Into the Dark is a small group experience of prayer, reflection, and deeper engagement in living the Gospel call. It is designed by JustFaith Ministries and is the 2nd part of their Engaging Spirituality Series. Even if you haven’t already done the first part (Out of the Light: Creating Sacred Space for Self and Others), you are welcome to consider signing up for Into the Dark! We have a limited number of spaces open in our small group. Keep reading for more information and how to register!
Contact: Grace Koleczek, Adult Faith Formation and Social Justice Coordinator, (952) 698-1724, grace.koleczek@risensavior.org
What is it? Into the Dark invites participants into mystery, down the “path of unknowing” in order to unmask and strip away our illusions about ourselves and others. The program cultivates a space to hold incompleteness, befriend paradox, and to seek solidarity with others–especially those who are poor and marginalized in our world today.
Why participate? The program is designed to help participants (1) discern how to embody prayer in our daily lives, that our prayer might be active and our action prayerful; (2) practice engaging in service and advocacy that is grounded in contemplative practices; (3) develop practical tools for noticing the Holy Presence, deepening personal relationships, and experiencing inner peace.
What happens each week? Each week we gather for 2-1/2 hours to pray, reflect, discuss the assigned reading, and share how we are noticing the integration of our faith in daily life. Some weeks will include videos to watch and discuss as a group. In between sessions, participants read assigned chapters of the materials, practice what they are learning in their prayer lives, and try out new spiritual practices and suggestions.
What is the commitment? Participants commit to attending each weekly Thursday evening session, reading and reflecting on the program materials and spiritual resources between sessions. The schedule of our meetings is below. At this point, all sessions will be held virtually on Zoom:
Session 1: January 7th, 6-8:30p.m.
Session 2: January 14th, 6-8:30p.m.
Session 3: January 21st, 6-8:30p.m.
Session 4 “Listening Session”: Saturday, January 30th, 9:30a.m.-12p.m.
Session 5: February 4th, 6-8:30p.m.
Session 6: February 11, 6-8:30p.m.
Session 7 Immersion Experience: February 18th, 6-8:30p.m.
Session 8: February 25th, 6-8:30p.m.
Session 9 Discernment Morning: Saturday, March 6th, 9:30a.m.-12p.m.
What is the cost? The cost is to purchase the required materials and totals $50. If you already have one or more of the following materials, the cost will be lower.
- The Holy Longing, by Ronald Rolheiser
- Embracing the World: Praying for Justice and Peace, by Jane E. Vennard
- Engaging Spirituality Prayer Journal
How do I sign up? Fill out the form below! Once you hit “Submit,” Grace Koleczek will receive it automatically and reach out via email to confirm your registration.