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
Mug Up - Fall 2025
We live in a world of constant response and chronic stress. We are often pulled in every direction and meaningful connections are lost. Connections to ourselves, to others, and to God. We need to pause.
Join us this fall as we read, Practice the Pause, by Caroline Oakes.
This online program is open to everyone, especially those who cannot make it to the center in person or perhaps is missing that connection with another.
Facilitators: Pat Lawlor and Allison Murphy
Date: Tuesdays in September
September 9, September 16
September 23, September 30
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Fee: $60
* Membership eligible program
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, 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
Amazing things happen when people gather to grow in their faith and encourage each other. We are envisioning a new opportunity for men as another part of the ministry of Mercy Spirituality Center.
We invite you to join us as we gather together in community. Our meetings will offer an opportunity to share a meal or refreshments together. We will explore spiritual readings and reflect how those readings expand our faith.
Our goal is to experience God’s grace and guidance together and deepen our connection to God and to other men in our daily lives. In January, we will also have a 1/2-day retreat.
Coordinated by: Ed Redmond, Rev. Harry Heintz, and Michael Salamone
Dates: Third Saturday of the month:
note: September date will be the 4th Saturday
September 27, October 18
November 15, December 20
Location: MSC
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $20 per individual session
$110 for the series
* Membership eligible program
2nd Annual Sipping to Celebrate
Sipping to Celebrate was so successful last year, we are bringing it back for a second year! Sipping to Celebrate recognizes our founder Catherine McAuley's birthday and we'll raise a teacup in her honor as we celebrate with a traditional afternoon tea.
Catherine’s life was dedicated to educating women. As a way of educating others, this is an incredible opportunity to bring a friend to our house for tea. Maybe it is someone who would benefit from a program, or someone in need of Mercy in her life.
So, bring a friend, come for tea, and stay for the conversation.
Facilitator: MSC Team
Date: Sunday, September 28
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $25 or 2 for $40
* 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:
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: Second Tuesday of each month except for July and August
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:
September 11, October 9
November 13, December 11
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
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.
Honoring Your Grief During the Holidays
The grieving process is unique for everyone and there is no predictable timeline. This is truer than ever when we approach times such as the holidays, anniversaries and significant life events.
Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, anticipating the loss, experiencing the loss of a beloved pet or the loss of a job, these days can be especially challenging.
Together we will share a simple meal, prayer and conversation in support of one another at this vulnerable time. There will be a brief presentation and facilitated sharing.
Each gathering time is a stand-alone event, so plan now to join us for one or both Sunday afternoons. We can even pause on December 14th to check the Bills score!
Facilitator: Sr. Karen Dietz, SSJ
Dates:
Sunday, November 23
Sunday, December 14
Time: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $25 per session or $40 for both
* Membership eligible program
Sr. Karen is a Sister of St. Joseph and has served in many pastoral roles around the diocese over the years. She is a certified Spiritual Director and currently serves as a member of the Pastoral Care Team at St. Ann's Community.
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.