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The Joy is in the Journey®
Weekend Spiritual Retreats for Women |
Throughout the year, I present week-end retreats for women who are seeking increased self-awareness, deeper spirituality, and greater well-being.
These are primarily held at the St. Gabriel's Spiritual Center on Shelter Island, New York, and in various retreat houses in Maine.
For upcoming schedule, click here.
Women who attend these retreats, many who come time after time, say that these weekends are life-changing events, helping them to get unstuck, make major decisions, address underlying fears, heal, and move on into new and more meaningful directions. Suitable for women of all ages and stages, religious or spiritual orientations, these retreats work wonderfully in conjunction with 12 step recovery programs, life coaching, individual therapy, or simply as an emotional or spiritual tune-up.
Infinitely practical as well as spiritual in nature, each retreat has a specific theme that is carried throughout the weekend presentations, services, and rituals. These topics include:
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Uncovering, Discovering and Celebrating Spirit |
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Let Go or Be Dragged |
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Living the Serenity Prayer |
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Boundaries, Behaviors and Balance
A New Day, A New Beginning
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| The week-ends generally begin on Friday evening with dinner and conclude following lunch on Sunday. They range in price from $135- $250, depending upon location.
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| If you are interested in being notified of upcoming retreats by e-mail, sign up for our FREE newsletter here. |
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| Although the retreats are non-denominational, a Catholic Mass is available at most retreats for those wishing to attend.
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Upcoming Schedule of Joy is in the Journey® Retreats |
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2005 |
| New
York: |
October 7-9
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St. Gabriel's Spiritual Center, Shelter Island |
October 29
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Women's Symposium, Wading River, Long Island |
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| Maine: |
October 21-23 |
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Living Waters Spiritual Center, Winslow, Maine
Contact info@e-livingwater.org
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| November
11-13 |
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Notre
Dame Spiritual Center, Alfred, Maine
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2006 |
| New
York: |
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January 20-22 |
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St. Gabriel's Spiritual Center, Shelter Island |
June 9-11 |
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St. Gabriel's Spiritual Center, Shelter Island |
October 6-8 |
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St. Gabriel's Spiritual Center, Shelter Island |
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| Maine: |
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| May
12-14 |
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Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford,
ME
Contact flavin@usadatanet.net |
| October
21-23 |
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Living Waters Spiritual Center, Winslow, ME
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| August
18-20 |
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Rockcraft Retreat House, Sebago, Maine
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For directions and more about the Facilities |
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Saint Gabriel's Spiritual Center is located on the shores of Coecles Harbor on lovely Shelter Island, New York, one hundred miles east and one short ferry trip away from New York City. This beautiful retreat house is owned and operated by the Passionist Community and, although it's primary purpose is to offer ministry to youth, it is also the host for other groups, such as the Joy is in the Journey retreats for women.
St. Gabriel's can accommodate 50-58 women in semi-private rooms, most with a water view. From the glass enclosed conference room, early risers can watch the sun come up over the water. Aside from miles of beach front property, St. Gabe's has a salt water swimming pool, tennis courts, excellent food, and a sacred and beautiful chapel on a hill.
For more information, click here.
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Living Water Spiritual Center
Winslow, Maine |
| Located on 61 acres alongside the Sebasticook River, with a network of four maintained woodland trails, a gazebo, a labyrinth, and a pool, the Center is a safe and peaceful setting for individuals and groups to enjoy nature and solitude, and cultivate inner peace.
For more information, click here |
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| Marie Joseph Spiritual Center |
Nestled along Maine's southern coast, owned and operated by the Congregation of the Presentation of Mary, offers a spiritual harbor for many. Refreshment for spirit, mind and body is available for persons seeking a sacred space, silence, healing and connection with their God. The Center's sustaining inspiration and zeal find their roots in that of the Congregation's foundress, Blessed Marie Rivier, whose desire was "to make Jesus Christ known, loved and to light the fire of God's love everywhere".
For more information, click here
If you wish to attend, please complete the following registration form and send with a $50 non-refundable deposit to:
Betty Crowson
PO Box 485
Fryeburg, Maine 04037
(Warning: these retreats fill up QUICKLY, so if you are thinking about attending, please register as soon as possible).
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Registration (
.pdf format)
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| Testimonials from women on retreat |
I had been in a constant state of crisis for almost three years when I first attended a Joy is in the Journey® retreat with Betty Crowson. My husband of fifteen years had disappeared, my business was struggling, my stepsons were suing me, and I had lost all faith in myself, in others, and in God. The weekend with Betty gave me the foundation to begin rebuilding my relationship with God and with myself by helping me to understand that God cries with us in our pain, and that there is value in our process.
Genevieve, 43, self-employed photographer
Attending Betty Crowson's retreat last June put into motion a series of events which had me take control of my life, move to New Hampshire, and start my own business.
Bridget, 40, B&B Owner/operator
Six months ago, I was struggling with an ex-son-in law (alcoholic and drug-addicted) who I was allowing to continually push my buttons, and basically, ruin any chance I had for serenity.
The weekend retreat opened up a whole new world to me. I was told to "get over myself" and shown ways to do so. Betty Crowson's insights have helped me to begin navigating through the confusion. I am no longer stuck in that lousy spot. And there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Ann, 70, retired school teacher
I have been to many self-improvements programs, meetings, conferences, etc. but have never found out about myself more than in a retreat given by Betty Crowson. I know that I am a better person because of these retreats, and have been able to handle situations in my life much better also. I look forward to many more Joy is in the Journey® retreats!
Jean, 43, Massage Therapist
Betty's concept of the "divine discomfort" for the range of intense feelings we have when we are in the "in between" transition time helped me to know what to expect and gave me the courage to leave an unsatisfying work situation.
Suzie, 48, MSW, Counselor and Consultant
My husband and I had just separated and I didn't know if it was going to be temporary or permanent. The weekend with Betty helped me to process my feelings. She also helped strengthen my faith that I would be okay no matter what the outcome would be.
Colleen, 40, meatcutter
I have serious problems with anxiety and anxiety attacks since discovering that my son has a huge problem with illicit drugs. Betty Crowson has helped me learn how to "slow down" and turn my son over this his Higher Power. I've attended several Joy is in the Journey® retreats and need to go every six months. The presentations give me food for thought that I refer to in times of need.
Barbara, 56, retired teacher
I have been fortunate to know Betty Crowson for over twenty years. She has been a positive enhancement to my life through her healing retreats for women. She has shown me how to find the good things about myself and has helped me improve my self-esteem tremendously over the years.
Norma, 65, retired secretary
After returning from living in Honolulu and going through a divorce, I attended Betty Crowson's retreat and it helped me change my journey from one of hopelessness and despair, to one of a solution with a positive direction.
Christine, 38, Personal Trainer
An unexpected thing happened to me on one of BC's retreats -- I was able to forgive my mother for the pain I felt she had given me all my life. I had always blamed her for being responsible for my becoming an alcoholic. And even though I had gone through the AA 12 steps, I still hadn't been able to forgive her.
For some reason, during the weekend retreat for women in recovery, I had the clear sense that I was letting my mother do this to me; that it was my fault and not hers. I'm sure other people have told me this over the years, but I could never hear it before. Yet, when we did the ritual of writing down the name of somebody we needed to forgive, and then burning the paper it was written on, something magical happened. I truly forgave her.
It wasn't long after that I took my trek to Jacksonville, Fl where my mother had moved some years ago. And when I went into her room, instead of resenting the fact that I had to be there, I looked at this elderly women through eyes which had been changed. For the first time, I had compassion and love in my heart, instead of resentment and anger.
My mother died soon after that visit. I'll always feel that God sent me on that retreat so that my mother and I could make our peace. I am a grateful person.
Shirley, CSW, 62
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If you wish to attend, please complete the following registration form and send with a $50 non-refundable deposit to:
Betty Crowson
PO Box 485
Fryeburg, Maine 04037
(Warning: these retreats fill up QUICKLY, so if you are thinking about attending, please register as soon as possible).
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Registration (
.pdf format)
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