RETREAT
FALL 2024
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
IHM RETREAT CENTERS
IHM Conference Center
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, September 17, 2024
Conference Day: Cultivating a Discerning Heart in Everyday Life
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Rose Adams, IHM
The purpose of discernment is knowing when to act, when to wait and when to be led or acted upon according to God’s time. The gift and practice of discernment is rooted and nourished in prayer, community, worship and ministry. Participants are invited to come apart and enjoy a day of seeing and learning how God is alive and living deeply in our lives.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Conference Day: God’s Power in Forgiveness
9:30 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.
Thursday, October 17, 24, 31, and November 7, 2024
Who Do You Say I Am? Part I
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 reveals his own self-understanding and, through this process of exploration, to understand, perhaps more clearly, who God is and who we are. *Part II of this series will be held on Thursday, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 of 2025.
Monday, November 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024
Seeing That Paradise Begins Now
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Presenter: Sister Rose Adams, IHM
One of St. Catherine of Siena’s favorite quotes is “All the way to heaven is heaven, because Jesus said, ‘I am the way.’” Using the book, Bridges to Contemplative Living by Thomas Merton, participants will deepen their understanding of the “already, but not yet” sense of being in God’s kingdom.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Conference Day: Self-Compassion and the Gift of Hospitality
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Presenters: Joan Doherty, Sister Anne Philip, IHM
How can we expect to offer the hospitality we are called to extend to others if we deny it to ourselves? Sister Joyce Rupp’s Boundless Compassion offers insights into embracing self-compassion as part of our spiritual growth. Today’s reflection on self-compassion will explore ways to extend hospitality to ourselves as preparation for receiving and sharing the one true gift of Christmas – God’s Incarnate forgiveness and truth – Jesus.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Conference Day: It’s Advent Time –Discovering the Beauty & Depth of the “O Antiphons”
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Presenter: Sister Kathy Benham, IHM
As we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we will spend time together uncovering the depth of the meaning that the “O Antiphons” have to offer for our prayer and reflection. The “O Antiphons” are prayed during Evening Prayer seven days prior to the celebration of Christmas. Using music, visuals,
IHM Conference Center
and contemplative quiet, participants will become acquainted with these prayers and come to appreciate this rich treasure of the Advent liturgy.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Carol Night
7:00 p.m.
Location: IHM Conference/Retreat Center Mansion
Come and spend an evening in the middle of Advent to prepare your hearts for the Feast of the Incarnation. The celebration will include scripture, prayer and carols as we move from the chapel to the Great Hall, rejoicing in the true spirit of Christmas. Join us for refreshments and fellowship following the lighting of the Christmas tree.
"The IHM Conference Center has been a special place of spiritual and emotional growth for me."
- Alice B.
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 (unless otherwise noted), at 610-647-4136 or at ihmspcenter@gmail.com.
IHM Spirituality Center
Thursday, September 26, 2024, 6:00 p.m. –Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 3:30 p.m.
Boundless Compassion
Retreat/Workshop/Training
Presenters: Joan M. Doherty, Sister Meg Cole, SSJ, and Peg Choinski This workshop is based on the book, Boundless Compassion, by Joyce Rupp, OSM. The workshop is open to people of all faiths and spiritualities. It explores the depth of the many-layered components of compassion and the central quality of the life and teachings of Jesus. You are invited to expand and deepen your understanding of compassion from both a personal and professional perspective. An optional fifth day (October 1) is available for Boundless Compassion Facilitator Training. For more information, visit boundlesscompassion.org. To register, please email joanmdoherty16@gmail.com.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Charisms in Our Everyday Life
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM
The charisms we all received at our Baptism are meant to be shared for the good of the Church. On this day of recollection, we will
strive to grow in our understanding of charism and seek to discover how we can share our charisms with others. This day includes morning hospitality, lunch, two conferences, Mass, an opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and quiet prayer time.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Advent Day of Recollection: Advent, Waiting With Mary
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenters: Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM and Nicole Martin
At the beginning of Advent, we look at how Mary spent the days between the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus. In what can be a busy season, how can we follow Mary’s example? The day of recollection includes morning hospitality, lunch, two conferences, Mass, an opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and quiet prayer time.
Continued
IHM Spirituality Center
Thursday mornings throughout the year
Lectio Divina: Praying with the Sunday Scriptures
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM
Come join us as we reflect on the Sunday Gospel using the practice of Lectio Divina (“divine 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.
Private retreat opportunities are also available. Contact Sister Anne Marie for more information.
"Thank you for your warm welcome and very generous hospitality. All I can say is that it was a five star experience!"
- Jane Mary C.
"Thank you for your hospitality. We felt at home and appreciate your witness to a life of service."
- Villanova Pastoral Musicians
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center
Sister Emily Vincent Rebalsky, IHM
Program Director
101 111th Street
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 (609) 964-7700
www.vmbythesea.com
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.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Private Day of Prayer
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy a day with the Lord on your own. Lunch is provided.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Saint Teresa of Avila: Model and Mentor for our Life’s Sacred Journey
8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Rose Adams, IHM
The modern-day Christian can look to Teresa of Avila for guidance in the ways of prayer, in the appreciation of strong friendships and in the value of cultivating a healthy sense of humor. Come be inspired by Teresa of Avila, mystic and Doctor of the Church, as she teaches us to value God’s active presence in our lives and in the lives of all we are called to serve. Coffee and check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. The day includes Mass and lunch.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Dining in the Kingdom of God:
Breaking Bread at Emmaus
8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Clare D’Auria, OSF
We will reflect on the story of the Eucharist as it develops in the meals experienced by Jesus and narrated in the
Gospel of Luke, culminating in the breaking of the bread at Emmaus. We will sit at the table with Jesus the Prophet, Jesus the Christ, and Jesus the Lord, as we explore both the comforts and the challenges that these Gospel accounts offer us. Coffee and check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. The day includes Mass and lunch.
Friday, November 22, 2024, 4:00 p.m. –Sunday, November 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Women of the Old Testament: Our Sisters in Faith
Presenter: Sister Marie Gipprich, IHM
The Old Testament is filled with stories of women whose lives and experiences were important in the story of salvation. Some were queens and slaves; others were assassins and victims; still others, mothers and wives and sisters. Each woman played a role in God’s bigger plan of the redemption of all people through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. During this weekend we will learn of a few of these women: Sarah and Hagar, Miriam and Jochebed, and Hannah and Peninnah. We will consider their roles in salvation history and their message for us today. The weekend begins on Friday with dinner and ends after breakfast on Sunday. Mass is also included.
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center
Monday, December 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. –Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Private/Directed Retreat
This retreat is for those who have experience making a silent, private retreat. Jesus invites us to “come apart . . . for a while” so that we can hear his voice. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings to engage in deep listening with God or meet with a trained spiritual director who can help you discern how God is speaking to you. Retreatants may arrive before dinner on Monday and the retreat ends after Mass on Saturday.
Friday, December 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m. –Sunday, December 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m. Advent Weekend Retreat
Presenter: Sister Chris Koellhoffer, IHM
During this Advent season, how might we ready our hearts for the coming of the Holy One and cultivate hope for a world that is both beautiful and broken? We look to Mary who models presence and mindfulness and invites us to live with awareness of how God’s dream is unfolding in our own lives and in the lives of the global community. The weekend will include prayer, input, handouts, time
for personal quiet reflection and sharing our wisdom. All are welcome. The weekend begins on Friday with dinner and ends after breakfast on Sunday. Mass is also included.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Private Day of Prayer
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy a day with the Lord on your own. Lunch is provided.
"Beautiful accommodations! This was a well needed retreat weekend. Thank you for allowing me to receive what I needed to refresh me spiritually."
- Geraldine D.
"Oh my, the blessings of this space are beyond words!"
- Cindy J.
