Join us as we celebrate the Center at Mariandale in its 50th year! For decades, Mariandale has been a gathering place for those seeking to connect with God, themselves, and with the beauty of nature. Thousands of people have passed through our halls on retreats of many kinds: health and wellness, interfaith discussions, Catholic spirituality, Indigenous Wisdom, women's retreats, silent retreats and more. Mariandale has been a welcomed source of nourishment for many who often feel at the margins of church and society.

Through this series, we will lift up the work that the Dominican Sisters of Hope and their co-workers have done here at Mariandale since its founding. The series sessions will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8pm, and each session will include prayer, sharing stories about Mariandale, a guest speaker, then Q&A. You are welcome to journey with us through the full series, or to attend a single talk. Our series and per session fees reflect a sliding scale at 3 levels for each: Supporting, Sustaining, and Scholarchip levels.

Ann M. Garrido, DMin is associate professor of homiletics at Aquinas Institute of Theology and a consultant with Triad Consulting Group, a conflict mediation and communications team. After four years receiving her Master’s of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching at Aquinas Institute of Theology, Ann joined the Institute’s faculty in 2000.Over the past two and a half decades she has taught a range of courses in pastoral theology, homiletics, and catechetics while also serving in a variety of administrative positions including Director of Field Education, Director of the Aquinas Ministry Integration Project, Director of the Doctorate of Ministry program, and Director of the Masters in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She currently directs the institute's "Aquinas Children's Worship Partnership" grant. Author of 10 books and many articles, Ann has visited all 50 states and 20 countries, having spoken at over 300 diocesan, educational, health care, ministry, and business gatherings.