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March 20, 2023
Dear Laura,
Today we celebrate 2 special things: St. Joseph (whose feast day was yesterday but is remembered today) and the beginning of Spring! The picture I've included is from the Church of St. Joseph in Nazareth and depicts the angel coming to Joseph while he is sleeping. Perhaps today the angel is telling him that a new season is beginning!
As I journey through Lent and approach Easter, I'm dreaming about many things. Longer days and the promise of nice weather are part of those dreams. I also dream about my personal journey in and with God. I keep thinking of how God, for some reason, brought me to the House of Prayer over 10 years ago. Like Joseph and Mary after their encounter with the angel, I had no idea what I was saying yes to--but I trusted in God. I never could have imagined the community I was becoming part of here, or how the mission of the House of Prayer would seep into my bones. I never dreamed that our renovated carriage house on the hill would host such amazing speakers from both far and near. I never envisioned that we would one day have people from multiple states and time zones participating in our programs. Honestly, I never dreamed about Zoom or the new worlds that would open! Yet, on this feast day and beginning of a new season, I stand in awe of all we, as the House of Prayer community, are doing together.
Our Mercy In Action Series continues to educate and challenge us. Our monthly offerings broaden our perspectives and offer us different ways to pray. In less than a month we welcome Dan Schutte in concert to help us celebrate Easter. Susan and Jim Choma will guide us in exploring ways of self care on the Feast of St. Catherine. Our first professional day for spiritual directors is approaching in May. So much promise lies ahead.
Let us continue to dream and move forward together!
Lenten and Springtime Blessings,
Sr. Laura
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MERCY IN ACTION SERIES: EARTH
LIVING LAUDATO SI':
CREATIVELY CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME
Presented by Dan Misleh
Wednesday, April 19th
from 7-9pm
at the House of Prayer and on Zoom
Pope Francis' powerful encyclical, Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, is both groundbreaking but builds on ancient biblical teaching and modern Catholic social teaching. This session will explore Laudato Si', the threat of climate change and environmental degradation, and how our faith can shape our response to this threat. Resources from Catholic Climate Covenant will be shared to encourage your actions aw well.
$20-$30 as your are able or $100 for entire series
Dan will be presenting on Zoom. 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 Series: Earth Flyer
Click to Register
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MAN TO MAN
4th Tuesday of the month
Tuesday, March 28th
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: Apr. 25, May 23, June 20, July 25, Aug. 22
Man to Man Flyer
Click to Register
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SACRED TIME, SACRED SPACE
Holy Thursday and Good Friday, April 6th and 7th 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: May 17, June 8, July 12, Aug. 3
Click to Register
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DRUMMING ECSTASY CIRCLE
2nd Wednesday of each month
from 1:30-3pm at the House of Prayer
Next Session: April 12th
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: May 10, June 14
Drumming Ecstacy Circle Flyer
Click to Register
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SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS VIDEO CLUB
2nd Friday of the month beginning
Friday, April 14th
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: May 12, June 9
Spiritual Awakenings Video Club Flyer
Click to Register
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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
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VIRTUAL COMFORTABLE CUP OF TEA
First and Third Thursdays
Next Session on April 20th
3-4pm
Join us on Zoom for an hour of lectio divina prayer, conversation and small group sharing.
Freewill offering
Future Dates: 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
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REPLENISHING PERSONAL RESERVOIRS
Saturday, April 29th
10am-2pm
at the House of Prayer
Stress is at epidemic levels in the world today. Stress affects every aspect of body, mind, and spirit. This program invites you to discern your tolerance of stress and explore renewal zones that work for you. God will replenish our personal reservoirs, but we need to take the appropriate steps and cooperate with God's Grace. Lunch is included.
$40-$50 as you are able
Presented by Susan and Jim Choma
Susan and Jim are experienced spiritual directors and friends of the House of Prayer.
Replenishing Personal Reservoirs Flyer
Click to Register
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GUIDED RETREAT
TURNING FROM AN EMPTY TOMB: THE EASTER JOURNEY OF MARY OF MAGDALA
Mary had to turn away from what had been to recognize her Risen Love. We will pray these turnings as we contemplate her experience in John 20. What tombs do we need to turn from this Easter season so that we can truly proclaim: "I have seen the Lord?"
Friday, May 5th beginning at 7pm through Sunday, May 7th concluding at 1pm
Overnight ($200), Commuter ($175), and Virtual ($150) options available
Director: Sr. Nancy Y. Sheridan, SASV
Sr. Nancy is a spiritual director, retreat director, and supervisor in New England, New York, Canada, Ireland and Wales.
Guided Retreat 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
WEEKLONG: June 23-30, Aug. 4-11
Proof of COVID vaccination is required at time of registration.
Click to Register
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FIRST ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DAY FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS!
SUPERVISION: AN EMBRACE OF MYSTERY
Monday, May 8th from
10am-3pm
at the House of Prayer and on Zoom
During this day of reflection and enrichment we will look at the role and importance of supervision within the ministry of spiritual direction. We will witness a supervision session followed by time for reflection and engage in conversation about cases we might be bringing. Hopefully this day offers enrichment for those who supervise others and for those seeking supervision. Lunch will be provided.
$50-$60 as you are able
Presenter: Sr. Nancy Y. Sheridan, SASV
Sr. Nancy is a spiritual director, retreat director, and supervisor in New England, New York, Canada, Ireland and Wales.
Professional Day for Spiritual Directors Flyer
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:
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:
March-August 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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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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