Programs

Weekly Centering Prayer

With Sr. Jean Ustasiewski, OSF

Open Dates
Zoom

This is a supportive virtual group gathering for those who wish to practice centering prayer. All are welcome, regardless of previous experience with this type of meditation. Each week, there will be: -a short reading or instruction -a 30-minute period of quiet centering prayer -5 minutes of walking meditation and -a 20-minute period of quiet […]

Bible Study on the Farm

With Patricia Platt

Open Dates
Red Hill Farm

Join us at 1 P.M. every Wednesday at Red Hill Farm. Enjoy thoughtful conversation and our beautiful farm. Ready to grow? This weekly bible study offers the opportunity for us to journey through the weekly Sunday readings together. When we gather to listen and read together, we open ourselves to new understanding. We may hear […]

The Hermitages at the Franciscan Spiritual Center - Aston

Flexible Dates
Franciscan Spiritual Center, 609 South Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014

The Franciscan Spiritual Center invites you to engage the practice of solitude in a unique modern location -- 46 acres of forest preserved by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Located between Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE, the Hermitages are nearby but feel far away. The revered practice of withdrawing into solitude spans centuries […]

Group Spiritual Direction: Taste and See (on Zoom)

With Ann Steigerwald

August 6, 2026
Zoom

Interested in group spiritual direction? This introductory session offers an opportunity to explore the practice in a welcoming and guided setting. The session begins with an introduction to the seven foundational practices of group spiritual direction, followed by a facilitated experience where participants can engage in the practice together. Under the guidance of a Franciscan […]

The Enneagram Journey - Know Your Number, Know Yourself

With Sr. Regina Ryan, IHM, Ed.D.

September 8, 2026
Copper Beech Room
Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Aug 31, 2026.

“For I do not do the good that I want but the evil that I do not want” (Romans: 7:19). Does this frustration of St. Paul sound familiar? Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating the same patterns, reactions, or struggles—even when you sincerely desire to change? Fortunately, you are not alone and there […]

Men's Spirituality Group (September 8, 2026)

With Fritz Haas

September 8, 2026
Copper Beech Room

Find your spiritual community. Our Men's Group meets twice monthly for open dialogue, genuine support, and collective exploration of faith and life's deeper questions.

Women's Awareness Salon (September 9, 2026)

With Susan Long and Renee Eells

September 9, 2026
Copper Beech Room
Book now and get $5.00 off listed prices. Offer valid until Aug 31, 2026.

Join this women’s circle to discover the sacredness and beauty in your everyday life. The focus will be on developing a healthy relationship to the physical world while honoring the inherent spirituality that is present in all that we are and do. Each gathering will have a different theme. Gather with us to learn more […]

Heightened Awareness: T'ai Chi Chih Retreat Day

With April Leffler

September 11, 2026
Copper Beech Room
Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Aug 31, 2026.

“When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself. When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself to the world." Eckhart Tolle Come and learn techniques for keeping yourself grounded and balanced. Learn how to catch yourself before you begin stressing out or soon after you begin feeling stressed and apply […]

Franciscan Jubilee Celebration - Season of Creation: Living Water

With The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

September 12, 2026
Copper Beech Room

Save the date! More information coming soon!

Yoga (Fall 2026)

With Maryann Williams

September 14, 2026
Copper Beech Room
Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Aug 31, 2026.

The practice of Yoga brings one to union, harmony, and peace. During these sessions Basic Hatha Yoga will be presented. Relaxation techniques, classical postures and stretching with emphasis on deep breathing will be included. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own mat and water bottle. Please let us know if you need any assistance […]

Sound Bath to Mark the Change of Season - Fall Equinox (September 18, 2026)

With Rich Hoffman

September 18, 2026
Red Hill Farm

Immerse yourself in the sounds of singing bowls, voices, and nature to prepare your spirit for the Fall Equinox.

Celebrating Change and Abundance: Labyrinth Walk for the Fall Equinox

With Joyce McNally

September 19, 2026
The Labyrinth (between the Convent and the University)

The first of our Labyrinth Walks to Celebrate the Seasons of Mother Earth will be held at the Fall Equinox, a time when day and night stand in balance. As the earth begins its turn toward rest, we walk the labyrinth to honor the harvest, embrace change, and give thanks for abundance in our lives.

Morning Yoga to Welcome the Fall Equinox (September 20, 2026)

With Maryann Williams

September 20, 2026
Copper Beech Room

Start your day with an hour of gentle Hatha Yoga to prepare yourself — body, mind, heart, and spirit — to welcome autumn when the Fall Equinox arrives later in the week.

Men's Spirituality Group (September 22, 2026)

With Fritz Haas

September 22, 2026
Copper Beech Room

Find your spiritual community. Our Men's Group meets twice monthly for open dialogue, genuine support, and collective exploration of faith and life's deeper questions.

Conversations in Faith (September 23, 2026)

With Sr. Pat Smith, OSF

September 23, 2026
Francis Room

Participants come together to share and enrich their faith with one another. Some come to listen, others to listen and offer their insights, suggestions, questions, etc. about faith issues that are unclear or seem to have changed. Should a topic need more research, the facilitator follows through and brings it to the group the following […]

T'ai Chi Chih (Fall 2026)

With April Leffler

September 24, 2026
Copper Beech Room
Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Aug 31, 2026.

Known for its slow, intentional movements, T'ai Chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health. Join in this 6-week Thursday night series that runs from September 25 - October 29, 2025.

Held By the Earth: A Grief Careshop

With Naila Francis

October 11, 2026
The Convent Grounds

In her poem, “Sleeping in the Forest,” Mary Oliver writes: “I thought the earth remembered me/ she took me back so tenderly,/ arranging her dark skirts, her pockets/full of lichens and seeds.” What would it feel like to be remembered by the Earth, to know we are held by her generous living body through our […]

From Division to Dialogue: A JUST Listening Workshop

With Sharon Browning and Brenna McGinnis

November 14, 2026
Copper Beech Room

The ability to listen with empathy and understanding is more crucial than ever. Many of us find ourselves frustrated and disheartened by conversations that feel more like battlegrounds than opportunities for understanding. 66% of Americans say that when discussing issues with those with whom they disagree, people are “quick to attack them.” Only 24% say […]

Deepening Our Listening Skills - Session 1: Creative Listening (November 21, 2026)

With Carol Martin Johnson

November 21, 2026
Copper Beech Room

This is the first of three workshops focusing on sharpening our ability to listen deeply.  To register for all three, please visit: Deepening Our Listening Skills – All 3 Sessions. We are surrounded by noise both inside of us, and outside of us.  Many things are competing for our attention.  It is easy to just […]

Deepening Our Listening Skills - All 3 Sessions

With Carol Martin Johnson

Package Dates
Copper Beech Room

These three workshops will focus on sharpening our ability to listen deeply.  These workshops will build on each other, but if you can't attend all three you are welcome to attend the ones you can. If you register from this page, the price will be $135 for the three session package and the registration page […]

Deepening Our Listening Skills - Session 2: Listening Through Our Bodies (February 20, 2027)

With Carol Martin Johnson

February 20, 2027
Copper Beech Room

This is the second of three workshops focusing on sharpening our ability to listen deeply.  To register for all three, please visit: Deepening Our Listening Skills - All 3 Sessions. We are surrounded by noise both inside of us, and outside of us.  Many things are competing for our attention.  It is easy to just […]

Deepening Our Listening Skills - Session 3: Listening to the Natural World (May 22, 2027)

With Carol Martin Johnson

May 22, 2027
Copper Beech Room

This is the third of three workshops focusing on sharpening our ability to listen deeply.  To register for all three, please visit: Deepening Our Listening Skills – All 3 Sessions. We are surrounded by noise both inside of us, and outside of us.  Many things are competing for our attention.  It is easy to just […]