Discernment Retreat

Continued Blessings of and through Creativity Discernment Retreat – May 14-16 May 14-16

The Discernment Committee gathered five Candidates and the three Interns and led us on a divinely guided weekend of Creativity, diving deep into the artistry of Corita Kent. From Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon we were transformed from being overwhelmed by the “busyness” and concerns of life, to moving forward in discerning, embracing our internal creativity, and building relationships with joy and enthusiasm. This retreat was deemed one of the best we had had in the discernment and refreshed our souls.

The inspiring and insightful lessons were taught by our gifted IHM members Annette Ciketic and Christine Monroe whose time and talents were so precious. . Under their expert guidance and thoughtful presentation on the artistry of Corita Kent, a beautiful tapestry of belonging was created. We employed Corita’s tool, "The Finder", which helped us to, "SEE vs. LOOK," and to focus on the beauty around us and within us. This exercise led us to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Artist in each of us. The Saturday afternoon session included the 45 IHM’s, many of whom knew Corita, and who continue to inspire our Community with their loving creativity.

Attendee responses to the retreat demonstrated the power of unlocking the Creative in all of us, including:

• Maya Angelou said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." This retreat weekend explored the infinite loop of our creativity with our faces mashed against our Zoom screens. We were like bows on the tail of a mad flying kite called Creativity, and with glad hearts left our 'prints' across the sky. • The retreat’s focus on art, creativity and seeing, inspired me to see myself as an artist and work to create something that hasn’t been created yet in my life. “Look to see” will stay with me as gem from the retreat. It takes looking at things deeply and with focus to see the new. Everyday is an opportunity. • We are very grateful for the kindness of Christ-ine and Annette, and felt how much they wanted to embrace us and empower us. We are cared for in a very in a wonderful process and this gift makes us eager to keep the blessings circling in the Community. • I felt that Art reached out to me to tell me she still thinks of me. Everyone is an artist, because art is not a point of arrival; it is a process that keeps bringing me back to what I am and I am meant to be. • I was reminded to go into our native spirit where the creative dwells and is transformed to a physical state no matter which vessel we use to express it (i.e. painting, dancing, poetry, cooking, listening with kindness.) • I was transported to a whole new paradigm of looking at the world – through the lens of the Spirit’s creativity active in our world, and sought for.

The Candidates and Interns came away enriched, encouraged, and inspired. We will be looking to find and do what “has not been seen or said before.” With gratitude to our Discernment Committee for organizing such a remarkable experience for us, we know that "Love is Here to Stay."

Ramona Spradling and Allis Druffel, IHMs