HICKORY — The Catholic Conference Center is exploring unique ways to improve the spiritual well-being of people as they navigate the uncertain waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. One has been a novel use of arts and crafts as a means for spiritual therapy.
Art therapy has been a proven technique in many counseling situations, so Director Deacon Scott Gilfillan thought, “If this is so, why not take it to a deeper level and use art as a means for ‘spiritual’ therapy?”
He lined up expert presenters to offer three hands-on workshops: Prayer Doodles, The Potter’s Hands, and the Healing Art of Poetry.
“As children, we used to find delight and peace in simple little activities like doodling, or playing with clay, or even scribbling little poems. The retreat tapped into the power of these simple activities to both bring out the childlike qualities in each person but also invite them into God’s Presence as they see themselves molded and shaped like clay or receiving inspired messages on little slips of paper,” he said.
For the participants, it was a time to step back and allow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit speak to each of them in this creative process.
“Loved the whole experience!” Dina McFerrin said afterwards. “Enjoyed the free time to just meditate. One of the best vacations I have ever taken and came home refreshed and relaxed!”
At the retreat, people came from Virginia to Charleston – mostly Catholics, but word got out to other faith communities as well. Lauren Anderson, pastor of a Methodist church, said, “I had so much fun with this retreat. Thank you!”
As a bonus, each participant left with inspired drawings, pieces of pottery, and poems of their own creation. 
The Potter’s Hands workshop began with Debra Zimmerman of Groovy Girl Pottery sitting at her potter’s wheel molding and shaping a bowl, while her husband Dale expanded upon the many metaphors of how God molds and shapes each one of us. After the demonstration, participants made their own prayer stones, pocket-sized hearts, plus a bowl to keep them all together. Debra fired the individual pieces in her kiln and delivered the finished product about three weeks later.
In the Healing Art of Poetry, Susan remarked, “I never realized I could write a poem!” Alden (the presenter) took the participants through the process step by step. She continued, “I was amazed at the result.”
Deacon Larry O’Toole and his wife Judy also came to the retreat. After her experience, Judy said, “The retreat was a welcome activity connecting with others in a safe way. The spiritual and 
creative opportunities were enriching and a lot of fun... Look forward to more such sessions.”
The retreat sold out. “We wanted to limit the number of participants to make sure everyone was safely spaced with their own work area and dining room table if they so desired,” Deacon Gilfillan noted. “We capped it at 30 people, and had at least 40 want to sign up. Needless to say, we’ve scheduled another for Nov. 19-20.”
For information about the next Art as Spiritual Therapy Retreat, go to the Catholic Conference Center’s website at www.catholicconference.org.
— Catholic News Herald