A spirituality workshop under the direction of Father Albert Haase, OFM, will be held Oct. 5-7 at the new Chiara Center located on the motherhouse grounds of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis.
The workshop, which is open to the public, is called "Like the air we breathe: An approach to the spiritual life," and will explore a comprehensive and practical approach to a spiritual life for contemporary Christians.
"This workshop is based upon a single insight that we already have what we are seeking in the spiritual life," said Father Albert. "We simply need to become aware of it."
Influenced by the writings of spiritual masters throughout the centuries, the workshop will examine some key themes including the true and false self, growth toward freedom, prayer, and the spiritual journey.
The workshop begins at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 and concludes on Oct. 7 at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $80 per person which includes entry fee, meals, and workshop materials. Overnight accommodations are available for a fee. For registration information, contact Chiara Center at (217) 523-0901 or visit www.chiaracenter.org and "featured events" for the registration form.
Father Albert was ordained in 1983 and received a Ph.D. in historical theology/spirituality from Fordham University, New York. He has preached parish missions and retreats across the United States, Canada, and West Africa. In 2004, he completed 12 years as a missionary in mainland China where he ministered to the English-speaking Catholic community while working as the director of Human Resources for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. He is an adjunct professor of spirituality at Catholic Theological Union and director of the School of Spirituality at Mayslake Ministries, Chicago. In addition, he is the author of five books on spirituality including Reflections on the Peace Prayer and Enkinded Holy Spirit Holy Gifts.
Chiara Center is a ministry of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, Springfield, and opened as a retreat and conference center in 2007. Its mission is to be a "Franciscan place to discover God's healing presence and peace."