastor, priest, etc.) who can provide a brief character reference on your behalf to let them know your goals and desires for taking the program. We will follow up with them as part of the application process.
Step 4: Application Review & Payment
Program registrants will be notified of payment options/plans within two weeks upon acceptance of their application.
We want to ensure access to funds for people in need of assistance to cover the cost of these modules. Please note bursary applications are available upon request for those in need.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will I take away from this?
A transformed, integral life that joins faith and action together for the common good. A deeper sense of belonging and commitment with God, others, and creation. A certificate is awarded upon completion. Ask how Aurora might contribute to a Master’s degree or higher-education goal.
Who is this for?
Aurora is for those who desire a living, deepening relationship with Holy Mystery. The program is open to Christians willing to engage in the inner work of integrating contemplative prayer and social practice.
How do I apply?
If you are new to Aurora Living, please complete a one-time application and submit a spiritual reference before choosing a tuition option APPLICATION LINK HERE. Application inquires can be emailed to programs@starofthenorth.ca
Can I apply for a single module? Do I have to start the program at the beginning?
One of our goals with the program is to build a core of participants that will journey together for the full two-years and thus graduate together. At the beginning of a new cycle (September 2024), our promotional emphasis is on building this core group. That being said, we recognize the need for flexibility and are open to having folks join us mid-way, or even select just a module or two. Please reach out for an option that might work best for you.
Vision: Awaken Spirit – Transform the World
Guided by Laudato Si, sacred teachings and wisdom traditions, Aurora Living aims at learning, integrating and practicing a contemplative way of living in response to the call to love and serve our global family and to care for our common home.
Mission
Recognizing as common to all spirituality the longing for depth and communion, our goals are inspired by the universal wisdom contained in the Christian, Indigenous and other faith traditions, as communicated through Scriptures, guiding us to union with God, each other and creation.
Goals: Love in Truth & Action
- Heart – Discern our path with God in the world through prayer and reflection
- Soul – Deepen our awe and wonder through faith-based celebrations and rituals
- Strength – Integrate faith and daily living by participating as active agents of social transformation for the common good
- Mind – Grow in spiritual wisdom through learning and experiencing the impact of the Scriptures and Mystical traditions
- Neighbour as Yourself – Communicate and practice in our relationships with each other and creation, attitudes of kindness and mercy
- As Jesus Loved – Nurture an awareness of the Person of Jesus to transform our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions into a commitment of self to each other and creation.
“You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your strength,
and with all your mind;
and your neighbour as yourself.”
~ Jesus, Luke 10:27 ~