Learn By Doing
Our retreats and programs go beyond good teaching. When you join us, you will be invited to enter into experiences to discover or deepen your spiritual practice—and bring it into your daily life.
Registration is now open
Mug Up with Sr. Jody
When I did my graduate studies in Vermont, there were many students attending from Newfoundland studying as well. Usually once or twice a week they would spread the word that there would be a Mug Up at 10:00 pm in student housing in one of the condos. Anyone interested brought an empty mug and the hosts would provide a snack and a hot drink of your choice. Mug ups were a nice way to chat and unwind after a night of studying. According to the Urban Dictionary, the term "Mug Up” was used in coastal communities by the mid-1800s to describe any snack or coffee break throughout the day or evening.
“Mug ups" were an important part of life for fishermen. They would gather and have a hearty meal and warm up whenever they could take a break. Today, this nautical expression still describes a gathering of people for a drink and snack.
We invite you to “mug up” virtually with Sr. Jody each week in September. Our “Mug Up” will occur at 10:00am on Tuesdays in September. Come join us with your favorite beverage and a snack.
Facilitator: Sr. Jody Kearney RSM
Dates: Tuesdays, September 6,13,20,27
Time: 10:00am-11:30am via ZOOM.
Fee: Free will, suggested offering $15 per session
Circle of Compassion
How can we keep our intention to be a compassionate presence alive and active in today's world?
Circle of Compassion is being established just for this purpose. We will discuss self-compassion, compassion of others, nature, and the world. We will also learn and practice compassionate listening.
The source for this group is Boundless Compassion by Joyce Rupp.
Facilitator: Joyce Martelli, Certified Facilitator-Boundless Compassion
Dates: Thursday
Sept 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15
Time: 10:30AM - 11:30AM via ZOOM or
6:30-7:30 PM
Fee: $100
Early bird Register before 9/1 $80
Contemporary Conversations Book Group with Jane Sutter Brandt Series
Come join us again for this successful forum to talk about books written by contemporary authors. Books will tie-in to Christianity in the 21st century through a variety of topics that may include the current state and the future of the Christian church, mysticism, social justice, racism, LBGQT+, women’s equality, and so on. Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas in a moderated and civil discussion where a variety of opinions are welcome.
The group will meet bimonthly throughout 2022 and 2023. Participants are responsible for obtaining a copy of the book on their own and reading the book before each session.
Sept. 21-“How to Be: A Monk and a Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship” by Judith Valente and Paul Quenon, OCSO
Nov. 16-“Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned” by Brian D. McLaren
McLaren
Jan. 18-“Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist” by W.E. “Bill” Wynne
March 22-“Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics” by Mirabai Starr
May 17- TBD
The group will discuss a book related to the topic of Native American spirituality. Title to be announced soon.
All sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST via ZOOM.
Early bird registration -All 5 sessions of the book study for $100. Register by Sept. 12th.
Registration after Sept. 12th - $25 per session.
“How to Be: A Monk and a Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship” by Judith Valente and Paul Quenon, OCSO
“How to Be” offers a window into two people struggling to come to terms with the big issues everyone faces: faith, mortality, mystery, prayer, and work. The book provides insight and inspiration for those walking the spiritual path — particularly those interested in the contemplative path. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST via ZOOM
“Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned” by Brian D. McLaren McLaren
Brian D. McLaren McLaren, a theologian, activist and former pastor, addresses in public the question that many people, including religious leaders, are asking in private. McLaren combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
November 16, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST via Zoom
“Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist” by W.E. “Bill” Wynne
Educated but untaught, involved but unknowing, Catholic but spiritually reserved, white but unwittingly blinded by the ubiquitous whiteness surrounding him. These are some of the many storylines Bill Wynne explores in this relevant account of his social and racial justice advocacy journey and conversation over the course of his life in the Rochester area. The author will join in the discussion.
January 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST via Zoom
The Redemption of Scrooge
Another Matt Rawle's, program. We had great success with To Kill A Mockingbird and Les Miserables and now we offer The Redemption of Scrooge.
The Redemption of Scrooge, based on Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, will explore the world of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Cratchits, with an eye to Christian faith. Along the way we will meet the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come and learn about living with and for others in a world blessed by Jesus.
Facilitator: Sr. Jody Kearney and Joyce Martelli
Dates: Wednesdays
Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 and 21
Time: 10:30AM - 12 PM via ZOOM
Fee: Early bird Register before 9/1 $80
After 9/1 $100
“Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics” by Mirabai Starr
Our world has long suffered the toxicity of unbalanced masculine rule, but the feminine is rising. Starr shares the subversive wisdom and fierce compassion of feminine mystics. From saints and sages such as Mother Mary and the Sufi poet Rabia, to goddesses and archetypal energies including Kuan Yin and Gaia, to inspiring contemporary teachers and seekers, you’ll meet women who blazed a path that will illuminate your own.
March 22, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST via Zoom
Ignatian Spirituality
Exercises of St. Ignatius In All Of It's Forms
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in all of its forms, create an awareness of God in all things—all people, all creation, every human experience, and especially in the person of Jesus. We offer a model of the Spiritual Exercises designed by St. Ignatius for use in daily life which takes place over 30 weeks, rather than 30 days. This program is currently being offered virtually.
Please contact Sr. Jody Kearney
via email.
Day To Call Your Own
Come and enjoy a day to yourself in your own, private, comfortable room at Mercy Spirituality Center. You will be able to pray, contemplate, read and relax without being disturbed. Soup is included for lunch. Morning prayer is optional.
Facilitator: Sr. Gert Erb, RSM
Dates: 2nd Thursday of each month
Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11
Time: 9:00 am-4 pm
9:30 am: Morning Prayer (optional)
Fee: $25