"My heart was all but weaned away
From every lure of old delight.
Then summer came, announced by June,
With beauty, miracle and mirth…"
Dear Friends,
Happy Summer! It’s that time when everything seems possible, when we have energy and daylight to spare. The earth itself is bursting with life. We wake each day to find blossoms have opened and tomatoes have ripened, we know not how.
As we revel in the Spirit creating so graciously, gratuitously, about us, rest and stillness also call – in the deep green of the leaves, the starry sky and the roll of the waves. In our inner landscape, we notice broken fences, overgrown pathways, weedy fields. We marvel at renewed strength, new growth, the desire to try something harder.
Can the long light of summer cajole us into letting go the grief of the pandemic? Can the warmth of the sun be a balm to the pains of prejudice and oppression? Can we let the running water wash away the mess of our poverty and loneliness? To be sure, summer is not all that is needed, but it is God’s gift extended to us, the new life of hope in which we truly live. Lean into summer and come to Cranaleith – in person or online. Know that we pray for you daily and are ready to welcome you!
The Cranaleith Staff
|
|
I felt [summer’s] heart against my own,
I breathed the sweetness of her breath,
Till all the cark of time had flown,
And I was lord of life and death.
“Summer Magic”
Leslie Pickney Hill
|
|
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & RETREATS |
|
Scholarships are available because everyone is welcome at Cranaleith. Please email info@cranaleith.org so we can assist you.
|
|
|
|
Join in this summer’s Cranaleith book circle focused on Caste, the latest book from Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Isabel Wilkerson! This spirited, thought-provoking exploration will consider themes and insights particularly as they pertain to our individual and collective spiritual lives and the critical concern of racism.
If Caste is on your "to read" list, take this opportunity to read and reflect along with the Cranaleith community!
|
|
REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 1! MARK YOUR CALENDAR! |
|
Countless visitors to Cranaleith talk about how it has opened them up to peace, healing and God –and how much they have missed Cranaleith during the pandemic. This program is an opportunity for friends of Cranaleith to come onsite and enjoy the beauty of Cranaleith that touches the soul. |
|
"Knit, Crochet, Pray Together" Begins a New Quarter on July 6 |
Those of us who knit and crochet know its positive impact on our body, mind and spirit. Are you a returning participant? Renew your participation today! New group members are welcome!
Note: This groups meets every Tuesday, alternating between in-person gatherings at Cranaleith and Zoom.
|
|
|
Sokmala (So-MA-la) looks forward to working with our grounds crew, kitchen staff, and volunteers as Cranaleith's new Operations Manager! |
|
Sokmala Chy (So-MA-la Chai) joins the Cranaleith team as our new Operations Manager!
Sokmala has worked at various nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she was the Executive Director at the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia and a member of the Mayor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.
|
|
We are thrilled to report that, thanks to your generosity, we've exceeded our goal to match $75,000 in pledged gifts from Ron Selzer of the Broken Wing Foundation and Jeanne & Frank Trainer, Jr.! Your dedication to Cranaleith's mission throughout the pandemic has sustained us and allowed us to grow. On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, thank you for your generosity!
Want to make a gift before our fiscal year ends on June 30? Donate here!
|
|
|
"How Can I Keep From Singing?"
Performed by Eva Cassidy
|
|
"Light the Fire"
By Liam Lawton
|
|
"Webale (Thank You)"
Performed by the Watoto Children's Choir
|
|
|
|
This experiential workshop will instruct and engage participants in Zen meditation as a contemplative prayer form that helps you open to God’s presence here and now, beyond words and concepts. Zen practice will be presented as a way to love God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength by helping you develop the discipline to show up each day to spend quality time with God, undistracted by thoughts, concepts, theories, images, and daydreams. Learn more here!
Registration opens July 1!
|
|
|
|
Is there someone you want to introduce to Cranaleith? This is the ideal program for those who don't have much experience with a spiritual center or a retreat! Try a labyrinth walk, pray the Stations of the Cross and enjoy reflective conversations. Bring yourself, just as you are, and let God’s mercy be a balm for whatever wearies you. Learn more here!
Registration opens July 1!
|
|
|
|
|
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15 and Mark 5:21-43
One bitterly cold morning, a young man begged on the corner. His coat was just a hoodie; his bare hands were chapped and bleeding. I held them as I told him about the local social service agencies. As I ran to get him coffee, I thought about giving him my gloves. Then I thought about how hard it had been to find those gloves. I gave him some cash instead. Ten minutes later, I was angry enough with myself that I took the gloves to the street corner. Too late! The young man was gone. What had held me back?
|
|
Save the Date! The Cranaleith Spiritual Center Harvest Festival returns Sunday, October 10, 2021! Join us for an afternoon of outdoor fun, including children's games, craft vendors and raffle baskets in support of Cranaleith's ministries! This event is FREE and open to the public! Learn more here!
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
