The closing of the Fatima Retreat Center in Notre Dame, Indiana in December 2004 has many in the 12-Step community concerned. Fatima has offered AA/Al-Anon retreats for many years. Coincidentally, renovations and expansion during the past few years at Transformations have enhanced our capacity to increase 12-Step retreats from two a year to as many as four to six a year. More if the need warrants.

An advisory group of individuals who are active in the 12-Step community has helped us design a retreat format and select respected, experienced directors. We hope that what we offer will fill a need in the region and that you will feel welcome here. Indeed, we have already heard words of encouragement from many who are happy to know of our plans.

Stay tuned.

Michele Gossman, Director
Transformations Spirituality Center

View printable PDF of 12-step retreat brochure.

12-Step Retreat Schedule

Friday through Sunday, March 28-30, 2008
Selfishness: The Self in Me Cannot Forgive Injuries - A Retreat for Men
Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 1:30 pm Sunday
David Porterfield, CSC      $170/$185
    In the grip of addiction we experience self-will run riot. Our selfishness and self-centeredness are roots of our troubles, yet we deny this and are powerless to stop the cycle of self–delusion, despite our best intentions. The self cannot forgive, and we need to look to other sources of strength if we are to grow in recovery.
    This retreat is open to men working the 12-Steps of AA. Send a $55 non-refundable deposit by Feb. 1 to reserve your space at the discounted rate. The balance is due on arrival, payable in cash or by check. After Feb. 1, the non-refundable deposit is increased to $70. In either case, a balance of $110 is due on arrival, payable by check or cash. This includes private guest room and bathroom, meals, snacks, materials and retreat. Sandwiches will be provided on Friday night. Fr. David Porterfield, CSC is a member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, based at Notre Dame, Indiana. He has many years of experience walking with men on their 12-Step journeys.

Three April Wednesday Evenings: 4/2, 4/9, 4/16 - 2008
Thirsting for Authenticity: Mini Retreats for Those Working the 12 Steps
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.      $15/meeting or $40/all three
Sue Ryder, MSW and Patrick Coffey, LLMSW
    Poet Mark Nepo refers to the "Lazy Susan Self" wherein we present only those parts of ourselves that we think others will find acceptable. Too much of this, and the lines between true self and false self become blurred and we lose sight of who we really are. Who am I? Am I what I own? What I accomplish? What I weigh? What does the path of living authentically mean for me?
    This is the third set of mini-retreats in a series offered by Sue and Patrick, and attendance at all three sessions in three weeks is encouraged. Please register by March 25.

Friday through Sunday, April 4-6, 2008
The How of the 12 Steps: The Power of Acceptance - A Retreat for Women
Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 1:30 pm Sunday
Karen Ann Jackson, CSC      $170/$185
    The twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a way of life that recovering alcoholics embrace in order to enjoy the Promises. This retreat will encompass the steps that assist us in improving our spiritual health. In reality there is no elevator to sobriety, therefore we need to continue to study the steps.
    A direct result of these step studies is a change in our attitude toward people, places, things and circumstances. Our reliance on the Higher Power as well as on the Fellowship may well be both transformed as well improved. As we journey through the weekend there will be time provided for quiet, for reflection, for rest and relaxation and most certainly for fellowship. Interwoven in the talks will be reflection and challenges to both acknowledge as well as to embrace the presence of Grace and Gratitude in our lives of recovering woman.
    This retreat will consider the gifts of Grace and Gratitude in our on-going 12-step journeys. The power of grace weaves through each of our recoveries going all the way back to Step 1 and our belief that only an Act of Divine Providence brings us to full acceptance of 12-step recovery. How often we say that we embrace an "Attitude of Gratitude". This will be a time to bask in the difference this approach to life makes in our everyday experience. We will have opportunities to write, reflect and share our living with such a positive attitude in our respective recoveries, in a community of trust and support.
    This retreat is open to women working the 12-Steps of AA. Send a $55 non-refundable deposit by March 3 to reserve your space at the discounted rate. The balance is due on arrival, payable in cash or by check. After March 3, the non-refundable deposit is increased to $70. In either case, a balance of $110 is due on arrival, payable by check or cash. This includes private guest room and bathroom, meals, snacks, materials and retreat.

You can register online or call Lucy Schneider, SSJ at 269.381.6290, ext. 310.