As people who serve and accompany others, we often find it hard to slow down and recognize the movement of God in our own lives.  Refining our skills of theological reflection is one critical way to attune our hearts to God’s presence and stay grounded on our journey of faith. 

 In 2014, Pope Francis said, “Our God is a God of Surprises…” with this in mind, Dr. Christina Zaker will guide us to reflect on God’s movement in our lives.  Drawing from the wisdom of the Parables, she will encourage us to recognize God’s surprising nearness, to explore what that nearness means and what it demands of us Christians. 

 Our time together will include input, conversation, reflection, and shared wisdom that encourages each of us to ask, as Pope Francis suggests, “Am I open to a God of Surprises?”

 Christina R. Zaker, D.Min: Director of Field Education and Adjunct Lecturer in Pastoral Ministry and Spirituality at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois. 

 Christina has served at Catholic Theological Union since 2014.  She is a practical theologian with a focus on cultivating reflective practitioners in a variety of settings.  Her past work in campus ministry, as the Executive Director of Amate House for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and in parish ministry lend to her ability to journey with students in their field education experiences. 

 Her recent book, Surprised by God: Teaching Reflection through the Parables, develops parable as a lens for theological reflection with a focus on reflective practice that intersects with justice.   Surprised by God: Teaching Reflection through the Parables (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020)

 Christina also teaches in the Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry Department.  Family spirituality is the cornerstone of her research in spirituality, primarily exploring how the spirituality of a family unit adjusts through life.  In addition to her book, she has written numerous articles and book chapters and is a frequent speaker and retreat director. 

 Christina is a member of the Association for Theological Field Educators and the National Association of Lay Ministers.  She is married to Christopher Zaker, and they have four children. 

Contact: czaker@ctu.edu

FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE ▪ 3918 CHIPMAN ROAD ▪ EASTON, PA 18045 ▪ 610-258-3053

WEEKEND RETREAT: ARRIVAL: 4 PM FRIDAY / DEPARTURE: AFTER LUNCH ON SUNDAY

 ONSITE PRICING INCLUDES: Private room with bath, all meals, and materials.  Please notify us with any accessibility needs or special dietary requirements.  The fee for onsite participation for this retreat is $285, and the fee for virtual participation is $100.  Commuters: $210.

 TO REGISTER: 610-258-3053 x 10, or on our SFRH WEBSITE: www.stfrancisretreathouse.org, please register 14 days prior to the retreat.  Thank you.  NOTE: Scholarship money for those needing assistance to make a retreat is available.  Please contact Fr. Henry at 610-258-3053, ext. 13.  Peace and all goodness to you!