DIRECTED RETREATS

An experience of personal prayer based on Scripture. Daily spiritual direction.

Atmosphere of prayerful quiet. Accommodations: 7 overnight retreatants

Registration required

WEEKEND RETREAT

Mar 6-8, Apr 3-5, May 1-3 Begins 7 p.m. on Fri; concludes on Sun by 2 p.m.

($170/weekend; non-refundable deposit $70)

WEEK-LONG RETREATS Jun 19-26 and Aug 7-14

Begins 7 p.m. on Fri, concludes by 11 a.m. on Fri. ($580/week; non-refundable deposit $100)

Discount for entire week. *************************************************************

SACRED TIME, SACRED SPACE A personal, quiet day to enjoy God’s presence.

Day begins with communal prayer. Mar 11, Apr 9, 10, May 13, Jun 11, Jul 8, Aug 5

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bring bag lunch ($20-$30 as you are able)

Arrangements for private retreats made individually — $85 per night

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS

We have prayed and prayed. If we are going to be honest, sometimes we can feel our prayers have been answered

and sometimes we can feel that God is not hearing us or that we are not praying in the best way. Prayer is always powerful, yet most of the work is done behind the scenes and we can't really understand what's going on or how we are suppose to be praying. Is there really a certain way to pray that can give us the best results? What do we do with unanswered prayers that can fracture our faith? How do we know what is God's will vs ours? These questions and more will explored and "answered". Light supper included.

Wed, Apr 22, 5:30-9 p.m. ($50-$60 as you are able)

Presenter: Dr. Ginger Grancagnolo Ginger is a dynamic lecturer, author and private counselor. Forty years experience in the fields of education, psychology and theology has earned her many degrees and a sound practical approach in helping others towards self-assertion. The driving

purpose and focus in all of Ginger’s work is to release the FEAR that blocks and halts our TRUE ability to SUCCEED! She uses simple tools that have served thousands of her clients to break free from

these painful traps and become who they were intended to be.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS (Registration Required)

MARCH

GRIEF RECOVERY Learning a process to deal with grief

Gentle 4-step experiential process to resolve the grief caused by loss.

Sun, Mar 1, 1-5:30 p.m. ($50–$60 as you are able) Facilitator: Mary Jo Kearns, RSM

IN CHRIST ALONE: The Celtic Way Discover 10 prayerful practices that are core to Celtic spirituality. What makes Celtic Christian

Spirituality special? Come experience the ways that great Celtic Christians sought God and

how these practices can bring us to God today. Wed, Mar 11, 7-9 p.m. ($20-$30 as you are able)

Presenter: Eileen P. Smith, RSM

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING - Contemplatives in Action: Modern Day Discipleship

Lent is a season of renewal and conversion. Come and learn about modern day discipleship. The

proper balance of prayer, discernment and action is essential for following Jesus today. Why not consider becoming a contemplative

as your Lenten Resolution? Lunch is included.

Sat, Mar 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($50-$60 as you are able) Presenter: Jim Choma

Jim is the VP for Catholic Development Office for St. Peter’s Healthcare System. He has an M.A. in

Christian Spirituality, M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry & certifications in spiritual direction & retreats.

THE BURDEN OF TRUTH Is it more loving to lie to someone or tell them

the truth? Who carries the burden of an illness? Join us as we watch the movie The Farewell

and discuss these and other questions. Movie is in English as well as subtitles.

Wed, Mar 25, 6:45-9:15 p.m. ($20-$30 as you are able) Presenter: Laura M. Arvin, OP

APRIL

THE SACRED POWER OF THE DRUM

Exposure to drumming may cause sudden outbursts of joy, happiness, energy, creativity, awareness and

spontaneous healing! Come, experience The Drum! Wed, Apr 29, 7-9 p.m. ($20–$30 as you are able)

Presenter: Barbara Woodzell Mercy Associate and Third Order Carmelite, Barbara

is a musical therapist who works with Seniors & Special Needs Children using sound healing on drums & chants.

MAY SPIRITUAL AWAKENING - Pentecost Morning Reflections

Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension. Once

the disciples experienced this grace, they became missionary disciples, spreading the Good News of

Jesus Christ to the ends of the world. By virtue of baptism, we are all missionary disciples. Every Christian is challenged to engage in

evangelization. What does this mean for us, here and now, in 2020? Come and explore

the wisdom of Pope Francis’ exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel.

Sat, May 30, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. ($35-$45 as you are able) Presenter: Jim Choma

Jim is the VP for Catholic Development Office for St. Peter’s Healthcare System. He has an M.A. in

Christian Spirituality, M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry & certifications in spiritual direction & retreats.

JUNE

ICON GAZING In the spiritual practice of icon gazing, we turn our focus to icons as a method of prayer or meditation.

This practice and the icons come to us from the Byzantine Orthodox Rite. When praying with icons, we pay attention to what stirs within us. An icon is a

window into heaven through which we see the spiritual reality of the one depicted.

Wed, Jun 3, 7-9 p.m. ($20-$30 as you are able) Presenter: G. Edwin Reitter

Ed is a spiritual director and supervisor of spiritual directors, has given numerous retreats and been

involved in many parish-based ministries.

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD From Adam and Eve to Martha and Mary, artists have always found inspiration in biblical figures inhabiting

both the Old and New Testaments. In this lively, interactive workshop, you’ll do likewise. Using her

own published poems as springboards, Carolyn will offer insights into how to write about biblical

personalities using their own voices as well as your own. You’ll have ample time to write

about those characters who speak to–and maybe even – through you. Lunch is included.

Sat, Jun 27, 9 a.m.–3p.m. ($50-$60 as you are able)

Presenter: Dr. Carolyn Martin Carolyn is a former teacher at Mount St. Mary

Academy and Georgian Court University. Her poems and book reviews have appeared in publications

throughout North America and the UK.

REGISTRATION FORM

Registration is required for all programs and retreats.

Please enclose your non-refundable deposit and mail to:

Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer 1651 US Highway 22

Watchung, NJ 07069-6587 908-753-2091

____________________________________

Name

____________________________________

Address

____________________________________

City

____________________________________

State Zip

(______)_____________________________

Telephone

____________________________________

E-mail

____________________________________

Program Title/Retreat

____________________________________

Date (s)

____________________________________

Deposit Amount Enclosed

____________________________________

Any Special Needs?

BOOK OF THE MONTH

($20-$30/session as you are able)

1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the following Fridays:

Mar 13: “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom” by John O’Donohue

May 8: “Building a Bridge: How to Show Respect and Welcome to LGBT People in Our Church" by Fr. James Martin, SJ

June 12: “Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others” by Barbara Brown Taylor

MAN to MAN

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 joys. Where can we find time to reflect on the loss

and gain of our lives? For all men-young, old and in between.

Join our group over coffee or tea for life-affirming discussions and prayer to find God in our lives and to

make a difference in our own worlds.

4th Tuesday monthly: Mar 24, Apr 28, May 26, Jun 23,

Jul 28 and Aug 25 7-8:30 p.m. ⚫ Free Will Offering

JULY

TOO HOT TO HANDLE At the end of the 7th day, God looked back and loved His developing Creation, making us co-creators and

stewards. Years of our abuse of Planet Earth are bring-ing us to the brink of irreversible destruction caused by climate change and its effects. Everyone of us is called

to respond to this problem individually and socially. Perhaps the first step is to start loving our gift of Earth

as God loved it. Come for an evening to discuss this! Wed, Jul 8, 7-9 p.m. ($20-$30 as you are able)

Presenter: Jerry McKenna Jerry is an Environmental Scientist & Teacher &

long time volunteer at the House of Prayer.

POWER TOOLS FOR LIFE Jesus turns our human understanding of power upside

down. In order to be strong, we must be weak. The last shall be first and the first shall be last. Let the little

children come to me. Blessed are the poor, the meek… Jesus wants us to use our God-given power, but how?

How do we use our power when we go through trials? What are the power tools Jesus has given us to

build the Kingdom here on Earth? We will explore Bible passages to discern the meaning of power

and how we are specifically empowered by prayer, confession, acts of service, grace, hope and love.

Lunch is included. Sat, Jul 25, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ($50-$60 as you are able)

Presenter: Connie Palmer Connie holds a LCSW degree & is the Clinical/Training Director for IMAGINE, a Center for Coping with Loss.

AUGUST

PRAYER PLAYLIST: PRAYING WITH MUSIC

Join us for an evening of listening to God’s message in music. Songs are a wonderful inspiration for prayer;

especially music not used in formal worship settings. Wed, Aug 5, 7-9 p.m. ($20-$30 as you are able)

Presenter: Laura M. Arvin, OP

GRIEF RECOVERY Sun, Aug 16, 1-5:30 p.m. ($50-$60 as you are able)

Facilitator: Mary Jo Kearns, RSM

A TWEET TO GOD: PRAYER IN THE BIBLE

The topic of prayer has been discussed in various ways throughout the centuries. Prayer has many forms, but

what exactly is it? This session will look into the meaning of prayer from a biblical perspective and

some of the ways to pray in our 21st century busy lives. Sat., Aug 29, 9:30 a.m.-Noon ($25-$35 as you are able)

Presenter: Judith Schubert, RSM Judith is Professor of Religious Studies & Theology at

Georgian Court Univ. She has written several articles and

“101Questions & Answers on Women in the New Testament”.

For your convenience, retreat and program registration payments and donations can be made online at our website at

www.msmhope.org

Designer Pocketbook Bingo Fundraiser

*******************************

Designer Pocketbooks 50/50 Raffle

Gift Basket Raffles *******************************

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020

MARCH - AUGUST 2020

1651 US HIGHWAY 22

WATCHUNG, NJ 07069-6587 (908) 753-2091

www.msmhope.org msmhope@msmhope.org

Facebook

MISSION STATEMENT

Rooted in Gospel values and the charism of Catherine McAuley, Mount Saint Mary House

of Prayer is a spiritual center dedicated to nourishing adult spiritual growth in an atmosphere of hospitality and prayer. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the

Americas, the center welcomes persons of all faiths to retreats, spiritual direction and a variety of programs

and opportunities for holistic growth.

GIFT CERTIFICATES or DONATIONS

Give friends and family members a gift of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation.

Make a donation to the House of Prayer In Honor of someone’s birthday, anniversary,

or In Memory of a loved one. Contact Jody Richdale at

908-753-2091 or msmhope@msmhope.org

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

MAILING AND CLEAN UP DAYS

Wed., April 1 and Sat., August 15

Come any time between 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Come for all or part of the day.

Lunch provided. Let us know if you are coming!

1651 US HIGHWAY 22 WATCHUNG, NJ 07069-6587

(908) 753-2091 msmhope@msmhope.org

www.msmhope.org Facebook

DIRECTOR Laura M. Arvin, OP

CO-DIRECTORS Eileen P. Smith, RSM and Mary Jo Kearns, RSM

PART-TIME STAFF Jody Richdale, Administrative Assistant

Adjunct Spiritual Directors James Choma, Donna McCabe, Brigitte Pincelli and Ed Reitter

We welcome your prayer intentions. They are specially remembered each Thursday at our

Eucharistic Hour of Prayer.

HELP US UPDATE OUR MAILING LIST!

Provide us with your e-mail address and any mailing address changes.

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

Dear Friends, Welcome to the start of a new decade! We are delighted to share with you our brochure which provides opportunities from March through August. Although I’m writing this in 60o weather in the middle of January, we are still in the heart of winter with Lent approaching. Ordinary time is the PERFECT time to plan some renewing activities for yourself.

There are many new programs and speakers filling our Winter, Spring and Summer! We’re sure something—or many things—will touch your soul and invite you to come away to this sacred place of Peace, Contemplation, and Hospitality. We have dinner programs, Saturday offerings, retreats, and many other opportunities that will feed your soul.

Spend a fun evening in the Easter season by joining us for our 3rd Annual Pocketbook Bingo on April 17th. Take a chance on winning a stay for you and up to 18 of your closest friends at a beach house in September! Support our ministry by joining in the fun and games that evening.

We are also delighted to welcome back Fr. James Martin, SJ who will speak in Mercy Hall on May 20th. Open your heart and mind as you listen to him encourage all of us to treat every person with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Reserve your place early for this important event.

We look forward to welcoming you in the coming months to Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer!

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No.709 Rahway, NJ

Join us in welcoming

Father James J. Martin, SJ "Building a Bridge: How to Show Respect

and Welcome to LGBT People in Our Church"

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 7-9 pm ⚫ $25 per person

in Mercy Hall (under the chapel-top of hill) James J. Martin, SJ is an American Jesuit priest, writer, and editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine America.

In 2017, Pope Francis appointed him as a consultant to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communications. He is a New York Times Best Selling author and frequent commentator on the life and teachings of Jesus;

inspired by the life and teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

PEACE – CONTEMPLATION – HOSPITALITY

Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer is a not-for-profit retreat/prayer center, supported by free-will offerings. Those who

cannot afford the suggested fees are urged to come and give what is possible. Those who can give more are encouraged to do so, since the fee stated for programs does not meet all our

expenses. We gladly accept donations for scholarships. Thank you!

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION Personal support in deepening one’s relationship

with God. Call for further information.

PROGRAMS and DAYS OF

RECOLLECTION for GROUPS House of Prayer staff members provide programs and re-treat days on a variety of topics at the house or off-site.

We are also available on a limited basis for groups for self-guided spiritual-growth programs. Call for information. Accommodations: up to 30 people

CONTEMPLATIVE HEALING TOUCH

Experience Christian healing touch bringing balance and well-being to body and spirit.

Practitioner: Eileen Smith, RSM $50/hour, by appointment

ON-GOING PROGRAM OFFERINGS

EUCHARISTIC HOUR OF PRAYER Participate in the Evening Prayer of the

Church in a contemplative setting; Includes time for Centering Prayer.

Each Thursday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. CENTERING PRAYER EXPERIENCE

Come together monthly to pray this ancient form of prayer and breathe in God’s peace.

Includes Centering and Lectio Divina. Tue, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2 7:30-9:00 p.m. Free will offering