June 20, 2022
Greetings!
"Summertime, and the livin' is easy" begins a favorite summer song. I'm not sure if the "livin" is easy, but there is certainly a different rhythm to this time of year.
I love this time of year with long days, warm temperatures, air conditioning, and flip flops! Perhaps it's because my birthday is in August that I love summer! We've just finished a weekend full of memorable moments: Corpus Christi, Father's Day and Juneteenth. And tomorrow we celebrate the longest day of the year. I hope you have found a way to mark all that makes these moments special. Actually, every moment is special when we remind ourselves that EVERY moment is a gift from God.
We have many gifts for you this summer. We are delighted to virtually welcome back the award winning author Colette Lafia on June 29th! Space is limited for our Women's Spa Day next month, so be sure to sign up quickly. We have new programs being offered by Susan Delaney-Choma and Fr. Anthony Randazzo in August. Plus...there is an exciting fundraising/social event that will be announced soon that will take place from July 13-16.
Not to rush summer, but you might want to mark your calendar now for October 14th. Our 9th Annual Major Speaker will be Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB! You will be reading about that exciting event in the coming weeks.
Take time to savor the light and the beauty of this time of year. May you "livin" be easy as we finish out June.
Blessings,
Sr. Laura
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MAN TO MAN
Tuesday, June 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: July 26, August 23
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OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: THE LOVE STORY WE'RE ALL LIVING
Wednesday, June 29th
7-9pm on Zoom
The movement of our hearts toward Divine Love is the essence of spiritual experience. It's the basis of who we are and all we do. Join us as we explore this relationship.
$20-$30 as you are able
Presenter: Colette Lafia
Colette Lafia is a San Francisco-based spiritual director, author and international retreat leader. Her book, The Divine Heart, was recently awarded the 2022 Nautilus Award!
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SACRED TIME, SACRED SPACE
Thursday, July 7th from
9:30am-3pm
(this date has been changed from the one listed in our brochure)
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: August 18
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WOMEN'S SPIRITUAL SPA DAY
Saturday, July 9th from
10am-3pm at the House of Prayer
This nourishing retreat day will include different forms of prayer and mindfulness meditation. There will be time for reflection and journaling. Lunch is included.
$50-$60 as you are able
Presenter: Isabel Gachko
Isabel completed 200 hours of yoga teaching training and is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher.
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WEEK-LONG SILENT DIRECTED RETREATS
August 5-12--WAITLIST
$630/week; non-refundable deposit $100
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required for all overnight guests when registering
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LOST YOUR WAZE? GET BACK ON TRACK
Wednesday, August 17th
7-9pm at the House of Prayer and on Zoom
Are you racing through life? Get off and discover the road less travelled; the one meant for you. Explore tools that will open your spiritual senses and apply them to your personal life experiences to discover YOUR path.
$20-$30 as you are able
Presenter: Susan Delaney-Choma
Susan has certifications in spiritual direction, Stress Management and Mindfulness.
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BEEN THERE--GOING THERE--THE HOLY LAND IMPACT
Monday, August 29th
7-9pm at the House of Prayer and on Zoom
Often we say, "Been there, done that." All of us commonly say that about many issues tied to the pandemic. Let's creatively look at the Holy Land for the celebration of faith experience it can provide for all of us as we face our futures.
$20-$30 as you are able
Presenter: Rev. Anthony Randazzo
Fr. Anthony is the pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Westfield, NJ.
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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:
Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB -- October 14th
To View Our Brochure Click Below:
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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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