Volume 39 February 6, 2023

February 6, 2023


Dear Laura,


Today's gospel tells us that people wanted to just touch Jesus' tassel and be healed. Sometimes I think I would be content with that kind of impersonal healing. Other times I want a full encounter with Jesus. Yet I know that Jesus ALWAYS wants a full encounter with each one of us. Am I ready for such an intimate exchange with Jesus? Are you?


We have an abundance of offerings scheduled that will enable each one of us to have an encounter with Jesus. Our Mercy In Action Series continues on February 15th with Gloria Purvis helping us to explore racism and offering concrete steps to overcome it. Jesus offered concrete steps for believers to live by, and he did not exclude anyone. This program will open our eyes and hearts and help us live the way Jesus invites us to--by loving, respecting and empowering all people.


We also have our first Spanish program this week which will be presented by Deacon Reynaldo Lopez. It's exciting to offer a program in Spanish so our brothers and sisters can encounter God in their native language. Lent is right around the corner, so our Lenten Day of Recollection, led by Sr. Honora Nicholson, RSM, will assist us in preparing our hearts for the journey.


These and all our regular offerings promise a February full of possibilities! Plus...our new brochure is going in the mail this week--and we can't wait for you to see all that is coming up in these next 6 months. If you don't want to wait until you receive it in the mail, just go to our website as everything is on the calendar through August. A PDF of the brochure can be found in this newsletter as well.


May the House of Prayer enable YOU to encounter Jesus this month and always.


Blessings,


Sr. Laura

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We learned this past week that a dear friend of Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Victor Santimit, went home to God. Victor helped us for many years with painting, minor repairs, and being a loving presence. He was a Mercy Associate and a gentle soul. We remember him with deep gratitude and rejoice that he is now in God's loving embrace.

MERCY IN ACTION SERIES


We are offering a monthly series based on the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas: Nonviolence, Racism, Women, Earth and Immigration. We desire to bring a greater awareness and depth to the works of Mercy and acts of Justice which are part of our vision statement. Our goal with this series is to both educate and then support people on their journey of encountering the God of mercy and sharing that mercy with others.


The series is on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-9pm. It will be offered in person at the House of Prayer and on Zoom. The cost is $20-$30 per session or $100 for the entire series. We will host an integration session in June to help bring everything together.


Many presenters will be on Zoom. A limited amount of space is available to participate in the program at the House of Prayer. Anyone can participate via Zoom.



Click to Register


Mercy In Action Series Flyer

January 18th: Nonviolence


Presentation by Fr. John Dear.


Rev. John Dear is an internationally known teacher of peace and. nonviolence. A priest and activist, he is the author of 40 books on peace and nonviolence, and is the director of www.beatitudescenter.org. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Archbishop Tutu.

February 15th: Racism


Presentation by Gloria Purvis


Gloria Purvis is an author, commentator and the host and executive producer of The Gloria Purvis Podcast. Through her media presence, she has been a strong Catholic voice for life issues, religious liberty, and racial justice. She is the Inaugural Pastoral Fellow at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame University and recently received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of Portland in Oregon.

March 15th: Women


Presentation by Dr. Shannen Dee Williams


Dr. Shannen Dee Williams is Asociate Professor of History at the University of Dayton. She is the author of Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom. Struggle, which was published by Duke University Press in 2022. Subversive Habits, was named a top five book published in religion by Publishers' Weekly in 2022. It also received the 2022 Letitia Woods Brown Award for Best Book in African American Women's History from the Association of Black Women Historians.

April 19th: Earth


Presentation by Dan Misleh


Dan Misleh is the founder of Catholic Climate Covenant. Previously he worked in the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development ant the United States. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was a Jesuit Volunteer and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is married and has three children.

May 17th: Immigration


Presentation by David Spicer


David Spicer is a licensed attorney providing the USCCB, individual bishops, dioceses, organizational partners, government actors, and others with policy analysis and recommendations on migration-related issues and current affairs since 2020. In his present role, David leads MRS' Office of Policy and Advocacy. He earned his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School and his Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. David is a member of the Indiana bar and a former fellow of Notre Dame's Program on Church, State & Society.

June 21st: Integration Session


Facilitated by Sr. Laura M. Arvin, OP and Sr. Eileen P. Smith, RSM


Sisters Laura and Eileen will facilitate a discussion based on the information offered by the presenters and deepened by prayerful reflection.

MERCY IN ACTION SERIES: RACISM


Rethinking Racism Through the Lens of the Gospel

Presented by Gloria Purvis


Wednesday, February 15th

from 7-9pm

at the House of Prayer and on Zoom


Gloria Purvis will ask: How should we understand racism? Why is it important to address racism? What concrete steps can be taken to help overcome racism?


$20-$30 as your are able or $100 for entire series


Gloria Purvis will be presenting from the House of Prayer. There are a limited number of spaces available to participate in person at the House of Prayer. Anyone can participate via Zoom.


Mercy In Action: Racism


Click to Register

RETIRO EN ESPANOL:

COMO PUEDO RECIBIR EL AMOR DE DIOS EN MI VIDA TRAVES DE LOS DONES DEL ESPIRITU SANTO?


Tuesday, February 7th

7-9pm at the House of Prayer


Hay muchas personas que se alejan de la iglesia porque no ven a Dios en las personas que sirven en la Iglesia. Se alejan o pierden su fe porque su fe depende de los demas. No han experimentado la presencia De Dios en su corazon ellos mismos.


$20-$30 como se peude


Facilitador: Diacono Reynaldo Lopez


Reynaldo es diacono en la parroquia de Immaculate Conception, Somerville y amigo de la Casa de Oracion


Retiro en Espanol Flyer


Click to Register

DRUMMING ECSTASY CIRCLE


2nd Wednesday of each month

from 1:30-3pm at the House of Prayer

Next Session: February 8th


Music is one of the most glorious gifts of God. God uses drumming to enhance His powers to improve our health, lives--the essence of our being. Learn how to connect deeply with God through Rhythm.


$20-$30 as you are able


Presenter: Barbara Woodzell


Barbara is a Mercy Associate and musical therapist.


Future Dates: Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10, June 14


Drumming Ecstacy Circle Flyer


Click to Register

SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS VIDEO CLUB


2nd Friday of the month beginning

Friday, February 10th

from 10-11:30am

at the House of Prayer and on Zoom


There are many great spiritual masters of our time. Richard Rohr, OFM and others have works that have touched millions of God-seekers. Join this monthly video club and share your insights and prayerful responses to the works of Fr. Rohr and others.


$20-$30 as you are able


Future Dates: Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12, June 9



Spiritual Awakenings Video Club Flyer



Click to Register

SACRED TIME, SACRED SPACE


Tuesday, February 14th from

9:30am-3pm


A personal, quiet day to enjoy God's presence. Day begins with communal prayer. Bring a bag lunch.

Days are from 9:30am-3pm.


$20-$30 as you are able


Future Dates: Mar. 21, Apr. 6, Apr. 7, May 17, June 8, July 12, Aug. 3


Click to Register

VIRTUAL COMFORTABLE CUP OF TEA


First and Third Thursdays

Next Session on February 16th

3-4pm 


Join us on Zoom for an hour of lectio divina prayer, conversation and small group sharing.


Freewill offering


Future Dates: Mar. 2, 16, Apr. 20, May 4, 18, June 1, 15


The link will be sent when you click on the Tea Date on the homepage of the website in the "Tea" box or on the date on the calendar.


Homepage

CELEBRATING THE PASCHAL MYSTERY OF OUR LIVES:

LENTEN DAY OF RECOLLECTION


Saturday, February 25th

from 10am-3pm

at the House of Prayer


In St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians we read, "We carry within us the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. In our time together we will explore ways to deepen our awareness of the redemptive quality of our lives and of our call to participate with God in the evolution of love in our world. Lunch is included.


Please register by Feb. 20th so we can prepare the lunch order.


$50-$60 as you are able


Presenter: Sr. Honora Nicholson, RSM


Sr. Honora is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, a spiritual director and program presenter.


Lenten Day


Click to Register 

SILENT DIRECTED RETREATS


An experience of personal prayer based on Scripture. Daily spiritual direction. Atmosphere of prayer quiet.


Weekends begin at 7pm on Friday and conclude on Sunday by 1pm.


$190/weekend; non-refundable deposit $90


WEEKEND: Mar. 10-12


WEEKLONG: June 23-30, Aug. 4-11


Proof of COVID vaccination is required at time of registration.


Click to Register

MUSIC OF HOPE: AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND REFLECTION WITH DAN SCHUTTE


Friday, April 14th at 7pm

Immaculate Conception Chapel

(at the top of the Mount property)

$25 per person


Celebrate the Easter season with us as we enjoy an evening of music and reflection that will fill us with hope. Dan's CD's will be available for purchase.


Music of Hope Flyer


Click to Register

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CALENDAR RAFFLE WINNERS!


December 1: Jennifer P. of Bernardsville, NJ

December 8: Maria L. of Westfield, NJ

December 15: Pat M. of Westfield, NJ

December 22: Rose Mary K. of Westfield, NJ

December 29: Cherie C. of Coronado, CA

January 5: Russell L. of Metuchen

January 12: Maureen K. of Martinsville

January 19: Elena B. of Kendall Park

January 26: Clara R. of Greenbrook

February 2: Charles G. of Dunellen

February 9:

February 16:

February 23:

Have you ever thought about Spiritual Direction? Sharing your prayer with a trusted guide is a wonderful way to delve deeper into our programs--and into life itself. You can learn more about the ministry of Spiritual Direction and Meet Our Spiritual Directors on our website by clicking the links below.



UPCOMING PRESENTERS:


Isabel Gachko--March 9, 16, 23, 30

Sr. Terry Rickard, OP--March 6

Susan and Jim Choma--April 29

Sr. Nancy Y. Sheridan, SASV--May 5-7 and May 8

Connie Palmer--May 10

Palma Anton--June 14, 21

Isabel Gachko--July 15

Sr. Eileen P. Smith, RSM--August 2

Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan and Ana Valencia--August 12


To View Our Brochure Click Below:



September 2022-February 2023 Brochure


March-August 2023 Brochure

We email reflections written by members of the House of Prayer Community every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Let us know if you would like to receive these messages of hope.

Every Thursday from 7:30-8:30pm we host our Eucharistic Hour of Prayer. All are welcome.


Check out the other Sister of Mercy Retreat Centers! They have some great offerings and you can connect with through our website!


Click link below to see our updated COVID protocols



We have mugs and gift certificates that make great gifts!!
Click Here to Donate

Director:
Laura M. Arvin, OP

Co-Director:
Eileen P. Smith, RSM

Part-Time Staff:
Mary Jo Kearns, RSM

Administrative Assistant:
Nancy Elkin

Adjunct Spiritual Directors:
Brigitte Pincelli, Donna McCabe, Ed Reitter, Jim Choma, and Susan Delaney-Choma
MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, rooted in the Gospel and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, is to provide a sacred space, prayer experiences, and spirituality programs that help adults of any faith to encounter the God of mercy and share that mercy with others.  The mission moves beyond the House of Prayer to any place where we share our ministry.



A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
1651 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 * 908-753-2091 * msmhope@msmhope.org