May 5, 2025

Dear Sr. Laura,

I just returned home on Friday from a week of meetings with the directors of the other Mercy retreat centers. We spent time working and praying at Mercy Center Auburn in Northern California. Catherine McAuley surely was smiling at the work this group was accomplishing! Our international group shared about how we can work together to continue to spread the Mercy charism. Each center is unique yet we share so much in common. These were truly blessed days and a perfect way to continue to celebrate the good news of resurrection.

We continue to celebrate with our Women's series on Tuesday, May 6th when we welcome back Connie Palmer, LCSW who will present on Daughters of God: Women and Wellness. That's a busy week as we have the Stitchers of Hope on Wednesday, Virtual Tea on Thursday and Spiritual Awakenings Video Club on Friday! The following week includes Drumming on Wednesday afternoon and Gentle Yoga and Compassion Practices to Restore Mind, Body and Spirit that evening. And there's more on the schedule for the rest of the month and into June!!

Our website has a new look, so please check it out and let us know what you think! Plus...we're so close to 1000 followers on Facebook! Please follow our page if you have not already done so as it will boost our presence on social media platforms. These are just 2 small signs of new life for us in this Easter season.

May the House of Prayer provide you some gold nuggets (like the miner in the statue above) that will enrich your spiritual journey as we move through this new month and into summer.

Easter Blessings,

Sr. Laura

Our Programs

We also have gift certificates in any amount that can make great gifts as well as mugs. Mugs are $15 each or 2 for $25 <---- click to inquire

Help us plan future programs at Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer. Your feedback is important, and we want to provide offerings that speak to your heart. Click here and tell us!

Did you ever wonder how you can make a positive impact at Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer? Today is your lucky day!

We need volunteers for committees, and this is how you can make a difference. Get in touch with Sr. Laura or MaryJo for more details. (click on their names)

Staff Directory

Click names to email or call 908-753-2091

Executive Director

Sr. Laura M. Arvin, OP

Program Director

Mary Jo Murphy

Administrative Assistant

Nancy Elkin

Communications Coordinator

Ellen Cagnassola

Spiritual Director

Sr. Eileen P. Smith, RSM

Co-Founder

Sr. Mary Jo Kearns, RSM

Mission Statement

The mission of Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, rooted in the Gospel and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, is to provide a sacred space, prayer experiences, and spirituality programs that help adults of any faith to encounter the God of mercy and share that mercy with others.  The mission moves beyond the House of Prayer to any place where we share our ministry.

Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer is a not-for-profit retreat center supported by free-will offerings. Those who cannot afford the suggested fees are urged to come and give what is possible. Those who can give more are encouraged to do so, since the fee stated for programs does not meet all our expenses. We gladly accept donations for scholarships. Thank you!

A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer

1651 US Highway 22

Watchung, NJ 07069

(908) 753-2091 | msmhope@msmhope.org