Every month in our Community Room, we will be showing films with various ecological subjects, from social justice to pollution. We will have snacks and discussion, and there is no cost, just a free will donation. Takes place every fourth Thursday of each month, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

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Christian Meditation

Christian Meditation in the tradition of Fr. John Main, OSB has been practiced at the Centre for over 17 years. Meditation groups meet every Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 in the Meditation Room. Everyone is welcome.

You can read about Christian Meditation at the World Community for Christian Meditation Site.

John Main OSB (1926-1982) believed that the contemplative experience creates community. His genius was to recover and to re-present a way into this experience for ordinary people from within the Christian contemplative tradition. In the teaching of the desert monks on pure prayer he found the practice of the mantra. Realising that this way of prayer could further the search of many modern people for a deeper spiritual life, he recommended two regular daily periods of meditation to be integrated with the usual practices of Christian life.

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Bonnie Zentner, Counsellor

“It has been my experience that most people, somewhere, deep down, know what they need to do in order to address their difficulties or face the many challenges that life sometimes asks of them. When we feel troubled or conflicted, the deeper parts of ourselves can become shut down and they are no longer available to us in restoring our sense of well-being and happiness. My role as a counsellor is to listen ‘with’ the person coming to counselling and in working with them, to tap into their own inner resources and to help find ways to bring about some positive change.”
For information please call Bonnie at the Marguerite Centre 613-732-9926. If calling after hours please leave a message for Bonnie at ext. 2223

Bonnie has studied at three universities: She has a B.A. from Ottawa University, a B.Ed. from York University and a M.A. from St. Paul’s/Ottawa Universities. Bonnie has had her own private practice in counselling. As well, she has worked on contract with both the Timmins Family Counselling Centre and Professional Counselling Services in Timmins. She has experience with Employee Assistance Programs and provided counseling for several E.A.P. firms. Bonnie is a member of and a Certified Counsellor with OACCPP (Ontario Association of Counsellors, Consultants, Psychometrists, and Psychotherapists).

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Jacquelyn Wolgemuth, Spiritual Director

"There are three chairs filled during spiritual direction. One is for the seeker, one for the director, and the third for the Holy Spirit. As the person who seeks for a closer relationship to God tells the story of daily life and spiritual life experience, the director joins with them in reflecting and deeply listening for the gentle voice of the Spirit. For me, Spiritual Direction is a way to become open to seeing God's constant, loving presence in the ordinary routine of our lives. It is companionship and encouragement as we strive to find the spiritual amidst the turmoil, the sacred in the ordinary. And it is a safe place to explore and expand the limits of our experience into the infiniteness that is God." Spiritual Direction is available by appointment. For more information, call Jacquie at Marguerite Centre at 613-732-9926, extension 2227. In addition to being a Spiritual Director Jacquie is also our Book Store Manager. She holds a degree in psychology from Queen’s University and has completed university-level programs in both theology and spiritual direction. A member of Spiritual Directors of Ontario and Spiritual Directors International, she has worked as a counselor and tutor. In recent years, her spiritual path has led her to experience the oneness of the Divine Spirit and the unity of all.
jacquie@margueritecentre.com

Rev. Rick Metcalfe, Spiritual Director.

An ordained United Church minister, Rick is currently co-pastoring with his spouse, Susan Nadon at Wesley United Church in Pembroke. Rick has been involved in ministry for over 25 years working as street counselor for youth in New Brunswick and Toronto as well as, in group homes, psychiatric institutions and with Seniors. Rick feels called to a ministry of pastoral care, spiritual direction and team development. Please call 613-732-9925 to make an appointment with Rick.

Berenice McCoy, GSIC, Spiritual Director

Berenice McCoy, gsic, has worked at the Centre since its beginnings. She continues to be a Director of Gsic Retreats. She is also a facilitator and retreat director for many of the groups who meet here. Sister Berenice is a trained and much sought-after Spiritual Director. She is also well known for her work as an animator. Her warm, steady and prayerful presence has been and continues to be a gift to the Centre and its mission.

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Yoga Teachers

Lynn T. Murphy

Lynn obtained her Kripalu Yoga Teacher Certification in 1992 and her Professional Level Kripalu Yoga Teacher Certification in 2000. She has 15 years teaching experience and opened North Bay's first yoga studio. Lynn also maintains a commitment to dreamwork as a spiritual practice.

Lynn teaches two classes per week. Tuesday evening: moderate yoga; Thursday evening: vigorous yoga and pilates.

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Tai Chi is one of the many practices and disciplines taught at the Centre. It is part of our wholistic approach to spirituality, mindfulness and bodywork.

Tai Chi class is taught by Janet Lebarr from the Pembroke Tai Chi Club, Tuesday Mornings, 10-11:30 in the Yoga Room.

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Chi Kung classes are held on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30. Classes are taught by Janna Clarke

Chi Kung/Qigong (Energy Work) Chi Kung uses breath, visualization, and movement to transport energy through the meridians to the organs. In ancient China these exercises were used to prolong ones life and ward off disease. For martial artists, the development of chi is a great source of power. Today, Chi Kung is still used as an integral part of Chinese Medicine in the prevention and treatment of illness and disease by strengthening ones vital energy. In the West we are just beginning to discover and explore the concept and use of "Energy Medicine". Some of the Chi Kung sets focused on by Janna are Lohan(18 Palms of Buddah), the Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade, The Heng-Ha Tai Chi Kung set, Ho Shu Ying Iron Shirt set, Microcosmic Circuit and Nine Gates. Sihing(senior student)Janna Clarke studies Martial Arts under the guidance of Temple Knights Sigung (teacher of teachers) John Peel and Sifu(teacher)Valerie Houston-Peel and specializes in Chi Kung, Tai Chi Chuan,Meditation, and Kung Fu. She has been teaching Chi Kung, Tai Chi,and Weapons for 8 years with the Upper Ottawa Valley Tai Chi Club;and teaching Chi Kung, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Meditation for 1 year with Temple Knights. Janna runs workshops and teachers' training sessions for the Upper Ottawa Valley Tai Chi Club. She also performs in demonstrations, gives presentations for local interest groups and is available for private classes. Janna enjoys teaching others how to nourish their body, mind and spirit through the martial arts.

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Art at the Centre: for all ages, for everyone...

The Centre sponsors art programs, art classes and art shows. There really is something for everyone!

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