Jo-Ellen Darling
Join our St. Francis Center for Renewal for a weekend of journaling with Jo-Ellen Darling, author of Journaling as a Spiritual Path (Wild Ginger Press, 2022). Geared for the novice as well as the seasoned journal writer, we’ll savor how journaling can bring joy through a deepening discovery of our true self and the God of our understanding. This retreat will focus on the underlying spirituality of our lives — its meaning, our purpose and our callings, as revealed in the everyday circumstances of our lives. Not limited to one concept or tradition of God or a higher power, we’ll explore what the divine means to each one of us and how we can be more authentically present to ourselves, others and God.
The weekend will offer contemplative prayer practices for centering ourselves, group writing exercises, small group sharing, and plenty of time for personal journaling on the grounds of St. Francis Renewal Center. A complimentary journal will be included in the retreat, and Journaling as a Spiritual Path will be available for purchase at a discount. You’re also welcome to bring your own favorite journal. No experience is necessary.
Facilitator: Jo-Ellen Darling
Registration Options:
Full Weekend Overnight (includes all meals) — $300 for single-occupancy or $260 for double occupancy
Full Weekend Commuter (including meals from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast) — $130
Saturday-Only Commuter (includes all three Saturday meals) — $100
How to Register: To register online with a credit card, please click the button below. You will be directed to the St. Francis Center for Renewal website to complete your registration. If you have questions or would prefer to pay by check, please call the Center at 610-867-8890.
About the Presenter: Jo-Ellen Darling began to journal at age 30 after an intense episode of spiritual awakening. Thirty-five years later, her journaling continues to be an amazing inner journey of reflection and discernment, self-knowledge, creative expression, and continued spiritual growth. After completing a bachelor’s degree in English, Jo-Ellen wrote professionally for 35 years for medical, technology, and electric utility companies, as well as for newspapers and other publications. In 2014, she co-edited the book On The Journey for the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation, where she received certificates in Spiritual Formation in 2011. She later completed several graduate courses at Moravian Theological Seminary, including Ignatian Exercises: Theology & Practice, and Contemplative Communication & Relationship. In 2021, Jo-Ellen self-published Journaling as a Spiritual Path: A Journey to Your True Self and the Divine, now available on Amazon and other online and local bookstores. Motivated by the spiritual power and healing of the written word and its effect on her own spiritual journey, Jo-Ellen has offered contemplative writing and journaling retreats since 2013.