The Gift of Years Book Study
A Four-Week Reflection Series on Growing Older with Grace, Gratitude, and Purpose
Facilitated by Chris Flynn • on Zoom
Mondays, Nov 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2026
11am Central
In this beloved classic, Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister invites us to reconsider what it means to grow older. Rather than viewing aging as a season of diminishment, she explores it as a time of freedom, wisdom, creativity, reflection, and spiritual depth.
With honesty, humor, and compassion, Chittister reflects on the many dimensions of later life – relationships, purpose, forgiveness, loss, legacy, community, and the invitation to become more fully ourselves.
Together, we will explore what it means to embrace the gift of our years and the wisdom that can emerge from a life well lived.
During our four weeks together, we will reflect on:
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- The blessings and challenges of aging
- Finding meaning and purpose in later life
- Letting go, forgiveness, and freedom
- Legacy, wisdom, and living fully in the present moment
The book can be purchased here.
“The purpose of life is not to avoid aging but to live fully through every stage of it.”
Sister Joan Chittister
Whether you are approaching elderhood or have been walking this path for many years, you are warmly welcome.
Chris Flynn
Chris has been facilitating heart-centered groups for over 50 years. She creates Sacred Spaces where folks feel safe and comfortable expressing and sharing what’s in their hearts and minds.
Chris was ordained with a Master in Ministry of Spiritual Counseling and is a certified grief counselor. She formed and facilitated Conscious Connections Community, a singles ministry, for 20 years. She went on to work with both Hospice and Suicide Prevention, facilitating groups and trainings. Currently she loves facilitating book study groups for the Christine Center.
Chris lives in the California Redwoods with her husband and Saint Bernard. Eight years ago, while visiting her Wisconsin relatives, she discovered the Christine Center and immediately found her spiritual home. She has attended many of the Christine Center’s virtual classes, the weekly Tao group, plus, last year she attended in person, The Tao in the Summer. Through ‘Quantum Connecting via Zoom’ (thank you Sr. Gabe), Chris enjoys her deep connection with the Christine Center community.