Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center
Monthly Series
ALL SERIES ARE OFFERED BOTH IN PERSON AND BY ZOOM. INDICATE YOUR CHOICE WHEN REGISTERING.
MONTHLY SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
9 Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM
September 9 December 16 March 10
October 21 January 20 April 21
November 18 February 10 May 5
For this year’s Monthly Spiritual Exercises, I am returning to my two favorites: The Ignatian Adventure and The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything. These two Jesuits will lead us with exquisite expertise through the Exercises of St. Ignatius. What a wonderful spiritual journey!
Donation: $175.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION INTERN PROGRAM
10 Thursdays 8:45 AM – 4:30 PM
September 10 December 10 April 8
October 8 January 7 May 6
November 12 February 4 June 3
March 11
Francis House offers an intensive 3-year Intern Formation Program for those desiring to become Spiritual Directors. This program meets one Thursday a month for the Ignatian Exercises, studies in Prayer & Discernment and a Practicum in the Art and Discipline of Spiritual Direction.
THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE 12 STEPS
FOR EVERYONE
9 Thursdays 8:45 – 10:30 AM
September 10 December 10 March 11
October 8 January 7 April 8
November 12 February 4 May 6
The 12 Steps are for all of us, as we all have attachments and addictions and desire freedom from them. This Program will take us through the traditional 12 Steps that teach us to rely on God as our Liberator. We will use Gerald May’s Addiction and Grace and review Keating’s Divine Therapy & Addiction for further support between session and view a short video when possible. Whether you are new to the 12 Steps or are familiar with them, you are welcome. Led by Mary DeJoseph and Deacon Bill Wilson. Donation: $20 for the book and a Love Offering for each session.
THE ARTIST’S WAY
DISCOVERING & RECOVERING YOUR CREATIVITY
10 Thursdays 1:30 – 3:00 PM
September 10 November 12 January 7 March 11 May 6
October 8 December 10 February 4 April 8 June 10
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 classic on creative living, The Artist’s Way. Donation: $200, includes book.
FRIDAY MORNING RETREAT
BRIDGES TO CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING
9 Fridays 9:15 AM – Noon
September 11 December 4 March 5
October 2 January 8 April 9
November 6 February 5 May 7
This year we will use Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton for the content of our Friday morning retreat. Each month we will focus on one of the 8 booklets in the series as a means of understanding and experiencing your intimate life with God. The morning will also include two 20-minute sessions of contemplative prayer. We will read Thomas Merton's Essential Writings between sessions. Donation: $225, includes books.
TEILHARD READING GROUP
9 Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 11 December 4 March 5
October 2 January 8 April 9
November 6 February 5 May 7
Our study of Teilhard continues this year with the reading of Louis Savory’s Teilhard de Chardin on the Gospels, The Message of Jesus for an Evolutionary World. Please join our lively discussions about Teilhard’s vision of God’s plan for the ongoing growth and evolution of all creation into full union with God in Christ. Donation: $175, includes book.
SPIRITUAL READING GROUP
9 Fridays 6:30 – 8:30 PM
September 11 December 4 March 5
October 2 January 8 April 9
November 6 February 5 May 7
Good spiritual reading is a must for spiritual growth. Companions on the journey help with the practice of this spiritual exercise. This will be fun as well as fruitful. Can you devote one Friday night a month to this pursuit? As usual, we will feast on a variety of spiritual gems. Donation: $225, includes all books.
The Wounded Healer Henri Nouwen
The Drawing of This Love Julian of Norwich
Essential Writings James Martin, SJ
Upstream Mary Oliver
LIVING CONTEMPLATIVELY
9 Saturdays 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
September 12 December 5 March 6
October 3 January 9 April 10
November 7 February 6 May 8
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 worth a day a month and an hour a day. Bring a bag lunch. Tuition: $325
MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY
9 Mondays 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 14 December 14 March 8
October 19 January 11 April 12
November 16 February 8 May 10
We will study and pray with St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans during these 9 monthly sessions. What a privilege! Please bring your Bible. Led by Sister Pat Mensing, SSJ. Donation: $150.
MONDAYS WITH MERTON
4 Mondays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 14 October 5 November 9 December 7
Thomas Merton will be our guide to the contemplative way of life. In this series, we will use his book, Contemplative Prayer. Time will also be given to experience Lectio Divina and contemplative prayer. Donation: $75, includes book.
RADICAL SPIRIT
9 Mondays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 14 December 14 March 8
October 19 January 11 April 12
November 16 February 8 May 10
As chaos and uncertainty reign all around, Sister Joan Chittister’s invitation to the sacred power waiting for us at the depths of our spirit could not be more necessary or timely. Radical Spirit is both compelling and liberating for the living of these days and is one of the most helpful and hopeful books of the season. Led by Sister Pat Mensing, SSJ. Donation: $175, includes book.
FULL SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
30 WEEKLY MEETINGS ON ZOOM
Tuesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM
September 15 – April 20
On Zoom to alleviate travel each week. In this “full” version, we will experience the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius which correspond to a 30-day retreat at a retreat house. You are committing to one hour of prayer every day and the weekly meeting. Donation: $350
CLASSICS ON CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
9 Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 PM
September 15 December 8 March 2
October 13 January 5 April 13
November 10 February 2 May 11
Treat yourself to an evening of prayer each month. Grow in the practice of contemplative prayer by coming to these monthly sessions. The evenings include two 20-minute contemplative prayer periods, with Lectio Divina between. We will view a DVD series by Fr. Thomas Keating and read Thomas Merton on Prayer by John Higgins, SJ between sessions. This is a wonderful group of pray-ers. All are welcome! Donation: $175, includes book.
FRIENDS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA
9 Wednesdays 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 16 December 9 March 3
October 14 January 6 April 14
November 11 February 3 May 12
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. Come join us as Teresa leads us on our journey to full union with God. This journey is for all of us. Each session includes 20 minutes of Centering Prayer and a brief tape by Keith Egan. This year we will read Carmelite John Welch’s Spiritual Pilgrims for our reading between sessions. Donation: $175, includes book.
THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING
9 Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 16 December 9 March 3
October 14 January 6 April 14
November 11 February 3 May 12
I want to introduce you to the Cloud! Without a doubt, The Cloud of Unknowing is the classic on contemplative prayer. It gets to the heart of your desire for God, and more importantly, God’s desire for you. It speaks of “naked intent toward God,” and God’s overwhelming attraction to you. It’s user-friendly, not so esoteric that you can’t understand. If you’ve never read it, perhaps now is the time. Follow the call of God! Why not? Donation: $175, includes book.
AWAKENING TO THE FIRE
4 Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 16 October 14 November 11 December 9
Spend time discovering how God is revealed in the beauty and wonder of the story of the universe. As we contemplate God's ongoing creation of the universe, we begin to notice the promptings of God's Spirit in ourselves and realize that our story is enfolded in the whole story of God's love. We will use Judy Cannato's book, Radical Amazement, to guide us. Donation: $75, includes book.
DISCERNMENT COURSE
WHY DID GOD MAKE ME?
9 Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:00 PM
September 16 December 9 March 3
October 14 January 6 April 14
November 11 February 3 May 12
How can we become truly the person God wants us to be with our own unique call and purpose? St. Ignatius teaches us well how to hear the voice of God and discern the Spirits. We will review his Rules for Discernment and use Why Did God Make Me? Finding Your Life’s Purpose, Discernment in an Evolutionary World by Louis Savory. Donation: $175, includes book.
HONORING YOUR CONTEMPLATIVE SOUL
THE BEST OF THOMAS KEATING
9 Thursdays 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 17 December 17 March 18
October 22 January 14 April 15
November 19 February 11 May 13
During this 2-hour session each month, we will study the teachings of Trappist Fr. Thomas Keating as he presents contemplation as Divine Therapy for the healing of our souls. We will conclude each session with 20 minutes of contemplative prayer. This program is particularly for those who desire to deepen their practice of contemplative prayer, or centering prayer as we sometimes call it. Donation: $175, includes book. If you can, make a day of it by attending the St. John of the Cross series below at 1:00 PM.
STUDY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS
9 Thursdays 1:00 – 3:00 PM
September 17 December 17 March 18
October 22 January 14 April 15
November 19 February 11 May 13
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. We continue our study of St. John this year by focusing on John’s The Dark Night. We end with 20 minutes of centering prayer. Donation: $175 includes book. If you can, make a day of it by attending the Thomas Keating series above from 9:30–11:30 AM.
ENNEAGRAM STUDY
9 PATHS TO HOLINESS & WHOLENESS
9 Thursdays 3:30 – 5:30 PM
September 17 December 17 March 18
October 22 January 14 April 15
November 19 February 11 May 13
Years ago, I offered this in-depth study of the Enneagram. People still refer to that experience as one of the most life changing events of their life. 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. Donation: $200.
THE MATURING OF YOUR SOUL
PILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAST THIRD OF LIFE
8 Fridays 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
September 18 October 16 November 20 December 11
February 12 March 12 April 16 May 14
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. This 8-part series meets monthly for the 65+ in this most graced season of life. We will use Thomas Keating’s videos on The Gift of Life and Life Eternal and read Winter’s Graces by Susan Stewart between sessions. Donation: $225, includes book and lunch.
MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER
8 Mondays 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 28, October 5 & 19, Nov. 9, 16, 23 and Dec. 7 & 14
This is another wonderful way to experience the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. You will be invited to pray about 30 minutes each day. If your relationship with God is pleading for attention and if you feel called by God to deepen your prayer, please treat yourself to this retreat. Donation: $150, includes the book.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR CERTIFIED SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
WITH SUPERVISION
8 Wednesdays 1:00 – 4:00 PM
September 30 January 13 March 24
November 4 February 24 April 28
December 2 May 19
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 enjoy Timothy Gallagher’s A Handbook for Spiritual Directors between sessions. Donation: $225, book included.
THE DIVINE DANCE
WITH RICHARD ROHR
9 Mondays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
October 19 January 11 April 12
November 16 February 8 May 10
December 14 March 8 June 7
Richard Rohr, OFM helps us to notice how God invites and beckons us into relationship and community through the love of the Trinity. We will use Rohr’s book, The Divine Dance, as our guide in prayer and discussion this year. We will also spend time in contemplative prayer each session. Donation: $175, includes book.
Four Ways to Pay
1. Mail a check to Francis House.
2. Bring cash or check with you the day of your program.
3. Request a check through your online banking.
4. Pay by credit card; click the button below.
