July 17, 2020

Let us fly often to the foot of the cross and repose in the wounds of Jesus. He has written us in His hands. Shall we not write His wounds in our minds and hearts? -- Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy

Dear Friends:

What does it mean that Cranaleith Spiritual Center is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas ?   The mission of Cranaleith flows from larger mission of mercy “animated by the Gospel, and by Catherine McAuley’s passion for those who are poor.” Catherine deeply desired oneness with God; from this desire flowed a tender and joyous courage that broke through the impossibilities of her time to heal the wounds of suffering people.  

This sanctuary of trees offers a contemplative space to hold the brokenness and beauty of our lives and of earth itself. We are drawn deeper into God’s unrelenting love and find our way to one another. There we can hear the call to conversion. We become aware of the five Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy:

  • Listening to the cry of immigrants and refugees;
  • Confessing our complicity with racism and seeking to change both hearts and systems that oppress;
  • Opening our eyes to the pain of women and children seeking fullness of life;
  • Grieving the disfigured face of the earth and cherishing her sacredness; and 
  • Letting go of the violence that tears us apart. 

Each of you belongs to the Circle of Mercy that embraces Cranaleith. You are woven in our life. In the coming weeks, please join us for one of our virtual programs! Through our virtual historic house tour and tea you can see how Cranaleith carries on the mission of Catherine McAuley as well as Susan B. Anthony and the suffragettes. Listen to stories that bind us to the anguish and hope at our Southern border. Join us for book circle on the intersection of slavery and the suffrage movement. Engage in deeper conversation over the events of this summer. 

We hope to explore God’s mercy with you again soon! Be sure that we ask blessing for you each day. 
 
The Cranaleith Staff

“For the circle of mercy is timeless; it is spirit of life itself,
that roots us in faith and lifts us in hope and holds us in God’s loving hand.”
-- Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy
Circle of Mercy by Jeannette Goglia, RSM
Retreat From Home

In this time of COVID-19, when physical distancing is the order of the day, Cranaleith is offering new programs online via Zoom. 

Sunday, July 26, 1-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 30, 7-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 5, 12 and 19, 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 6, 7-9:00 p.m

Saturday, August 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m .

Tuesday, August 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

We Want Your Feedback!
True, the events of the past five months have impacted everyone's personal lives, but what about our professional work and ministry? Don't we need time for honest discussion about where we are professionally and where we'd like to go? Cranaleith can offer groups of working professionals customized virtual retreats to reconnect, revitalize or strategize.

We'd like to get your feedback on your needs at this time.
Our farm table is up and ready! We'll be out there 10 am to 1:00 p.m., EVERY WEDNESDAY THIS SUMMER! Included in our offerings which change weekly are fresh-cut flowers, shallots, cucumbers, kale, canned salsa and pesto, lavender, and beautiful masks. We also have items from our Gift Shop! Cards and more! Safety precautions will be taken to maintain social distancing.
Reflect From Home
 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

READINGS:
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Romans 8:26-27; and Matthew 13:24-43

Who’s to say where tenderness may lead? Sometimes we can see barriers fall away and trust grow. I have seen this when I practice active listening. While it is hard to quietly listen to what another is feeling or to simply ask questions, rather than spout opinions and solutions, wisdom inevitably arises that is strong and beautiful. Yet, it can be hard to trace the impact, as the person we “loved up” walks away. Certainly, they are better able to love the next person, who in turn is kind to the next, but what if it goes nowhere?

FOR REFLECTION:
  • When have you seen gentleness be a game-changer?
  • Where do you need to try a little tenderness? Ask the Spirit to help you do so.


From Good News 4 You by  Bernadette Rudolph
Resources From Home

Community Support

Fresh Produce - Visit our Farm Table at Cranaleith -
Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.



Spiritual Direction
We are still offering  Spiritual Direction via phone and teleconferencing. Contact Cathy Maguire, RSM at  cmaguire@cranaleith.org  or 215-858-6239. Psychotherapy is also available. Please contact Leslie Porreca, RSM, LCSW.  Learn more


Watch From Home


Connect With Us Online 
Get daily prayers, reflections, blog posts and images from our beautiful property via our website and social media channels.
Web:  www.cranaleith.org  


Give From Home
Did you know that when you make a purchase on Amazon you can choose a charity? Make your Amazon purchases through AmazonSmile and select Cranaleith Spiritual Center as your charity of choice – At no additional cost!
Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Cranaleith offers a contemplative space for all those seeking wholeness and transformation for themselves and society. We are committed to making Cranaleith accessible to all, especially to persons who are poor and those who work in solidarity with them. We invite those at the center of need and those at the center of influence to reflection, reverent dialogue and meaningful partnerships. Please help us support our work.
Cranaleith Spiritual Center | 13475 Proctor Road | Phila., PA 19116