June 10, 2021 | DONATE
"The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground."
G. K. Chesterton

Dear Friends,                                                

When was the last time you allowed yourself to play? To laugh out loud? To let your mind wander? With so many responsibilities and distractions in our lives, it’s difficult to make time for play. But what if G. K. Chesterton is right? What if Heaven is a playground? Would that change your view of spirituality in this life? Would you make time for play?

Ignatian blogger Andy Otto observes, “For many of us play is something that comes after the “seriousness” of spirituality, religion, or prayer…But play involves the tapping into something deeper within ourselves. When we play, we discover joy and allow ourselves to be vulnerable.”

Today, we invite you to set aside a few moments for play. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and creative in your spiritual pursuits. Listen to a song that you enjoyed in your youth. Play a game or use your imagination. We pray that the Spirit will fill your hearts with joy this day!

Peace,
The Cranaleith Staff
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
Matthew 19:14
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & RETREATS
Scholarships are available because everyone is welcome at Cranaleith. Please email info@cranaleith.org so we can assist you.
Re-Opening News!
We are delighted to share that we are increasing our on-site capacity to 50% on July 1, 2021! We invite groups of 36 or fewer to schedule your meetings, group retreats or staff development retreats today!

Come, return to the place where your spirit feels at home.

Please read the full press release
Enter into the sacredness of life through the passageway of ritual! God is the One Who dances in the rhythms of creation…light and darkness, times and seasons, silence and song, growth and diminishment. We also dance in these same rhythms; in both ordinary and significant moments, our lives are laced with mystery.  

This program will include sharing stories, personal reflection, writing your own psalm and designing a new ritual that will draw you into fullness of life. 
Let Celtic spirituality, which delights in “the edge of the world,” unfold the interplay of wisdom and contemplation for you. This morning retreat will include time for prayer, input and sharing. Come, open to the wonder that God desires for us!
Volunteer "Re-Orientation"
June 23, 10am-12pm
Calling all Cranaleith volunteers! Are you ready to return to Cranaleith? We're ready to welcome you back! Join us on Wednesday, June 23 from 10am-12pm for a re-orientation to Cranaleith and its ministries. You'll meet new staff members, get up to speed on current Cranaleith happenings and policies, and enjoy some time with friends! Lunch will be served. New volunteers are welcome!

Registration required. Space is limited.
Cranaleith Awarded Historic Preservation Grant
We are delighted to share that Cranaleith is a recipient of a Keystone Historic Preservation Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission!

“As stewards of Mill-Rae, it is our goal to preserve the historic property and make it accessible to those who seek spiritual solace and renewal,” said Deborah Kost, executive director of Cranaleith Spiritual Center.
Training Opportunity
Our friends at Interfaith Philadelphia are excited to offer an online training opportunity to prepare educators and youth development professionals to create spaces where youth can engage in meaningful dialogue and hone the social and emotional skills it takes to be engaged community members. Learn more.
Poetry from Home
Watch from Home
June 12 is World Day Against Child Labor. How can individuals end child labor in their communities?
"Pope Francis' Priceless Interactions with Kids"
Listen from Home
"This Little Light of Mine"
Performed by Bruce Springsteen with the Sessions Band
"Children, Go Where I Send Thee"
Performed by
The Spelman College Glee Club
"In the Garden"
Performed by
Elizabeth Louise, Harpist
Reflect from Home
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B Ezekiel 17:22-24; 2Corinthians 5:6-10; and Mark 4:26-34
Some of us identify as progressive; some of us as conservative—both choices coming from OUR vision of how the world works. But God has a whole other agenda, getting stuff done, we know not how!Read more.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
From www.GoodNews4You.net by Bernadette Rudolph
Resources From Home

Community Support

Explore from Home


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

Retreats
Individual retreats available — both online and onsite options! Call Maria DiBello, RSM, at 215-934-6206 or visit our website www.cranaleith.org/retreats to learn more.

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

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