June 11, 2020

Dear Friends

We stand on the brink of possibility. As the peaceful protests and rallies continue day after day, we look at each other and ask, "What specific, new reality are we called to create?"  

The mercy of Jesus teaches us it must involve listening, respect, compassion and forgiveness. Yet, we hesitate, waiting for the best ideas to burst upon the scene. In this pregnant time, we offer the following to open us all to re-creation and resurrection, to open us all to the One who has come that we may have life and have it to the full.

Cranaleith Staff
Retreat From Home
Scott Hutchinson
Join us for a four-part program offering an ongoing exploration into the gracious territory of forgiveness. Presented by Scott Hutchinson , it is open to both those who attended his March workshop and those who are new.

In the Christian gospels, forgiveness is the practice that:
  • Removes barriers and obstacles to love and well-being;
  • unburdens us, lifting the weights distorting our being;
  • liberates, setting us free for fresh experiences of living and relationship;
  • tends to wounds in ways that open new futures; and
  • gifts us in the receiving and giving.
We will endeavor to create "forgiving space" in which to learn and grow, where all questions are important, everyone's life experience is honored, and "everything belongs." Our tools will be presentations, conversations, self-reflection, readings and resources.

Forgiveness as Gift, Journey, Healing Agent, Transforming Power: 4-Part Program - Online/Virtual
Program Dates: Wednesday, June 17, 24 and July 1, 8, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $100 
Every tree has a story...even in the broken pieces there is beauty -- Leslie Porreca, RSM
Photos taken following a rainstorm at Cranaleith on June 3, 2020.
Retreat From Home
The healing of a bleeding woman. Rome Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter. 4th century CE
And you must be able to bear your sorrow; even if it seems to crush you, you will be able to stand up again, for human beings are so strong, and your sorrow must become an integral part of yourself; you mustn't run away from it... Give your sorrow all the space and shelter in yourself that is its due, for if everyone bears grief honestly and courageously, the sorrow that now fills the world will abate...
An Interrupted Life
 
Your family needs care but you are too sick to give it. You want to make a contribution, but you are so poor. You have suffered for twelve years and have no reason left to hope. These are the women of Mark's gospel. They are the women of today. They/We demand Jesus' notice. Jesus holds out compassion. What happens for them? For us? Break open Mark's gospel with the first session of Cranaleith's summer Bible study, Jesus and the Women of the Gospels.

Jesus and the Women of the Gospels - Online/Virtual
Register for one or all sessions.
Thursdays, June 18 & 25, July 2 & 9, 10-12:30 p.m.  Cost: $25/session

Watch From Home
A view on social justice in America today and the elusive pursuit of what the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. called "the Beloved Community."

Social Justice and the Search for the Beloved Community. Presented by Peniel Joseph, Founding Director of the LBJ School's Center for the Study of Race and Democracy.

Reflect From Home
On the one hand, America is moving out of sheltering-in-place. How can we do so safely? How can we balance our weariness with prudence? On the other hand, George Floyd's murder has forced America to confront its sinful habits of racism. How do we go about growing the changes in our attitudes, politics, education and economics?

FOR REFLECTION:
  •  Listen to John Angotti's "I'm Just Sayin" as you design your contribution to safe reopening and to ending racism. What resonates with you?
  • Where do you need God's creative and life-giving solutions?  Invite God to brainstorm with you. 
  Read

From Good News 4 You by  Bernadette Rudolph
Retreat From Home


In this time of COVID-19, when physical distancing is the order of the day, Cranaleith is offering new programs  online via Zoom .  

Sunday, June 14 and Sunday, July 26, 1-2:30 p.m. Cost: $15

Four-Part Program
Wednesdays, June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 7-9 p.m. 


Series: Register for one or all
Thursdays, June 18 & 25, July 2 & 9, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  

Wednesday, August 5, 12 and 19, 7-8:30 p.m.

Resources from Home

Spiritual Direction
We are still offering Spiritual Direction via phone and teleconferencing.  Contact Cathy Maguire, RSM at [email protected] or  215-858-6239.  Psychotherapy is also available. Please contact  Leslie Porreca, RSM, LCSW.  Learn more


Community Support
Rooted in a tradition of care and compassion, the mission of CORA Services is to assist children, youth and families experiencing  emotional, academic and social challenges.

Connect With Us Online 
Get daily prayers, reflections, blog posts and images from our beautiful property via our website and social media channels.
Web:  www.cranaleith.org  


Give From Home

Please consider Cranaleith if you are able to make a donation of any size, either by mail or online. Learn more or go to: 
Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Cranaleith offers a contemplative space for all those seeking wholeness and transformation for themselves and society. We are committed to making Cranaleith accessible to all, especially to persons who are poor and those who work in solidarity with them. We invite those at the center of need and those at the center of influence to reflection, reverent dialogue and meaningful partnerships. Please help us support our work.
STAY CONNECTED:

  View on Instagram  Follow us on Twitter  View our videos on YouTube   Like us on Facebook  View our profile on LinkedIn

Cranaleith Spiritual Center logo
Cranaleith Spiritual Center | 13475 Proctor Road | Phila., PA 19116 |