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International Women's Day...Give Them a Hand
Join Mary as she presents images and photographs taken during her work with women from places around the world such as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kenya, India, and others. Explore the spiritual insights evoked by these images. There will be ample time to use your hands in creative endeavors.
Facilitator: Dr. Mary Pilat
Date: Sunday, March 8
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $25 (includes supplies for creativity project)
* Membership eligible program
Dr. Mary Pilat is an Education and Human Development Specialist with a Doctorate from Vanderbilt University with a focus on social justice at the personal and organizational levels. Her work has taken her on many pilgrimages and journeys in places such as Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China interacting with people around global leadership issues. She’s used art and imagery as a vehicle of communication.
Cabrini: Advocacy at its Finest
The inspiring and powerful film, Cabrini, brings to life the incredible true story of Francesca Cabrini, a visionary leader who defied the odds to advocate for the poor, immigrants, and marginalized communities. After the film, we’ll have the opportunity for discussion, and light refreshments will be served.
Facilitator for discussion: Ed Redmond
Date: Monday, March 16
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $20
* Membership eligible program
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.
March: "Prayer and Fasting – A Key to our Spiritual Life?"
Prayer, fasting, and the giving of alms are the three pillars on which our Lenten tradition is built. Jesus tells us about the first two pillars, and our scriptural tradition continually reminds us that giving alms, that is the thinking of others first, is an integral part of what it means to have a good lent. We'll explore each of these pillars and allow their power to touch our hearts and transform our lives.
March Facilitator: Fr. Ed Palumbos
Date: Saturday, March 14th
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
Fr. Ed was ordained in 1972 and was most recently Pastor of the Church of the Assumption in Fairport where he served for 17 years. He preaches and presides weekly in the Community of St. Boniface, St. Mary, and Blessed Sacrament. He is a frequently requested retreat director and still “loves being a priest.”
Writing Pysanky
The ancient art of writing pysanky encompasses meaning-filled symbols and colors to decorate eggshells in celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.
Dates: Tuesdays, March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21
Facilitator: Rev. Twyla Boyer
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $100 (all supplies included)
* Membership eligible program
Seeing with New Eyes: Hidden Insights
Explore how an item of clothing can generate emotional responses that conflict, especially in today's culture. This four-week series provides an opportunity to contemplate the spiritual, psychological, political, etc. There will be opportunity for personal reflection in how the veil plays an integral part of your own life's journey.
Facilitator: Dr. Mary Pilat
Dates: Thursdays,
April 2, 9, 16, and 23
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $80
* Membership eligible program
Dr. Mary Pilat is an Education and Human Development Specialist with a Doctorate from Vanderbilt University with a focus on social justice at the personal and organizational levels. Her work has taken her on many pilgrimages and journeys in places such as Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China interacting with people around global leadership issues. She’s used art and imagery as a vehicle of communication.
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
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:
March 21, April 18, May 23
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
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:
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
March 10, April 14, May 12
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
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:
March 12, April 9, May 14
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
9:30 am: Morning Prayer (optional)
Fee: $25
* Membership eligible program
Entering the Castle
You are warmly invited to join our upcoming workshop series dedicated to exploring "The Interior Castle" by Teresa of Avila. This transformative series will guide participants through the spiritual insights and mystical wisdom found in Teresa's renowned work, offering opportunities for reflection and personal growth.
Each session will focus on different "mansions" of the soul as described by Teresa, combining discussion, guided meditation, and practical exercises to deepen your spiritual journey. Whether you are new to her writings or seeking to enrich your understanding, this series is open to all who wish to engage in thoughtful exploration and community learning.
Whether you are new to this spiritual classic or revisiting its timeless wisdom, come discover its riches in the company of fellow seekers.
We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching experience.
Facilitator: Sue DiVita
Dates: Third Thursday of the month for 8 months
April 23, May 21, June 18
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $150
* Membership eligible program
Sacred Threads of Mothering & Creation with a Forest Bathing Retreat
Immerse your mind, body, and soul and experience rejuvenation and healing this Mother's Day. Enjoy quiet, calm, sensory, and mindful interactions with nature in the beautiful surroundings of Mercy Spirituality Center.
Forest Bathing Guide: Nancy Weise
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Mercy Spirituality Center
Fee: $75 for a duo/$50 if you come solo (lunch is included)
* Membership eligible program
Nancy is a Mercy Associate and Certified Forest Bathing Guide. Being in the outdoors and sharing her passion for nature has been a lifelong pursuit. She taught for 30 years and was in Girl Scout Leadership for 25. In retirement, forest bathing provides
a source to pursue her passion.
For Overnight Retreats please visit the link.
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.