Over a 3 part series happening from August 11 – 13, the Rev. Brad Karelius will be introducing a workshop to desert spirituality through the lives and teachings of The Desert Fathers and Mothers.
From across the centuries, The Desert Fathers and Mothers of the 4th and 5th centuries continue to speak to us about solitude and silence, death, grace, and true freedom. Their stories and sayings create an environment that invites our spirit to grow into God’s deepest desires for us.
There is no fee to attend the series.
Part 1: The Desert Mothers- Mary of Egypt and Amma Syncletica
Friday, August 11, 2023
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St. Kansas City, MO 64105
Mary of Egypt
Amma Syncletica
In Part 1: The Desert Mothers, we explore two pioneers of the contemplative tradition: Mary of Egypt and Amma Syncletica. Their experiences living in the stark desert wilderness fostered stories and sayings that can help our spirit grow into God’s deepest desires for us.
Part 2: The Desert Fathers- Moses the Black and Anthony the Great
Saturday, August 12, 2023
9:00 am to 11:00 am
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 2732 Benton Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64128
Moses the Black
Anthony the Great
In Part 2: The Desert Fathers, we explore two other pioneers of the contemplative tradition: Moses the Black and Anthony the Great. The stories of these two very different men who came to monastic life show us the power of the desert and the desert community to transform lives.
Part 3: A Desert Journey in the 21st Century
Sunday, August 13, 2023
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 4947 NE Chouteau Dr., Kansas City, MO 64119
Father Brad will present his own experiences of encountering the silence of the desert in the Owens Valley in California. Afterward, Steve and Brad will have a dialog about desert spirit places in Joshua Tree National Park, Monument Valley, and Navajoland. This session will be designed to help those who are interested in experiencing their own desert journey, which can also happen in the plains of Kansas and Missouri.
The Reverend Brad Karelius is a priest in The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, has worked as an Associate Professor of Philosophy and World Religions at Saddleback Community College, and is an author.
Steve Bruce is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and spouse of Bishop Diane.
