RETREAT OVERVIEW AND LOGISTICS
THE WALL
DECEMBER 6-9, 2018
4 P.M. Thursday – 10 A.M. Sunday
Mesilla, New Mexico (40 miles NW of El Paso Texas)
Overview
This retreat invites participants to explore “walls” as they shape both outer and inner landscapes in our personal and public lives. This small group experience will take place in the context of one of the most heated controversies in modern American political life.
Although our major focus will be on issues of immigration, this retreat is not intended to be only an on-the-ground informational event about a political issue. There will be connections to the hospice community and the role of faith communities. A hospice medical director will be with us sharing experiences about barriers, fear, hope and transition in caring for those facing the end of life. There will be opportunities to reflect on our own life narratives using metaphors of hope, journey, walls, and transitions.
A member of the Order of Saint Francis, Sister Mary Kay Mahowald, who works with the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso, will serve as one of our key guides into exploring the complex issues around the immigrant border crisis. Ruben Garcea, Director of Annunciation House, a shelter providing hospitality for families detained by ICE, will accompany us on Friday to the Wall on the Mexican-U.S. border.
On Saturday evening December 8, our group will host a benefit concert at our retreat site, Holy Cross Chapel, with one of Texas’ beloved songwriters and performers Ray Wylie Hubbard. We will be welcoming folks from the wider community. Our hope is that this concert will draw folks from all walks of life including families and folks from both New Mexico and Texas. Proceeds will go to support the hospice community along the Mexican-American border.
“The Wall” is an interfaith event that invites participants to experience and explore an “engaged spirituality.” Our discussions together will respect and honor all traditions and beliefs, both secular and sacred. At the same time, this retreat is designed to express our appreciation and respect for the community of prayer (The Franciscan Center for Spirituality) who will be serving as our host.
It is our conviction that “walls” both protect and separate us. It will be the conversations about “walls” that we hope will bring us together to meet on a new deeper ground. It will be a delight, if schedule and resources permit, to have you join us.
Jon Magnuson (Michigan)
Joseph Piccione (Illinois)
Kent Fish (Texas)
Ruth Almén (Nevada)
Sister Mary Kay Mahowald (Texas)
Logistics
Transportation will be provided by retreat planning team members Ruth Almén and Kent Fish in coordination with travel times (arrivals and departures) from the El Paso Airport.
The retreat begins at 4 P.M. on Thursday, December 6, 2018 and concludes at 10 A.M. on Sunday, December 9, 2018. Transportation for retreat participants will be provided to the border community and the Wall during Friday. We will return that evening (Friday) to the Holy Cross Center for dinner. There will designated times for personal reflection, informal conversation and rest in the context of presentations and dialogue. Our retreat site (Holy Cross Retreat Center) is a few miles from Old Mesilla, a small town, now known for its art and restaurants, established before the 16th century.
A deposit of $485 secures your reservation.
REGISTER TODAYWe intend the total number of participants to number between 12-18. The balance for the retreat ($400) is due upon arrival December 6, 2018. Private rooms will available for all participants. Rooms for couples are available upon request. Upon registration, further details and suggested background readings and documentary films will follow.
Retreat Fee ($885) covers 3 night’s lodging, 9 meals, transportation to and from the Wall and the El Paso airport. It also includes the benefit concert with Ray Wylie Hubbard
For more information call Jon Magnuson at 906-360-5072 or email jonwmagnuson@gmail.com
NOTES ON FACILITATORS AND PRESENTERS
Joseph Piccione, SThD. J.D., is an ethicist and Vice-President for Mission Integration with the OSF Healthcare System in Illinois and Michigan
Jon Magnuson, M.Div., MSW is Director for The Cedar Tree Institute, a nonprofit organization in Northern Michigan initiating projects in the areas of mental health, religion and the environment
Ruth Almén, MSW, ACSW, is Manager of Clinical Social Work for the Cleveland Clinic /Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, Nevada
Kent Fish, M.D. is a practicing ophthamologist from San Angelo, Texas
Sister Mary Kay Mahowald, OSF, works with the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso, Texas. Ruben Garcea is Director of Annunciation House, a shelter in El Paso that provides hospitality for reuniting families detained by ICE
Ray Wylie Hubbard (Benefit Concert) is an American singer and songwriter who lives in Texas. He is the author of “A Life… Well, Lived” (2015) and is a nationally respected voice in a genre of what has become known as “Outlaw Country” music.
Medical staff from hospice communities in Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin will also be present.