The IHM Conference Center, located in the Wootton Mansion on the grounds of St. Aloysius Academy in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is a peaceful place for prayer and solitude in the beautiful surroundings of nature. The center offers days of reflection, group and private retreats, faculty and staff meetings, business meetings, small conferences and individual spiritual direction. The ample grounds are well suited for walking, thinking and reflecting. The beauty and peace of the center nourishes, renews and gives life to one’s mind, heart, and soul.
IHM Spirituality Center
The IHM Spirituality Center is located on the grounds of Villa Maria House of Studies (the IHM Motherhouse) in Malvern, Pennsylvania and situated across from the Immaculata University campus in scenic Chester County. The Spirituality Center provides a variety of day, evening, and weekend retreat opportunities. A newly renovated and state-of-the-art presentation room with theater seating is also on site to accommodate groups and meetings of all sizes. The center offers individuals and groups a place for spiritual renewal and reflection and is surrounded by beautiful grounds for walking and praying.
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center
Villa Maria by the Sea, located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, is a retreat center of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Malvern, Pennsylvania. Rooted in the mission of the Congregation to proclaim the Gospel message of God's redeeming love, Villa Maria by the Sea provides a variety of spiritual opportunities in a sacred space of tranquility and beauty. In this peaceful environment, one can experience the presence of God and respond to God’s personal invitation to wholeness and holiness.
Sister Marie Gipprich, IHM
Director
401 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 581-0120
www.ihmconferencecenter.com
For cost and additional information, visit www.ihmconferencecenter.com.
Contact Sister Marie Gipprich to register at (610) 581-0120 or at ihmconferencecenter@gmail.com.
IHM Conference Center
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Conference Day: "Heart Meets Heart"
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Rose Adams, IHM
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a sacred way for us to encounter the fullness of the Gospel, the good news of God’s saving love poured out for us in Jesus Christ. In our time together we will trace this devotion through the years and discover, through scripture and art, new ways to deepen our love and appreciation that God became one of us.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Day of Private Prayer
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Give yourself the gift of time alone with God in prayer and reflection. Enjoy the beauty and solitude of the mansion and the surrounding property. Coffee will be available upon arrival. Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the day; please bring your own lunch. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be available in the chapel.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Conference Day: “Friendship: Extending the Fellowship of Christ”
9:30 a.m. – 2: 30 p.m.
Presenters: Sister Marie Gipprich, IHM and Michaele Wicks
Aelred of Rievaulx, a Cistercian abbot who lived in the 12th century and who wrote a thesis on “spiritual friendship” states that true friendship is about extending the fellowship of Christ to another. This is the true beauty of friendship! We will explore the importance of having friends while “visiting” biblical friends. You are strongly encouraged to come with a friend; we will spend some time during the day celebrating friendships.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Day of Private Prayer
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Give yourself the gift of time alone with God in prayer and reflection. Enjoy the beauty and solitude of the mansion and the surrounding property. Coffee will be available upon arrival. Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the day; please bring your own lunch. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be available in the chapel.
IHM Conference Center
Thursday, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025
Special Series: “Who Do You Say I Am?”
Part II (continuation from Part I, October 2024)
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Presenter: Sister Clare D’Auria, OSF
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” and they offer a variety of answers (Mt. 16:15).
However, it is in the Gospel of John that Jesus provides his own answers to this question in the seven “I am” statements that frame significant chapters in both the “Book of Signs” and in the “Book of Glory.” During this series, we will be invited to accompany Jesus as he uncovers and then reveals his own self-understanding and, through this process of exploration, to understand, perhaps more clearly, who God is and who we are.
Tuesday, March 11, 18, 25, 2025
Taizé Prayer (Prayer around the Cross)
7:00 p.m.
Based on the worship service of the community of Taizé in France, this contemplative prayer includes scripture, readings, song, meditation, intercessory prayers, and silence. It is an especially
appropriate prayer form to use during the Lenten season when we reverence the cross of Christ, the key to our salvation.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Afternoon Irish Tea at the Mansion
Presenters: Julie Kozak and Sister Ann
Raymond, IHM
1:00 p.m.
To celebrate the “wearin’ of the green,” we offer a delightful afternoon of Irish scones, tea, desserts and friendship. The afternoon will begin with guest speakers who will educate us about their special work.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Day of Private Prayer
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Give yourself the gift of time alone with God in prayer and reflection. Enjoy the beauty and solitude of the mansion and the surrounding property. Coffee will be available upon arrival. Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the day; please bring your own lunch. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be available in the chapel.
Tuesday, April 1, 8, 2025
Taizé Prayer (Prayer around the Cross)
7:00 p.m.
Based on the worship service of the community of Taizé in France, this contemplative prayer includes scripture, readings, song, meditation, intercessory prayers, and silence. It is an especially appropriate prayer form to use during the Lenten season when we reverence the cross of Christ, the key to our salvation.
IHM Conference Center
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Conference Day: “What is Our Role in the Healing of the World?”
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Christine Koellhoffer, IHM
What is our role in the healing of the world? The prophet Isaiah tells us we are called to repair and restore what is broken (Isaiah 58:12). We begin with our own inner soul work and expand our reach to our neighbors in the global community in whom Jesus continues to suffer today. Through prayer, presentation, handouts for reflection, and times of stillness and conversation, we will bless what is in need of healing in ourselves and in our beautiful yet wounded world. Please join us for this Lenten day of reflection.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Day of Private Prayer
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Give yourself the gift of time alone with God in prayer and reflection. Enjoy the beauty and solitude of the mansion and the surrounding property. Coffee will be available upon arrival. Drinks and snacks
will be provided throughout the day; please bring your own lunch. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be available in the chapel.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Conference Day: “Launch Out into the Deep:
How to Catch a Fisherman”
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Marie Gipprich, IHM Teilhard De Chardin observed, “The deeper I descend into myself, the more I find God at the heart of my being.” During this retreat day, we will reflect on the scriptural symbols of Peter, water, boat, and nets as an invitation to “go deeper” into the hidden places of our hearts where God dwells.
Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM
Program Director
210 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355
(610) 647-4136 www.ihmimmaculata.org
For cost and additional information, visit www.ihmimmaculata.org and click on the “Prayer/Retreat Opportunities” menu. Contact Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier to register at (610) 647-4136 or at ihmspcenter@gmail.com.
IHM Spirituality Center
Thursday mornings throughout the year
Lectio Divina: Praying with the Sunday Scriptures
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Presenter: Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM
Come join us as we reflect on the Sunday Gospel using the practice of Lectio Divina (“Diving Reading”). Lectio Divina is a method for praying with the Scriptures through reading, meditation, contemplation, and prayer. Registration is not necessary. Please come when you are able.
Wednesday January 22, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
The Ignatian Adventure: Finding God in All Things
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Patricia McDermott, IHM
St. Ignatius of Loyola was convinced that God could be found in every area of life, from relationships to family, from happiness to suffering. Everything is part of the spiritual life. Come and join our afternoon session which includes prayer, presentation, reflective time, and sharing on this topic.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Wednesday, March12, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Prayer Around the Cross
Presenter: Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Based on the worship service of the community of Taizé in France, this contemplative prayer includes scripture, readings, song, meditation, intercessory prayers, and silence. It is an especially appropriate form to use during the Lenten season when we reverence the cross of Christ, the key to our salvation.
IHM Spirituality Center
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Forgiving Others and Inner Healing
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Emily Vincent Rebalsky, IHM
This Lent, we will focus on one of Jesus' strongest mandates: forgiving others. Although this can be hard to do, we will discuss practical steps to guide you through the process. We will also learn what forgiveness is and what it is not. Even when we do forgive others, there can be painful memories that resurface. Learn how to achieve peace of mind and how to replace negative thought chatter with God's affirming words of love. The day includes morning hospitality, two conferences, Mass, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, quiet prayer time, and lunch.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be
available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
IHM Spirituality Center
The Spirituality Center is available for private day and overnight retreat opportunities. Daily Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and meals are provided to retreat attendees. For more information, please contact Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier at (610) 647-4136 or ihmspcenter@gmail.com.
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center
Sister Emily Vincent Rebalsky, IHM
Program Director
101 111th Street
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
(609) 964-7700
For cost and additional information, or to register, visit www.vmbythesea.com or contact Sister Jane Mary Carr at (609) 964-7695 or at s.jmcarr@vmbythesea.com. www.vmbythesea.com
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Private Day of Prayer
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
On the Day of Prayer for Legal Protection of the Unborn, spend a quiet day praying for the intention of the right to life from conception until natural death. Throughout the day, there will be periods of communal prayer for this very special intention. Lunch is provided.
Friday, January 31, 2025*
Arise and Call her Blessed
8:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Sheila Galligan, IHM
Come to celebrate God’s gift of his Mother, whom we usually refer to as the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let’s “push pause” and take some time to slowly squeeze the juice out of the descriptive “Blessed” as well as our everyday “go to” prayer – the Hail Mary. Let’s come to appreciate the role the Blessed Mother plays in keeping us close to Jesus. Coffee and check-in begin at 8:45 a.m. The day includes Mass and lunch.
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 4:00 p.m. –Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Silent Private Retreat for Priests, Deacons and Religious Brothers/Sisters
This retreat offers a time of renewal before Lent begins. Perfect for a priest, deacon or religious brother/sister. Enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in the midst of winter in a peaceful and prayerful environment. The retreat begins before dinner on Sunday and ends after Mass on Saturday morning.
Thursday, March 6, 2025*
H.O.P.E. (Hope Offered Prayerfully for Everyone)
8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Anne Philip Buehler, IHM
We will spend the day leaning into compassion for ourselves and others who are mourning/grieving in times of loss. Sister Anne will offer her experience with grief and loss and the ways to move through these challenges with H.O.P.E. Coffee and check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. The day includes Mass and lunch.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025*
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center
The Shroud of Turin: Revealing God’s Plentiful Redemption
8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Rose Mulligan, IHM
The Shroud of Turin, a venerated relic in the Catholic tradition, offers a silent glimpse of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. By reflecting on this image, we explore God’s plentiful redemption and love for us. Coffee and check-in begin at 8:45 a.m. The day includes Mass and lunch.
Friday, March 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. –Sunday, March 16, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Reflections of Divine Mercy
Presenter: Sister Emily Vincent Rebalsky, IHM
During this Lenten season, reflect on God’s mercy for us by learning about the Divine Mercy devotion as revealed by Jesus to Saint Faustina. Learn how God shares his mercy with you, and how you can share that mercy with others! The weekend begins on Friday with dinner and ends after breakfast on Sunday. Mass is also included.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025*
Forgiveness, the Other Side of Love
8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Beth Woodward, IHM
Today, more than ever, forgiveness is needed in our world. What is forgiveness? How does one forgive? What are the obstacles to forgiveness? These questions will be explored on this conference day. In addition, modern day examples of people who have forgiven will be presented, reflecting the power of God in such actions. Coffee and check-in begin at 8:45 a.m. The day includes Mass and lunch.
*You may opt to stay overnight the evening before these day events for an additional cost.
THE IHM STORY
The origins of the IHM Congregation can be traced back to a tiny log cabin in Monroe, Michigan. It was there that Reverend Louis Florent Gillet, a Redemptorist missionary, having searched in vain for religious to teach the spiritually and educationally abandoned immigrants on the Michigan frontier, resolved to found a community of sisters of his own. In 1845, shortly after settling into the newly constructed St. Anthony Church, in Monroe, Father Gillet was joined by Sister Theresa Maxis. Thus, the humble beginnings of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary began to take root at the hands and hearts of these two founders, who
were on fire with love of God and love of neighbor. The Congregation continued to grow and sisters began to expand their teaching ministry outside of the United States to South America.
A hallmark of the IHM Congregation is our Charism. A Charism is defined as a particular way the members of a religious congregation live through the lens of their understanding of the Gospel message. We, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary express our Charism as the following: “In the passionate spirit of St. Alphonsus Liguori and animated by the virtues of Love, Creative Hope, and Fidelity, we proclaim the Gospel message in the spirit of Jesus the Redeemer which impels us to radiate joyful service in offering compassion to all God’s people.”
We are grateful to share our Charism with you as you embark on your retreat journeys.
Through our charism and mission as IHMs, we are called to . . .
• express God’s redeeming love to every person he has created.
• continue Christ’s saving work in the world through our varied ministries.
• create faith communities that welcome, respect, and reverence each person.
IHM CHARISM AT WORK
With Love, Creative Hope, and Fidelity, we serve God’s people in . . .
• Catholic education at the elementary, secondary, and university levels.
• religious education.
• Adult Faith Formation.
• educational and pastoral ministries in North and South America.
• literacy center for immigrants.
• social justice initiatives.
We booked the IHM Spirituality Center for a Board retreat and to say everyone was thrilled with the facilities and the attention from the staff would be an understatement! We have organized many retreats in various places and nothing can compare with the IHM Spirituality Center.
- Mary S. IHM Spirituality Center attendee
Every opportunity I've had to spend time at the Spirituality Center, Conference Center, and Villa Maria by the Sea have been days and weekends of opportunity for quiet time and spiritual growth.
- Mary Jean Y. Spirituality Center, Conference Center, and Villa Maria by the Sea attendee
The minute I walked in, I felt peace. The quiet was very welcoming.
- Bonnie D.
Villa Maria by the Sea attendee
Our Retreat Attendees
Say it Best. . .
A wonderful day! Would love to come back and will spread the word.
- Pat H.
Villa Maria by the Sea attendee
I regard the center as an oasis in an otherwise challenging world. I feel that I am surrounded by goodness. The sisters are so warm and accommodating. The wisdom of the speakers always leaves me with so much food for thought that I am able to reflect and incorporate in my daily life. Thank you for making this little bit of heaven available to us.
- Fran M.
IHM Conference Center attendee
Thank you for the love you give to the world in your service to God! Thank you for providing us with a safe, happy, and loved place to come and worship to get closer to the Lord!
