Serving God and the Dear Neighbor without Distinction
Serving the Spiritual Needs of Our Neighbors
St. Joseph Spirituality Center advances the Sisters’ mission of bringing all people into deeper union with God, one another, and all creation through programs and retreat experiences that blend ecology, art, spirituality, and justice. Experience rest and renewal among the gardens and pathways on the Sisters’ 80+ acre campus during a custom retreat stay of any length. If you have questions about a program, please call 724-869-6587 or email spiritcenter@stjoseph-baden.org.
Please note that financial aid is available for all programs and retreats listed below. Contact Kathy Wray, St. Joseph Spirituality Director at kwray@stjoseph-baden.org or 724-869-6585 for assistance.
God's Great Backyard Bird Count
Sunday, Feb. 18, from 1-3PM
Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith
Mini-retreat on Sunday, Feb. 19, in Baden followed by weekly conversation on Thursday evenings (March 2 through March 28) from 7-8:30PM at Trace Brewing in Bloomfield. Optional Holy Week Retreat of any length at Trinity Retreat House.
This Lenten series founded on questions offers time for young adults (suggested age range: 21-40) to unpack big questions about life and faith. Our questions won’t necessarily lead to answers, but they can help us find clarity and a new perspective. $50. Financial aid available.
Introduction to Christian Meditation
with Sister Cynthia Comiskey
Mondays, Feb. 20 – March 27 from 6:30-8PM
Led by Sister Cynthia Comiskey, this six-week introductory course provides an opportunity for those interested in finding out about Christian meditation to experience the practice in a small group, to learn about its origins, and to discover its relevance as a form of prayer for the contemporary world. $120. Financial aid available.
Sister Cynthia Comiskey, CSJ, LCSW, serves on the Executive Council of The World Community for Christian Meditation. She has conducted workshops around the country on Christian Meditation and Teaching Christian Meditation to Children.
Lenten Retreat in Everyday Life
In-Person or Virtual
Experience the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola in an abbreviated format, gathering weekly as a small group for faith-sharing, prayer, and reflection. $50. Financial aid is available.
In-Person: Tuesdays, Feb. 21 – April 11 from 1:30-3 PM in Baden. Sessions led by Kathy Wray.
Virtual: Wednesdays, Feb. 22 – April 12 from 6:30-8 PM EDT via Zoom. Sessions led by Sister Marjorie Kelly, CSJ.
Spring Ignatian Directed Retreat Weekend
Friday, March 10 at 7PM – Sunday, March 12 at 12PM
Experience scripturally-based prayer in a contemplative mode, daily liturgy, and individual retreat direction in an atmosphere of silence and quiet prayer during this three-day retreat rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola.
$140 includes meals, lodging, and individual spiritual direction with St. Joseph Spirituality Center staff. Financial aid is available!
Nature Journaling
March 25, April 15, May 27 from 10am-noon
Relax, enjoy nature, and record your experiences in this contemplative time in nature with Sister Janis Franklin. No experience is needed – just a desire to spend time outdoors and a curiosity about the natural world.
All ages are welcome! We ask that children be accompanied by an adult. Dress to walk outside on the Spring earth! Bring a bag lunch. We’ll provide journals and art supplies! $10.
Praying the Stations of the Cross (Virtual)
Self-Guided Virtual Program Available during Lent
See the various points along the Way of the Cross through the eyes of a dedicated disciple – yourself!
This virtual Lenten program is narrated by Sister Christine Kresho, CSJ, whose booklet, “Stations of the Cross for Today’s Disciples” can be provided by mail.
$20 includes booklet or $10 without. Financial aid available!
Trinity Retreat House
Are you seeking rest, renewal, or quiet time with God? We host custom individual retreats at Trinity Retreat House, the renovated farm house on our grounds.
Explore the gardens and pathways on the Sisters’ 80+ acre campus, rest, pray, journal, or meet with a Spiritual Director.
Contact Kathy Fletcher Wray, Director St. Joseph Spirituality Center, at 724-869-6585 or kwray@stjoseph-baden.org.
We look forwarding to hosting you!
Custom Experiences for Individuals and Groups
Individual Five and Eight Day Directed Retreats
Commit to five or eight days of silence and prayer at Trinity House, the renovated farmhouse on our 80 acres. Retreatants will experience intentional prayer each day and are welcome to rest, walk, journal, etc. Meet with a spiritual director each day to share the fruit of your prayer and how God is speaking deeply in your heart. We are happy to accomodate individual retreats of any length – contact us to inquire about a night, a weekend or a few days.
Dates: Retreat weeks for individuals are available most months.
Cost: $350 for 5 days or $500 for 8 days includes lodging, meals and stipends.
Retreat Directors: Sisters and staff members as available
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (30-Day Retreat)
This individually-directed retreat is for those who wish to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through the full-time, month long experience of the Spiritual Exercises. The 30-day retreatant is guided by an experienced spiritual director through daily meetings. It is important that the individual who undertakes a retreat of this magnitude is ready for and committed to the undertaking, as it is a major investment of time and energy for both the retreatant and director. Daily Eucharist is available. Individuals interested in making this retreat are expected to have experience with at least one Ignatian directed retreat and to be committed to daily prayer and meditation and regular spiritual direction. A simple application, including a reference from a spiritual director, is required. Please contact the Spirituality Center for more information and availability.
Cost: $1000 includes lodging, all meals and director’s stipend.
Individual Spiritual Direction
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a long tradition of guiding women and men in their desire to deepen their union with God by offering individual spiritual direction, days of reflection and retreat direction Spiritual direction, a confidential “companioning” of a person who shares his or her ongoing prayer, spiritual journey in daily life and relationship with God, is available to individuals by appointment. Learn more about Spiritual Direction.
Suggested stipend: $50 per one-hour conference.
Programs for Parishes and Clusters
St. Joseph Spirituality Center welcomes parishioners searching for ways to pray together or a welcoming space for open, gentle conversation. We can tailor retreat days or presentations to meet the spiritual needs of liturgical ministers, catechists, those suffering from grief and loss or those seeking to deepen their relationship with God through weekly prayer gatherings.
Our staff of spiritual directors, speakers and facilitators can assist you – or bring your own! Weekdays, evenings and weekends are available throughout the year. Learn more about parish programs.
For More Information
Kathy Fletcher Wray
Director
St. Joseph Spirituality Center
724-869-6585
kwray@stjoseph-baden.org
Virtual Prayer Offerings
Daily Examen
A guide through the five steps of the examen. Learn to ask God to illuminate the ever-so-small movements in the course of your day.
Aging with God’s Grace
Reflecting on the blessings of growing older and wiser, embracing both joy and sorrow with a deep appreciation for God’s faithfulness and love.