Presented by Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio

In the spirit of St. Francis, who saw all creation as kin and every moment as sacred, this retreat invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and immerse ourselves in the wisdom of the natural world. Rooted in Franciscan mindfulness, we will explore how nature reveals the Divine and calls us into presence, compassion, and interconnection. 

"If you have some in humanity who exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, we will have a humanity who will deal likewise with their fellow creatures…” (St. Francis of Assisi)

Central to our day will be St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures and a 21st-century Cosmic Canticle adaptation by Br. Mark, expanding Francis’ vision to include the unfolding universe and sacredness of all life. Through guided nature bathing (forest therapy), embodied prayer, Eco Divina, sacred listening, and reflection on nature’s wisdom — including insights from The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben and The Overstory by Richard Powers — we will open ourselves to creation as sacred text as a living parable of resilience, beauty, and divine mystery. 

This retreat is open to seekers, nature lovers, contemplatives, and any and all who are longing to reconnect with the sacredness of creation. Whether you are grounded in Franciscan spirituality or simply curious, you are welcome. It is especially ideal for those seeking a day of re-centering, mindfulness, and renewal. 

Join Br. Mark in person and come slow down, listen, and invite the sacred wisdom of creation to awaken the Canticle within you. Creation is an outpouring of divine love and a wellspring of healing. Join us for a retreat day that offers space to breathe deeply, move gently, pray, sing, reflect, and reconnect with the holy presence alive in the natural world — as St. Francis once did and as the earth invites us to do today. 

Lunch is included.

Join us at Torrington’s 2nd Walk to End ALZ Pop-up Event – Miles for Memories!

Make every step matter for those facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Register for the Event today at act.alz.org/centralct.

Saturday, June 14th, 2025

Location: Coe Park, Torrington

Time: Starts at 10 am

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, we’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments. We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need you. Join us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

American Mural Project (AMP) is proud to participate in CT Open House Day on Saturday, June 14. CT Open House Day is a state-wide celebration of everything Connecticut offers. Admission to AMP will be free, and visitors will enjoy mural exhibit tours and special activities for kids. All activities are free and open to the public. The day's highlights include: 

• Free Admission
• Art Making
• Kids Activities
• Mural Exhibit Tours
• Art show by AMP's Teen Art Studio

Learn to illustrate scenes from the natural world through traditional watercolor techniques. Build confidence and develop your portfolio as you utilize elements of painting and drawing to create form, depth and atmospheric perspective.

Instructor: Leslie Watkins

Saturday, June 14, 2025

10 AM - 2 PM

Members: $72 / Non-Members: $80

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Teen Art Studio is a welcoming art makerspace just for teens.

Every Second Saturday of the month, from 10:30am to 1:30pm, teens transform the program room with their laughter, inquiring minds, and art. Teen Art Studio (TAS) is a once-a-month, drop-in program that empowers teens to work independently and together on self-directed art projects. 

Facilitated by beloved teaching artist Shana Bazelmans, TAS is a welcoming place for teens to:

• Be themselves.
• Have fun making art while making friends. 
• Try their hand at varied mediums (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion, photography). 
• Expand their knowledge of the visual arts.
• Explore major artworks.
• Build their art portfolios.
• Embark on a collective artistic journey in a relaxed, sociable studio environment, with the guidance of the teaching artist.

New teens can join at any time!

The program is drop-in and free with student admission ($5) or an annual AMP student pass. For details, email michelle@americanmuralproject.org.

Second Saturdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm

Upcoming Dates:

December 14

January 11

February 8

March 8

April 12

May 10

June 14

Teen Art Studio is made possible in part by The Torrington Savings Bank Foundation, Renee Chatelain, and Kevin Lyle.

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to learn how to make a true 18th century cap. Beware - you may not know this but the mobcap you think of is probably NOT correct for 1776. Come learn and be ready for 2026!

The workshop is in Classroom 9. Do let Abigail know you are coming so she can have enough materials - or even better, bring your own.

Spend an evening with Lisa Stephen Friday: Author, Composer, and New York Voices commissioned artist with Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater. 

As a child of the 80’s, Lisa’s artistic aesthetic is highly influenced by the early days of MTV and the post punk era of pop music. Lisa’s songwriting career is now in its third decade, with her most notable work coming in the early 2000’s as the front woman and songwriter for the NYC based rock-n-roll band Lisa Jackson and Girl Friday. After a 10 year hiatus from writing and performing, Lisa returned to NYC and the Joe’s Pub Stage to showcase her one woman musical TRANS AM and the concert version of the new musical Doll/Girl , which she has co-created with Joseph Ritsch. Lisa is also a 2025 recipient of an artist grant through the New York State Council on the Arts, in support of TRANS AM.

Co-Sponsor Theodore W. Hine will be hosting a pre-show Wine and Cheese reception starting at 6:00 PM. All ticket holders are welcome to enjoy the idyllic setting of Merryall Arts Center with a glass of cheer overlooking the West Aspetuck.

Step right up to our delightful BLT - Bagels. Lox. Tefillin. event! Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, running from July 4th to August 25th, for a heartwarming experience.

Wrap Tefillin, recite a prayer, and relish in the scrumptious bagels, lox cream cheese, paired perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to truly connect, to embrace your Jewish traditions, and simply enjoy each other's company. Don't worry if you don't have your own Tefillin - we've got you covered with our guidance and equipment.

No prior knowledge required - just bring yourself and an open heart. This event is family-friendly, so bring along the little ones for a meaningful and delicious experience. Come hungry, leave happy - we'll take care of the rest!

We worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. All are welcome!

Join us for a cruise at I Know A Guy Deli! The deli is open until 8:00 PM for food and drinks. Bring your classic cars, hot rods, bikes, jeeps and enjoy some groovy acoustic tunes good times await, and there's plenty of parking out back.

Don't have a car? No worries, just come hang out

Every Monday night May through September 4-8.

Come join us for a FREE COMMUNITY YOGA class at Charym in Litchfield every Monday at 5pm. This class is for both the young, and not so young, designed to help you release aches and pains while building strength and flexibility. Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a gentle practice, this class offers a sequence of basic postures that stretch and strengthen the body. The flow is moderately paced, allowing you to move with ease while focusing on proper alignment and mindfulness. Each posture is taught with an emphasis on safety and awareness, helping you feel more grounded, centered, and stronger with each class. Come as you are and experience the benefits of yoga in a supportive, welcoming environment.

"Opera" on our Theater Screen

Doors Open: 5:30

Join fellow opera lovers to view and discuss Falstaff

Running time is approx. 3 hrs and there will be one short interval when coffee will be available.

FREE, Donations Welcome

* Pre-registration encouraged