Learn By Doing
Our retreats and programs go beyond good teaching. When you join us, you will be invited to enter into experiences to discover or deepen your spiritual practice—and bring it into your daily life.
Registration is now open
Living Sanctuaries: Being Safe Space the Mister Rogers Way
One amazing characteristic of Fred Rogers was the way he could help people feel so safe, so immediately. Whether kids appearing in front of thousands of viewers, or adults moved to child-like tears by this simple gift, to be with Mister Rogers was to feel safe. We all need such safe spaces and people with whom we feel seen, cherished, and connected, especially now.
This interactive workshop will explore three key elements Mister Rogers used to become a "living sanctuary" for those around him, how this connects with our Christian faith, and how we can become such safe spaces for the kids and adults in our lives.
Facilitator: Rev. Kevin Hershey
Date: Saturday, August 2
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $15
* Membership eligible program
The workshop is led by Kevin Hershey, a presenter at the Fred Rogers Institute’s 2025 conference, “The Work of Fred Rogers.” Kevin is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), New-Monastic monk, and former mental health therapist specializing in work with couples and families.
Walking in Prayer: Faith Journeys - What is Yours?
Each season we will gather at Mercy Spirituality Center, and we will begin with a session centered around "Faith Journeys" and the idea of 'what is your faith calling you to'? We will also be discussing our own faith journeys and journaling.
We may stay on our campus and other times we may walk to Highland Park or Mt. Hope Cemetery. This program will begin in the spring and meet in the summer, fall, and winter.
Come prepared to walk and prepared for the weather. We will be in the elements for about one hour. We will walk for approximately 40 minutes and then we'll journal.
Facilitators: Allison Murphy and Mary Cioppa
Dates: seasonally
Friday, August 1
Friday, October 3
Time (two options): 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $20 per session
* Membership eligible program
Men's Spirituality Group
The second half of our year, February-May, Harry will lead us in a study of St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
Our planning team has expanded: we welcome Mike Salamone, joining Ed and Harry.
Coordinated by: Ed Redmond, Rev. Harry Heintz, and Michael Salamone
Dates: Third Saturday of the month:
finished until the fall
Location: MSC
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $15 per individual session
* Membership eligible program
Where Two or More Are Gathered
When two or more of us are gathered in his name, Jesus is there among us. We know prayer works, and when we pray God will give us what we need.
We will gather monthly via Zoom and pray collectively for a group or petition in which our world needs prayers.
Facilitated by: MSC Team
Date: third Tuesday of each month:
August 19,
September 16, October 21,
November 18, December 16
Time: 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Place: Zoom
Cost: FREE!
Centering Prayer
Join us this fall for our centering prayer group. If you are unfamiliar with centering prayer, it is a contemplative form of Christian prayer, designed to center awareness on the presence of God.
Prayer begins with a reading by Thomas Keating, followed by a 20-minute quiet and seated contemplation. This is followed by walking and then another 20 minutes of seated contemplation. Prayer ends this hour long gathering.
Dates: Starting again in September
September 9
October 14
November 11
December 9
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: MSC
Facilitator: Mary Coughtry
Suggestion donation: $10 per session
* Membership eligible program
Day To Call Your Own
Come and enjoy a day to yourself in your own, private, comfortable room at Mercy Spirituality Center. You will be able to pray, contemplate, read and relax without being disturbed. A simple lunch of soup and bread is included. Morning prayer is optional.
Facilitator: Sr. Gert Erb, RSM
Dates: 2nd Thursday of each month:
August 14
September 11
October 9
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm; 9:30 am: Morning Prayer (optional)
Fee: $25
* Membership eligible program
The Twelve
What do we truly know about those who were closest to Jesus? This series takes a deep dive into the lives of the Apostles, as men, as professionals, and as followers of Christ. What were their lives like before joining Jesus in his public life? What happened to them after the Ascension? Were they martyrs? Did they die of old age? Join us for this most enlightening discovery. Each session will focus on a different disciple.
Date: second Monday of the month
August 11
September 8, October 13
November 10, December 8
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Facilitator: Allison Murphy
Fee: $25 per session or $250 for the series
* Membership eligible program
Artful Meditation
Visio Divina, based on the principles of Lectio Divina, uses works of art instead of scripture to deepen your relationship with God.
In this series, you will learn the principles of Visio Divina and then immerse yourself in art and reflecting on it. You may also experience creating your own art based on the art you view.
You can attend one, two, or all three sessions. Artistic skill is not a requirement and sharing of your experiences is optional.
Facilitator: Sr. Melissa Gernon, SSJ
Dates:
Friday, September 12
Friday, September 19
Friday, October 3
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $40 (art supplies included)
* Membership eligible program
Facilitator Melissa R. Gernon, SSJ. I am a provisional Master Level Art Therapist working towards my permanent license. I am also a former elementary school teacher of students in PreK-2nd grade. I practice Art Therapy at Hochstein School of Music in the Expressive Arts Therapy Department. I am currently seeking new clients. I also serve as an assistant to the Motherhouse Coordinating Team, overseeing the relocation of our Sisters and the disposition of excess furniture at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse.
Art provides opportunities for seeing a different side of spirituality and prayer. The best part is that you do not need to be artistic or even understand the intent behind the artwork to have an impact on your prayer life.
Ignatian Spirituality
Exercises of St. Ignatius In All of Its Forms
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in all of its forms, create an awareness of God in all things—all people, all creation, every human experience, and especially in the person of Jesus. We offer a model of the Spiritual Exercises designed by St. Ignatius for use in daily life which takes place over 30 weeks, rather than 30 days. This program is currently being offered virtually.