Volume 31 October 3, 2022 | |
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October 3, 2022
Dear Laura,
Today's gospel asks: "Who is my neighbor?" As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis tomorrow, I think it's safe to say that Francis would answer that all of creation is our neighbor. He would invite us to look around and see the beauty and wonder of all God created. That wonder also extends to ourselves.
The grounds on our property seem to burst with Fall color as we move through October. Already leaves are turning yellow and trees are starting to shed their leaves. It's a season of letting go and turning inward. Our programs invite us to do that for our souls.
Of course we are excited about our 9th Annual Major Speaker: Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB! We are thrilled that so many new people will be joining our House of Prayer community that evening! The link for the program will be sent 2 days prior to her presentation. Please sign up in advance as we won't be able to accommodate people registering on the day of the program--and we don't want you to miss out. Early registration important as sometimes we have to cancel or postpone programs because of late registrations. Sr. Eileen's program has been postponed until the Spring due to some delayed registrations. So we are asking you, our neighbor, to help us prepare for upcoming events by registering early.
We are delighted to welcome back Isabel Gachko for her virtual Mindfulness Meditation series beginning this Thursday. Our Drumming Circle is scheduled as well as the Video Club which begins this month. And of course our regular events like Sacred Time, Sacred Space and Holy Hour are happening as well as the Virtual Teas. So there's plenty of opportunities to feed your soul and tend to yourself and others as loving neighbor.
May you see yourself as the wonderful creation God made you--and may you nurture yourself with opportunities that will bring you into deeper relationship with our loving God.
Blessings,
Sr. Laura
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VIRTUAL COMFORTABLE CUP OF TEA
First and Third Thursdays
Next Sessions on October 6th and 20th
3-4pm
Join us on Zoom for an hour of lectio divina prayer, conversation and small group sharing.
Freewill offering
Future Dates: Nov. 3, 17, Dec. 1, 15, Jan. 5, 19, Feb. 2, 16
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
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FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION SERIES
Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 from
7-8pm on Zoom
Explore the foundations of mindfulness meditation. Practice mindfulness of the breath, body, emotions, self-compassion, and loving kindness. We will begin each session with breath work, followed by movement similar to yoga and qigong, a body scan and ending in meditation. Join us for this four-week series. Minimum attendance of six participants is required so please invite a friend.
$20/session or $70/series
Presenter: Isabel Gachko
Isabel completed 200 hours of yoga teaching training and is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher.
Virtual Mindfulness Meditation Series Flyer
Click to Register
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DRUMMING ECSTASY CIRCLE
2nd Wednesday of the month
Next Session on October 12th
1:30-3pm at the House of Prayer
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: Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8.
Drumming Ecstasy Circle Flyer
Click to Register
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SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS VIDEO CLUB
2nd Friday of the month beginning
Friday, October 14th
from 10-11:30pm
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.
Future Dates: Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10
Spiritual Awakenings Video Club Flyer
Click to Register
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9th ANNUAL MAJOR SPEAKER
SR. JOAN CHITTISTER, OSB
THE TIME IS NOW: A CALL TO UNCOMMON COURAGE
Friday, October 14th
7-8:30pm on Zoom
$25 per person
In a world in flux we have many choices. One of those choices demands great courage. It is more committed to the Word of God than to false claims of such; it is more committed to new questions than to old answers; it is more committed to faith in God than to a system and it is full of hope in the future than in fear of the present. Sister Joan finds, in the prophetic tradition of the Hebrew Scriptures, a new way of living for God that will enflame our hearts to change the world. In this talk, Sr. Joan offers a compelling vision for readers to combat complacency and to propel them toward creating a world of justice, freedom, peace and empowerment. Her energizing message invites us to participate in a vision for a world greater than the one we find ourselves in today. This is spirituality in action, this is practical and powerful activism for our times. This is a virtual program.
Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, internationally famous writer and speaker, will share on Zoom with us her prophetic insights and wisdom into how we who are ordinary people can help to transform our world. Recognizing the existence of rampant violence, greed, sexism, racism, divisiveness within and around us, she will inspire us to develop the “heart of a prophet” in order to face these challenges with truth and compassion.
Come and let Joan challenge us to plant seeds of uncommon courage in our world today!
The link will be sent out 2 days before the program.
Sr. Joan Chittister Flyer
Click to Register
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SACRED TIME, SACRED SPACE
Tuesday, October 19th 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: Nov. 16, Dec. 13, Jan. 25, Feb. 14
Click to Register
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MAN TO MAN
4th Tuesday of the month
Tuesday, October 25th
from 7-8:30pm
at the House of Prayer and on Zoom
Men have unique roles in life...husbands, fathers, grandfathers, the single life and religious life...We're pushed and pulled in a thousand directions by responsibilities, stress, loss and by joys. Where can we find time to reflect on the loss and gain of our lives? For all men--young, old and in between.
Future Dates: Nov. 22, Dec. 27, Jan. 24, Feb. 28
Man to Man Flyer
Click to Register
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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
Nov. 4-6
Dec. 9-11
Jan. 6-8
Feb. 3-5.
Proof of COVID vaccination is required at time of registration.
Click to Register
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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.
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UPCOMING PRESENTERS:
6th Annual Interfaith Program -- November 9th
Donna McCabe -- November 30th
Ellen Murphy -- December 6th
Mercy In Action Series beginning January 18th
To View Our Brochure Click Below:
September 2022-February 2023 Brochure
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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!
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Click link below to see our updated COVID protocols
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We have mugs and gift certificates that make great gifts!!
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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
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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.
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A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
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1651 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 * 908-753-2091 * msmhope@msmhope.org
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