Learning to See: St. Clare and the Spirituality of Gazing

Program Details

The eyes might be the window to our souls, but HOW we see often becomes WHAT we see. That is why spiritual seeing becomes so important, as we first learn to unsee so to see with our souls. For St. Clare of Assisi, the spirituality of gazing allows us to see beyond by opening our eyes to a deeper presence through the Divine.We invite you to join us on feast day of St. Clare of Assisi on Wednesday, August 11th, and learn to see as the eyes of our hearts are enlightened. As a community and through personal times of reflection, we will explore Clare's writing on "mirror" spirituality, as we engage in visio divina and gazing as a spiritual practice. You will be invited to open your heart and mind and learn how to look beyond the physical so as to see your situations, your relationships, and your life in new ways.

Join us ONSITE for a day to explore how we see and we live through the lens of St. Clare. Weather permitting, you will have the option to spend extended time outdoors on the grounds of Rolling Ridge. With a delicious lunch, in-person interaction, and contemplative sharing, this becomes the perfect opportunity to return to this sacred place on the shore of Lake Cochichewick.Come for the day or choose to extend your time with a personal retreat overnight package which you can add on when you register.

On-site Registration Fee: $72, includes Lunch OR at-home/on-line via ZOOM: $35

About the Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.