Centre hosting retreat

Martha Spirituality Centre at SDU Place

The Martha Spirituality Centre at SDU Place on Great George Street in Charlottetown will offer an Advent retreat on Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Entitled, “And the Word Became Flesh”, it will be directed by Fr. George Gilliland.

Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is a version of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”.

“Therefore, the invitation goes out to all interested Christians who desire to take some time for spiritual preparation in the midst of their busy lives,” a news release states.

About the retreat, Gilliland writes: “‘The Advent theme of ‘The Word becoming flesh’ is a truly intimate encounter between that Word and us, in our flesh. We meet the Lord in Advent not as strangers but as ‘very close relatives’. Using various Scripture passages, I will try to illustrate that personal and interpersonal relationship.”

Gilliland has a background in parish ministry and hospital chaplaincy. He is now semiretired and helping out in parishes and at QEH Chaplaincy Centre.

The cost of the retreat is $30. Participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch. Refreshments will be provided. The retreat is limited to 30 participants.

To register, call 902-367-3103 or email srgemma@eastlink. ca on or before Nov. 30 or until spaces last.