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Leaving the Shore: Experiencing Poetry as Prayer
In Leaving the Shore, spiritual director Colette Lafia invites us to see life through a contemplative lens and to notice what we so often miss.
She asks, what if your life could be experienced like a poem: alive with meaning, attentive to nuance, and awake to the presence of the Holy in every moment?
There will be short readings from Leaving the Shore, a simple lectio-style way of praying with a poem, spiritual journal writing, and quiet pauses for listening, along with time for Q&A.
Facilitator: Colette Lafia
Date: Tuesday, January 27th
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Zoom
Fee: Free!
Purchase the book here
Colette Lafia is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and award-winning author whose work invites a heart-centered encounter with Divine Love. As a graduate of the Living School, through the Center for Action and Contemplation, Colette has a passion for the contemplative path. She has worked in the spiritual formation programs at Mercy Center Burlingame and is a commissioned Centering Prayer presenter.
Saturdays with the Spirit
In 2026, we are launching “Saturdays with the Spirit.” Once a month, on a Saturday, we will host a short retreat day that includes lunch and offers a meaningful spiritual experience.
Each gathering is designed to help you grow closer to God, deepen your prayer life, or inspire new spiritual reflection. Facilitators will include Fr. Ed Palumbos, Rev. Harry Heintz, Sr. Elaine Englert, SSJ, Rev. Cindy Rasmussen, among others.
January: “Let Go and Move Forward.”
This day will focus on the practice of letting go—whether that means releasing physical possessions, negative emotions, or stress. Letting go is both a physical and spiritual process and holding on too tightly can prevent us from welcoming in what truly matters: loved ones, a richer prayer life, and God’s presence.
By releasing our burdens, we make room for healing and growth. Join us for a retreat dedicated to freeing yourself from what no longer serves you, creating space for clarity, peace, and renewed hope.
February: “Experiencing God's Love: A Journey Through Sacred History.”
In a world that often moves too fast, this morning of reflection offers a quiet sanctuary to reconnect with the ultimate source of all affection: the heart of the Divine. This retreat is an invitation to walk alongside those who have dedicated their lives to seeking God’s presence across the centuries. We will draw inspiration from a lineage of faith that spans from the early deserts to our modern life.
January Facilitator: Allison Murphy
Date: Saturday, January 24th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $60 per session (lunch included) or series pricing available
* Membership eligible program
February Facilitator: Rev. Cindy Rasmussen
Date: Saturday, February 14th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cindy has a Ph.D. in History and Theology and in addition to her role as Rector, she has also spent years in the classroom teaching Christian History, Public Theology, and Anglican Studies. Cindy serves as pastor, priest, and teacher for the St. Mark's and St. John's community.
Between Heaven & Earth: Lives of the Christian Mystics
Step into the world of the Christian mystics — women and men whose lives were filled with profound faith, deep prayer, and a burning desire for union with God.
Each month, this series invites you to explore the life and legacy of mystics who helped shape the spiritual landscape of Christianity. From the desert fathers and medieval visionaries to modern contemplatives, we will uncover their stories, struggles, and spiritual insights that continue to inspire today.
Together, we’ll learn who these mystics were, what they experienced, and how their courage and devotion transformed both their times and ours. Whether you’re new to Christian spirituality or have long been drawn to the mystical path, you’ll find this series both enriching and illuminating.
Facilitators: Allison Murphy, Lisa Lickona, Susan DiVita, and Susan Ward
Date: Fourth Monday of the month
January 26 - Allison - Ignatius of Loyola
February 23 - Sue D. - Teresa of Avila
March 23 - Sue W. - John of the Cross
April 27 - Lisa - Therese of Lisieux
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $25 per session or $250 for the series
* 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:
February 21, March 21
April 18, May 23
Location: MSC
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $20 per individual session
$110 for the series
* 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:
January 20, February 17, March 17
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
February 10, March 10
April 14, May 12
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:
February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm; 9:30 am: Morning Prayer (optional)
Fee: $25
* Membership eligible program
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.
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.