Programs
Weekly Centering Prayer
With Sr. Julia Keegan, OSF
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 […]
The Hermitages at the Franciscan Spiritual Center - Aston
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 […]
Yoga (Fall Series)
With Maryann Williams
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 […]
"Jesus Takes a Side" Book Group
With Jonny Rashid
Author Jonny Rashid leads this study on his book, Jesus Takes a Side: Embracing the Political Demands of the Gospel. In a world divided by left and right, red and blue, many Christians have upheld a "third way" approach in pursuit of moderation, harmony, and unity. But if Christians are more concerned with divisiveness than […]
The Blessing of Laughter
With Sr. Pat Smith, OSF
We sometimes think of religion or faith as being quite somber. Church or prayer is neither the place nor time to laugh. We fail to see humor in the bible and cannot imagine God laughing with us. Only recently have we seen pictures or statues of Jesus with a smile. Yet humor and laughter are […]
Conversations in Faith
With Sr. Pat Smith, OSF
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
With April Leffler
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 30, 2025.
Decluttering: An Act of Coming to Peace
With Sr. Rose Mary Eve Holter, OSF
Life naturally fills our homes and hearts with accumulated possessions, memories, and attachments. Yet, we're called to a deeper understanding: true freedom comes through the loving act of releasing what no longer serves us, making room for the new graces God desires to bestow. This transformative presentation offers a compassionate exploration of decluttering as a […]
Spiritual Direction: Is It For You?
With Sr. Mary Walsh, OSF
Have you ever wondered if there's more to your daily experiences than meets the eye? Do you sense the presence of something holy in ordinary moments but struggle to understand what it means? While seeking God is a universal human longing, we often compartmentalize our lives, missing the beautiful connections between our spiritual path and […]
BioSpiritual Focusing 1: Inner Listening
With Sr. Mary Walsh, OSF
In this four-session series, skilled and experienced practitioner Sr. Mary Walsh will lead you in the practice of BioSpiritual Focusing. Choose the morning (9:30-11:30 A.M) or evening (6:30-8:30 P.M.) option and get ready to open to your life in a new way! "BioSpiritual Focusing is an experiential, embodied and evidence-based practice of self-reflection. During Focusing, […]
Monday Mindfulness
With Susan Long
Gather together on Monday evenings to PAUSE, BE STILL and enter into Mindfulness. Each week we will also practice Loving Kindness meditation. Each time our awareness grows, we create more space to choose LOVE. Monday Mindfulness sessions will be held monthly on 1st Mondays: October 6 November 3 December 1 January 5 February 2 March […]
Contemplative Morning (October 2025)
With Sr. Jean Ustasiewski, OSF
Are you looking for a quiet respite in the middle of the week? Gather with a small community led by our own Sr. Jean Ustasiewski on the beautiful and peaceful fifth floor Canticle Room of Our Lady of Angels Convent for prayer, reflection and time for sharing over pastries and coffee or tea. (Option to […]
Exploring Our Faith Together
With Sr. Pat Smith, OSF
Each session opens with an aspect of faith to be explored, based on the interest of the group. Attendees are free to share insights, ask questions, and suggest topics for discussion. The sessions, not sequential, are intended to broaden perspectives on theological and practical Church issues and ways of living one’s faith commitment. Come for […]
"Praised Be You, My Lord": St. Francis and The Canticle of the Creatures
With Sr. Clare D'Auria, OSF
Christian tradition tells us that we have two books of divine revelation which God has given us to read: the “Book of Scripture” and the “Book of Creation.” Each is a sacred text through which the truth, beauty, and goodness of God is communicated to us. No one knew how to read and reflect on […]
Living Mindfully: Cultivating Attention and Awareness
With Susan Long
In a world where distraction awaits at every turn, the practice of Cultivating Attention and Awareness is of utmost importance. By providing ourselves with the space and time to direct our attention inward we develop a greater sense of awareness. These practices together develop the foundation for Living Mindfully moment by moment. Come join us […]
Be at Peace
With Bro. Mickey McGrath, OSFS
Bro. Mickey reminds us that in these disturbing times of unrest, division and violence, we can't seem to get enough reminders of Hope and Beauty. God is always in our midst calling us to be kind, gentle and loving as one amazing and diverse human family. How wonderful it would be if we would start […]
Refilling Your Well and the Power of Pause: The Samaritan Woman
With Sr. Mercedes Rojo, OSF
When Jesus met with the Samaritan Woman he promised her a Spring of Living Water flowing within her. That promise is also made to each one of us! But we may say, "And why, Jesus do I have moments when I don’t feel that water flowing within me?" And Jesus may answer, “You just need […]
A Day for Myself: Personal Day of Prayer
With Sr. Marie Angela Presenza, OSF
Give yourself the ‘gift’ of a day! Take time from the busyness of your life. Rest awhile in the Lord and experience God’s loving, compassionate presence. “Be still and know that I am God” The day begins and ends with a prayer experience. Lunch is included as our gift to you. Freewill offerings gratefully accepted.
Writing as Witness
With Kelly Chripczuk
“There is a door we all want to walk through, and writing can help you find it and open it. …it can get you to start paying attention, can help you soften, can wake you up.” Anne Lamott in Bird by Bird Come explore the joys of writing as a spiritual practice. Discover how writing […]
Women's Awareness Salon
With Susan Long, Renee Eells and Susan Maule
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. In November, Susan Maule will bring […]
The Heart Speaks: A Grief Careshop
With Naila Francis
There’s no denying how heavy, overwhelming and disorienting grief is, which leads many of us to resist giving it space in our lives or to carry it like a private, unspoken burden. But to avoid our grief is to also limit our capacity to engage with all of life, including its beauty and joy. This […]
"Pilgrims of HOPE": An Advent Journey
With Sr. Clare D'Auria, OSF
When Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year with its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” he said that “Hope is the virtue that...gives inward direction and purpose to the life of believers” (Spes non confudit, 18). This hope gave “inward direction” to Joseph, Mary, and the Magi as each one set out on their own […]
Finding God in Ordinary Time: A Guided Retreat
With Christine Marie Eberle
We have all known moments of wonder and awe. Nevertheless, most of our days are spent in ordinary time (literally as well as liturgically), preoccupied by family and work, to-do lists and troubles. Amid our many concerns, there is one urgent but often unasked question. Where is God in all this? Come discover your own […]