Enrolment for children from Junior Infants upwards is ongoing at present and names need to be with us by late November to facilitate formation of groups.

A meeting of parents/guardians takes place in early December

Please contact 0719170329 for enrolment or further details.

Enrolment begins on January 9th and  is ongoing while places are available.

 Below is our  Spring/Summer 12 brochure  which shows courses scheduled for January-June12. Services mentioned are running continually at the centre.

ST. MICHAEL’S FAMILY LIFE CENTRE

CHURCH HILL

SLIGO

0719170329

SPRING/SUMMER 12

MORNING PROGRAMMES

0’S TO 6’S—PARENTING GROUP

Are you a parent or carer of a young baby, toddler or pre-schooler? These six sessions offer support, help and advice on dealing with the issues that arise in the early years of childhood and will help you become a confident parent right from the start.. You will also benefit from the interaction and sharing with other parents.

6 Tuesday mornings at 10.30am starting on January 23rd

 Cost:  €30

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION                                               This is a gentle silent form of prayer where we become more aware of the presence of God in the stillness at the core of our being. It is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition..

Tuesday mornings at 11a.m. on an on-going basis resuming late September

Cost: A voluntary contribution.

YOGA WITH BERNIE                                                                   

This eight week Yoga course is suitable for all ages both beginners and improvers. It teaches Hatha Yoga breathing, simple postures, relaxation and meditation techniques. Numbers limited to 10. Each session lasts 1 hour.8 Tuesday mornings at 10am starting January 24^th  Cost: €80

     ART CLUBS

Our Art clubs resume again in the New Year. We welcome back our regular members and have 5 places for new members on both days. So if you would like to develop your artistic side you are welcome to join this club.

8 Monday and Tuesday mornings 10-12am beginning 7^th and 8th February.

Cost: €80

MORNING BOOK CLUB                           

The St. Michael’s Morning book club resumes in January, meeting monthly on Wednesdays at 11am.. New members are welcome.

Cost: A voluntary contribution

EXPLORING ENGLISH-REVISITED

This anthology of short stories has been recently reissued. If you studied this book in secondary school or are just a lover of stories you will enjoy revisiting revisit these much loved stories, reading and chatting about them and hopefully finding again the enjoyment and delight that a good story brings.

6 Thursday mornings at 10.30am starting February 9th Cost: €50

BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS

Have you ever wondered what exactly Bridge is all about? Have you heard others talking about their Bridge nights and felt that you would like to give it a go? This class for absolute beginners will introduce participants to the basics of the game.6 Wednesday mornings at 10.30am starting February 1^stCost: €30

                                             AWARENESS IS THE KEY Personal development is about taking control of and identifying what we really want out of life. Facilitated by an experienced life coach, the course  is centred  around awareness and explores finding your values dealing with change, goal setting, communication, personal awareness, techniques for happiness

 6 Wednesday mornings at 10.30 starting 8^th February

Cost: €50

                                                                       GERMAN FOR BEGINNERS This beginners’ German language course emphasises conversation and involves a minimum of grammar. The sessions will be enjoyable and  be participant led.

6 Thursdays at 10.30 starting February 9^th Cost: €60

                                                                                    FABULOUS FOOD ON A BASIC BUDGET                     

Now that spring is just around the corner, we all want to be healthy and fit for the year to come. Choosing and eating fabulous healthy food and keeping spending within a reasonable budget is what this course is all about. Tastings and recipes provided. 6 Tuesday mornings at 10.30 starting February 9^th Cost: €40

GROW           This confidential support group promotes good mental health through a twelve step programme of personal growth. Enquiries, in confidence to 071-9153623 or 086-8516939.

Each Tuesday  mornings at 10.30.Cost: A voluntary contribution

POSITIVE INTAKE:
 In this course we will unhealthy relationships people can have with food and  examine the emotional issues involved. We will support individuals and families in understanding these patterns and help them to develop healthy alternatives. 6 Thursdays at 10.30starting February 23rd Cost: €60

      DRAWING 1—2–3                                                               This class welcomes beginners as well as those who have attended previously is facilitated by an experienced artist and drawing facilitator. Participants’observation skills, spatial and colour awareness hand-eye coordination will be improved 6 Thursday mornings at 10.00am starting on 19th April  Cost: €80

FINDING CONTENTMENT
Happiness is that often elusive thing we all chase after. Yet it is proven time and time again that happy people are less stressed, more effective, creative, motivated, healthier and successful. Backed up by thoroughly researched methods, we will explore and begin to  train our brains to become more positive. 6 Wednesday at 10.30 starting 25^th April Cost: €60

MID TERM CREATIVE WRITING FOR TEENS

This introductory three day workshop will bring creative writing alive for at teens between 13 and 17. If you have an interest in writing or would like to try it out, these three mornings may be just for you. Orfhlaith O’Chonail  a published writer and  experienced tutor facilitate. Tues; Wed; Thurs;  Feb 14/15/16 10.00-1pm Cost: €60

                                                                                               CROCHET CLUB                                        

The crochet group is back again. If you are interested in learning a new craft or would like to meet others and practice your craft in a group setting then this club is for you. 6 Monday mornings at 10.30am beginning on 16^th April Cost: €60 or €70 to include cost of starter pack for new members

 SUMMER COOKING

This course will enable you to bring variety and creativity into menus for family meals, including nutritious salads, recipes for barbecues and lots more.Numbers limited. First come basis 4 Tues and Thurs starting 8^th May at 10.30 Cost: €40

EVENING PROGRAMMES

JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF

Bereavement is a very stressful event which if not dealt with appropriately can lead to chronic stress and illness. Following the death of a significant person in our lives, it is important to have the opportunity to express our feelings in a supportive, understanding environment if we are to fully accept the reality of the loss. This course offers an opportunity to enable you to cope in a healthy way. A minimum of 3-6 months after the death is preferable and no more than 2 family members per group. Enrolment in advance is essential. 6 Thursdays  nights at 8pm beginning 23^rd Feb.Cost: A voluntary contribution.

                                                                                              THE ART OF MINDFULNESS       Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention on purpose and non-judgementally, to what goes on in the present moment, to increase awareness, engagement and balance. It can increase a sense of personal confidence and renew powerful inner resources for healing.

8 Thursday nights from 8—10 pm beginning February 2nd 1 full Saturday (date to be decided). Limited availability Cost: €100 to be paid at enrolment.

KNITTING CLUB                                        This knitting club resumes in January. New members are most welcome whether beginner or experienced. You can learn the basics of knitting or you can refine your knitting skills..8  Monday nights at 8pm starting 5th March   Cost: €80

                                                                        UNDERSTANDING YOUR PRE TEEN/TEENAGER

For parents of  9—17 approx , this course will explore what we can expect from  children of this age and how best to maintain good relationships within the family. It will be participant led focusing on issues that are of interest to you in your role as parent so you may gain an understanding of the challenges facing parents of teenagers. 6 Wednesday evenings at 8pm starting  22^nd february  Cost: €30

 BULLYING BEHAVIOUR:
 Bullying Behaviour can have devastating effects on  individuals, organisation, and the wider community and  can be difficult to define and  can  go unrecognised. This course will define bullying behaviour and help participants understand the detrimental effects such behaviour can have on both those being bullied and on the bully himself. It will explore our best options in dealing with bullying. 6 Monday nights at 7.30pm starting February 20^th  Cost: €60

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS FOR SENIORS                 

 The basic course is suitable for complete beginners and as a follow on for those who attended last session. It will help you to learn the basic beginner skills of email and internet and is aimed at seniors. 6 Monday evenings from 5pm to 6.30 starting 6^th Feb.Cost: €70

 ART CLASS                                                                          If you have ever thought that you would like to try your hand at painting, this class offers the opportunity you have been waiting for. It is aimed at beginners and those with limited experience of painting Come along and explore your artistic side. Numbers are limited so early booking advisable. 6 Monday  nights at 7.30pm beginning 17th April. Cost: €60

                                     NATASCHA’S GROW YOUR OWN                                             

Are you an amateur gardener, with an interest  in growing organic vegetables? Would you like some advice and support in planning, planting and keeping the pests at bay? This course will take you through the basics of preparing beds, planting, feeding, weeding and harvesting from a small area of ground. 6 Monday evenings 5.30 to 7pm starting April 16^th Cost: €60

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE The Beginning Experience is a specially designed programme which helps separated and widowed people make a new beginning in life. It offers healing, an opportunity to appreciate ones’ own goodness and above all hope for the future. The programme will run on Tuesdays. Please contact the Centre at 0719170329 for dates and details.

 MONDAY BOOK CLUB                                         The evening book club meets on the last Monday of the month at 8pm. We welcome some new members this year so if you love books and want to share your views with others please join us Cost: A voluntary donation

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

All Saturdays include a light lunch

‘CREATING BALANCE IN DAILY LIFE THROUGH MINDFULNESS & RELAXATION’                                                  Derval Dunford

An introduction to mindfulness where you can experience several simple Mindfulness practices and learn how to make mindfulness part of daily life This can help to counteract the stress response, be an investment in a healthy mind, body and spirit
You will experience the value and necessity of relaxation in modern life and the work-shop will include guided mindfulness, meditation and relaxation practices Sat 11th Feb 10.30-4.30pm  Cost: €50    

“MONEY SKILLS, FOR LIFE”                                          Theresa Gillen

This workshop will be about putting Consumers first, and is presented in 8 easy to follow units : Managing Your Money; Protecting you, your family and your assets; Borrowing money and getting credit, Saving and investing, Planning for retirement, Dealing with Debt Problems; Making a Complaint; Your Questions Sat 25^th  Feb. 10-30-4.30pm

Cost: €50

NURTURING YOUR INNER SELF                       Sinead Grimes /Pernille Burns

Take this time to quietly go within and find out what nourishes your inner self on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Combining their knowledge and wisdom the facilitators will support and guide you through a day of guided visualisations, breath-work and inner healing  It will include some very gentle yoga stretches, some meditation, personal development (work around gratitude and ‘law of attraction’), healing and  nurturing foods and general wellbeing talks.  Sat. 10^th March 10.30-4,30pm Cost €50

“EASTER STILLNESS”                                                                  Theresa Gillen

As we leave the Easter season the day will help us to cultivate the Art of Stillness for Daily Living through Mindfulness. We will explore and develop its benefits for emotional health and wellbeing, in the home environment, in the classroom setting and at times of change in our lives.Saturday 14^th April 10.30-5pm Cost: €50                                                                         

THE COURAGE TO BE HAPPY                               Dr. Colm O’Connor

“SPRING CLEAN” FOR LIFE                                                                               

As we look forward to summer, this day will be all about emotionally

and physically, de-cluttering and making room and space for ourselves in our lives. Lunch included Saturday 26^th May 10.30-4.30pm Volunteers/friends of the centre

OTHER SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING

A professional counselling service is available at the centre. The service provides help for families, couples and individuals seeking to improve the quality of their lives, to enhance their relationships or to deal with specific problems. Counsellors are available by appointment and as far as possible at times convenient to those who need them and are fully accreditated by IACP. Donation based.

SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT/DIRECTION

Trained spiritual directors are available to accompany people on their life journeys. List of directors is available at the centre.Cost: A voluntary contribution

SENIOR CITZENS GROUP                 Our senior citizen group meets at the Centre twice monthly. There will be a cup of tea and a chat, bingo and other activities the group may decide New members are very welcome but please note this is not an ‘active retired group’.

A GIFT WHEN YOU NEED IT

Friends of the centre who are qualified in reflexology, aromatherapy and facials have volunteered some sessions every week in response to needs. Contact the office for details

ORGANIC GARDEN

Enrolments for our Organic garden are being taken. Begins in February and meets Thursdays at 3pm  New participants are welcome.

Rainbows support for children who have lost a parent/significant person  by death or separation/divorce begins in January. Enrolments for 2013 programme can be taken at any time.

PRAYER GROUP Adult Prayer Group welcomes you to an evening of prayer in

the Oratory each Tuesday night 8.30—10.00p.m. Young Adults Prayer Group meets in the Oratory each Friday at 7.30p.m

ADHD SUPPORT

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

CoDa

.TWELVE STEPS PROGRAMMES

A.A.;Al.Anon;. G.A.; Gam. Anon.; N.A; FAA.

St. Michael’s Family Life Centre is supported by H.S.E.—West; F.S.A.;

Parishes of Sligo Area; Diocese of Elphin;; Co.Sligo VEC; F.A.S.;  Sligo Borough Council and Friends of the Centre.

VISION STATEMENT

St. Michael’s Family Life Centre promotes the wellbeing of the family through education for relationships, with God, with each other and with our earth. It aims to create a place of compassion and confidential listening where people are welcomed at all stages of their lives. It models social inclusion and seeks to enable all those who come to the centre to create community wherever they live and work.

MORNING PROGRAMMES

POSITIVE PARENTING

Are you the parent/guardian of a primary school age child?                   

Are you coping with the early school years or the demands

of the approaching pre-teen years? Would you like to meet

other parents of similar aged children in the company of an experienced facilitator? These six sessions offer support and advice  in dealing with the many issues which may arise for parents during the childhood years. The session will be participant driven and concentrate on building and developing good relationships within the family

6 Tuesday mornings at 10.30am starting on October 4th.

Cost: €30.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION                                                          

This is a gentle silent form of prayer where we become more aware of the presence of God in the stillness at the core of our being. It is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition..

Tuesday mornings at 11a.m. on an ongoing basis resuming late September

Cost: A voluntary contribution.

YOGA WITH BERNIE                                            

This eight week Yoga course is suitable for all ages and both beginners and improvers. It will teach Yoga breathing, simple yoga postures , relaxation and meditation techniques. Numbers limited to 10. Each session lasts 1 hour.

8 Tuesday mornings at 10am starting October 4^th

Cost: €80

ART CLUBS                                                 

Discover your unique creativity through painting. Both Monday and Tuesday Art clubs resume on Mon 3^rd October and Tues. 4^th October at 10am. A limited number of places are available

Cost: €80 for 8 weeks.

MORNING BOOK CLUB                          

The St. Michael’s Morning book club resumes in Autumn. The club meets monthly on Wednesdays at 11am. Contact the centre for dates. New members are welcome.

Cost: A voluntary contribution

THE ART OF MINDFULNESS                                                                                                               

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention on purpose and non-judgementally, to what goes on in the present moment. The course offers participants an opportunity to learn mindfulness practices that help to increase awareness, engagement and balance, with a resulting increase in the ability to respond to stress and pain. It can increase a sense of personal confidence and renew powerful inner resources for healing.

8 Thursday mornings from10.30—12.30 pm beginning October 6th  plus 1 full Saturday (date to be decided). Limited availability

Cost: €100

DRAWING 1—2–3                                                              

Would you like to learn the basics of drawing? Have you experimented before but would like to have more guidance and practice? This class welcomes beginners as well as those who have attended previously or with some experience and is facilitated by an experienced artist and drawing facilitator. The aim of the course will be to provide an increased sense of wellbeing for participants by heightening their observation skills, encouraging spatial and colour awareness and improving hand-eye coordination.  Please note this is a two hour course.

6 Thursday mornings at 10.00am starting on October 6^th

 Cost: €70

GROW          

This confidential support group promotes good mental health through a twelve step programme of personal growth. Enquiries, in confidence to 071-

9153623 or 086-8516939.

Each Monday mornings at 10.30.

Cost: A voluntary contribution

ANGER MANAGEMENT:

Anger is an emotion not a behaviour. It is a normal human emotion, .recognised by all of us. Anger is important information about a situation. This programme is designed to help us learn how to recognize and manage emotions so that we can CHOOSE how to behave when frustrated. Facilitated by an experienced psychotherapist, each week of the course involves skill building and knowledge development.

 6 Wednesday mornings, starting 12^th October at 10. 30

Cost: €60

            IRISH FOR BEGINNERS                                                              

This 8 week course is aimed at people who have little if any Irish and who would like to be able to try their hand at basic everyday conversation. The emphasis will be on communication and simple vocabulary with the absolute minimum of grammar included.

8 Wednesday mornings at 10.30am starting on October 5^th

Cost: €40

CHRISTMAS COOKERY WITHOUT THE FUSS                                            

This 6 week course will help participants get ready for Christmas without overspending and with a minimum of stress. Advice and tips on getting organized and preparing in advance plus sample recipes will be available. Topics covered will include buying and cooking traditional Christmas food; alternative ideas; Christmas baking; preparing food hampers as alternative gift ideas.

6 Wednesdays mornings at 10.30am starting on 2nd November

Cost: €40

MEN: DIFFERENT STRESSES—DIFFERENT TOOLS            

MEN! Do you suffer with stress? Do you find it a real challenge? Want to put some extra tools in your stress management toolbox? This course could be just for you.’   Stress used wisely can be a useful tool for work and relationships. These six sessions are designed specifically to address the particular stresses of each participant, looking at what tools he  already has and how he can use them well in different types of stress. The l focus will be on learning new strategies to add to your coping capacity Please note this is not a therapy group and numbers are limited. Facilitated by a solution-focused psychotherapist.

6 Thursdays, starting October 13^th course can be run either mornings or evenings depending on preference of participants

Cost: €60

NIGHT PROGRAMMES

TIME OUT FOR AN HOUR                                               

Sometimes we all just want a break, not to talk, just to relax for a while. During this course participants are invited to slow down and enter a space of quiet. We will learn how to centre ourselves using our breath, diverse body/mind relaxation techniques and meditation. This is an hour of peaceful relaxation with Susann Von Mohlman. Numbers are limited.  Please wear comfortable clothes.

6 Tuesday at 5.30pm starting 20^th September.

Cost: €40

MY WAY OF GRIEVING                                                   

We all grieve differently. Sometimes well-meaning people put pressure on us to grieve their way. This group encourages bereaved people to come together to share, learn and value the many ways of grieving and living with grief. This group is facilitated by a relationship psychotherapist.

Please contact the Centre for information.

8 Tuesday nights at 8pm beginning 11^th  October.

Cost: A voluntary contribution.

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS FOR SENIORS                 

The basic course is suitable for complete beginners and as a follow on for those who attended last session. It will help you to learn these basic beginner skills; managing files; emails; internet etc and is aimed at seniors who would like to learn from scratch. Numbers limited to 8 and course will go ahead dependent on demand.

6 Monday evenings from 5pm to 6.30 starting 3rd October

Cost: €70

BEGINNERS’ DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Would you like to learn the basics of digital photography? If so, this course aimed at showing participants how to use their digital camera is for you. Please note that this course is aimed at beginners only.

8 Monday  nights at 7.30pm beginning 3^rd October            

Cost: €70 to be paid at enrolment.

KNITTING CLASS   Maree Cooney                                 

Absolute beginners will learn the basics of knitting and how to read simple patterns Those with some experience will refine their knitting skills, learn to read patterns and acquire some surprising finishing techniques. Numbers limited.
8 Thursday nights at 8pm starting October 6th.

Cost: €80

INTRODUCTION TO ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE                            

This technique is a gentle and well established method for releasing excess muscle tension. In learning to move and breathe more easily you can improve your posture and reduce stress. The technique is helpful for a wide range of medical conditions including back, neck and head aches, joint problems, sciatica etc. Over the seven week course the basic principles of the Technique will be explored enabling you to start to bring the ideas into your daily lives.

7 Tuesday nights at 7.30 starting 11^th October

Cost: €80

INFORMATION ON MEDIATION SOLUTIONS

Mediation is a fast, cost-effective and satisfying way of resolving disputes. Given the high cost of litigation and the length of time involved in bringing matters to court, more and more people are turning to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation. This information session will show how mediation can be used in Family disputes i.e. separation/divorce; maintenance and child support; access and guardianship etc.  It can also be used in disputes in the following areas— Commercial; Employment; School; Debt Management; Land; Building contracts.

Thursday October 20^th 7.30pm

Cost: Free

WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLBEING                             

This HSE Peer Education Programme has been created especially for women in theNorth West. It offers information and discussion on different health topics and is presented in an informal and enjoyable way. The topics covered are Cancer Awareness and Prevention; Common Female Cancers; Healthy Heart; Making the Menopause manageable; Positive Mental Health; Osteoporosis and Bladder Management. You can choose all seven topics or those that are of most interest to you.

7 Monday evenings at 7.30pm beginning October 3^rd

Cost: A Voluntary contribution

PRAYER GROUPS

St. Michael’s Adult Prayer Group welcomes you to an evening of prayer in

the Oratory each Tuesday night 8.30—10.00p.m. Prayer includes: rosary;

contrition; praise; worship; thanksgiving; intercession and scripture. St.

Michael’s Young Adults Prayer Group meets in the Oratory each Friday

at 7.30p.m

ADHD SUPPORT

Phone Samantha Love at 071-9130554

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

This confidential support group is for all those who suffer because of food

addiction. Contact the Centre for details.

CoDa

Co-Dependents Anonymous is a twelve step fellowship of men and women

whose common purpose is recovery from co-dependency and the

development and maintenance of healthy relationships.

The CoDa meetings are held in the Centre every Friday at 7.30pm

TWELVE STEPS PROGRAMMES

Please contact the centre for the times of: A.A.; G.A.; Gam. Anon.; N.A.;.

Food Addicts Anonymous; SLAA

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP                                                 Orfhlaith O’Connell, Author and tutor

Are you looking for motivation  to get you started at something you have always wanted to try or have you some experience of writing and like the support of a group? Remember—if you write, then you are a writer! This day is suitable for  both beginner and experienced writer and will give you the time and space to explore your creative talents in a supportive and positive atmosphere. Led by an experienced tutor, using theAmherstmethod of Pat Schneider, this day could be just what you need. Numbers limited.

Sat 8th October  10.30—5, 00pm

Cost: €50 to include tea/coffee and a light lunch.

A GENTLE INTRODUCTION TO ART THERAPY                     Sam Lewis, Art                                                                                                                        Therapist

This day explores some art themes in a group setting, helping to encourage creativity and confidence in art making as a means of expression. Whilst art therapy can be used in various therapeutic settings, this day aims to show that art is available to all. The focus is on exploring art materials and the creative process rather than making an aesthetically pleasing finished piece of art. Being ‘good’ at art is not relevant and this workshop is open to all abilities

Saturday 15^th October 10.30-5.00pm

Cost: €50 to include light lunch

‘BE THE CHANGE’

This is a programme that has been developed to help us take a look at the most important need of our time: how to live in a way that is environmentally sustaining, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just in a world threatened by the devastating effects of climate change. The programme presented by a team using the spoken word and video clips will help to answer the questions:

What is the state of our planet?

How did we get here?

What is possible for the future?

Where do we go from here?

Saturday 22^nd October 10.30 – 4.30pm.

Suggested donation €20 to include tea breaks and a light lunch

RELAXING YOUR BODY; NOURISHING YOUR SOUL           Susann von                                                                                                                   Mohlman

It is by slowing down our busy pace, entering stillness and a mindful presence to what is happening in the moment, that we can also connect and deepen our relationship with the ‘small voice within’- our soul. This day event is an invitation to enter stillness and listen. Participants are invited to reflect and share their experiences as to how soul is present, or not, in their lives and how soul can be nourished in our day to day living. Please wear comfortable clothes, bring along a journal/pen, something that connects you with soul and a mat and cushions to work on the floor. Numbers limited

Saturday  5^th November 10.30-5pm

Cost: €50 to include light lunch

FORGIVENESS:  BODY, MIND AND SOUL..

Marion Sullivan psychotherapist

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Mahatma Gandhi
This seminar run over 2 days will explore the role of forgiveness in keeping us healthy, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Anger and hurt can contribute to emotional distress and depression as well as physical illnesses. Most religions and spiritual traditions stress the importance of forgiveness so participants will be introduced to a forgiveness meditation/prayer practice for the forgiveness of ourselves and others which can then be practiced at home.

Saturday 12^th November 10.30-5.00pm. Sunday 13^th 2-5pm

Cost: €70.to include light lunch on Saturday

AWAKENING TO LIFE, THROUGH THE POWER OF NOW                                                                                                                    Theresa Gillen-                                                             Mindfulness & Meditation Practioner & Tutor,

This is a day of Introduction to and exploration of some of Eckhart Tolle’s teachings.  This workshop invites you to release the state of Presence already held within you, through Awareness, Exploration, Insights, Meditation, Reflections, Mindfulness, Sharing and Silence. The overall theme of the day is finding lasting harmony of mind & body. By opening the door to the present, by embracing life’s experiences-painful and joyful, we are led to true lasting emotional freedom, found through Living in the Now

Saturday 3rd December 10.30 to 5pm

Cost: €50 to include light lunch

FLOWER ARRANGING FOR CHRISTMAS               Glenda Devlin

Adult Educator

This day will show you how to prepare beautiful flower arrangements to decorate your home this Christmas or to give as a gift. Each participant will leave with at least three arrangements. A list of readily available and economical flowers and equipment will be sent to participants in advance

Saturday 10th  December 10.30—5.00pm

Cost: €50 to include light lunch

OTHER SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING

A professional counseling service is available at the centre. The service provides help for families, couples and individuals seeking to improve the quality of their lives, to enhance their relationships or to deal with specific problems. Counselors are available by appointment and as far as possible at times convenient to those who need them.

Cost: A voluntary contribution.

SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT/DIRECTION

Trained spiritual directors are available to accompany people on their life journeys. This one to one confidential service invites individuals to explore the meaning of their lives in a faith context. It seeks to help participants meet God in the ordinary and everyday experiences of life. List of directors is available at the centre.

Cost: A voluntary contribution

SENIOR CITZENS GROUP                                                                                                

Our senior citizen group meets at the Centre twice monthly. There will be a cup of tea and a chat, bingo and other activities the group may decide New members are very welcome but please note this is not an ‘active retired group’.

First and Third Wednesday of every month at 3p.m.

Group resumes in September

Cost: A voluntary contribution.

A GIFT WHEN YOU NEED IT

Friends of the centre who are qualified in reflexology, aromatherapy and facials have volunteered some sessions every week in response to needs. If you know somebody who is going through a stressful time and is not in a position to pay for these services ring Moira or Deirdre at 071-9170329 to make an appointment.

ORGANIC GARDEN                                              

The centre is currently involved in the Community Food Project in conjunction with the HSE—West and the Organic Centre, Rossinver. New participants are welcome in February 2012.

LIBRARY                                                     

Books on family relationships, parenting, personal development, bereavement, spirituality and other areas of interest can be borrowed for a period of two weeks. You are welcome to have a look at what is available from 10a.m.-1pm and from 2-4pm. We welcome suggestions as to suitable books we might include on our shelves.

St. Michael’s Family Life Centre is supported by H.S.E.—West; F.S.A.;

Parishes of Sligo Area; Diocese of Elphin; National Lottery;  Co.

Sligo VEC; F.A.S.;  SligoBorough Council and Friends of the Centre.

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