And, of course, the paramount discovery gradually
dawns as the pilgrimage continues—the realization that the ultimate goal you seek is not some reality “out there,” but the awakening of an identity that lies within.
-                           - The Spirituality of Imperfection




“WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS…YOU!”

We live in a broken world.  The need for justice, peace, fairness, forgiveness, integrity and honesty among people, at very personal levels and at national and global levels, is painfully evident.  More than ever before we are called to engage in making a difference to the planet and to those around us.  But often, many people feel they have nothing to offer; they minimize the power they have to make a difference and bring about change.

For 24 years the healing retreats led by Fr. Jack McGinnis at Mt. Carmel have focused on personal healing…emotional, spiritual, and physical.  Many miracles have happened to change the lives of many people.  In 2012 the retreat team will shift emphasis to topics that will empower participants to identify their personal gifts for change and their shared power to reach out and “touch a sad world.”























The following passage will inspire the topics and the presentations in these workshops:

OUR LIGHT
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small doesn't serve the world.  There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We were born to manifest the glory of God within us.  It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
--Marianne Williamson--          Quoted by Nelson Mandella in his 1994 inaugural speech.














Part 1

“MY UPPER LIMIT PROBLEM”

March 9-11, 2012

In his book entitled “The Big Leap”, author Gay Hendricks identifies the “upper limit problem”, a common condition that prevents a person from operating in his or her “zone of genius”…the being state of light and power.  Many people, when presented with the opportunity to excel, to make a difference, or to bring about some positive change, will stop and back away.  In this workshop the team will present insights into why this happens and practical solutions to this behavior.  Participants will partake in interactive sessions that will facilitate changes in self-confidence and will inspire engagement in meaningful activities of outreach and change.  Each participant will be presented at the end of the retreat with a take home “Kit” of activities and resources that will aid their movement into their personal “zone of light and power.”  As always, the workshop will also be filled with meditation, prayer, laughter, music, fellowship and delicious meals. 


Part 2

“FINDING MY PERSONAL LOVE CORE”

July 13-17, 2012

In the song he wrote entitled “Teddy Bear Hero” Jack sings the line:  “Deep down inside, you have a gift, that nobody else can ever take from you.  It’s your way of loving; it’s your unique way to give life.  It’s your way to bring light into someone else’s night, so if you can keep going, maybe they can find out who they are.”

In this workshop we will take the time to create an inventory of each of your unique ways of loving.  We call it the “Love Core Profile.”  Encouraged by these exercises of affirmation, you will be more able effectively to share your personal love power with the world around you.  In this workshop participants will also share a review of Part 1 of this series, “My Upper Limit Problem.”  The extra day gives us time for our classic “Non Talent Night” along with a short outing in the Niagara area.  Each participant will be presented at the end of the workshop with a take home “Kit” of activities and resources that will aid their movement into their personal “zone of light and power.”  As always, the workshop will also be filled with meditation, prayer, laughter, music, fellowship and delicious meals. 

Workshop Participants
Arial view of Mt. Carmel Center
The entrance to the Center
A meditation pathway
The Grotto