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The Center for Spiritual Living

Established in 2005, the goal of The Angelica Center for Spiritual Living (simply called The Center) is to offer opportunities to explore where God is acting in each person's daily life. Named in thanksgiving for the ministry of the Reverend David M. Angelica, a former Rector, The Center offers courses that are open to the wider community. Courses may focus on spirituality, theology, scripture, worship, music, various life skills, or wholeness. Each course varies in duration and is led by The Church of the Holy Spirit staff, parishioners, or persons with a particular expertise. Courses are free to participants with the exception of those asking for a voluntary donation to cover the expenses of the course leader.

Examples of courses offered during 2009—2010 included:

Life of the Beloved – a four session introduction to the life and work of the Rev. Henri Nouwen, one of the more important spiritual teachers in the last century: simple and profound, timeless and contemporary, deeply personal and corporate. Watching a video biography and reflecting on Nouwen’s Life of the Beloved fostered the “going deeper” in the way of the Spirit

Introduction to the Jesus Prayer – a two-part practical introduction to the Jesus Prayer: a centering prayer practice that has its roots in the Eastern Church but in recent years has become broadly ecumenical.

Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places – a extended series working its way through the Rev. Eugene Peterson’s volume of the same name that included personal study, whole group presentations, and small group discussion. This was a reflective, conversational opportunity to enter the sweep of biblical narrative and Christian practice.

The Nature of Prayer: The Hope of Prayer – a day of teaching and reflection lead by the Right Reverend Carolyn Tanner Irish, Tenth Bishop of Utah. Exploring the questions and resources of prayer.

The Center sponsors a Health Ministry with the purpose of helping parishioners and community members to care for one another; specifically, helping each other to attain, maintain, and/or regain the best possible whole person health that can be experienced. This includes wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

Started in 2007, the Health Ministry supports Harbor for Healing: A Reiki Clinic for Women Living With Cancer, Parish Nursing Ministry at The Church of The Holy Spirit, and a Parish Nursing Education Ministry. Each ministry is briefly described below:

Harbor for Healing: A Reiki Clinic for Women Living With Cancer – This free clinic is open to anyone in the community who has been diagnosed with cancer. The two-hour clinic is attended by approximately 14 people each week throughout the year and employs the laying on of hands by a Reiki-trained specialist for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing.

Parish Nursing Ministry – Established in February 2008, this ministry blends professional nursing practice and spiritual care-giving for the purpose of assisting parish members to achieve wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. It is staffed by certified Parish Nurses and offers twice-monthly Blood Pressure and Health Consultation Clinics, home and hospital visiting, and educational or health-related programs per the interest and needs of parish members.

Parish Nursing Education Ministry - This ministry to parish nurses serving in approximately 20 faith communities on Cape Cod was made possible August 2007 when The Church of the Holy Spirit became a satellite site for the Congregational Health Ministry and Parish Nursing Program of St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River, MA. It offers a course of advanced study for Registered Nurses who want to become parish nurses. It also offers continuing education courses for parish nurses who live on Cape Cod or in Eastern Massachusetts. The courses are taught by church staff and qualified volunteers.

In July 2010, the Health Ministry is offering:

Taking Care of Business - a four-session course on end-of-life decision making; selecting health care agents; communicating end-of-life choices; preparing obituaries and eulogies; engaging with estate issues; putting together funeral/memorial services; and negotiations with funeral homes regarding wakes, cremations, and the like. Taught by church clergy and qualified volunteers, the course participant will selected a health care proxy, prepare a personal advance directive, write an obituary, and design his/her funeral service.