The Spiritual Center Of Maria Stein
2365 St. Johns Road, Maria Stein, Ohio

In the beautiful, rolling farmland of “The Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches”, northwest of Columbus Ohio

• from Chicago’s Loop: 4.2 hours
• from Cleveland’s Public Square: 3.3 hours.

A destination worth the drive!
https://SpiritualCenter.net

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• believes maleness must be experienced and learned within the company of other men.
• is based on deep heartfelt experience to help carry men to sometimes hidden places within themselves – places that are deeper than words alone.
• is interfaith, not based on shame-based religiosity but on a healthy spirituality. We welcome men of all spiritual paths and faith traditions as well as the spiritually homeless.
• is respectful, supportive, and dignifying – honoring all men, of all ages, rich or poor, gay or straight or bisexual. We are non-confrontational and empowering – both for a man’s personal journey and for his involvement in society.
• believes in the uplifting of the integrated spiritual, physical, and emotional health of men – creating together the sacred space where our deepest selves can be revealed without fear of judgment or rejection, where inner wounds can be heard and healed, and where new directions can be explored.
• shares together the male rituals that connect us to our interdependence with the earth, one another, and the Creator.
• embraces heartfelt concern for one another’s fears and struggles and celebrates successes – honoring the diversity of spiritual paths men take, with the clear intention to serve one another as brothers, friends, and guides for life’s journey.

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This retreat will tap into elements from a wide diversity of spiritual traditions – prayer, meditation, dance, art, deep-listening. Men of any faith tradition, spiritual path, age, race, or sexual orientation are welcome and will be respected. We believe one does not have to give up one’s own faith tradition to be blessed and enriched by the traditions of others.

Music is an important part of the weekend. If you have drums, other percussion, or other instruments you would bring, please do. It helps if we know ahead of time?

Do you know a man who might benefit? Share with him? Invite him? Encourage him? It is a sign of friendship.

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Brother Joe Kilikevice O.P.
Director, Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality

Brother Joe is a member of the international Order of Preachers, religious women and men commonly known as Dominicans. He has traveled widely in his ministry of interfaith spirituality, responding to mandates of the Second Vatican Council as well as General Chapters of his religious order to do so. After some years of experience, he founded The Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality while attending the Parliament of the World’s Religions, assembled in Chicago in 1993.

He brings a simple message, that of seeking understanding, mutual respect, appreciation, and friendship among the followers of the world’s religions and spiritual paths. A simple assertion underlies his message. One does not give up anything of one’s own tradition when one is informed and enriched by the beliefs and spiritual practices of others. He has traveled widely throughout the US and internationally offering retreats to groups who invite him to bring an interfaith message, making ample use of his experiential method of presentation. Preparation for this work includes not only advanced academic degrees in theology, spirituality, and the arts, but also teaching experience for adults and, for a time, children with behavioral issues that require attention.

He resides in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago where The Shem Center office is located and where small groups occasionally meet. His cat, Louie provides a peaceful presence to him and a welcoming curiosity to Shem Center guests. Louie’s contentment is a constant reminder that there is more to life than hard work.

Rev. Steve Miller
Assistant Director, Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality
Pastor, First Church, Jaffrey Center, New Hampshire

After 30 years of attending interfaith retreats and gatherings with Bro. Joe, Steve Miller joined the staff of Shem Center as its first assistant director in January 2022. Steve has been an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ for more than 35 years and is presently serving a part-time ministry at the First Church in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Steve Miller brings a wealth of experience as a storyteller, a musician, a teacher, a poet, and a leader of the Dances of Universal Peace. Steve is known for his curiosity, his wisdom, and his desire to learn with others.

Steve has shared his life and ministry with his partner Jill Tyler, and children Leah, Samuel, Caleb, Seth, and Joseph, welcoming son-in-law Luke, daughter-in-law Kim, and grandchildren Reece, Ember, and Elijah Sol. As their children have grown, Steve and Jill have sought new vistas, new paths, and new relationships in which to further their work for justice, love, peace, hope, and joy.

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