Advent: A Season of Darkness and Light, presented by Susan Stabile

Whether we think of Advent in terms of the Israelites awaiting the birth of the Messiah, our own awaiting for Christmas, or our waiting for Christ to come again, Advent is a time of both darkness and hope. In the silence and darkness that can feel like absence, we wait in joyful hope for what we know will come. It is not a passive waiting, but one that asks us to engage in active preparation to welcome the Light of Christ into our hearts and our world. This retreat offers the opportunity to experience and learn from the place of silence and absence, and reflect on what it means to actively participate in birthing Christ the Light into the world. Our reflections will provide lasting meaning and joy throughout the new year.

Susan serves as a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the University of St. Thomas, is an adjunct instructor in Theology at St. Catherine’s University, and Co-Director of a Contemplative Practices initiative at St, Catherine’s, funded by a Lilly grant. She offers individual spiritual direction and gives retreats and other programs of spiritual formation in parishes and for other groups.