Saturday programs at Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center have the very great advantage of requiring only one day out of a very busy two day weekend. With time restraints impinging on us from all directions, a one day workshop or retreat is the optimum solution. We can say 'yes' to exploring our health and spirituality needs and still have time left during the weekend to meet other important obligations. For your convenience, registration is only a click away.

2008

MARCH
NIGHT VISION . . . PRAYING THROUGH CHANGE
This day focuses on the lived experience of God-with-us, especially in the throes of painful loss—illness, divorce, death of a loved one, unemployment—whatever hurts the heart and burdens the spirit.  We will discover how honest prayer guides us through this darkness.

Presenter:  Anita M. Constance
Anita Constance is author of several spiritual reflection books and editor for Paulist Press’ yearly publication, Living the Days, recently finished 16 years of pastoral care at Saint Anne Villa, a long-term health care facility, at Convent Station, New Jersey.  Her other ministries have included liturgy, spiritual direction, RCIA, bereavement and pastoral counseling in parishes settings.

Saturday, March 1, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, including lunch
Fee:  $55.00

[Online registration form]

YOGA TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Practicing yoga in a relaxed manner, while focusing on breathing, can help boost one's immune system.  Through yoga postures that increase oxygen in the body, breathing exercises that help stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid, and deep relaxation exercises, we can nurture our immune systems and build up our resistance to illness.

Presenter:  Andrea Naitove
Andrea Naitove, a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor, has been immersed in the practice of Yoga for 16 years.  A teacher in several New York Yoga studios, schools, and corporate settings, she believes in bringing the benefits of Yoga including a strong and healthy body, an open and caring heart, and a clear and peaceful mind to all people.

Saturday, March 15, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Fee:  $25.00; join us for lunch and enjoy the afternoon for an additional $9.00

[Online registration form]

CHAIR YOGA and MEDITATION
Leave the mat at home!  Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that most of us can practice.  There are no complicated maneuvers using the chair for balance for modified yoga postures.

Presenter:  Andrea Naitove
Andrea Naitove, a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor, has been immersed in the practice of Yoga for 16 years.  A teacher in several New York Yoga studios, schools, and corporate settings, she believes in bringing the benefits of Yoga including a strong and healthy body, an open and caring heart, and a clear and peaceful mind to all people.

Saturday, March 15, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Fee:  $8.00

[Online registration form]

REIKI TRAINING, LEVEL II -- EXPANDING YOUR HEALING POWER
The Level II Reiki Training builds on the energy healing process taught in the First Level Reiki Training.  Individuals who desire to expand their energy healing abilities and open themselves to the deepening power of Reiki are encouraged to participate.

Second Degree Reiki Training includes:  Second Degree Reiki Attunement; Reiki power symbols and their use; diagnosing and evaluating energy flow; absentee Reiki Treatment; practice sessions; Second Degree Reiki Certificate.

Pre-requisites include:  First Degree Reiki Training and Attunement

Presenter:  Andrea Westkamp, smic
Andrea Westkamp has been teaching Reiki for five years. She is an experienced pastoral counselor and spiritual director. One of her interests is the connectedness of spirituality and health.

Saturday, March 29, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, including lunch
Fee:  175.00, including cost of manual

[Online registration form]

APRIL
DANCING WITH THE STARS
“Dance is our first ‘religious’ activity connecting us with Divine Energies at work in the cosmos.”  Mary Southard, SSJ

Dance is leading and following, giving and receiving, stumbling and ‘starring’.  Dance is a wonderful metaphor for the spiritual journey…a journey in rhythm and harmony with God, self, others and all creation.  With opportunity for input, shared reflection, quiet, as well as communal and individual dance, this day will be a resounding “Yes” to God’s invitation, “Shall We Dance?!”  Please wear comfortable clothing.  No dancing skills are expected.

Presenters:  Nancy Erts, OP; Francis Gargani, CSsR
Nancy Erts is presently a full time Program Specialist at Mariandale Center. She has a BA in Education with a concentration in Biology, advanced degrees in Theology and additional course work in Psychology, Holistic and Eco-Spirituality. She has been involved in ministry related to adult spiritual development for many years. 

Francis Gargani, a Redemptorist priest, is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and frequent presider at liturgies at Mariandale.  A gifted speaker and leader of prayer, Francis is also Coordinator of Justice and Peace Ministry for his congregation.

Saturday, April 19, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, including lunch
Fee:  $55.00

[Online registration form]

Pre-requisites include:  First and Second Degree Reiki Training and Attunements

Presenter:  Andrea Westkamp, smic
Andrea Westkamp has been teaching Reiki for five years. She is an experienced pastoral counselor and spiritual director. One of her interests is the connectedness of spirituality and health.

Saturday, May 17, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, including lunch
Fee:  175.00, including cost of manual

[Online registration form]