IHM Conference and Retreat Center 401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Fall and Winter Programs 2018-2019 A Spirituality Center in the IHM Tradition Inside this issue: Facilities and September Programs September Programs October and November Programs November Programs November and December Programs January 2019 Programs Registration Information Directions to the Center 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 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 Immaculate Heart of Mary purchased the building to house the boys who attended the Academy. When there was no more need for rooms for boarders, the IHM Congregation decided to use the space for a Conference Center. Surrounded by beautiful grounds and various views of nature, it has become a peaceful setting for prayer and solitude. It is a place of prayer and peace, quiet and refreshment for anyone who needs some time apart. ALL ARE WELCOME! Come and experience the gift of God s grace! Animated by our charism of love, creative hope, and fidelity, and in imitation of Mary, we the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, proclaim the Gospel message...radiate joyful service and promote Gospel values, offering compassion to all God s people through our mission to evangelize, to catechize, and to teach. IHM Mission Statement Participants and groups are welcome to join us for these monthly or annual events: Conference Days Movies with Meaning Carol Night Irish Afternoon Tea Taize Prayer: 5 Tuesdays in Lent Times of Reflection - for those recovering from addictions or for those who are grieving For Additional Information about these and other events, please visit our website: www.ihmconferencecenter.com Our Mission Statement The IHM Conference Center is a ministry of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary offering service, hospitality and opportunities for spiritual and educational enrichment for religious, lay and business communities. The Center provides a contemplative 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 refocusing goals.
P a ge 2 401 S. Bryn M a w r A v en u e We Offer Programs, Services and Facilities Various programs during the year include monthly Conference Days, special retreat programs, days of recollection, individual days apart, spiritual/ social functions, Taize Prayer and Spiritual Direction. The Mansion is also convenient for small business meetings or conferences. Our staff is available for presentations or programs for your group or you are welcome to bring your own program and presenters. Some groups who have utilized our Center include: School Faculties, Parish and Pre-Cana Groups, Confirmation and Eighth Grade Classes, Health Care Organizations, Priests and Seminarians, Lutheran Church Groups, Business Groups/ Mentors. The Center provides a chapel for prayer, meditation, Mass; flexible meeting room space; various break-out rooms; a dining room capacity of 50; food service; rooms with a view for quiet prayer; spacious grounds for contemplative walks. September 2018 Conference Day: The Titles of Mary Tuesday, September 11, 2018 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Presenter: Sister Maureen Christi, IHM Stipend: $40 (includes breakfast, lunch and Mass) Considering Our Lady s numerous titles, we will reflect on her presence in our daily lives as Mother, Sister, Friend. Sister Maureen Christi VanWinkle, IHM taught English/literature in six high schools over 33 years. In 2004, certified as a Spiritual Director, Sister moved into fulltime retreat work at the IHM Conference Center in Bryn Mawr, PA. Movie with Meaning: The Saint of 9/11 Wednesday, September 19, 2018 (includes lunch) This documentary presents the turbulent, restless, spiritual and remarkable journey of Father Mychal Judge. Compassionate champion of the needy and forgotten, a beloved Fire Department Chaplain, rousing Irish-American balladeer and iconoclast, Father Judge was a humble parish priest who wrestled with his own private demons while touching others in powerful and miraculous ways. Father s life of service, love and witness ended on September 11, 2001 as he gave his life to save others in the Twin Towers.
401 S. Bryn M a wr A ven u e P a ge 3 September 2018 An Afternoon Chat: Guiding Young Adults in Their Crisis of Faith Sunday, September 23, 2018* 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Presenter: Ernie Sherretta, D. Min. *Please note special day (Sunday) More and more statistics indicate that young adults, as well as adults, are abandoning the Catholic Church and other churches for a variety of reasons. Parents, families and Church communities are struggling to understand how to respond to this crisis of faith. Perhaps the answers lie in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Jesus. Join us for an overview of the factors contributing to this very real challenge and how we can guide all involved to find a relevant way back to the source of spiritual health and well being. Dr. Ernest J. Sherretta D.Min. has forty years experience in Church ministry and religious educaton, utlizing administratve, organizational, educational, communication and interpersonal skills in academic and pastoral settings. Dr. Sherretta has served as DRE in several diocesan parishes, as a Religious Education consultant, and as a Master Catechist and Lecturer. Saints and Saintly People: Dorothy Day Tuesday, September 25, 2018 9:00 am - 11:30 am Presenter: Michaele Wicks We must talk about POVERTY, because people insulated by their own comfort lose sight of it. Dorothy Day Dorothy Day was an American journalist, social activist, and Catholic convert. As co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, she earned a national reputation as a political radical. Her work in the Catholic Worker Movement combined direct aid for the poor and homeless with non-violent direct action on their behalf. The Church opened the cause of Day s possible canonization and now refers to her with the title, Servant of God. Michaele Wicks earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from Washington Theological Union, following sixteen years as a Critical Care Nurse. She has taught as adjunct faculty in the Theology Department of Loyola University, Mount St. Agnes, and in the Continuing Education Department of Washington Theological Union.
P a ge 4 401 S. Bryn M a w r A v en u e October 2018 Conference Day: The Ways of Prayer Tuesday, October 2, 2018 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Presenter: Sister Mary Anne Nolan, RSM Stipend: $40 (includes breakfast, lunch, Mass) Attendees in this Conference Day will participate in a deeper, more intimate reflection on Relational Prayer. They will then engage this way of praying through Lectio Divina, a way of praying with the Scriptures. A Sister of Mercy for more than 55 years, Sister Mary Anne Nolan is a spiritual director and a retired adjunct professor in Religious Studies at Gwynedd-Mercy University. Sister s most recent ministry is as Co-Director of Mercy Spiritual Ministries, a work of the Sisters of Mercy which engages individuals and groups in prayer, reflection and ongoing spiritual development. Movie with Meaning: Invictus Wednesday, October 17, 2018 (includes lunch) This film tells the inspiring story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa s rugby team to help unite their country which is racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match. November 2018 Conference Day: Becoming Bread: You Are What You Eat Tuesday, November 6, 2018 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Presenters: Michaele Wicks and Sister Marie Gipprich, IHM Stipend: $40 (includes breakfast, lunch and Mass) In the third century St. Augustine wrote, If you receive the Eucharist well, you are what you eat. Since you are the Body of Christ and his members, it is your mystery which you receive. As you come to communion, you hear the words The Body of Christ and you answer Amen. Be, therefore, members of Christ that your Amen may be true. Be what you see. Receive what you already are. In this profound statement, Augustine says that the Eucharist is nourishment to us for what we are and what we become: more of the person we already are. This day will give us the opportunity to reflect on this beautiful reality of the purpose and effects of the Eucharistic life.
401 S. Bryn M a wr A ven u e November 2018 P a ge 5 Conference Day: Becoming Bread: You Are What You Eat (continued) Michaele Wicks received a Master of Theological Studies from Washington Theological Union and later taught there in the Continuing Education Department. She has taught in the Theology Department at Loyola and Mount St. Agnes. Sister Marie Gipprich, IHM taught in elementary and secondary schools. For over twenty years she served as a Pastoral Minister/DRE in various parishes, directing such events as parish retreats, Adult Faith Formation, and PREP. Sister now serves as Director of the IHM Conference/Retreat Center in Bryn Mawr, PA. Movie With Meaning: Saving Grace Wednesday, November 14, 2018 A down-to-earth Pope tries to balance the bureaucratic duties of his position with the secular world. Frustrated with his lack of freedom, he flees to the Italian countryside to get in touch with real people and get back to helping them one-on-one. Bereavement Day: Footsteps Through Grief: Learning How to Live With a Broken Heart Thursday November 15, 2018 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Presenter: Domenica Rafferty Stipend: $25 (includes lunch) If you are grieving the death of a loved one (recent or not-so-recent), this time of reflection will help you explore ways of moving forward through this time of sorrow. Domenica Rafferty holds a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Counseling from Neumann University and is a PA Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Domenica has significant personal and professional experience in the grieving process. She provides individual and family counseling to those facing debilitating or terminal illness or those grieving the loss of a loved one. Domenica has facilitated a number of bereavement groups in our area including Searching for Still Waters, which meets in Bryn Mawr twice a month.
P a ge 6 November 2018 401 S. Bryn M a w r A v en u e Saints and Saintly People: Oscar Romero Thursday, November 29, 2018 9:00 am - 11:30 am Presenter: Teena Weisler-Vega Through her studies of and dedication to Catholic Social Teaching, Ms. Weisler-Vega was inspired by the life of Archbishop Oscar A. Romero. Soon to be canonized, Abp. Romero epitomized the unity of faith and justice. He was an outspoken advocate for the poor of El Salvador during the country s civil war in the 1980 s. Romero s challenging message of non-violence led to his murder while celebrating Mass. Teena W. Weisler-Vega has been the Director of Ministry and Service at Mercy Career and Technical High School in North Philadelphia for the past six years. Within this role, she connects the school community to local organizations to provide service opportunities for students and faculty. In addition she is also part of the staff at St. Vincent De Paul Young Adult Center in Germantown, facilitating conversations with young adults around the issues of race, poverty, homelessness and policy, among others. Movie with Meaning: Let There Be Light Wednesday, December 6, 2018 (includes lunch) December 2018 For all his far-reaching fame, Sol Harkins, the world s most famous atheist, is a lonely soul and a lousy parttime dad. After a near death experience challenges his simplest assumptions about this world, Sol finds his purpose and re-imagines his life in a film that will make you laugh and cry and want to stand up and cheer. CAROLING AT THE MANSION I Proclaim Good News of Great Joy! Join us in song, scripture, prayer and fellowship to celebrate the spirit of Advent/Christmas as we carol throughout the IHM Mansion Wednesday, December 12, 2018 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 401 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
January 2018 401 S. Bryn M a wr A ven u e P a ge 7 Movie With Meaning: Julie and Julia Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Based on two true stories, Julie and Julia intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible! Conference Day: The Art of Mercy and Compassion Saturday, January 26, 2019* 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Presenter: Sister Helen David Brancato, IHM Stipend: $40 (includes breakfast, lunch and Mass) *Please note special day (Saturday) Participants will look at the work of five artists who express their spirituality through the power of imagery. Faith and art go hand in hand...love of humanity, social justice and empathy for the human condition. Sister Helen will demonstrate how these artists, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Kathe Kollwitz, Fritz Eichenberg and Charles White, joined their faith with their art forms. Sister Helen David Brancato, IHM is a painter, printmaker and illustrator. She has exhibited professionally in the Philadelphia and New York areas. Her works carry the theme of justice, peace and homelessness. Sister Helen has given retreats and workshops on Art and Spirituality as well as painting as meditation. Currently she is associate professor of Art at Villanova University, Villanova, PA To register for any event, please call 610-581-0120 or email Sister Marie at mdgipprich@gmail.com Directions to the Center can be found on the back page of this brochure. Did You Know...The IHM Center is also a wonderful meeting facility!...just minutes from Philadelphia and its suburbs with a vey helpful staff...facilities to accommodate groups up to 50...small meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor porches, a library, a chapel, a dining room and of course, a conference room! Contact us at the above phone or email to make arrangements for your next gathering!
IHM Conference/Retreat Center 401 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-581-0120 mdgipprich@gmail.com We re on the Web! Look us up! www.ihmconferencecenter.com REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Registration is required for each program. Please call the Center at 610-581-0120 or email Sister Marie at:: mdgiprich@gmail.com 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. All checks should be made payable to: IHM Conference Center 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 Avenue. 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 directions 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 the directions from **