top of page
Feedback from Past Participants
- this page will be updated on a regular basis -
2025-06-03 - Near Death Experiences: Hope, Hypoxia and Hypothesis, with Rev. David Maginley - This was an extremely well presented and thought-provoking workshop. I’ll be pondering the wisdom Rev. David Maginley shared for a long time and seeking ways to incorporate it into my life. Linda Hoye, Moose Jaw SK Canada
2025-09-10 - Befriending Shame: How to be Present to the Feeling We Most Want to Avoid, with Janelle Schneider - This was the safest, most honest and helpful conversation about shame I have ever experienced. Janelle's profound understanding and practical insights have given me a new lens through which to keep sight of my own belovedness. Elizabeth Morrison, Philadelphia PA USA
2025-09-27 - Paul the Dynamic Disciple: From Tribal Zealot to Global Missionary, with Sr. Teresita Kambeitz OSU - This was an excellent workshop, which I enjoyed immensely. Sr. Teresita Kambeitz was extremely knowledgeable and presents her materials in an easy to understand manner. I learned much about St. Paul prior to his conversion, that I had not known before. I would certainly recommend taking any future courses from her. Ian Fraser, Edmonton AB Canada
2025-09-27 - Paul the Dynamic Disciple: From Tribal Zealot to Global Missionary, with Sr. Teresita Kambeitz OSU - I appreciate how Sr. Teresita is a model of continuous learning and self reflection. In this workshop, I enjoyed the new perspective that Saul very likely had interactions with Jesus on a number of occasions in his role as a Pharisee, perhaps including being a part of condemning him to death. Sr. Teresita really made Saul come alive for me. I always appreciate conversations that encourage us to examine the lens with which we view the world and each other. I hope that with learning, prayer, self reflection and God's grace I am able to have what Parker Palmer calls "soft eyes." Michelle Vanhouwe, Saskatoon SK Canada
2025-10-21 - Three Seeds of Ecological Spirituality, with Shawn Sanford Beck - in participating in Shawn's workshop, I was elated to discover within the Christian tradition, that my "worship," pleasure, mystical experiences with animals, plants, dirt, even my own body as a part of creation was not some renegade notion, but fully within my walk with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Leah King, Houston TX USA
2025-11-18 - Kything: Communion with the More-Than-Human World, with Shawn Sanford Beck - I think Shawn could offer us anything, and it would be a welcome breath of fresh air, fragranced with a hint of mystery and imagining. About “entering into the spirit of tentativeness and see where imagination takes you” - I felt there is a fragility and vulnerability in this and it could be so easily missed. Daphne Kotzer Schacher, Saskatoon SK Canada
2025-12-16 - Praying in Colour in Advent, with Kathy Berken - This retreat helped me use colour to focus my prayer on specific people and situations. I felt no pressure to be artistic (which I am not) but to just let my colours flow as I focused on the subject of my prayer. It was very relaxing. Kathy’s quiet manner and use of the responsorial psalm really helped to centre me.
Liz Murphy, Kanata ON Canada
2026-02-03 - The Journey of Forgiveness: Walking the Long Road, with Kalyn Falk - This workshop introduced me to a new way of understanding and working with forgiveness, drawing on inner wisdom, honoring inner dignity, and moving toward inner freedom. E.M., Pennsylvania PA USA
2026-02-24 - Learning New Steps: Practicing Trust in Times of Transition, with Marilyn McEntyre - She is so wise, and has such a wonderful presence.
Gina Bautista, Mendota Heights MN USA​
2026-02-24 - Learning New Steps: Practicing Trust in Times of Transition, with Marilyn McEntyre - If you are looking to be encouraged on your spiritual journey choose a course presented by Marilyn McEntyre. She is organized, thoughtful and current with present day understanding of Christian spirituality. Although she has the mind of a scholar she presents in a manner accessible to many. I highly recommend any of the courses she provides. KJS, Saskatoon SK Canada
2026-03-12 - The Path of Love, with Paula D'Arcy - Paula D'Arcy offers enlightenment as in this simple, important, challenging instruction: "to love is to take responsibility for life." She is a great gift.
S. H., Regina SK Canada
2026-02-24 - Learning New Steps: Practicing Trust in Times of Transition, with Marilyn McEntyre - She is so wise, and has such a wonderful presence.
Gina Bautista, Mendota Heights MN USA​
2026-05-06 - Faith at the Edges: The Mysterious Ways of Soul, with Brian Pearson - Faith on the Edges was an interesting and intriguing workshop upon which I have been ruminating since it ended! Brian is learned and approachable, with a humble demeanor that belies his knowledge. He doesn't offer answers; instead, he poses and invites questions, and lets you know that he also has questions. It was a truly nourishing and refreshing two hours, and I wish it could have gone on for much longer! It may have been the best of Spirit River's offerings so far!!
Chandra Schraefel, Kerrobert SK Canada
2026-06-04 - Getting Comfortable with Grief, with Joyce Aitken - I want to say just how excellent Joyce Aitkin’s session was. She is truly a wonderful presenter - so organized - so conversational in her tone - a truly effective communicator. It was a very meaningful and helpful time for me to ’sit at her feet’. She is an another impressive addition to your ‘collection’ of very talented folks. I am so grateful for you and the gift of Spirit River!
Gladene Robertson, Saskatoon SK Canada
2026-05-13 to 06-03 - Insane for the Light Book Study (4 sessions). Sarah Donnelly, facilitator. Sarah Donnelly is able to offer quality spiritual programs via Zoom in an efficient, caring manner.
Rob Duncan, Winnipeg MB Canada
The whole tone of presentation was one of inviting me to search and pray for this new life which will be mine as I continue to journey in Faith, Hope and Love. I really believe God placed me here to soak in God's Love for me and All.
Sr. Shirley McNamara, North Bay ON Canada
bottom of page