Millions of people have recovered from addiction through the Twelve Steps, which have their origin in the same spiritual path practiced by serious seekers of many faiths. At their core, the 12 Steps are a path of spiritual awakening based in the recognition that all manner of healing, recovery, and transformation comes from God.
Join us to explore the mindful spirituality of 12 Step recovery. This daylong workshop will explore the benefits of meditation and other spiritual practices through prayers that mark major “turning points” in recovery: the Serenity Prayer alongside the Third, Seventh and Eleventh Step Prayers (the “Prayer of St. Francis”). You will spend time together in meditation and reflection, recognizing these turning points in the pilgrimage of everyday life, sharing your experience, strength and hope, and discussion. Some of prayer we will practice together during the retreat will include different types of meditation as well as journaling, soul collage, and deep listening. You’re welcome to join us no matter whether you’ve ever dipped your toe into the 12 Steps before, what step you’re on, how long you’ve been in a 12 Step program (or, not), and whatever your relationship is to prayer or meditation. Often described as practical, radical, and even transformative, the Spirituality of the 12 Steps can be truly a life-giving spiritual approach for anyone.
Br. Mark Gregory D’Alessio is a Franciscan friar in the ecumenical society of the Companions of Francis and Clare. He’s also a spiritual director, chaplain, retreat leader, author, and past President and Executive Director of the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute, drawing together the inspiration of the church with the wisdom of psychological care. Br. Mark now lives on Long Island and serves as a crisis counselor at an emergency shelter with outreach services for men and women who are homeless; and, as a chaplain at a school and orphanage for children with developmental and mental health disabilities. A long-time seeker and practitioner of spiritual wisdom, he’s initiated into multiple spiritual lineages, both East and West; looks to the evolving universe story, Thích Nhat Hanh, and Francis and Clare of Assisi as sources of inspiration and hope; and, does his best to affirm the Christian Wisdom tradition within a wider inter-spiritual framework.
PLEASE GO TO WWW.STANDREWS-YARDLEY.ORG TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.
Posted in Retreat, Outreach at St. Andrews
The Spirituality of the 12 Steps
Saturday, March 14, 2020
9:00 AM 3:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 54 West Afton AvenueYardley, PA, 19067
The Spirituality of the 12 Steps: “Sought Through Prayer and Meditation”
To be held at St. Andrew’s (buildings to be announced)