Volume 35 December 5, 2022 | |
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December 5, 2022
Dear Laura,
This picture is from the inside of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Advent has a new meaning for me since my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. However we do not have to leave our chair to open our heart and prayer to new meanings revealed by God.
It's so easy to lose the meaning of this season with all the busyness of the approaching holiday. Advent is a time to prepare our heart--not just the cards, cookies and gifts. Last week we had a wonderful Advent evening, and this Tuesday there is still time to register for another wonderful program. It's about taking time to PAUSE--something I'm sure most of us need help doing these days.
There are still lots of other opportunities in these last weeks of 2022. We invite you to take advantage of the offerings--and to celebrate with us on Sunday at our annual Christmas Party! In January, our Mercy-In-Action Series will begin, and we are so excited to present a great line up of speakers!
But right now it's still Advent, 2022, so we wish you an Advent full of hope.
Advent Blessings,
Sr. Laura
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SACRED PAUSES
Tuesday, December 6th
7-9pm at the House of Prayer
and on Zoom
Do you sometimes feel pulled to do your next commitment? Do you forget to pause for a moment or two between your responsibilities? What makes a Pause Sacred and valuable? Come to Pause, take a breath and reconnect with the present moment. Sacred Pauses help us to remember who we are and what we can do with the gift of our lives.
$20-$30 as you are able
Presenter: Ellen Murphy
Ellen is an active parish minister and experienced spiritual director.
Click to Register
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SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS VIDEO CLUB
2nd Friday of the month beginning
Friday, December 9th
from 10-11:30am
at the House of Prayer and on Zoom
There are many great spiritual masters of our time. Richard Rohr, OFM and others have works that have touched millions of God-seekers. Join this monthly video club and share your insights and prayerful responses to the works of Fr. Rohr and others.
Future Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 10
Spiritual Awakenings Video Club Flyer
Click to Register
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SILENT DIRECTED RETREATS
An experience of personal prayer based on Scripture. Daily spiritual direction. Atmosphere of prayer quiet.
Weekends begin at 7pm on Friday and conclude on Sunday by 1pm.
$190/weekend; non-refundable deposit $90
Dec. 9-11
Jan. 6-8
Feb. 3-5.
Proof of COVID vaccination is required at time of registration.
Click to Register
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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Sunday December 11th
4-6:30 pm in the Mount Parlor
or
5-6:30pm on Zoom
Join us for prayer, games, surprise gifts, Christmas Carols, cocktails, carving station and more!
RSVP by Monday November 28th
Standard Ticket: $50 per person
Seraphim Choir: $75 per person
Cherubim Choir: $100 per person
Archangels: Greater than $100 per person
Register Here for In Person Participation
Register Here for Virtual Participation
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SACRED TIME, SACRED SPACE
Tuesday, December 13th from
9:30am-3pm
A personal, quiet day to enjoy God's presence. Day begins with communal prayer. Bring a bag lunch.
Days are from 9:30am-3pm.
$20-$30 as you are able
Future Dates: Jan. 25, Feb. 14
Click to Register
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DRUMMING ECSTASY CIRCLE
2nd Wednesday of each month
from 1:30-3pm at the House of Prayer
Next Session: December 14th
Music is one of the most glorious gifts of God. God uses drumming to enhance His powers to improve our health, lives--the essence of our being. Learn how to connect deeply with God through Rhythm.
$20-$30 as you are able
Presenter: Barbara Woodzell
Barbara is a Mercy Associate and musical therapist.
Drumming Ecstasy Circle Flyer
Click to Register
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VIRTUAL COMFORTABLE CUP OF TEA
First and Third Thursdays
Next Session on December 15th
3-4pm
Join us on Zoom for an hour of lectio divina prayer, conversation and small group sharing.
Freewill offering
Future Dates: Jan. 5, 19, Feb. 2, 16
The link will be sent when you click on the Tea Date on the homepage of the website in the "Tea" box or on the date on the calendar.
Homepage
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MAN TO MAN
4th Tuesday of the month
Tuesday, December 27th
from 7-8:30pm
at the House of Prayer and on Zoom
Men have unique roles in life...husbands, fathers, grandfathers, the single life and religious life...We're pushed and pulled in a thousand directions by responsibilities, stress, loss and by joys. Where can we find time to reflect on the loss and gain of our lives? For all men--young, old and in between.
Future Dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 28
Man to Man Flyer
Click to Register
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YEAR END DAY OF PRAYER
Saturday, December 31st
9:30am-3pm
at the House of Prayer
Spend this last day of the year reflecting on the many gifts God has bestowed on you. Day begins and ends with communal prayer. Bring a bag lunch.
$20-$30 as you are able.
Click to Register
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Our Mercy In Action Series will begin on January 18th. Join us on Zoom every 3rd Wednesday of the month as we deepen our understanding of the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Look at this amazing lineup of speakers:
January 18th--Non Violence--FR. JOHN DEAR
February 15th -- Racism --GLORIA PURVIS
March 15th--Women--DR. SHANNEN DEE WILLIAMS
April 19th--Earth--DAN MISLEH
May 17--Immigration--DAVID SPICER
June 21--Integration Session
Some of the sessions may have an in-person option at the House of Prayer
Click to Register
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CALENDAR RAFFLE WINNERS!
December 1: Jennifer P. of Bernardsville, NJ
December 8:
December 15:
December 22:
December 29:
January 5:
January 12:
January 18:
January 26:
February 2:
February 9:
February 16:
February 23:
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Have you ever thought about Spiritual Direction? Sharing your prayer with a trusted guide is a wonderful way to delve deeper into our programs--and into life itself. You can learn more about the ministry of Spiritual Direction and Meet Our Spiritual Directors on our website by clicking the links below.
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UPCOMING PRESENTERS:
Jean Stokan -- January 31st
Deacon Reynaldo Lopez -- February 7th
Sr. Honora Nicholson, RSM -- February 25th
To View Our Brochure Click Below:
September 2022-February 2023 Brochure
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We email reflections written by members of the House of Prayer Community every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Let us know if you would like to receive these messages of hope.
Every Thursday from 7:30-8:30pm we host our Eucharistic Hour of Prayer. All are welcome.
Check out the other Sister of Mercy Retreat Centers! They have some great offerings and you can connect with through our website!
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Click link below to see our updated COVID protocols
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We have mugs and gift certificates that make great gifts!!
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Director:
Laura M. Arvin, OP
Co-Director:
Eileen P. Smith, RSM
Part-Time Staff:
Mary Jo Kearns, RSM
Administrative Assistant:
Nancy Elkin
Adjunct Spiritual Directors:
Brigitte Pincelli, Donna McCabe, Ed Reitter, Jim Choma, and Susan Delaney-Choma
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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.
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A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
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1651 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 * 908-753-2091 * msmhope@msmhope.org
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