ihm retreat and conference center€¦ · “mindfulness: an aid to wholeness and holiness”...

need for rooms for

boarders, the IHM Con-

grega�on decided to

use the space for a

Conference Center.

Surrounded by beau�-

ful grounds and various

views of nature, it has

become a peaceful

se ng for prayer and

solitude. It is a place of

prayer and peace, soli-

tude and refreshment

for anyone who needs

some “�me apart.”

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Come and experience

the gi� of God’s grace!

Animated by our char-

ism of love, crea�ve

hope, and fidelity, and

in imita�on of Mary,

we the Sisters, Serv-

ants of the Immacu-

late Heart of Mary,

proclaim the Gospel

message...radiate joy-

ful service and pro-

mote Gospel values,

offering compassion

to all God’s people

through our mission to

evangelize, to cate-

chize, and to

teach.” (IHM Mission

Statement)

The IHM Conference

Center is located in

Bryn Mawr on the

grounds of St. Aloysius

Academy in a mansion

built in 1880 by Mr.

George W. Childs. The

Sisters of the Immacu-

late Heart of Mary

purchased the build-

ing to house the boys

who a/ended the

Academy. When

there was no more

ASpiritualityCenterintheIHMTradition

Inside this issue:Inside this issue:Inside this issue:Inside this issue:

January Programs 2

February Programs 3-4

March Programs 5-6

April Programs 6

May-June Programs 7

Registrations and

Directions

8

Our Mission StatementOur Mission StatementOur Mission StatementOur Mission Statement

The IHM Conference Center

is a ministry of the Sisters,

Servants of the Immacu-

late Heart of Mary offering

service, hospitality, and

opportunities for spiritual

and educational enrich-

ment for both religious, lay

and business communities.

The Center provides a con-

templative environment for

retreat groups, individuals,

and business people in a

distraction-free setting,

enabling renewal of mind,

refreshment of spirit, and

clarity to the task of refo-

cusing goals.

JANUARYJANUARYJANUARYJANUARY————JUNE 2018JUNE 2018JUNE 2018JUNE 2018

Programs, Services and Facilities

The IHM Conference

Center is located at 401

S. Bryn Mawr Avenue in

Bryn Mawr. Various

programs throughout

the year include monthly

Conference Days, special

retreat programs, days

of recollec�on, individu-

al “days apart,” spiritual/

social func�ons, Taize

Prayer and Spiritual Di-

rec�on. The Mansion is

convenient for business

mee�ngs or small con-

ferences. Our staff is

available for presenta-

�ons or programs for

your group or you are

welcome to bring your

own program and pre-

senters.

Some groups who have

u�lized our Center in-

clude: School Facul�es,

Parish and Pre-Cana

Groups, Confirma�on

and Eighth Grade Classes,

Health Care Organiza-

�ons, Priests and Semi-

narians, Lutheran Church

Groups, Business Groups

and Mentors.

The Center provides a

chapel for prayer, medi-

ta�on, Mass; flexible

mee�ng room space;

various break-out

rooms; a dining room

capacity of 50; food ser-

vice; rooms “with a

view” for quiet prayer;

spacious grounds for

contempla�ve walks.

IHM Retreat and Conference Center

401 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

ihmconferencecenter.comihmconferencecenter.comihmconferencecenter.comihmconferencecenter.com

January 2018

“Mindfulness: An Aid to Wholeness and Holiness”

Tuesday, January 16, 2017

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sister Jeannine O’Kane, IHM, Cindy Flores

S�pend: $40 (includes Con�nental Breakfast, Lunch and Mass)

Wikipedia defines mindfulness as “the inten�onal accep�ng and non-judgmental focus of one’s a/en�on on the

emo�ons, thoughts and sensa�ons occurring in the present moment.” This workshop will focus on the theme of

mindfulness as a way to deepen one’s spirituality and reduce one’s stress. Sister Jeannine will highlight the ways in

which the prac�ce of mindfulness can enrich one’s prayer and open one’s heart to peace. Cindy will explain how

mindfulness can have a significant therapeu�c effect for those experiencing stress, anxiety, high blood pressure,

depression, chronic pain, migraines, or condi�ons, diabetes and other ailments.

Sister Jeannine O’Kane, IHM is a professor emeritus at Immaculata

University and has shared disserta&ons on the topic of mindfulness. Sister is

a cer&fied spiritual director and licensed professional counselor.

Cindy Flores is a graduate of Immaculata’s college graduate studies, an

adjunct professor and a licensed professional counselor. Cindy also is a

trained Mindfulness-based Stress Reduc&on teacher at the Myrna Brind

Center for Integra&ve Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University.

A CraJ Day: “The Making of a Prayer Box”

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Kathy Eckert and Mickie McParland

S�pend: $15

Prayer Boxes enjoy a long-standing tradi�on among early Chris�ans and Jews. It was/is used as

a place for storing favorite scripture passages and prayer pe��ons, and as a reminder to trust

our prayers to the Lord. Prayer Boxes make lovely giJs and can be used as Advent or Lenten

boxes. Are you inspired to start the tradi�on in your family or among friends? Join us while we

learn about Prayer Boxes and make one for yourself or a friend.

Kathy Eckert and Mickie McParland are two of our wonderful

Conference Center volunteers. They are eager and happy to share

with others their cra� of making a Prayer Box.


Friday, February 2, 2018

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Presenter: Rev. Mark Hushen, O.S.F.S. Stipend: Donation

This evening is designed for those recovering from addic�ons and for those who support them. It will

include reflec�ons/presenta�ons and quiet �me in the beau�ful se ng of Woo/on Mansion.

February 2018

Special Event: Evening of Reflec$on for Those Recovering From Addic$ons

Father Mark Hushen, O.S.F.S. has been President of Ashley (a drug treatment cen-

ter in Maryland) since 2007. He is a Catholic priest and a recovering alcoholic and

addict. Fr. Mark brings a wealth of experience in the areas of 12 Step spirituality

and alcohol and drug addic�on treatment. Prior to joining Ashley, he served as

the Director of Clinical Pastoral Care at Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania.

He received his B.S. from Penn State University, State College, his Master of Divini-

ty from De Sales School of Theology, and his M.A. in counseling from The Catholic

University of America.

Movie With Meaning *

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

“August Rush”

S�pend: $15 (includes lunch)

A musically giJed orphan, Evan runs away from his orphanage and searches New York City for his birth

parents. On his journey, he’s taken under the wing of the Wizard (Robin Williams), a homeless man who

lives in an abandoned theater. AJer discovering his talent, the Wizard gives Evan the name “August

Rush” and devises a plan to profit from his talent. Li/le does Evan know that his parents are searching

for him as well.

*Sea�ng limited to 14 people.

This modern Oliver-style plot has

some of the best music around! The "artsy"

approach is often mesmerizing, and will hold

your interest from beginning to end.

Bryn Mawr, PA

February 2018

“Saints and Saintly People: Teilhard de Chardin”

Sunday, February 25, 2018 *

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Speaker: Sister Julia Keegan, OSF

S�pend: $15

Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest, Catholic mys�c and scien�st, is one of the most celebrated spiritual

minds of the twen�eth century. Teilhard combined an evolu�onary world-view with a strong commitment

to Chris�an spirituality, sugges�ng that we evolve upward toward Christ, toward increasing love of God

and neighbor, moving ever closer to the cosmic Christ, the anima�ng energy fully present at the center of

crea�on and every point along the way. Teilhard believed that within this cosmic view lies a new mys�-

cism - the ability to see Christ in all things.

*Note special day and )me

Taize Prayer (Prayer Around the Cross)

Tuesdays, February 20 and 27, 2018

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

S�pend: Dona�on

Based on the worship service of the community of Taize in France, this is contempla�ve prayer which

includes scripture readings, song, medita�on, intercessory prayers and silence. It is an especially appro-

priate prayer form to use during the Lenten season when we reverence the cross of Christ, the key to

our salva�on.

“Lenten Day”

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.


Come apart for a while to reflect on the fullness of the Lenten season. This grace-filled �me of year is the

perfect �me to “take the day off” from your everyday ac�vi�es to focus on the mystery of Christ’s suffer-

ing and its meaning for us today. The day will consist of short reflec�ons, quiet prayer �me, and sharing.


Sister Julia Keegan, OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is an associate staff

member of the Franciscan Spiritual Center. Her ministry includes authoring the

Center’s Blog, overseeing the website and other electronic social networks, giving

retreats, doing spiritual direc�on, and offering workshops on gra�tude, Franciscan

theology, and evolu�onary spirituality. She has extensive professional experience in

health care, nursing educa�on, ethics, and development. Sister also has offered

programs at parishes and health care ins�tu�ons.

Taize Prayer

Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 2018

7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

S�pend: Dona�on

*See February events - Page 4 - for descrip)on

March 2018


Wednesday, March 7, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

“The Peaceful Warrior”


Dan Millman is a giJed athlete whose desire for success drives everything he does. When a myste-

rious stranger opens Dan’s eyes to a new vision of strength and understanding, the Olympic hopeful

finds that he s�ll has much to learn and more sacrifices to make.


Conference Day: “Transfigured and Transformed”

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sister Patricia McCormack, IHM, Ed.D

S�pend: $40 (includes Con�nental Breakfast and Lunch)

This conference day focuses on the ways we can cooperate in the process of personal transforma�on and

how we can be catalysts in the transforma�on of others. Ac�vi�es include musical reflec�on, small group

discussion, prayerful recita�on of the Litany of Transforma&on, sugges�ons for private prayer �mes.

Sister Patricia McCormack, IHM, Ed.D is a forma�on-educa�on consultant to both

parents and teachers. She provides presenta�ons, workshops, retreat days and in-

service days. Sister is Director of the IHM Office of Forma�ve Support for Parents

and Teachers, offering forma�ve educa�on to teachers throughout the United

States.


Wednesday, March 7, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

“The Peaceful Warrior”


Dan Millman is a giJed athlete whose desire for success drives everything he does. When a myste-

rious stranger opens Dan’s eyes to a new vision of strength and understanding, the Olympic hopeful

finds that he s�ll has much to learn and more sacrifices to make.


Bryn Mawr, PA

March 2018

“AFTERNOON TEA AT THE MANSION”

Thursday, March 15, 2018

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

“Spirituality of Gospel Women”

Tuesdays, April 17 and 24, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Guide: Sister Marie Gipprich, IHM

S�pend: $20 each session (includes lunch)

This is a two-week considera�on of some of the wonderful women of the gospels: Mary Magdalen, the Wom-

an at the Well, the Bent Over Woman, and the Woman With the Hemorrhage. We will discuss their

“spirituality” and the impact their stories have on our spirituality and our prayer.


Another Irish Tea Party is scheduled at the Mansion! Come and enjoy a lunch of tea sandwiches, scones, and

desserts while you gather with friends to enjoy the feast. No need to be Irish; just arrive ready to celebrate the

“Wearin’ of the Green” in grand style. So, don your green finery and join us for an informa�ve and fun day.

Our guest speakers for the day will be Sister Bernade/e Hiester, IHM, and Sister Jean Hennelly, IHM from the

IHM Family Literacy Center in Coatesville, PA.

S)pend: Proceeds from your good will offering will benefit the

IHM Family Ministry Center.

April 2018

Sister Marie Gipprich taught in secondary schools in the Philadelphia and Allentown dioces-

es. For over twenty years Sister worked as Pastoral Assistant/DRE in various parishes where

her ministry included direc�ng retreats, coordina�ng adult faith forma�on programs and over-

seeing the parish religious educa�on programs. She now serves as Director of the IHM Confer-

ence/Retreat Center in Bryn Mawr, PA

Movie With Meaning*

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

“The Pursuit of Happyness”


Life is a struggle for single father Chris Gardner (Will Smith). Evicted from their apartment, he and his young son

(Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) find themselves alone with no place to go. Even though Chris eventually lands a job as

an intern at a pres�gious brokerage firm, the posi�on pays no money. The pair must live in shelters and endure many

hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to create a be/er life for himself and his son.

*Sea�ng is limited to 14

“Saints and Saintly People: St. Katharine Drexel, Philadelphia’s Saint for the People of God”

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Presenter: Sister Beth Woodward, IHM

S�pend: $15

Join us for a morning of spiritual refreshment and learn about our own saint: St. Katharine Drexel - what influenced

her life and how her voca�on impacted the Church and American history.

Sister Beth Woodward taught religion in high school for 40 years in both Pennsylvania and

Virginia and was involved in various retreat programs at these high schools. Sister has

given various conferences and retreats and now takes care of the food service for our

guests at the IHM Conference Center in Bryn Mawr, PA.

May 2018

Movie With Meaning*

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

“The Reluctant Saint”


In the impoverished village of 17th

century Cuper�no, Italy, Joseph’s peasant mother convinces the Abbot (Ricardo

Montalban) to accept her son (Maximilian Schell) into the monastery. With the support of a kindly bishop who sees

in him a great deal more than others, and by a series of miraculous events, the simple but pious Joseph is ordained a

priest. Some are convinced that the miracles are from the devil, not God, un�l a final miracle reveals to all Joseph’s

true sanc�ty. *Sea�ng is limited to 14

Bryn Mawr, PA

“Saints and Saintly People: Dorothy Day, Woman of Jus$ce and Peace”

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Presenter: Michaele Wicks

S�pend: $15

Dorothy Day was an American journalist, social ac�vist, and Catholic convert. As co-founder of the Catholic Worker

Movement, she earned a na�onal reputa�on as a poli�cal radical. Her work in the Catholic Worker Movement

combined direct aid for the poor and homeless with non-violent direct ac�on on their behalf. The Church opened

the cause for Day’s possible canoniza�on and now refers to her with the �tle “Servant of God.”

June 2018

Michaele Wicks earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from Washington Theological

Union, following sixteen years as a Cri�cal Care Nurse. She has taught as adjunct faculty in

the Theology Department of Loyola University, Mount St. Agnes and in the Con�nuing Educa-

�on Department of Washington Theological Union.

610-581-0120 [email protected] www.ihmconferencecenter.com

401 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

REGISTRATION

INFORMATION:

Registration is required

for each program.

Please call the Center at

610-581-0120 or email

Sister Marie at:

[email protected]

If you are unable to attend

after registering, please

notify the Center so that

those on a waiting list may

be accommodated.

If a program is canceled

by the Center for any

reason, you will be

notified and your deposit

refunded.

Directions to the Conference Center - 401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA

From Turnpike and Route 476S

Take exit 13 (Rte 30, St. David's/

Villanova). Go east, passing Villanova,

then 2.5 miles to Bryn Mawr Ave.

(Bryn Mawr Trust is on left). Turn

right onto Bryn Mawr Ave.*

*Continue for 1 mile, pass the Hospital,

American College and the Radwyn

Apartments. Turn left into the grounds

for St. Aloysius Academy.

**Bear right and go up hill following

signs for Conference Center.

City Line Avenue

Follow City Line Ave. to Lancaster

Ave. (Rte 30). Go west into Bryn

Mawr. Notice Bryn Mawr Trust on

right. Turn left onto Bryn Mawr Ave.

Follow directions (*), (**).

From Route 476S

Take exit 9 (Rte 3). Go west. Turn right at rte 320 N. Turn right onto South Bryn Mawr Ave-nue. Go 1.5 miles and turn right into grounds of St. Aloysius Academy. Follow directions from **

From Upper Darby and East

Travel west on West Chester Pike. Turn right at

Darby Road. Continue straight through

Havertown and Manoa, crossing Eagle Road.

Turn right at Rte 320 N and turn right at Bryn

Mawr Ave. Go 1.5 miles, passing Country Day

School of the Sacred Heart. Turn right into

grounds of St. Aloysius Academy. Follow di-

rections from **

From Newtown Square and West

Travel east on West Chester Pike. Turn left at

Bryn Mawr Ave. (Dunwoody Home is on right)

Continue for 3.6 miles. Turn right into grounds

of St. Aloysius Academy. Follow from **

ihm retreat and conference center€¦ · “mindfulness: an aid to wholeness and holiness”...

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