Iowa conference “Coming of Age in the Milky Way: Spiritual Transformation and Creative Hope!”

Fran Ferder, and John Heagle

Regardless of their faith, many Americans are exploring their spirituality and their relationship with the universe in which we exist. Participants will explore these issues during Prairiewoods’ annual Spirituality in the 21st Century conference March 16 and 17 at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hiawatha.

This year’s conference — “Coming of Age in the Milky Way: Spiritual Transformation and Creative Hope!” — will feature nationally-renowned speaker and author John Heagle, a Catholic priest, counselor and author. The conference is open to the public, but reservations are strongly encouraged.

Heagle’s presentations will focus on the emerging Universe Story and the role of humans within that narrative. It will answer questions such as: Is religion dying or being transformed? Are we losing our faith or encountering the Holy in a deeper way? Does our commitment to work for justice and to care for Earth make a difference, or is it too late? [ROFL]

Heagle has nearly 50 years of pastoral experience as a campus minister, college professor and pastor. In 1976 he was appointed the first director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisc. Since 1985 he has ministered as a licensed psychotherapist and the co-director of Therapy & Renewal Associates in the Pacific Northwest. During this time, Heagle also has served as adjunct faculty for the School of Theology & Ministry at Seattle University. He is the author of seven books on spirituality, ministry and human relationships, and the co-author with Fran Ferder, FSPA, Ph.D., of three books, including “Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexuality” (Crossroad, 2002). His latest book is “Justice Rising: the Emerging Biblical Vision” (Orbis Books, 2010).

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration from La Crosse, Wisconsin. It is a retreat and conference center that has focused on ecology and spirituality in Hiawatha since 1996.

Gazette

I've been meaning to post on the infamous Fr. Heagle(who was ordained by the Diocese of La Crosse) and Sr. Ferder for a while.  The two dissent on just about everything to do with Catholicism.  They live together in an oceanfront property in Oregon.  From their website on "Tender Fires"

The Central Question
The real question, therefore, is not about our gender, our ethnic background, our age, our vocation, our orientation, or even our religious and moral convictions. These are important of course, because they help define and constitute our uniqueness as well as our communal connection to our sisters and brothers. But in our heart of hearts—and, we believe, in God’s eyes—the question is not whether we’re married or single, divorced or celibate, gay or straight, wounded or well, old or young, male or female. The central question is: how can I—in the unique circumstances of my life—become a more responsible life-giver and a lover? How can I receive the gift of life more creatively and joyfully? How can I receive and give love with more freedom and mutuality?

For more on these ... um, lovers?,  check out ferderheagle.blogspot.com  Any parish bringing them in is completely nuts.