“Human industry is
of no avail unless
God is intimately
united with it.”

Spirituality Center Retreats and Programs

Movies at the Motherhouse

Movies at the Motherhouse will begin again in January. We will provide these evenings of relaxation and fun with some of the popular movies of our time. All movie nights are free of charge. Refreshments are served. 

Hidden Figures, January 17
The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. 2 hours, 7 minutes. Rated PG

Breakthrough, February 21
Based on the true story of 14-year-old John Smith, who lives with his adoptive parents in Missouri. While playing on a frozen lake, he falls through the ice. John is rescued but cannot be resuscitated. At the hospital, his mother prays for a miracle, and John’s pulse suddenly returns, to the surprise of medical staff. 1 hour, 30 minutes. Rated PG

A Man of His Word, May 15
Pope Francis-A Man of His Word is a rare co-production with the Vatican. Pope Francis’ ideas and his message are central to this documentary, which sets out to present his work of reform and his answers to today’s global questions about death, social justice, immigration, ecology, wealth inequality, materialism, and the role of the family. I hour and 35 minutes. Rated PG

Dates: Fridays, Jan. 17, Feb. 21 and May 15
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Rose Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: Free will offering, registration requested.

REGISTER HERE

Mount St. Joseph University at 100

Sisters Karen Elliott and Judith Metz, along with Dr. John Trokan will address the proud history of the Mount, its present realities, and the challenges of living out its mission amidst changing demographics and cultural realities.

Presenters: Karen Elliott, CPPS, Judith Metz, SC and& John Trokan
Date: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020
Time: 9:30 a.m. –  Mass in Motherhouse Chapel
          10:45 a.m. –  Presentation in Cedars
          11:30 a.m. –  Large group questions/comments 
Location: SC Motherhouse
Fee: Free will offering, registration requested.

REGISTER HERE

Book Sharing with Henri Nouwen

Let’s try something different! Instead of everyone reading the same selection we’d like to try a book sharing with works written by the same author. In January we will focus on Henri Nouwen and his books. When you register, you will receive a guide sheet to help you prepare for the sharing. Choose your favorite Henri Nouwen book and re-visit it using the guidelines. We will meet this way just once and then get feedback from the participants. There will be just one session from 3-4:30 p.m.

Depending on the evaluations we will have a Book Sharing in February with time and format to be determined. Stay Tuned!

Facilitator: Maureen Heverin, SC
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29 , 2020
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: Free will offering, registration requested.

REGISTER HERE

Pathways to Prayer

As we move along our journey of life, along our “pathways,” we discover different ways in which we meet God. We invite you to come explore and pray as we connect with God in a variety of new ways.

Praying with Paint

Praying with Paint is an opportunity to reflect, pray and use our creative energy to share ideas through color on canvas. Expression and images help make our creative juices come alive and connect us to the source of all energy~God.

Presenter: Bill Owen
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: $15; $10 for Sisters of Charity

Bill Owen has been involved in art since the age of five. He studied art all through high school and attended the Art Advertising Academy. He currently works as Activities Coordinator at Mother Margaret Hall.

REGISTER HERE

Praying with Music

Music is our oldest art, practiced in all cultures and by people of all ages. Music and prayer have been linked since ancient times. we need not be professional musicians or music readers to experience music as prayer. During this time together we will explore how music can affect prayer life and, conversely, how a deep prayer life has motivated some of our world’s greatest composers. We will try out some practical (easy to practice) ways of praying with music.

Presenter: Terry Thorman, SC
Dates: Saturday, Apr. 4
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: $15; $10 for Sisters of Charity

S. Terry Thorman is a liturgical musician and music teacher with experience as a music therapist.

REGISTER HERE

Dreams: God’s Call to Wholeness

From the earliest days in Christianity, dreams were recognized as one way in which God “spoke” to the dreamer. Come and explore some basics of dream interpretation as one means of hearing God’s call to wholeness in our lives.

Presenter: Mary Bookser, SC
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 11
Time: 1:30-3 p.m.
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: $15, $10 for Sisters of Charity (Registration due by Feb. 4)

Mary Bookser, SC, has worked as an educator and counselor, and has explored the use of dreams as a means of growth since the 1970’s.
Pathways

REGISTER HERE

Backward Binoculars

Donning “Backward Binoculars” we will ponder as Mary did: Lk. 2:15

This reflection day will provide input, encouragement, prayer and a unique-concise process for pondering the wing-span of God’s movement through the years. With these Backward Binocular nuggets the participant can move more strongly into the future with growing awareness of God’s covenant love.

Presenter: Patmarie Bernard, SC
Date: Saturday, Mar. 14
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: $30 (includes lunch); $10 for Sisters of Charity (Registration due by March 4)

Patmarie Bernard, SC, has journeyed with people as a Spiritual Director since 1990, including a staff position as Spiritual Director-Retreat Director for the Sangre de Cristo Renewal Program in Santa Fe, NM. Her ministry experience includes healthcare outreach with management and nursing services among the poor. She states her passion in life to be the spiritual journey.

REGISTER HERE

Being Still with God — LENT

As we prepare for the Lenten season, we pause, quiet ourselves and focus our thoughts in the desert. We journey together with Jesus on the road to Calvary. Come and spend some quiet time with your God. A short reflection will begin the evening. You are then on your own to seek out your prayer space…the chapel, prayer room, labyrinth or any parlor or bench. Pause and pray in your own way.
Come and join us for this time to be still, be quiet and continue to deepen your relationship with your loving God.

Presenter: Maureen Heverin, SC
Date: Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26
Time: 6:30-8 p.m. 
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: No fee; registration requested.

REGISTER HERE

Praying with Clay

Experience the healing power of clay therapy while exploring your relationship with God through the powerful image of the Potter. During our four sessions you will create a vessel of clay while learning about how God interacts with us, molding, fashioning, creating. Old clothing suggested, aprons optional. A project sheet of ideas will follow registration. Maximum number of participants: 10 

Leader: Jackie Kowalski, SC
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr. 15, 22, 29; May 6
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: $60; $25 for Sisters of Charity $25 non-refundable registration fee (applied to total fee) Registration due by April 1

Jackie Kowalski, SC has been creating pottery for 25 years; throwing bowls and mugs, hand building and designing wall art. Besides her years of experience, she brings a passion for clay as a medium of self-expression and a way to interact with God

REGISTER HERE

Praying with Nature

Nature is one of the most fulfilling gifts we have in our lives. Praying and sharing nature experiences with others is so gratifying. This year we will be celebrating the turning of the seasons with the gifts of nature that Marty has captured with her camera. We are graced by the creatures of our planet, our brothers and sisters, as we enjoy our world, day by day.

Presenter: Marty Dermody, SC
Dates: Wednesdays, Apr. 29, June 3
Time: 9:30-11 a.m. 
Location: Rose Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: No fee; registration requested.

REGISTER HERE

Sundays of Reflection

Charism: When God Comes Close and We Grow Wise

This year our Sunday’s of Reflection will focus on how we live out our Charism statement: “True to the spirit of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Margaret Cecilia George, and all who share our heritage, we Sisters of Charity are called to be faith filled women of the Church. Like Elizabeth, we are called to be vitalized by Scripture and Eucharist; with her, we are called to fidelity to the Church, to reliance on the Spirit, and to life through love and friendship. We vow our lives to our God with whom we walk in humility, simplicity, and charity. As pilgrims we pray for the wisdom to know the needs of our sisters and brothers and we dare to risk a caring response.”

Dates: Feb. 2, 2020 − We Vow Our Lives to Our God − Carla Rush, SC Associate
            March 1, 2020 − Daring to Risk & the Wisdom to Know − S. Anita Maroun, SC
Time: 9:30 a.m. − Mass in Chapel
          10:45 a.m. − Presentation
          11:30 a.m. − Large group questions/comments
Fee: Free will donations
Those who do not live at the Motherhouse are requested to call 347-5346 (evening) and leave a message if you plan to stay for dinner.

REGISTER HERE

The Labyrinth – A Mystical Path

After an Introduction to the Labyrinth, we pilgrims will walk the labyrinth physically or symbolically. A time of sharing and prayer will follow.

Presenter: Donna Steffen, SC
Date: Saturday, May 2 (International Labyrinth Day)
Time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: $20; $10 for Sisters of Charity (Registration Required by Apr. 23)

Donna Steffen, SC, is a Spiritual director and trained Labyrinth Facilitator through Rev. Lauren Artress and Veriditas.

REGISTER HERE

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love

A Pastoral Letter Against Racism by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

On Thursdays, March 12, 19 and 26 participants are invited to share thoughts and reflections on segments of this twenty-seven page booklet. We will look at what is meant by racism, the thoughts and attitudes, consciously or unconsciously, that have helped shape American life and practices, personally, communally, and nationally for a very long time. The experiences of Native and African Americans, and of the Hispanic population, will be highlighted.

During this Lenten Season, our quest will be for conversion of heart and to walk humbly with our God, pressing forward to do what is right and good for all God’s people.

This 2018 Pastoral Letter can be purchased in the Gift Shop for $7.

Facilitators: Mary Gallagher, SC and Laetitia Slusser, SC
Dates: Thursdays, Mar. 12, 19 and 26
Time: 1:30-3 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m.
Location: Emmaus Room; SC Motherhouse
Fee: $25; $15 for Sisters of Charity (Registration due by March 2) 

REGISTER HERE

Directed and Conference Retreats 2020

June 14-20, 2020
Fr. Norm Langenbrunner — Conference Retreat
Various Directors available for Directed Retreats

July 19-25, 2020
Paula D’Arcy — Conference Retreat
Various Directors available for Directed Retreat

Centering Prayer

If you feel called to a contemplative way of praying, and if you would like mutual, ongoing support and learning about it, a Centering Prayer group may be for you.

Mondays
Leaders: Liz Maxwell & Joyce Richter, SC
Location: Prayer Room; SC Motherhouse
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Fee: free; no registration required

Wednesdays
Leaders: Liz Maxwell & Joyce Richter, SC
Location: Prayer Room; SC Motherhouse
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Fee: free; no registration required