Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House

Francis House of Prayer
Francis House of Prayer
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    Monthly Series

    IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM - PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS

    TUESDAY NIGHT CENTERING PRAYER

         10 Tuesdays      6:30 – 8:30 PM

              September 12     December 5         April 9

              October 10          January 9              May 7

              November 7        February 6            June 4 

                                            March 5
    A series 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 the classic The Cloud of Unknowing translated by Carmen Butcher between sessions…a restful monthly evening retreat. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200.


    34 WEEKLY ZOOM MEETINGS

    SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS

          34 Tuesdays         3:00 – 4:30 PM

              September 12 – May 14

    On Zoom to alleviate travel each week. In this full version, we will experience the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius which corresponds to a 30-day retreat at a retreat house. 

    You are committing to one hour of prayer every day and a weekly meeting. We will use The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien, SJ and The Gift of Spiritual Intimacy by Monty Williams, SJ.  Led by S. Marcy and S. Marie. Donation: $400


    IN-PERSON OR ZOOM 

    MONTHLY SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

         10 Wednesdays       3:00 – 4:30 PM   

             September 13         December 6       March 6   

             October 11              January 3    April 3    

             November 8            February 7          May 1 & 29

    Please give yourself the gift of this retreat that invites you to pray with Scriptures each day using the format of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. We will use The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien, SJ and The Gift of Spiritual Intimacy by Monty Williams, SJ. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200


    EVENING ZOOM SERIES

    TAKING THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES TO THE MOVIES

         10 Wednesdays   7:00 – 8:30 PM

             September 13        December 6        March 6

             October 11             January 3             April 3 

             November 8           February 7            May 1 &  May 29

              

    In addition to praying through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, these Jesuit authors offer us movies to view that accompany the various parts of The Exercises and give practical evidence of the graces received in the prayer. We will use Finding God in the Dark by Jesuits John Pungente and Monty Williams. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200


    LIVING CONTEMPLATIVELY

         9 Saturdays      9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

              September 16     December 9         March 2

              October 14          January 6              April 6

              November 11       February 3           May 4 

    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 your lunch. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $350


    THE BEAUTY OF GRACE
     5 Mondays 10:00 – 11:30 AM

              September 11      October 2 & 23      November 13      December 4 

    Through the wisdom of Russ Ramsey, author of Rembrandt is in the Wind, enjoy the backstory of artists whose gifts, as well as their own life experiences, have created for us an entry point into God’s grace. Each artist reveals the beauty of our own image reflected in God’s love. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $100


    BREATH OF THE MYSTICS

         9 Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM

              September 20      December 13       March 20

              October 18           January 10           April 17

              November 15       February 21          May 15 

    The Breath of the Mystics is an inspiring study of mystical prayer based on the teachings of Eastern Christian Mystics and major contemporary theologians. Fr. George Maloney SJ connects our current revival of contemplative prayer with our Christian roots that go back to the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the 3rd-5th centuries, once Christianity became the “state religion.” It feels good connecting with these Christian ancestors that inspired Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, and their contemporaries. Led by Jerry Washko. Donation: $175


    THE MATURING OF YOUR SOUL
    SAVING THE BEST TIL LAST!

         4 Fridays 9:30 AM – Noon

              September 22     October 27     November 17     December 15 

    Jesus, at the wedding feast of Cana, saved the best until last! In some ways God does the same with us in this last third of life. Is not our relationship with God more important than ever? Good company, good humor, and good prayer await you. A monthly morning of prayer is good for the Maturing of Your Soul! We will read Winter’s Graces by Susan Stewart between sessions. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $100.


    CREATE IN ME, O GOD!

         12 Mondays   1:00 – 2:30 PM

              September 11 & 25   November 6 & 20      January 8 & 22
             October 9 & 23           December 4 & 18      February 5 & 19

    Made in the image and likeness of God, YOU have a creativity which reflects God’s gifts. Using Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, (30th anniversary edition,) come and explore the world within you! With God’s guidance, claim the creative power of your spirit. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $200


    THE POWER OF THE LITTLE WAY

         8 Tuesdays   10:00 – 11:30 AM

              September 12 & 26      November 7 & 21
             October 10 & 24           December 5 & 19  

    There is no doubt that St. Thérèse is an influential woman even in our world today. Want to know her secret, as well as the enduring wisdom of her little way? Explore, with us, Joseph Schmidt’s insights into Thérèse via his book, The Gospel According to Thérèse. Allow St. Thérèse to assist you in deepening your faith, hope, and love. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $125


    ZOOM ONLY

    THE GREAT DIVORCE

         8 Tuesdays   6:45 – 8:15 PM

              September 12 & 26        November 7 & 21
             October 10 & 24             December 5 & 19

    In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God experienced in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Still, we know there is a force which seeks to divorce us from such a love. In 1945 C.S. Lewis wrote The Great Divorce as an imaginative, fantasy novel.  Based on a theological dream he reflects on the Christian conceptions of Heaven and Hell. Come and join in our discussions, bringing your imagination, curiosity, and life experience. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $125

      

    FRIDAY MORNING RETREAT
    WINTER’S GRACES

         9 Fridays     9:15 AM – Noon

              September 15     December 8      March 1

              October 13          January 5          April 5

              November 10      February 2         May 3

    Essentially this is a morning set apart for God and you. We will enjoy Winter’s Graces by Susan Stewart to help us foster our contemplative presence in the world. Each session includes silent private space for prayer, some Lectio Divina, 20 minutes of Centering Prayer and wonderful companionship on the journey. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200


    THE INTERIOR CASTLE

         9 Wednesdays      9:30 – 11:30 AM

              September 20     December 13    March 20

              October 18          January 10        April 17

              November 15      February 21      May 15 

    St. Teresa of Avila compares the spiritual journey with the rooms in a castle. Please join us as we walk through these rooms to its center where Christ dwells within. 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. If you have always wanted to read Teresa’s Interior Castle, now is the time! It is wonderful with a group. We will combine Keith Egan’s videos on the Castle with our reading. Each session includes 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175


    ZOOM ONLY
    THE WRITINGS OF RUTH BURROWS:  THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER

         9 Thursdays 3:30 – 4:30 PM

              September 21     December 14      March 14

              October 19          January 11          April 18

              November 16      February 8           May 16 

    If you are looking for some rich nourishment for your soul, The Essence of Prayer, by Carmelite Ruth Burrows is just what you need!  Really, she speaks to the soul as none other! Give it a try. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175.


    ZOOM ONLY
    FRIDAY NIGHT WITH THE MYSTICS 

         4 Fridays 6:30 – 7:30 PM

              September 15      October 13      November 10      December 8

    The mystics offer us consolation and peace at the end of a busy work week as they teach us to experience God in all things. We will choose 4 from Murray Bodo, OFM’s Twelve Mystics Who Reveal God’s Love to ponder throughout this semester and save the others for 2024. We will view a short film each month to complement our reading on each mystic. 

    Led by S Marcy. Donation $75


    STUDY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS

         9 Thursdays 1:00 – 3:00 PM

              September 21      December 14       March 14

              October 19           January 11           April 18

              November 16       February 8            May 16

    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 use John of the Cross’s Sayings of Light and Love, one stanza monthly of The Spiritual Canticle and Guidelines for Mystical Prayer by Ruth Burrows to further our study and soak our souls in God’s love and grace. We end with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175.


    ZOOM ONLY
    GROWING IN NON-VIOLENCE:  COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION

         12 Fridays 1:30 – 2:30 PM

              Weekly from September 22  to December 15

    How do you express your real feelings and needs? Does your self-expression need a boost, or some TLC?  We will learn to listen to ourselves closely, be attentive to our real feelings and needs and notice how we are expressing them. Our communication with God, ourselves and others will become gentler and more respectful, more inclusive, and less reactive, with much better results. We will meet every Friday for 12 weeks for an hour to develop and practice less reactive and more compassionate communication skills. The world will be a kinder place if you can come. Do you have the time? It will be worth it! We will use Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $150.


    ZOOM ONLY
    EXPERIENCING GOD'S  LOVE IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

         3 Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:30 PM

              September 26     October 24     November 21

    We will read 3 chapters in this wonderful treatment of St. John’s Gospel by Anthony Kelly, CSSR and Francis Moloney, SDB. These chapters are:

         God in Love with the World

         The Father’s Enfolding Love, and the Good Shepherd

         The Bread of God

    These authors offer a profound interpretation and meditation on John’s Gospel. I’ve wanted to share this book for years. For those who wish, we will continue with further chapters in 2024. Give it a try. Led by S Marcy. Donation: $35

     

    ZOOM ONLY
    CONTEMPLATION MOMENTS:  A GRATITUDE PRAYER SERIES

         5 Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00 PM

              September 21     November 2, 16, & 30    December 21

    “If the only prayer you pray your entire life is, ‘Thank You,’ that will be enough.”  Meister Eckhart. 

    Every season calls forth from us the whisper of a “thank you.” Join us as we observe seasonal moments of gratitude. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $40


    ZOOM ONLY

    THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE 12 STEPS:  YEAR-LONG RETREAT

         12 Thursdays  7:00 – 8:30 PM

              September 14     December 7      March 7       June 6

              October 12          January 4          April 11        July 11

              November 9         February 1        May 9           August 8

    We are offering a year-long retreat with an in-depth personal and intense experience of the 12 steps with their corresponding passages in the Life Recovery Bible and Workbook. This promises to be a life-changing experience. Thirty minutes of prayer/reflection each day is required for the entire year. Quite a commitment! Led by Mary De Joseph and S. Marcy. Donation: $200


    THE NINE PORTRAITS OF JESUS
    THE ENNEAGRAM AND THE GOSPEL

         9 Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM

              September 20     December 13      March 20

              October 18          January 10          April 17

              November 15      February 21         May 15 

    Take a look at the Enneagram through the life of Jesus and the Gospel. Jesus is the best teacher of the Enneagram because he expresses each of the nine types perfectly in his personality. We will see how Jesus expresses the gifts of your type and what compulsion of your type Jesus teaches you to avoid. We will use Nine Portraits of Jesus by Robert Nogosek. The Enneagram Study follows at 3:00 PM if you can stay.  Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175.


    ENNEAGRAM STUDY

    NINE PATHS TO HOLINESS AND WHOLENESS
        9 Wednesdays   3:00 – 5:00 PM

              September 20      December 13       March 20

              October 18           January 10           April 17

              November 15       February 21          May 15  

    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. Again this year we will focus on how every type gets along with every other type. Sounds like fun! We will use More Than Your Number, A Christ-Centered Enneagram Approach by Beth and Jeff McCord and The Enneagram and Prayer by Barbara Metz and John Burchill. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200.


    ZOOM ONLY
    A HEART-CENTERED LIFE

         8 Mondays 6:30 – 8:00 PM

              September 18              November 6 & 20
             October 2, 16, & 30      December 4 & 18

    No one of us takes our vision for granted. Where would we be if we could not see? In Kevin O’Brien’s newest book, Seeing With the Heart, we have the opportunity to learn a myriad of ways to use our heart’s vision, to see God, to see life, to see others and to see ourselves ever more clearly! Led by

    S. Marie. Donation: $100


    DISCERNMENT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

         3 Mondays   1:00 – 2:30 PM

              September 18           October 2 & 16

    Walking a spiritual path can, at times, be a challenge. The clearer our vision is, the safer our journey will be. Learning the Ignatian rules of discernment aids us in detecting God’s truth and staying in God’s Light. Join us as we learn to bring the grace of discernment into our daily lives. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $45


    ZOOM ONLY
    THE EIGHT DOORS OF THE KINGDOM:  MEDITATIONS ON THE BEATITUDES

         4 Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30 PM

              September 13     November 8

              October 11          December 6

    The Gospel of St. Matthew shares with us astonishing words of Jesus: a promise of everlasting happiness, far removed from the usual recipes for gratification. The beatitudes reveal the face of God, made of gentleness mercy and humility, and propose the only effective path to human maturity, inner freedom and peace of heart! We will use The Eight Doors of the Kingdom by Jacques Philippe. Led by S. Pat Mensing. Donation: $60


    TEILHARD READING GROUP

         9 Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 PM

              September 15      December 8       March 1

              October 13           January 5           April 5

              November 10       February 2          May 3

    Our study of Teilhard continues this year with reading Rediscovering Teilhard’s Fire, edited by S. Kathy Duffy. 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.

      

    GOD’S GREAT STORY AND YOU 

         9 Thursdays 9:30 – 11:30 AM

              September 21     December 14       March 14

              October 19          January 11            April 18

              November 16      February 8            May 16

    Fr. William Barry, SJ is a wonderful writer, teacher, and practitioner of prayer, well known to those who train for spiritual direction ministry. This book was the last book he wrote before he died in 2020. It is personal, engaging and written in such a way that gives one insight into how to use scripture in prayer and how to use even this book as a way to deepen one’s prayer life. Led by Jerry Washko.
    Donation: $175


    ENRICHMENT PROGRAM  FOR CERTIFIED SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
        9 Thursdays  1:00 – 4:00 PM

              September 28      December 21       March 21

              October 26           January 18           April 25

              November 30       February 15          May 23

    Those who care for others also need to care for themselves. Those who help others pray also need 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 read Ignatian Discernment of Spirits for Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care by Mark Thibodeaux, SJ between sessions. Led by S. Marcy.  Donation: $225.


    THE REED OF GOD
        4 Mondays 9:30 – 11:00 AM

              November 20 & 27   December 11 & 18

    Our Blessed Mother became God’s divine instrument because, like a reed in a musical instrument, she allowed God to breathe God’s Spirit into her being. God offers each of us the same breath of life. Join us as we contemplate the classic book, The Reed of God and learn from Mary our way of giving voice to God’s Divinity. Led by S. Marie.  Donation: $60 

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    Francis House of Prayer

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

    609-877-0509

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