Then he told them many things in parables, saying:
“A farmer went out to sow his seed..."
Matthew 13:3
Dear Friends of Cranaleith,
We are storytellers. Whether we’re gathered around a campfire or in a Zoom room, all of us long to share and hear stories that help us process our collective human experience. Take, for example, the Lenten tradition of recounting the Passion story; many of us will reflect on Christ’s suffering by reading the Bible. Others will watch the narrative unfold on film or listen to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s groundbreaking musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. No matter the format or medium, we go back to the story again and again to remind ourselves that Christ’s sacrifice and triumph over death has a very real presence in our lives, especially during the dark and difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we continue our Lenten journey, we invite you to gather with us via Zoom as we share stories both familiar and new, joyful and poignant. Hear the story of two African-American activists in “Letters to Aunt Hattie” on March 25. Share your own story of loss and grief in our new support group to be held on Thursdays in April. Listen, share and heal with us. Know always of our prayers for you.
The Cranaleith Staff
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"Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:9
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All retreats are offered virtually on Zoom. Scholarships are available because everyone is welcome at Cranaleith. Please email info@cranaleith.org so we can assist you.
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You may be familiar with the names Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul. But do you know Harriet Forten Purvis and Charlotte Purvis Grimke? This aunt/niece duo worked for the causes of anti-slavery and women’s suffrage in the nineteenth century, making their mark on Philadelphia and the nation. Through first-person performances and storytelling, Gigi McGraw will shed light on the lives and legacies of these incredible women. Don’t miss your chance to “meet” Harriet and Charlotte on March 25!
Program fee: $10
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Together we will stand in the fire of grief. Through music, poetry and the sharing of our stories, we will move through the flames toward hope and healing. Cloaked in compassion and love, we will find our way.
Cranaleith wishes to support everyone who is grieving with a free support group. The group will meet weekly in April. We will focus on discussion, relying on mutual support as a tool for healing. Come to as many of the sessions as you can manage.
This is a free program.
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Do you need a Lenten getaway?
Do you miss Cranaleith’s beauty?
Have you spent quiet time with God lately?
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Book a Private Onsite Retreat Now!
Consider coming to Cranaleith for an onsite retreat for two to seven days. We can safely host up to four overnight retreatants at a time. Our Reopening Plan follows CDC guidelines.
215-934-6206, ext. 102, to schedule the time for renewal you’ve been missing!
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Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we are well on our way towards reaching our $75,000 goal—but we still have a long way to go! Will you double the impact of your gift by donating to Cranaleith today?
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Vincent VanGogh, The Sower
by Zusapan, Arts and Faith in Lent,
Loyola Press
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Krista Tippet interviews Greg Boyle, SJ on On Being
BBC Ideas
by James Wheldon
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Reflect from Home
The Good News 4 You: Fifth Sunday
of Lent
One day, as I lay crying in my windowless bedroom, I became aware that someone else was in the room with me, sitting on the bed. Somehow, I knew this was God and God was as sad as I was. God was with me and that was no small thing… Read more.
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Call for Cranaleith Stories |
Which Cranaleith retreat has had the most significant impact on your spiritual life?
What does Cranaleith mean to you?
What do you want others to know about Cranaleith?
Share with us! We're looking for Cranaleith stories to feature on social media as part of our spring appeal! If you want to help support our campaign by sharing your Cranaleith story, please write to us at info@cranaleith.org.
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The pandemic has brought profound sorrow to so many families unable to grieve a loved one, because they cannot gather together for prayer and story-telling. To help, Cranaleith has composed a virtual memorial service for family members and friends who wish to remember an individual who has died.
The service includes readings, prayers, music and the opportunity for sharing about the person who has died. Download a copy of the service and host it yourself on your preferred tele-conferencing app (like Zoom, Teams or Skype). Someone in your circle of family and friends can lead the simple service.
Reverence the memories and blessings you share, as you comfort one another.
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Resources From Home
Community Support
Explore from Home
Spiritual Direction
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.
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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.
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Cranaleith Spiritual Center | 13475 Proctor Road | Phila., PA 19116
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