Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House

Francis House of Prayer
Francis House of Prayer
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    Monthly Series

    TO REGISTER FOR ONE OF THE 4 WAYS TO PRAY THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS, CLICK HERE.

    GO TO SPIRITUAL EXERCISES PAGE

    IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM - PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS

    REGISTER FOR A MONTHLY SERIES

    THE INTERIOR CASTLE OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA

         10 Wednesdays      9:30 – 11:30 AM      


        September 7      December 7       March 1 & 29     

        October 5           January 4           April 19      

        November 9       February 1          May 17  


    St. Teresa has the great gift of writing about her relationship with God in such a way that helps us know that intimacy with God is an invitation and gift to us all. This intimacy is for all of us. We will use Interior Castle Explored, by Ruth Burrows and Keith Egan’s tape on the Interior Castle to lead us through the castle. Each session includes 20 minutes of Centering Prayer.  Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175. 


    PRAYING WITH THE PARABLES

        5 Wednesdays      1:00 – 2:30 PM

          

        September 7      October 5      November 9      December 7      January 4


    We will use Father Thomas Keating’s Meditations on the Parables of Jesus to help us understand and pray with the parables which are so full of mystery and meaning for us in our times.  Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $75


    ENNEAGRAM STUDY:  9 PATHS TO HOLINESS AND WHOLENESS

        10 Wednesdays      3:00 – 5:00 PM       


        September 7      December 7      March 1 & 29       

        October 5            January 4         April 19       

        November 9       February 1        May 17  


    Years ago, I offered this in-depth study of the Enneagram. People still refer to that experience as one of their most life changing events. I am excited to offer it again. The Enneagram, as I know it and teach it, leads to understanding and compassion for yourself and others as you live out the call of Jesus to love one another as God loves you. This year we will focus on how every type gets along with every other type. Sounds like fun! Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200.


    CHRISTIANITY TALKS TO GANDHI

        4 Thursdays      9:30 – 11:00 AM


        September 8       October 6       November 3       December 1


    For four months, we will take four writers from the book compiled by Robert Ellsberg, Lead Kindly Light, to see how Christianity responds to the life and message of Gandhi. Remaining time will be devoted to find and discuss ways of implementing a “non-violent” way of relational living. In addition to our ideas, we shall consider writings from Marshall Rosenberg in his: Non-Violent Communication, A Language of Compassion. Led by Gerald Washko. Donation: $60


    ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR CERTIFIED SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS WITH SUPERVISION

          9 Thursdays      1:00 – 4:00 PM


          September 8       December 1        March 9

          October 6            January 5            April 13      

          November 3        February 2          May 4


    Those who care for others need also to care for themselves. Those who help others pray need also to take time to be nourished. This monthly gathering will provide just that: time for prayer, sharing and peer supervision to enrich and nourish the gracious listeners who give themselves so generously as spiritual directors. We will review Examen and Ignatius’s Rules for Discernment and read Jim Manney’s A Simple Life-Changing Prayer and The Examen Prayer by Timothy Gallagher, OMV between sessions. Led by S. Marcy.  Donation: $225. 


    FRIDAY MORNING RETREAT

    COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION

         9 Fridays     9:15 AM – Noon


          September 9      December 9      March 10      

          October 7           January 6          April 14      

          November 11     February 3        May 12


    There may be more violence hidden under our words than we are aware of. We will learn to listen to ourselves closely, be attentive to our real feelings and notice how we are expressing what we are trying to say. Our communication with God, ourselves and others will become gentler and more respectful, more inclusive, and less reactive. This morning retreat also includes Centering Prayer and the Practice of Examen. We will use A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer, by Jim Manney and Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200.


    DIVINE SOUL MATE 

         4 Fridays      9:30 AM – Noon


         September 9      October 7      November 11      December 9


    Romantics will tell us there is nothing quite like one’s first love.  Our God would concur as God loved you first and now YOU remain God’s forever love!  Treat yourself to the opportunity to savor such a love and to deepen your awareness of its presence in your daily life.  William Barry, S.J. will lead our musings through, A Friendship Like No Other. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan.  Donation: $100


    TEILHARD READING GROUP      

         9 Fridays      1:00 – 2:30 PM      


         September 9      December 9      March 10      

         October 7           January 6          April 14      

         November 11     February 3        May 12 


    Our study of Teilhard continues this year with the reading of John Haught’s, The Cosmic Vision of Teilhard de Chardin. Please join our  lively discussions about Teilhard’s vision of our human predicament and God’s plan for the ongoing growth and evolution of all creation into full union with God in Christ.  Donation: $175. Led by group members.


    LIVING CONTEMPLATIVELY      

         9 Saturdays      9:15 AM – 3:30 PM      


         September 10       December 10       March 11      

         October 15            January 7              April 15       

         November 12        February 4            May 13  


    This program calls out to those who desire to live more contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and others, and to become more aware, intentional, and free. God liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative prayer. Wonderful spiritual reading will support our contemplative prayer throughout the year. It’s well worth a day a month and an hour a day. Bring a bag lunch. Led by  S. Marcy. Donation: $325


    ETERNALLY FAITHFUL      

         4 Tuesdays      9:30 – 11:00 AM  


         September 13      October 11      November 15     December 13


    When loved ones pass, they often bequeath to us a gift by which we might remember them and stay faithful to their memory.  Jesus does the same.  His Gift of Eucharist deeply imprints in us the power of divine fidelity, inviting us to deepen our acceptance of his eternal embrace.  Ronald Rolheiser’s, One Great Act of Fidelity, will guide our prayer and discussion of the tender gift of Eucharist. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan. Donation: $60


    TUESDAY NIGHT CENTERING PRAYER

         10 Tuesdays      6:30 – 8:30 PM


         September 13      December 13      March 7 

         October 11           January 10           April 4

         November 15       February 7            May 2 and 30


    This series, zoom or in person, is for those who want to learn and practice Centering Prayer and have it become a way of life. You will notice that it changes your life radically. The evenings include two 20-minute Centering Prayer periods, with some Scripture between. We will view a short Thomas Keating video on Centering Prayer and use Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault between sessions. Consider it a restful monthly evening retreat. Led by  S. Marcy. Donation: $175.


    ZOOM ONLY

    THE PALETTE OF GOD’S LOVE

          4 Tuesdays      7:00 – 8:30 PM


          September 13      October 18      November 8      December 6


    If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, then what is being communicated through the myriad of images which gifted artists have created for us?  What spiritual truths are tucked within the light, the colors and the medium they used?  In Rembrandt is in the Wind, author Russ Ramsey leads us to those answers by not only paying attention to the art, but to our own hearts. Included will be experiences of Visio Divina. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan. Donation: $60


    THE MATURING OF YOUR SOUL

    PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAST THIRD OF LIFE      

         4 Fridays      9:30 AM – 12:00 PM      


         September 16      October 14      November 18       December 16 


    To age is to transition into the last period of growth. The invitation from God in the final years of life is to deeper intimacy, and to living more courageously, consciously, and contemplatively from your soul as you prepare for your eventual transition into new life. We are offering a 4-part series that meets monthly for the 65+ who are in this most graced season of life. We will use Thomas Keating’s videos on The Gift of Life and Life Eternal as part of our series and read On the Brink of Everything by Parker Palmer. Led by  S. Marcy. Donation: $100. 


    DIVINE “SPA” TIME FOR MOMS      

         4 Fridays      10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 

        

         September 16      October 14      November 18        December 16


    As a mother you are always nurturing others. Come away for a time and allow God to nurture you as you enter into a reflective pause for your own Spiritual and Personal Awareness. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan. Donation: $60


    ZOOM ONLY

    ESSENTIAL WRITINGS OF RUTH BURROWS

          9 Wednesdays      3:30 – 4:30 PM


          September 21      December 21      March 22      

          October 19           January 25          April 12      

          November 23       February 22         May 10


    If you are looking for some rich nourishment for your soul, Carmelite Ruth Burrows has just what you need! Really, she speaks to the soul as none other! Give it a try. I can’t recommend it enough!  Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $100. 


    ZOOM ONLY

    SEEKING WISDOM: AN ARTIST’S WAY PROGRAM

          7 Wednesdays      7:00 – 8:30 PM      


    September 21      November 2, 16, 30      October 5, 19       December 14


    The spiritual path to higher creativity is an exciting journey for those who desire to cooperate with God’s liberation of their creative energies. Come to know the great dynamic of creativity that is God’s gift to you through our study of Julia Cameron’s newest guidance on creative living, Seeking Wisdom: A Spiritual Path to Creative Connection. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $85.


    STUDY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS

          9 Thursdays      1:00 – 3:00 PM      


         September 22       December 15       March 23      

         October 20            January 19           April 27      

         November 17        February 16          May 18


    John is all about God and God’s insatiable desire and pursuit of us. He is about love and union with God, not asceticism or annihilation as popularly believed. This year we will focus on Ruth Burrows’ Ascent to Love, and John of the Cross’s The Spiritual Canticle. We end with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175.


    A CONTEMPLATIVE TELLING OF THE STORY: MARY & HER SON (PART ONE)     

          4 Mondays      9:30 – 11:30 AM

          

          September 26      October 31      November 28      December 19


    Enter the heart of Mary through the contemplative words of John Lynch’s spiritual classic, A Woman Wrapped in Silence.  We will use the first half of this wonderful narrative to help us to go deeper into the humility and strength of the Blessed Mother and her love for her son and us all. Then, if you would like to continue, Part Two will be offered in Winter/Spring 2023 to coincide with the Liturgical Year. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $80


    MONDAYS WITH MERTON      

         4 Mondays      1:00 – 2:30 PM      


         September 26      October 31      November 28      December 19


    Thomas Merton will be our guide to the contemplative way of life. In this series, we will use When the Trees Say Nothing, which is a compilation of his writings on nature.  We will also use portions of S. Kathleen Deignan’s video, Prophet and Mystic of Creation: On Retreat with Thomas Merton. Time will be given to experience contemplative prayer. Led by Jill Snyder.  Donation: $60.


    ZOOM ONLY

    RETURN TO THE ROOT

          4 Mondays      7:00 – 8:30 PM 


         September 26      October 24      November 28      December 19


    Each one of us has a unique relationship with God which cannot be fully expressed in words.  So, how then can we express ourselves to our God?  In Joyce Rupp’s Return to the Root we have a guide who uses the richness of poetic imagery to lead us in self-expression becoming more, “rooted and grounded in love...” Eph. 3:17.  Each session will include a Lectio Divina experience. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan, SSJ. Donation: $60


    WE ARE TRANSFORMED

          4 Mondays      9:30 – 11:30 AM


          October 3      November 7      December 5      January 9


    In her book, Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace, Julianne Stanz takes us on a wild ride to becoming aware and open to the “thin places” in our lives.  Here is where we meet God who transforms our brokenness into healing and wholeness.   Led by Jill Snyder.  Donation: $75


    TENDERNESS: A LANGUAGE FOR OUR TIME

          3 Mondays      1:00 – 3:30 PM        


          October 3       November 7       December 5


    The diversity of the human race is beyond our imagination. The singularity of the human race is at the heart of God’s imagination.  We, though many, truly are one.  How might we communicate this union with one another?  In Gregory Boyle, S.J.’s book, The Whole Language, we are reminded the only communication needed is that of tenderness.  Join us as we allow Father Boyle’s stories to find a home in our hearts. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan. Donation: $60


    ZOOM ONLY

    ALL SHALL BE WELL: JULIAN OF NORWICH SERIES

          4 Fridays      6:30 – 7:30 PM


          October 7       November 11      December 9       January 6


    It doesn’t get better than Julian of Norwich for an end of the week spiritual treat! Join with others for some consolation and peace to soothe the stress and worries of the week as we acquaint ourselves with the wisdom of Julian who insists that “All shall be well!” We will use The Drawing of this Love, by Robert Fruehwirth for reading in between sessions. Led by S. Marcy.  Donation: $75


    ZOOM ONLY
    LOVERS OF THÉRÈSE

         4 Tuesdays      7:00 – 8:00 PM


         October 11      November 15      December 13      January 10


    I have to offer a series on St. Thérèse of Lisieux this year! She witnesses and teaches so much about finding God in the ordinary and promises that holiness is within our reach. I know so many have loved Thérèse throughout the years. This series will renew your friendship and give you a new understanding of her holiness and wisdom.  We will use The Gospel According to St. Thérèse, by Br. Joseph Schmidt between sessions.  Led by S. Marie O’Hagan.  Donation: $50


    DISCERNMENT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR WORLD!  

        2  Fridays      9:30 AM – Noon      


        October 28 and November 4


    I’m willing if you are!  This 2-part series includes the full teaching of Ignatian Discernment of Spirits!  If you find yourself sliding down “the greasy pole” of desolation or negative thinking, this series will help you immensely.  The Ignatian teaching on discernment is life changing as we practice awareness, understanding and right action regarding the various spirits that present themselves to us day by day and moment by moment. Led by S. Marie O’Hagan.  Donation: $50


    WOMEN OF HOPE: THE FOUR WOMEN DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH

         5 Thursdays 9:30 – 11:30 AM


         November 17       January 19        February 16

         December 15                                   March 23


    In Women of Hope, Terry Polakovic introduces these four amazing women, Saints Teresa, Thérèse, Hildegard and Catherine, and describes the troubled times in which they lived and persevered. These women remind us that God works through each of us to bring about good. They prove by their lives that we, as Christians, can live in confident hope, no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $100

       

    REGISTER FOR A MONTHLY SERIES

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    Francis House of Prayer

    84 Walnford Road, Allentown, New Jersey 08501, United States

    609-877-0509

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