Graduate
Summer 2009 Workshop
Graduate Theology and Pastoral Ministry
P R E S E N T S
Bridges to Understanding
A Summer Workshop with
Carol Fournier, Liz Ellmann, Kathleen McAlpin, Jamal Rahman and Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit
July 20-24, 2009
THE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Monday
Carol A. Fournier, NCC
Bridges to Understanding: The Art of Multi-Faith and Interfaith Spiritual Direction
Tuesday
Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit
Classical and Contemporary Perspectives on Jewish Spiritual Direction
Wednesday
Kathleen McAlpin, RSM
Classical and Contemporary Perspectives on Christian Spiritual Direction
Thursday
Jamal Rahman
Classical and Contemporary Perspectives on Islamic Spiritual Direction
Friday
Carol A. Fournier, NCC & Liz Ellmann, MDiv.
Integrative and Global Perspectives on Multi-Faith and Interfaith Spiritual Direction
To register for this event, please download the workshop brochure, which includes the registration form, and mail the completed form along with payment to:
Graduate Theology and Pastoral Ministry
Saint Michael’s College
One Winooski Park, Box 252
Colchester, VT 05439
Phone: 802.654.2579
E-mail: emahoney@smcvt.edu
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The Workshop Focus
As descendants of Abraham, people who walk Jewish, Christian, and Islamic spiritual paths are challenged to develop a greater understanding of one another, and cultivate dialogues that can lead to new and deeper perspective on one’s own religious tradition.
Bridges to Understanding is a unique opportunity to engage with leaders who have extensive experience in Interfaith spiritual formation. You will not only learn about the wisdom that lies at the roots of Abrahamic spiritual traditions, but also explore the practical applications this provides for ministry and service.
The week-long experiential workshop is suitable for spiritual directors, pastoral counselors, ministers, chaplains, educators, spiritual seekers and those engaged in authentic efforts to support spiritual development and formation within their faith tradition and with people from other traditions.
A Featured Outreach Program of Spiritual Directors International: www.sdiworld.org
About the Presenters
Carol A. Fournier, NCC, is cofounder and director of the Silver Dove Institute, dedicated to supporting interfaith dialogue since 1996. She offers formation for interfaith spiritual directors, counselors, healthcare providers and ministers internationally through The Art of Spiritual Guidance; Integrative Counseling; and The Art of Contemplative Living programs. Carol is currently writing Bridges to Understanding: The Art of Multi-Faith and Interfaith Spiritual Direction. In 2008 she received a University of Vermont Outstanding Faculty Social Justice Award for leadership in Spiritual and Religious Life. A spiritual director and nationally certified counselor, Carol has a private practice in Vermont.
Liz Ellmann, MDiv, serves as executive director of Spiritual Directors International, publisher of Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction and Listen: A Seekers’ Resource for Spiritual Direction. Before joining Spiritual Directors International, she founded SoulTenders, a multi-faith organization dedicated to tending the spirit of working people through the teaching and support of spiritual practices in the workplace. She has served as adjunct faculty in Seattle University’s Executive Leadership Program and has extensive experience as a spiritual director and group facilitator. Liz earned a BA from Stanford University and a Master of Divinity degree from Seattle University.
Kathleen McAlpin, RSM, holds a Doctor of Ministry from the Toronto School of Theology, and a Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago. For 12 years she served on the Formation Program of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and assisted in the creation of the Spiritual Direction Program at Neumann College in Aston, PA. Kathleen teaches spiritual direction at Regis College in Toronto and Creighton University. She directs the Integration for Ministry Program at Regis College, where she also facilitates a contemplative method of theological reflection for both integration and formation for ministry. She is the author of Ministry That Transforms, and is a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, Mid-Atlantic Community.
Brother Jamal Rahman is a Muslim Sufi minister originally from Bangladesh, and co-minister of Interfaith Community Church in Seattle Washington and adjunct faculty at Seattle University. He is author of The Fragrance of Faith: The Enlightened Heart of Islam and coauthor of Out of Darkness Into the Light. Jamal’s passion lies in interfaith community building. He remains rooted in his Islamic tradition and cultivatesa “spaciousness” by being open to the beauty and wisdom of other faiths. This spaciousness is not about conversion but about completion. Jamal has an abiding faith in the power of heart-to-heart connections to encompass differences and dissolve prejudices. Jamal offers spiritual direction in the Puget Sound and other areas.
Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit, has over 25 years experience in spiritual leadership, congregational and organizational consulting, songwriting, musical recording, interactive arts, men’s issues, spirituality in the workplace, and teaching. He offers Spiritual Direction at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Rabbi Zevit has also been active with the Jewish Spiritual Director’s network and in various interfaith initiatives on a national level for spirituality and social justice. Rabbi Zevit is a graduate of the Society of Souls’ Integrated Kabbalistic Healing program, and is the founding co-director of the Davenn’ Leadership Training Institute. He is the author of Offerings of the Heart: Money and Values in Faith Communities; Jewish Communal Leadership and Governance: A Training Manual for Effective Boards and Committees; and has recorded three CDs of inspirational and liturgical music. He is currently the Director of Outreach and External Affairs for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation.
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RETREAT ARRANGEMENTS AND TRAVEL
Accommodations
Participants will be housed in the new Pontigny Residence Hall on the campus of Saint Michael’s College. The living learning facility is air-conditioned, and residents are housed in single rooms in six room suites with shared baths. Each suite has a large sitting room with amenities.
Getting to Saint Michael’s College
The Burlington International Airport (BTV) in South Burlington and Amtrak station in Essex Junction are both 10-minute drives from campus. The Greyhound Bus station in Burlington is within 15 minutes of campus. Taxi service is available throughout the area. For driving directions visit: www.smcvt.edu/directions
