Enfleshed Spirits - Discovering and Embracing the Sacred Gift of Our Bodies
2026-10-30 19:00 - 2026-11-01 13:00 (America/Edmonton) | Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3A St. Vital Avenue, Saint Albert, AB, T8N 1K1, Canada
“Glorify God in Your Body” (1 Cor. 6:20)
Our bodies are the intimate habitat of God. How, then, might we grow in relationship to our bodies, healing wounds, and becoming more whole and fully alive as enfleshed spirits?
What if our bodies were not obstacles to our spiritual lives, but the places where we encounter God?
Many of us have a complicated relationship with our bodies. We carry messages we have heard since childhood, expectations from family and culture, comparisons fueled by social media, and the inevitable changes that come with illness and again. Too often we judge our bodies and treat them unkindly, rather than befriend them.
Yet our spiritual lives are not lived apart from our bodies – they are lived in and with them. Through our bodies we love, pray, serve, celebrate, grieve and encounter God. The mystery of the Incarnation invites us to embrace our whole selves – body,mind, and spirit – and to recognize our bodies as sacred places where God dwells and continues to work.
Join us for a weekend of reflection, conversation, prayer, and embodied practices as we rediscover the wisdom, beauty, and holiness of our physical selves. Come as you are. Leave with a renewed appreciation of your embodied spirituality and the gift of being an enfleshed spirit!
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Event Details:

Sandra (Sandy) Prather is a retreat leader and facilitator in the areas of faith and spirituality. Known for an infectious joy in her faith, she has worked locally, nationally, and internationally leading retreats, missions, and workshops. Drawing upon her theological training and faith perspective, Sandra ‘breaks open the ordinary’ so that we might know God ’amidst the pots and pans.’ Sandra holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master of Theology from Newman Theological College. She served for 21 years as Executive Director of Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert. She is an Associate and Honorary Oblate of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
Glenda Sartore is passionate about life’s journey in all its many twists and turns, peaks and valleys. After working for many years in retreat ministry, Glenda fervently pursued her spiritual path through yoga and is a Senior Teacher with the Yoga Association of Alberta. She has lead trips, taught retreats, and been involved in training teachers for almost 20 years. Responding to a decades long desire to do graduate work in counselling therapy, Glenda is now happily completing studies in the Masters of Psychotherapy and Spirituality program at St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton. She is also a grateful and devoted wife, mother, and extended and blended family member.

Workaholics Anonymous
2026-11-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3A St. Vital Avenue, Saint Albert, AB, T8N 1K1, Canada
Do you ever relax?
Does your boss praise your willingness to go the “extra mile” but is unaware that your life is rushed and over-committed? Maybe your health is taking second place to your job and your family wishes you had more time for them? Are you missing a connection to your spiritual side? Perhaps you are burnt out and have lost all desire to do anything.
Have you almost forgotten what play and relaxation feel like? These stresses are not just associated with paid work, but can also surface as hobbies, exercise, housework, or just trying to save the world.
Here’s a solution
If this sounds like your life, you may benefit by meeting with people who share these problems and are finding a solution in Workaholics Anonymous. We invite you to attend our 12 Step open meetings. We gather to share our experience, strength and hope for a life of serenity and joy. All are welcome!
Meetings are held 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 7 – 8 p.m.
Location: Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3A St. Vital Avenue in St. Albert. A Zoom link is also provided for those who are unable to attend in-person.

Credo
2026-11-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-12-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2027-01-25 18:30 - 20:30, 2027-02-22 18:30 - 20:30, 2027-03-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Newman Theological College, 8421 101 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, Alberta, T6A 0L1, Canada
Location: Newman Theological College, 10012 84 St. NW, Edmonton, AB, T6A 0B2
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Dates:

September 21, 2026
October 19, 2026
November 16, 2026
December 7, 2026
January 25, 2027
February 22, 2027
March 15, 2027

Contact Person: Jeanne McKay Rowan (ntc.campusministry@gmail.com)

Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe & Mexico Shrines w/ Fr. Varghese – Nov 18–24, 2026
2026-11-18 - 2026-11-24 | Alberta
Our Lady of Guadalupe & Mexico Shrines – A Faith-Filled Pilgrimage Through Mexico’s Holiest Cities
A Sacred & Cultural Encounter: Nov. 18 – 24, 2026
Spiritual Director: Rev. Varghese Munduvelil, CFIC
Embark on a 7-day spiritual journey through the heart of Mexico from the world-renowned Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to the healing springs of Tlaxcala, the mystical apparition site in Ocotlán, and the colonial gem of Puebla. This immersive pilgrimage weaves together faith, culture, and history offering Masses in sacred spaces, moments of reflection, and unforgettable encounters with Mexico’s rich Catholic heritage.
Cities You’ll Visit & Why They Matter:
Mexico City – The Heart of Marian Devotion & Catholic Resistance– Home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited Marian shrine in the world.
– Venerate the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego and pray at apparition chapels.
– Discover sites of martyrdom and resistance at the Holy Family Church, burial place of Fr. Miguel Pro, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
– Cruise the ancient canals of Xochimilco, remnants of Mexico’s Aztec waterways.
– Visit the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where indigenous, colonial, and modern Mexico meet.
Teotihuacan – Ancient City of the Gods
– Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and walk the Avenue of the Dead.
– Reflect on how ancient spirituality gave way to the message of the Gospel.
Coyoacan – The Artistic and Spiritual Soul of the Capital
– Explore beautiful colonial churches like El Carmen, Santa Catarina, and St. John the Baptist.
– Enjoy the charm of cobblestone streets and colorful culture, where faith and art meet.
Tulpetlac – The Fifth Apparition Site
– Visit the site where the Virgin Mary healed St. Juan Diego’s uncle, revealing her name as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
– Pray at the Church of the Fifth Apparition and the miraculous healing well.
Tlaxcala – Site of Angelic Healing
– Celebrate Mass at San Miguel del Milagro, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared and revealed a miraculous spring.
– Collect holy water from this sacred site of healing and transformation.
Ocotlán – A Tree Aflame with Marian Grace
– Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ocotlán, where the Virgin Mary appeared in a burning tree to Juan Diego Bernardino.
– Witness the preserved image that has drawn pilgrims for generations.
Puebla – Colonial Glory and Sacred Art
– Walk through Puebla’s UNESCO-listed historic center, known for its Talavera tiles, vibrant markets, and Spanish baroque churches.
– Visit the Chapel of the Rosary, often called the “eighth wonder of the world.”
– Pay homage to Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, patron of travelers, at the Church of St. Francis.
Spiritual & Cultural Highlights:
– Daily Masses in sacred and historic churches
– Guided visits to multiple Marian apparition sites
– Opportunities for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal
– Authentic Mexican cuisine, including traditional mole poblano
– Cultural immersion through local art, history, and sacred traditions

Calix Addiction Support Society
2026-11-24 18:15 - 20:30 | Alberta
Calix is an association of Catholic alcoholics, drug addicts, and family members affected by addiction, who are maintaining their sobriety through participation in their Catholic faith and a 12-Step program.
Starts with Mass at 6:15 PM, followed by fellowship and the Calix meeting at 7:15 PM in the St. Joan room at OLPH parish in Sherwood Park.
For info visit https://www.calixsociety.org

Philippine Pilgrimage - Feb. 4-14, 2027
2027-02-04 - 2027-02-14 | Alberta
The Philippine Islands: A Journey of Faith & Culture
February 4–14, 2027
Discover the beauty of the Catholic faith in the Philippines, home to one of the largest Catholic populations in the world. This pilgrimage combines visits to historic churches, sacred sites, and cultural treasures while providing opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
Brochure link: https://simplebooklet.com/philippineplgrimagefeb2027

100th Anniversary Gala for St. Joseph Seminary
2027-03-19 00:00 | Alberta
On behalf of the St. Joseph Seminary Formation Team and the Foundation of St. Joseph Seminary and Newman Theological College, we have some great news to share with you. On March 19, 2027, a gala will take place celebrating the 100th Anniversary of St. Joseph Seminary. It is an event that you won’t want to miss!
The gala is in the early planning stages, and we are pleased to tell you that Tony LaGrange and Joyce Tutt have accepted the honor of Co-Chairing the Gala.
We look forward to your participation and support of this event. As we continue to plan the celebration, we ask that you join with us in praying for its success.
Watch for further details in the near future. In the meantime, mark your calendars to save the date!

Denmark, Norway & Sweden Pilgrimage - April 3–15, 2027
2027-04-03 08:00 - 2027-04-15 17:00 | Alberta
Experience the beauty of God’s creation through the breathtaking landscapes of Scandinavia. This unique pilgrimage combines faith, history, daily Mass, and fellowship while exploring some of Northern Europe’s most inspiring churches, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders.
Brochure link: https://simplebooklet.com/denmarknorwaysweden

Camino de Santiago – Holy Year Pilgrimage April 26 – May 3, 2027
2027-04-26 08:00 - 2027-05-03 17:00 | Alberta
Camino de Santiago – Holy Year Pilgrimage 2027
April 26 – May 3, 2027
Walk the final stages of the Camino de Santiago during the Holy Year, a special time of grace celebrated only a few times each generation. Join fellow pilgrims on a meaningful journey of prayer, reflection, and renewal as you make your way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and pass through the Holy Door.
Brochure link: https://simplebooklet.com/caminobrochure

For more information or to reserve a space, interested individuals may contact:
Marianatha Tours
Email: info@marianathatours.org
Website: www.marianathatours.org
