Spring-Summer 2013 - Franciscan Life Process Center

Troubad ur
SPRING/SUMMER 2013
OUR MISSION:
To promote a relationship
with God that brings
dignity and hope to the
sacred process of all life
through programs that
assist, educate, enrich
and inform.
This Issue of Troubadour
Pacific Lite and TJO to Perform at
Festival of the Fields 2013..........1
HARPfest Celebrates its
Fifth Birthday...............................1
Center Approved as Continuing
Ed Site for Music Therapists........2
Roots Will Rock Finishes
Second Session...........................2
Yurts Offer Summer Respite .......2
Franciscan Life Process Center
ART • COUNSELING • MUSIC EDUCATION • MUSIC THERAPY • RETREATS • VOLUNTEER
Pacific Lite and TJO to Perform at Festival of the
Fields 2013
Something special is in store for those who
attend the Franciscan Festival of the Fields
2013 on Saturday June 15 from 4:00 to 8:00
pm. Two musical groups, The Thornapple
Jazz Orchestra and Pacific Lite will perform
on the patio at the Center. TJO plays vintage
big band music as well as music for the
contemporary big band. Pacific Lite, a duo,
plays a variety of easy listening music and
dance beats that appeal to ballroom dancers.
To add to the fun, a swing dance instructor
will give lessons to those who are interested
in “cutting a rug”! Other highlights include
baked goods made by the Sisters, frisbee golf,
kite flying, wagon rides, a blacksmith, and
crafters selling their creations.
This year’s festival is a celebration of the life of
John Paul Milanowski who lived for only a few
hours after his birth. “The Franciscan Festival is
a unique event that celebrates family life and
the vocation of marriage,” says Sister Colleen
Ann Nagle. “What better way to remember
John Paul and his family!” When you come
look for the handcrafted wooden rocking horse,
made by Greg Lindsey, John Paul’s grandfather.
Please join us for afternoon of good food,
good music and fun for the entire family. The
entrance fee is $20 per car load. Meals are $5
for adults and $3 for children under twelve and
include walking tacos, vegetables and dip, and
ice cream.
Mark Your Calendar ....................3
Did You Know? ...........................3
Winter Programs Successful........3
In Memoriam...............................4
Dates Set for 2013 -2014............4
Franciscan Festival in
the Fields.....................................4
Join Us for Bowl-a-Rama 2013.....4
“Contemplating the
beauty of creation
inspires us to recognize
the love of the Creator,
that Love which ‘moves
the sun and the other
stars.’”
Pope Benedict XVI
HARPfest Celebrates its Fifth Birthday!
HARPfest is a two day workshop offered
annually in August for students of all ages and
skill levels who share a passion for the harp.
It is geared specifically to those who wish to
develop their present skills in the retreat like
setting of the beautiful grounds of the Lowell
Campus. This year, Serena O’Meara will lead
“HARPfest 2013: Experience the Harp” and
offer several workshops.
• Music Should Be Musical
• Ensemble: Play well with Others & Shopping
Through the Repertoire
six albums and her publications of harp
ensemble music are sold by music distribution
companies on five continents. Serena currently
maintains a studio of over 40 harp students
ranging from age 5 to 90. She directs five
different harp ensembles. One of them, The
Harp Ensemble, made up of middle and high
school harpists, is the longest-running precollegiate harp ensemble in the United States.
• The Celtic Harpist
Ms. O’Meara will give a performance that is
open to the public on Friday, August 16 at
7:30. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at
the door.
Serena O’Meara is a full-time performing
harpist and harp teacher. She has recorded
Registration information is available at
www.lifeprocesscenter.org.
• Performing for Nursing Homes, Assisted
Living, and Senior Apartments
Dear Friends,
gratitude
When was the last time you were halfway through a project
and then questioned why am I doing this? Is it worth
continuing? What have I learned so far? As uncomfortable
and disconcerting as times like that can be, they are actually
times of grace and potential insight – an invitation to
increase momentum toward the finish line.
We are at such a midpoint in the YEAR of FAITH. The
first six months awakened the entire Church to fresh
commitment. Pope Benedict challenged us with his words
to open “the door of faith”. It first opened for us when
we crossed its threshold at baptism. During this YEAR of
FAITH, each of us is called to take up anew the journey
we began on that day. Pope Benedict not only placed this
challenge before us, but witnessed his own renewal on
February 11 when he announced his decision to hand on
the keys of St. Peter. In that action he pressed us to also
take a tremendous leap of faith with him. Pope Francis is
one of the surprises of this YEAR of FAITH, impelling us
to follow the Risen Christ who said: “I am always with you.
Follow me.”
The Franciscan Life Process Center desires to accompany
you on that journey of faith this summer. The pace of
faith-life actually intensifies with the gift of years. That is
why on June 1 we will offer a retreat for both women and
men called WHAT NEXT? LIFE BEYOND RETIREMENT,
reflecting on the goodness of life that can open at
retirement. Opportunities for spiritual direction will
continue during summer months. As the entire Diocese
of Grand Rapids continues the faith journey with our new
Bishop-elect David John Walkowiak, we are planning
a fresh, revamped series of retreat experiences for the
coming year.
Roots Will Rock Finishes Second
Session
Established in the fall of 2011
by a generous gift from Dan
Byrne of Byrne Electric, Roots
Will Rock is a group music
class that teaches teenage
musicians from the greater
Grand Rapids area how to
work as a team and build a
rock band.
This year, each student has not only had to learn chord changes,
melodies, and rhythms on his own instrument but has also
been part of the process of making new arrangements of
familiar songs. The songs have been chosen by the students
themselves, and one original piece was written by a student
with some arrangement help from the group.
The current teachers, Pete Muszkiewicz and Jake Meekhof, are
working musicians with combined backgrounds in a variety of
musical genres from blues and jazz to country and gospel.
The class will end with a final performance at 6:15 on Monday,
May 13th at the Grand Rapids Campus located at 654 Davis St.
NW. The event is open to the public and will give the group a
chance to show what they’ve learned in front of an audience.
Yurts Offer Summer Respite
Summer often provides an opportunity to slow down and relax
away from the demands of daily family life, work, and school.
Two yurts, located in a quiet, wooded area on the Center’s 230
acre farm, offer an exceptional opportunity for singles, families
and couples to connect with God and one another.
The yurts were purchased
through a donation from
the Wege Foundation and
dedicated by Bishop Walter
Hurley in 2008. Each yurt is
about 30 feet in diameter
and has two bedrooms,
battery-operated lights, a gas
stove, a “green” compost
toilet, outdoor decks,
insulated floors, and windows
with screens. One is handicap
accessible.
Summer is also a time to express the YEAR of FAITH in
community events and recreation that celebrate the fruits of
faith life found in wholesome fun and music. Join us for the
FRANCISCAN FESTIVAL OF THE FIELDS on June 15,
BOWL-A-RAMA on August 8, and HARPfest, August 16 and
17. We invite you to journey with us!
Sister Sarah Doser, FSE
Center Approved as Continuing Ed
Site for Music Therapists
The Franciscan Life Process Center has recently been approved
by the Certification Board for Music Therapists to provide
continuing education credits. This is an exciting professional
honor and responsibility for our music therapy department,
as we are now able to offer the continuing education courses
music therapists need to maintain their certification status. Our
first course was a three-part seminar entitled “Thinking About
Ethics: Issues and Considerations for Music Therapists” led by
Dr. Peter Birkeland. We are busily planning for future courses,
which will be open to music therapists and other professionals in
Western Michigan and beyond.
Those who use the yurts may choose to spend their time alone,
walking the trails, enjoying the beautiful scenery or praying
in the Chapel. They might also opt to meet with a Franciscan
guide to assist them in gaining a deeper understanding of
Scripture or the role of faith in their lives.
Need some time away but
don’t want to travel far? Call
the Center at 616-897-7842
for further information on
cost and availability.
Mark Your Calendar for a Year of Enriching Events
Community Work Days: Second Saturday monthly,
March through November 9:30 am to Noon
Join us for work on the farm while enjoying the rolling hills and
peaceful surroundings. Activities take place in the morning
followed by a communal lunch. Work days are a great family
activity or group team building exercise. Contact the Center at
897-7842 to sign up.
If there is a question about weather, call 897-5220 the day of
the event.
Music Recitals: May 18 1:30 pm and May 19,
1:30 and 4:00 pm
and offer individualized instruction for weavers of all skill levels.
Cost for each four day session is $95. Weavers are also welcome
to stay overnight in our guest rooms for an added fee.
Bowl-a-Rama: August 8, 5:30–9:30 pm
This is a fun event for families, groups of friends, and offices.
Purchase a lane for up to six people and enjoy an evening of
bowling, pizza, and prizes for kids and adults. Bowl-a-rama
is held at Northfield Lanes, 2222 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand
Rapids, MI. All proceeds go to the Franciscan Life Process
Center Scholarship Fund.
HARPfest 2013: August 16 and 17, 2013
The sounds of music will resonate throughout the Lowell
Campus as students from both campuses demonstrate their
music making skills. A reception will follow each recital.
Serena O’Meara, harpist, music therapist, educator, composer,
and arranger, will lead this two day workshop for harpists of all
ability levels.
Franciscan Festival of the Fields 2013: June 15, 4–8:00 pm
Participants will learn techniques, skills, and styles which will
enable them to share their music with others in a new way.
This family friendly event features children’s activities, wagon rides,
and good things to eat. New this year will be live music performed
by Pacific Lite and the Thornapple Jazz Orchestra. Entrance/
Parking fee is $20 per car. Meals are $5 for adults and $3 for
children under 12. All proceeds benefit our scholarship fund.
Serena will give a public concert at 7:30 pm, August 16.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
LIFEfest 2013: September 12, 6:30–9:00 pm
Support the development of future programs and services
by attending our annual fundraising dinner. Contact
Gerrie Murray, event coordinator, at (616) 897-7842 or email
Jochen Ditterich will be the instructor for two sessions held at
the Lowell Campus. Classes meet from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily gmurray@lifeprocesscenter.org to support this event.
Summer Weaving Classes: June 10–13 and July 8–11
Did You Know?
Our Center provides a variety of retreat options:
• A private retreat offers quiet time, the use of our
chapel, and the opportunity to experience God as
you walk trails and enjoy the beauty of his creation.
• A directed retreat includes a daily meeting with a
Franciscan guide
• A retreat with others that focuses on a timely topic
or theme is also available at specific times during
the year.
Upcoming Retreats
•A
retreat for families will be held on June 21 and
22 entitled, “The Splendor of Creation: Thresholds
to God.” Parents and children will experience the
pristine wonders of creation as a family through
meals, activities, prayers and fun.
•“
What’s Next? Life Beyond Retirement” invites both
men and women to reflect on the goodness of life
that can open after retirement from schedule work
hours and dedication to a profession.
For further information regarding cost and availability,
call Barb at 616-897-7842
or email registrar@lifeprocesscenter.org.
Winter Programs Successful
It has been a busy and fruitful winter at the Center.
The Mardi Gras Pancake Supper and the Lenten Lunches were
very well attended. A special thanks goes to these restaurants
for their donations of soup: Applause Catering, Schnitz Deli,
O’Brien’s Market and Grill, Café Stella, and Vitale’s Ada.
Our retreats, directed by
Sister M. Timothy Prokes,
FSE and Sister Sarah Doser,
FSE provided retreatants
with a time of prayer and
reflection on Lent in the Year
of Faith and on the days of
Holy Week.
Afternoon with the Arts:
Praise in the World was
a joint venture with the
Basilica of St. Adalbert
and introduced new friends to the Grand Rapids Campus.
In addition to the sacred music and the sacred space of the
Basilica, the appetizers by Polka Pops Café and butter
lambs and hot cross buns made by the Sisters were especially
well received!
Dates Set for 2013 – 2014 Events
In Memoriam
LIFEfest 2013: September 12, 2013, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Long time friends and supporters of
the Center, Lorraine Nellist, E. James
Jackoboice, Rose Marie Redding and
Jan Upp died in recent months. Mr.
Jackoboice was a major supporter
of the harp program, and his wife,
Sandy, was the first director of the
art program. Lorraine Nellist, Rose
Marie Redding and Jan Upp regularly
participated in the artist in residence
program over the last twenty years.
A memorial service, celebrating their
lives and the many gifts and talents
they shared with the Center, will be
held on August 15th at 4:00 pm.
Mardi Gras Supper: March 4, 2014, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Franciscan Lenten Lunch Prayer Experience:
Wednesdays from March 12 through April 9, 2014, Noon - 1:00 pm
Afternoon with the Arts - Victorian Tea: March 1, 2014, 1:00 pm
Noto’s Spring 2014 Charity Wine Fest: April 2014, Date/Time TBA
Music Recitals: May 17 and 18, 2014
Franciscan Festival of the Fields: June 14, 2014, 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Bowl-a-Rama: August 7, 2014, 5:30 - 9:30 pm
HARPfest 2014: Sunita Staneslow, harpist, July 25 & 26, 2014
LIFEfest 2014: September 11, 2014, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
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Franciscan Life Center Network, Inc. dba
Franciscan Life Process Center
11650 Downes Street NE
Lowell, MI 49331-9489
The Troubadour is published three times a
year. To be added to or deleted from the
Troubadour mailing list, or to change/correct
an address, please call 616 897-7842, or
email registrar@lifeprocesscenter.org. Be
sure to include the old address and the
changes or corrections.
www.lifeprocesscenter.org
Join Us for Bowl-a-Rama 2013
Thornapple Jazz Orch
estra
On the Farm… On the Move
Join us for a day filled with...
Live music by Pacific Lite and by The Thornapple Jazz Orchestra
Swing dance lessons
Frisbee golf, kite flying & wagon rides
Franciscan Heritage Baked Goods featuring Franciscan breads
Crafters selling their wares
Good eats
Admission is $20 per car load
$5 per meal ($3 children 12 & under)
all proceeds go to our scholarship fund
June 15, 2013, 4 – 8pm
Thursday, August 8 from 5:30 -9:30 pm at
Northfield Lanes, 2222 Plainfield Ave., NE.
Your lane sponsorship includes:
• Bowling for 6, 1 lane, and shoe rental
• 2 Yesterdog hot dogs from Let Us Serve You
Catering and 1 non-alcoholic beverage per bowler
• Frozen Custard by Culver’s and other treats from
the Franciscan Friends
• A team shirt for each member and 1 team photo
100% of our proceeds go directly to the Franciscan Life
Process Scholarship Fund. Please visit www.grbowlarama.
com or contact Gerrie Murray, event coordinator at (616)
897-7842 for further information.