Board Monthly Discussion Re: Mission Statement

The Mission Statement for the Martha Retreat Centre Society is: “To provide a quiet, welcoming space where people, individually or in groups, can come away and rest awhile, nourish their spirits and open their hearts to God’s call to them in the current reality of their life’s circumstances.”

Our second discussion about the Mission Statement centered around the words “…where people, individually or in groups…” As a Board of Directors, we were asked what these words mean to us - when applied to the Centre – and here is how we shared the meaning of these 6 words from our Mission Statement:

“The word ‘people’, shows our intention and desire to offer a community service that is inclusive and generic. Individuals, seeking spiritual renewal and stillness, are welcomed, and will not be excluded based on gender, religious belief, colour, nationality, social status.

It is also critical that we know what it is we do not do. At times the words ‘retreat centre’ can be misleading. Individuals have come to the Centre who were in need of addictions and mental health, thinking it is a ‘treatment centre’. Centre staff provide confidential compassionate support by directing individuals to qualified professional service. This is done in a loving, compassionate manner rooted in care for the individual and their needs.

We strive to provide a variety of programs that allow for both individual and group experiences. As a Board we recognize that people require choices based on their individual stories and needs at the time. We recognize that people who come to the group programs experience individual nourishment.”

Being Grateful

Here at the Martha Retreat Centre we are blessed in so many ways. It seems that when we find ourselves in need, “things” just fall into place. We can’t always explain the “what” and the “why” these things happen, however, we continue to have faith that we will be well looked after for many years to come.

Since our theme for the month of October is being grateful, we asked the Board of Directors and our Executive Director what they are grateful for in their lives. Here are their responses.

Bob Campbell (President) – I am grateful for a loving family, good friends to share life together with in meaningful ways. I’m grateful for the Martha Retreat Centre Board and staff and their dedication to the success of the Centre. I am also grateful to live in Canada where I am able to pursue things that interest me.

Lise Schmidt (Vice President) – I am grateful for my faith which reassures me that God is always with me, even when I turn my back on His love. I am grateful for all the people who have come into my life - from my family to my friends, to my colleagues and all others who have crossed my path – I have learned a little something from everyone.  I am also grateful for all the experiences I have had during my lifetime. At times, these experiences were challenging and even extremely trying, but they have all served as growing experiences for me.

Deb Tarnava (Treasurer) - "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colours of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."

"Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns."

Author: Unknown

Kathy Gillis (Secretary) - I am grateful for all Alberta health care providers who show up every shift with gentle compassionate hands and hearts.

Elda Barva (Director) - There are countless blessings for which I am grateful in my life…One is that I am a Canadian and living in this country. I am grateful that my dad brought his family to Canada many years ago. I have had so many opportunities: to get an education, to raise our children to be educated, happy, thriving, and productive citizens doing the same with their own children. I live a comfortable, peaceful life surrounded by family and friends. I am grateful.

Sr. Theresa Parker (Director) - As autumn makes itself known with its profusion of fruit, vegetables, and blazing colours; I feel boundless gratitude. I am thankful also for my Parker and Martha families, my many friends and I especially recall the friends I came to know in Lethbridge. Sometimes saying thank you to friends, family and to our gracious God seems so small; yet, as Meister Eckhard, a 13th century monk has said, If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.

Sr. Liz Riopelle (Director) - For the awe and beauty of Mother Earth

For family, friends, co-workers, and my Martha Community

For opportunities to grow and deepen my relationship with a loving God

For meaningful ministries in my life both East and West

For hope and trust that Covid-19 will be a thing of the past

And for the many skilled and committed healthcare workers who are helping us through this pandemic!

Diana Sim (Executive Director) – I am grateful for God’s handiwork. In unexpected ways He shows up with solutions beyond my reach. God’s compassion is never failing. There is beauty all around.

Upcoming Events at the Martha Retreat Centre

As we continue to offer programs at the Centre, we are monitoring the provincial regulations with the Covid-19 situation. As always, our latest information concerning any updates and/or changes can be found on the website. Please check the website on a regular basis for updates. If you have any questions, please phone the Centre at 403-328-3422.

 Oasis Day – 1 Day (In Person)

Thursday, October 28, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy a time to be, a time to pray, a time to rest. A time to be with your God. Oasis Days begin with a brief time of facilitation that will serve to guide your time of reflection throughout the day.

Cost: $60 (lunch included)

Facilitator: Pat Boehm

https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/oasis-days-october

Recognizing Sacredness in Daily Life – ½ Day Retreat (In Person or Virtually)

Saturday, October 30, 2021 – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Explore some traditional as well as creative ways to pray, that is, to recognize this Mystery we call God, through words, silence, images, creativity, dreams and our bodies.

Cost: $50 (in person); $40 (virtually)

Facilitator: Cat Charissage

In Person: https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/recognizing-sacredness-in-daily-life-in-person

Virtually: https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/recognizing-sacredness-in-daily-life-virtually

My Six Degrees of Meditation – 6 Evening Sessions (In Person)

Thursdays, November 4, 2021, to December 16, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No class on November 11.

A six-week meditation journey of reflection and insight. Leadership, Resilience, Present Moment Awareness, Courage, Creativity and Gratitude.

Cost: $130

Facilitator: Hailey Pinksen

Call 403-328-3422 to register

You’re Stronger Than You Think – ½ Day Retreat (In Person or Virtually)

Saturday, November 6, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Stir your imagination with a fresh and intuitive look at the beautiful, timeless truths of the faith that are designed to liberate our minds from the grip of negative thinking, debilitating anxiety and fear.  

Cost: $50 (in person); $40 (virtually)

​Facilitator: Harley Packer

In person: https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/youre-stronger-than-you-think-in-person

Virtually: https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/youre-stronger-than-you-think-virtually

Be Still and Know – ½ Day Retreat (In Person or Virtually)

Saturday, November 20, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Learn the art of “moving into stillness” so you can listen to the whispers of Spirit. You will be guided through breath work, meditation, and gentle embodied movement to connect your body and feelings in a loving accepting way. 
Cost:  $50 (in person); $40 (virtually)

Facilitator: Vicky MacArthur

In person: https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/be-still-and-know-in-person

Virtually: https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/be-still-and-know-virtually

Oasis Day – 1 Day (In Person)

Thursday, November 25, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy a time to be, a time to pray, a time to rest. A time to be with your God. Oasis Days begin with a brief time of facilitation that will serve to guide your time of reflection throughout the day.

Cost: $60 (lunch included)

Facilitator: Pat Boehm

https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/oasis-days-november

Stillness in Writing – 1 Day Silent Retreat (In Person)

Saturday, November 27, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This retreat is intended for anyone who is curious about writing and journaling. You do not have to consider yourself a writer to attend. In the art of reflection and journaling, comes awareness and insight. Facilitated by Hailey Pinksen, the day will explore how meditation and stillness can enhance your creative essence in reflection and writing.

Cost: $95 (lunch included)

Facilitator: Hailey Pinksen

https://www.martharetreatcentre.ca/event-details/stillness-in-writing-silent-retreat