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The Dark Night of the Soul

Considering Transformation and Spiritual Growth in the Midst of Chaos, Confusion, and Change

by Rev. Loretta F. Ross

Six- week Internet retreat begins January 17, 2007

$55.00 USD

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True prayer and love are learned in the hour when  prayer becomes impossible and the heart has turned to stone.       
- Thomas Merton

How do experiences of loss and impasse invite us to deepening intimacy with Christ?

How might the hardest times of our lives be preparation for fuller joy in Jesus? We will study the process of the spiritual journey called the Dark Night of the Soul and learn to identify patterns of spiritual growth, signs of the Dark Night, and how it is like and different from depression.

We will consider areas in our lives where hanging on to things may prevent our fullest joy in Christ. We will learn how to assist others and ourselves when going through difficult times. We will meet God's love for us in new ways.

Our resources will include scripture, writings from the Christian tradition and our own stories to help us understand our growth in Christ.

Learning Process

Participants will receive notification of resource materials via email and will have an opportunity to discuss the information in more depth on a shalomplace.org premium discussion forum.

 Class Schedule of Topics

SESSION I  Dear Victor
An overview of spiritual development, ways we grow in faith.
Introduction to the dark night of the soul and St. John of the Cross
For those who want to read further - suggested bibliography

SESSION 2  Where Have You Hidden?
Description of the Dark Night
Signs of the dark night
Purpose of the dark night

SESSION 3 Freedom in Christ Jesus
Detachment and letting go.

SESSION 4  In the Presence of My Enemies
The Way of the Cross 
Responding to sin, evil .

SESSION 5 Care of Souls
How to help others and ourselves through hard times in faith.

SESSION 6 - From One Degree of Glory to Another
The Consecrated Life
Cultural implications of the dark night for church and society


Loretta, an ordained Presbyterian minister, is the director of The Sanctuary Foundation for Prayer. She is a member of the Presbytery of Northern Kansas with the ecclesiastical designation of Spiritual Director. Loretta earned her Masters of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. She also holds a Masters of Arts degree in theater, and is a graduate of The Shalem Institute Program for Spiritual Direction. She has served in Presbyterian, United Methodist, and United Church of Christ churches, and offered spiritual guidance for more than 25 years.

Her writing has been published in numerous journals and books including  Holy Ground, The Christian Century, Theology Today, Weavings, Presbyterian Survey, Reformed Liturgy and Music, Presence, and Upper Room. Her book, Letters from the Holy Ground - Seeing God Where You Are, was published by Sheed & Ward in 2000. Her web site is www.fromholyground.org