Under the umbrella term Collaborative Ministries, the Wheaton Franciscans offer an ongoing series of programs and classes at Maura Hall on the campus of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton. The program focuses on spiritual development and the healing arts.
"We were involved with ministries across the United States, and we thought it was time to reach out to our immediate community," said Sister Gabriele Uhlein, who helped launch Collaborative Ministries in 2005. "It was our dream to provide a venue for spirituality to the public."
The name originated from the collaboration of the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters and their covenant members, a group of laypeople who have a special relationship with the sisters in their desire to follow the traditions of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare.
"Collaborative Ministries is grounded in the Franciscan dimension," Uhlein said. "St. Francis had a tremendous respect for God's creation, and we wanted Collaborative Ministries to reflect that."
The programs emphasize holistic healing and personal transformation.
Uhlein offers Saturday Mindfulness Mornings, sessions that promote living life with intention and awareness through a reverence for nature. Participants have a chance to practice silent contemplation and mindful walking.
"Our programs are very diverse," said Renata Marroum, Collaborative Ministries coordinator. "We try to integrate mind, body and spirit."
Sessions include the dynamics of prayer, an in-depth look at the chakras, the interrelationship between Native American ceremonies and sacraments and healing through the grieving process.
Marroun, a former physics instructor at Lewis University in Romeoville, tries to bring together science and spirituality in the classes she facilitates at Collaborative Ministries. She is offering Great Minds and Conversation, eight sessions in which participants explore issues pertaining
to soul, science and spirit. Previously, she has offered sessions on liquid crystals.
Although mostly women attend the programs, Marroun hopes that more men will participate. A men's group meets once a month to discuss issues in a safe, nonthreatening environment.
Sandra Sula, a frequent participant in Collaborative Ministries, is a Quaker, not a Catholic.
"It's difficult to find a place that promotes spiritual growth," she said. "But Collaborative Ministries allows you to explore your spirituality and deepen your awareness of God. The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming."
Charlotte Loizzi and her husband, Bob, also attend the programs. "Collaborative Ministries allows people to step back from their busy lives and take time to look inside themselves. It gives you peaceful feeling."
Contact Ron Pazola at rpazola@scn1.com or 630-416-5283.
