Heagle to Speak at Spirituality in the 21st Century Conference

Regardless of their faith, many Americans are exploring their spirituality and their relationship with the universe in which we exist. Participants will explore these issues during Prairiewoods' annual Spirituality in the 21st Century conference March 16 and 17 at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hiawatha.

This year's conference - “Coming of Age in the Milky Way: Spiritual Transformation and Creative Hope!” - will feature nationally-renowned speaker and author John Heagle, a Catholic priest, counselor and author. The conference is open to the public, but reservations are strongly encouraged.

Heagle's presentations will focus on the emerging Universe Story and the role of humans within that narrative. It will answer questions such as: Is religion dying or being transformed? Are we losing our faith or encountering the Holy in a deeper way? Does our commitment to work for justice and to care for Earth make a difference, or is it too late?

 Heagle has nearly 50 years of pastoral experience as a campus minister, college professor and pastor. In 1976 he was appointed the first director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisc. Since 1985 he has ministered as a licensed psychotherapist and the co-director of Therapy & Renewal Associates in the Pacific Northwest. During this time, Heagle also has served as adjunct faculty for the School of Theology & Ministry at Seattle University. He is the author of seven books on spirituality, ministry and human relationships, and the co-author with Fran Ferder, FSPA, Ph.D., of three books, including “Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexuality” (Crossroad, 2002). His latest book is “Justice Rising: the Emerging Biblical Vision” (Orbis Books, 2010).

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration from La Crosse, Wisconsin. It is a retreat and conference center that has focused on ecology and spirituality in Hiawatha since 1996.

For more information, go to Prairiewoods.org.