Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House
Monthly Series
IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM - PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS
A READING OF TEILHARD'S THE DIVINE MILIEU
9 Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 6 December 6 March 7
October 4 January 10 April 11
November 8 February 7 May 2
S. Kathy Duffy will lead us in our reading of Teilhard’s The Divine Milieu. 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: $200. Make an afternoon of it by choosing the Spiritual Exercises with Teilhard below.
THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES WITH TEILHARD
9 Fridays 3:00 – 4:30 PM
September 6 December 6 March 7
October 4 January 10 April 11
November 8 February 7 May 2
Teilhard adds a special flavor to the experience of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. If you have an appreciation for Teilhard, this experience of The Exercises is for you. We will use The Spiritual Exercises with Teilhard de Chardin by Augustin Udias, SJ and The New Spiritual Exercises in the Spirit of Teilhard de Chardin by Louis Savary. Led by S. Kathy Duffy and S. Marcy. Donation: $200
ZOOM ONLY
FRIDAY NIGHT WITH THE MYSTICS
9 Fridays 6:30 – 7:30 PM
September 6 December 6 February 28
October 4 January 3 April 4
November 1 January 31 May 2
The mystics offer us consolation and peace at the end of a busy workweek as they teach us to experience God in all things. The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu shows us that mystics are real people leading real lives, like us. It is a blessing to read this with a group! Led by S Marcy. Donation: $125
LIVING CONTEMPLATIVELY
9 Saturdays 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
September 7 December 7 March 1
October 5 January 4 April 5
November 2 February 1 May 3
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 of prayer a day. Bring your lunch. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $350
TUESDAY NIGHT CENTERING PRAYER
10 Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 PM
September 10 December 3 April 1
October 8 January 7 May 6
November 5 February 4 June 3
March 4
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 begin with two 20-minute Centering Prayer periods, with some Scripture between. We will view a short Thomas Keating video on Centering Prayer and use his classic Open Mind, Open Heart between sessions…a restful monthly evening retreat. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200
ZOOM ONLY
FIRST BELONG TO GOD: ON RETREAT WITH POPE FRANCIS
9 Tuesdays 7:00 – 8:15 PM
September 10 December 3 March 4
October 8 January 7 April 1
November 5 February 4 May 6
Austen Ivereigh, in his book, First Belong to God, combines Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises with Francis's Apostolic letters and helps the average individual understand and integrate the Spiritual Exercises in the light of contemporary living. Pope Francis is a Jesuit from the core of his being and his writings give witness to the depth of his understanding of world issues and Ignatian Spirituality for today. This is honestly a terrific treatment of the Spiritual Exercises for today's times as well as a good summary of Francis's teaching during his 11 years of pontificate. Led by S. Kathy Burton. Donation: $175
ZOOM ONLY
AFTERNOON TEA WITH POPE FRANCIS
5 Thursdays 2:00 – 3:30 PM
September 12 October 3 & 24 November 14 December 5
Do you ever feel the desire to deepen the quality of your daily living? Put the kettle on, make a cup of tea and join us as we share our reflections on Pope Francis’ 15 essential habits for living with hope and joy. Our text will be, A Good Life by Pope Francis. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $100
FRIDAY MORNING RETREAT
9 Fridays 9:15 AM – Noon
September 13 December 6 March 7
October 11 January 10 April 4
November 8 February 7 May 2
Essentially this is a morning set apart for God and you. We will enjoy The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron 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: $250
PRAYING WITH THE SONG OF SONGS
9 Mondays 9:30 – 11:00 AM
September 16 December 9 March 10
October 14 January 13 April 14
November 11 February 10 May 12
Open yourself to receive the grace and deep love of God by praying in a special way with the Song of Songs. Awakening Love by Gregory Cleveland, OMV will be our resource for daily prayer, readings & reflections. It’s different and exciting! Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $175
ZOOM ONLY
KARL RAHNER SERIES: THE MYSTICAL WAY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
9 Mondays 7:00 – 8:15 PM
September 16 December 9 March 10
October 14 January 13 April 14
November 11 February 10 May 12
Karl Rahner, SJ offers us an intelligent, insightful and inspiring treatment of the mystical life for our times. His writings give your mind something to chew on while quenching the thirst of your soul for truth. We will use Rahner’s The Mystical Way in Everyday Life. Led by Jerry Washko. Donation: $175
ZOOM ONLY
GROWING IN NON-VIOLENCE: COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION
12 Tuesdays 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Weekly from September 17 to December 3
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 Tuesday for 12 weeks for an hour on Zoom only (quite a commitment) to develop and practice less reactive and more compassionate communication skills. The world will be a kinder place and you will be more peaceful 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
12 PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY EATING
3 Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:30 PM
September 17 & 24 October 1
Give it a try and see if it helps you to be healthier and more mindful in your eating habits. We will have a one-hour evening Zoom meeting 3 weeks in a row. We will practice 4 principles of healthy eating each week and partner with another who will accompany us on our journey toward good choices between the sessions. Are you looking for a way, as God desires, to treat your body with the reverence it deserves? If the program helps, we will continue it longer. Led by S. Marcy.
Donation: $50
ZOOM ONLY
ENCOUNTERING GOD’S HEART AND YOURS
5 Tuesdays 6:45 – 8:00 PM
September 17 October 8 & 29 November 12 December 3
Every experience of prayer offers us the privilege of being invited into the loving heart of God. Guided by Ronald Rohlheiser’s book, Prayer, Our Deepest Longing, we explore the internal movements which may interfere with our prayer. Join with us as we seek to satisfy our deepest longings with God’s choicest graces. Led by S. Marie. Donation: $75
THE LIFE! ST. TERESA’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY
9 Wednesdays 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 18 December 18 March 12
October 16 January 15 April 9
November 13 February 12 May 14
We have studied The Interior Castle of Saint Teresa for the past several years and now it is time to get to know her differently by reading what is referred to as The Life. Teresa is flavorful and fun and has a personality as wide as the sky! Her autobiography reads like a novel. Are you looking for some food for your soul that will occupy your time better than you can imagine? It's fun in a group! We will use Volume One of The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, which is her autobiography, as our text. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200
THE 9 PORTRAITS OF JESUS
9 PATHS TO WHOLENESS AND HOLINESS
9 Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 18 December 18 March 12
October 16 January 15 April 9
November 13 February 12 May 14
We will take a look at the 9 paths to wholeness and holiness in the life of Jesus in the Gospel. Jesus is the best teacher because he expresses each path perfectly in his personality. We will see how Jesus expresses the gifts of your path and what compulsion in your path Jesus teaches you to avoid. We will use Nine Portraits of Jesus by Robert Nogosek and focus particularly on the interaction of one path with another in some helpful group work. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175
BREATH OF THE MYSTICS
9 Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 18 December 18 March 12
October 16 January 15 April 9
November 13 February 12 May 14
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. It is good to connect with our Christian ancestors who have inspired Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, and their contemporaries. Led by Jerry Washko. Donation: $175
HINDS’ FEET ON HIGH PLACES
9 Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30 PM
September 18 December 18 March 12
October 16 January 15 April 9
November 13 February 12 May 14
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a story of endurance, persistence, and reliance on God. This book has inspired millions to become sure-footed in their faith, even when facing the rockiest terrain. This beloved classic is available now in a charmingly illustrated edition that includes space for journaling. Written in allegory style, Hannah Hurnard captures the mystical journey in its entirety. This is a book you will never forget! Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175
ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS MADE EASY
9 Thursdays 1:00 – 3:00 PM
September 19 December 19 March 13
October 17 January 16 April 10
November 14 February 13 May 8
Saint John of the Cross is one of those writers that everyone quotes but few read because he's difficult to understand! If you would like, we are offering an easy read of John of the Cross called Union with God by Carmelite Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen. We will also enjoy John of the Cross’s Sayings of Light and Love which are short excerpts that familiarize us with his soul. I would love for you to hear what John has to say and get to know him a little. He will feed your hungry soul! We end each session with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $200
ZOOM ONLY
GOING TO GOD WITH EMPTY HANDS: RUTH BURROWS
9 Thursdays 3:30 – 4:30 PM
September 19 December 19 March 13
October 17 January 16 April 10
November 14 February 13 May 8
If you are looking for some rich nourishment for your soul, The Gospel Mysticism of Ruth Burrows by Michelle Jones is a fine choice! Really, Carmelite Ruth Burrows speaks to the soul as none other and is one of my favorites of all time! Give it a try. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175
ZOOM ONLY
THURSDAYS WITH JULIAN OF NORWICH: THE DRAWING OF THIS LOVE
9 Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00 PM
September 19 December 19 March 13
October 17 January 16 April 10
November 14 February 13 May 8
Julian of Norwich is one of those women mystics whose message has lasted over the centuries. She is best known for her quote, “All shall be well; all manner of things shall be well.” Julian offers confidence in confusion, calm in chaos, and soothing for the soul, because she is utterly focused on Jesus and his healing for us all. She is easy to understand and surprisingly relevant to our times. She will spread gentleness and kindness over your life! We will use The Drawing of This Love, by Robert Fruehwirth for our reading between sessions. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $175
RE-DEFINING MY LIFE: SPIRITUAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL GROWTH IN LIFE’S LATER YEARS
9 Fridays 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 20 December 20 March 14
October 18 January 17 April 25
November 15 February 14 May 16
Where have I been? Where am I now? And where am I going? These are haunting questions for life’s later years. We will ponder them as you take the time to reflect on your life, past, present and future and grow in faith, hope and love for the gift of your life. These 9 mornings are a gift to yourself to delve into the depths of your deepest desires at this point in your life as God and you make the last third the best of all. Follow your bliss! This program is usually offered as a weekend retreat but in order to accommodate schedules, I am offering it monthly for 9 sessions. It is well worth the effort. We will read The Inner Work of Transformation by Ted Dunn in between sessions and also receive a workbook for your use. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $225
PRAYER & ACTION FOR EARTH
9 Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:00 AM
September 24 December 17 March 18
October 22 January 14 April 15
November 19 February 18 May 13
Our group will meet each month to pray, read and take action “for the good of our common home.” We will read Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum by Pope Francis to help us to be “contemplatives in action” for Earth. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $175
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR CERTIFIED SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
9 Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00 PM
September 26 January 23 March 20
October 24 February 20 April 24
November 21 December 20 (Friday) May 22
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 Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies by Timothy Gallagher between sessions. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $350
LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
9 Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
September 27 December 13 March 14
October 18 January 10 April 11
November 22 February 14 May 16
Living with purpose; living the questions; living with depth; living in freedom; living out of great desires; living with compassion; living in hope and living with discernment. The down-to-earth writings of Kevin O’Brien, SJ reflect on how to discern God’s call each moment in order to live life more fully. We will use his new book, Seeing with the Heart: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Adventures. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $175
THE POWER OF FOCUSING: CARING FOR NEGATIVE FEELINGS
4 Fridays 1:00 – 3:00 PM
November 15 January 17 March 14 May 16
Focusing is a gentle process that encourages caring for your negative feelings in such a way that helps them move to a better place within you. You will partner with another for practice. We will read The Power of Focusing by Ann Weiser Cornell between sessions. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $100
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.
