Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center

Friends Day of Prayer: Fr. Rick Malloy
2025-12-03 09:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
How Do We Live Catholic Social Teaching…In Order to Save Bedford Falls from Becoming Pottersville?
The classic American Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life, will serve as a parable on which we will reflect this day. From what does Jesus save us? How does Advent call us to transform our world to welcome Emmanuel? We will prayerfully consider how God wants to save us as individuals and as members of society and how God’s incarnation calls us to personal and communal salvation.
All are welcome to attend the Friends Day of Prayer retreats, held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. It is not required to attend every month, so register for one or more sessions as your schedule allows. While the presenters and topics vary, each Friends Day of Prayer typically includes pastries and conversation at 9:30am, a morning presentation at 10am, an optional Mass, a delicious lunch, short periods of free time to enjoy the grounds or shop in the bookstore, and an afternoon presentation.
Fr. Richard G. Malloy, SJ, aka “Mugs,” was born in Philadelphia, which he jokingly refers to as “the friendly city of brotherly shove.” Having studied Cultural Anthropology at Temple University, he — as he says — “didn’t go far in life!” His three books from Orbis — A Faith That Frees: Catholic Matters for the 21st Century; Being on Fire: The Top Ten Essentials of Catholic Faith; and Spiritual Direction: A Beginner’s Guide — were all recognized with awards by the Catholic Press Association. From 1988-2003, Fr. Rick lived and worked as a member of the Jesuit Urban Service team in Camden, New Jersey. During those years he also taught at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. From 2010-2019, he taught anthropology, sociology, and theology at the University of Scranton while living for 15 years in first-year dorms (aka anthropological fieldwork!). In 2019, he began serving as director of Mission Integration at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore. For the past 15 summers, he has been lucky to be a Catholic Chaplain in Yellowstone National Park. Fishing is his passion in life. He is convinced that catching a 10-pound trout, the Eagles winning (another!!!) Super Bowl, or the Phillies beating the Yankees in the World Series are all sure signs that the second coming of Jesus is imminent. Fr. Rick brings humor and levity to his retreats and writings. Follow him on social media @FrMalloy.

Virtual Centering Prayer
2025-12-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-04 13:00 - 14:00
Held VIRTUALLY on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month, 1-2pm.
Centering Prayer is a form of Christian contemplative prayer, in which one abides in the Presence of God in interior silence. Centering Prayer emphasizes the indwelling Presence of the Holy Trinity within and among us, and our openness, through receptive silence and restful surrender, to God’s action and healing grace. For our one-hour sessions, we will gather to pray together in silence, attentive to the stillness within, and reflect together on readings related to our prayer life. The sessions are relaxed and informal.
Facilitation for each Centering Prayer session will be led by an experienced member of the group, both staff and from the community. We follow a consistent format from week to week, with variability each session in the reflective reading that is shared. Coordinated by Amy Sorensen Kulesa.
Register by emailing facilitator Amy Sorensen Kulesa at kulesa.neshama@gmail.com.

Virtual Quiet Mornings
2025-12-02 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-22 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-18 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-25 10:30 - 12:00
Quiet Mornings sessions are currently being held virtually on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, and the 4th Saturday, from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. (Sessions will be held in-person on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9:30-10:45am.) Please email Joanne at jmcahooneph3@gmail.com for the Zoom invitation for all virtual sessions.
Quiet mornings provide an opportunity for quiet – for reflection, prayer, listening, presence – in common with others. Perhaps you’d like to carve out time, but could use the support of a structure that is also flexible? Most of us could! And there is encouragement and strength in coming together in this way. You are welcome whenever matches your schedule/desire/need.
Each gathering is bracketed by an opening and closing prayer. The quiet hour at its heart is not scripted or guided. Each one enters the quiet and utilizes or follows it as she/he desires to do so. Some opt to journal, read, walk; to engage in meditation; imaginative prayer or centering prayer; art or collage; or physical movement. The commitment to enter the quiet with some regularity as an ongoing practice is the point. By doing so in companionship with others, we support each other’s journey just by willingly being present in God’s presence together, and hoping good for each other. In our closing prayer, we pray a blessing for each other.
Please feel welcome! Guided by Joanne Cahoon.
Joanne Cahoon, D.Min – spiritual director, retreat leader, coach – facilitates the Quiet Mornings. Please email Joanne at jmcahooneph3@gmail.com for the Zoom invitation.

In-Person, Evening Centering Prayer Session
2025-11-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:00
Held in person on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1-2pm and on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 7-8pm.
For these in-person sessions, registration is required and preferred in advance. If you have not registered in advance, please arrive early so that you can register at our Welcome Center.
(Virtual Zoom sessions will be the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 1-2pm. Register by emailing facilitator Amy Sorensen Kulesa at kulesa.neshama@gmail.com.)
Centering Prayer is a form of Christian contemplative prayer, in which one abides in the Presence of God in interior silence. Centering Prayer emphasizes the indwelling Presence of the Holy Trinity within and among us, and our openness, through receptive silence and restful surrender, to God’s action and healing grace. For our one-hour sessions, we will gather to pray together in silence, attentive to the stillness within, and reflect together on readings related to our prayer life. The sessions are relaxed and informal. You are invited to dress comfortably and use a meditation cushion, if you would like.
Facilitation for each Centering Prayer session will be led by an experienced member of the group, both staff and from the community. We follow a consistent format from week to week, with variability each session in the reflective reading that is shared. Coordinated by Amy Sorensen Kulesa.

VIRTUAL Continuing Education for Spiritual Directors - Nov 2025
2025-11-22 09:00 - 12:00
Finding God in Metaphors and Stories
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. ~Psalm 119:105
A metaphor is a figure of speech that implicitly compares two unrelated things, typically by stating that one thing is another (e.g., “God is the omnipotent clockmaker”). Metaphors and stories are creative ways to express how we see the world. We use these forms of speech to envision new ways of being, doing, and speaking.
People use metaphors to represent something else, especially something abstract. Stories offer insights into the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual context of the speaker’s life. In our relationships with spiritual direction clients, we listen with the ears of the Holy Spirit, paying attention to the words people use to describe God, prayer, and the challenges and graces they encounter in their lives.
In this session, we will learn how to listen for the metaphors and stories that our clients use as they talk about their spiritual journey. In group conversations, we will consider ways to help our clients discover the metaphors we hear when they talk about their relationship with God. We will also consider how to help our clients examine and potentially reconstruct stories that may no longer be life-affirming.
This Zoom presentation will include an opportunity for questions and discussion. You will receive resources to guide you in your use of the material presented. Guided by Linda Mastro.
This is a virtual program, open to all spiritual directors. A Zoom Meeting link will be emailed to registered participants by Friday, November 21, 2025. When registering, please be sure to include the correct email address to which the Zoom link should be sent.
Linda Mastro is a graduate of the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute in Marriottsville, Maryland, where she now serves as a faculty member. In addition to being an Associate of Bon Secours, Linda is a spiritual companion for individuals and groups and brings a spirit of compassion and light-heartedness to her work as a women’s retreat facilitator, pilgrimage leader, and workshop guide. Linda is co-author of the book Petite Retreats: Renewing Body, Mind, and Spirit Without Leaving Home. Learn more about Linda and her ministry at livingpilgrimage.com.

Meditation & Prayer Retreat
2025-11-15 09:30 - 16:00
Draw Near
Join us for an intentional time to listen for God in a new way, without the busyness of life. During this fall retreat we will spend time in God’s presence while exploring scripture, biblical meditation, and prayer. Enjoy guided prayer, meditation, journaling, and other activities as a group or on your own as we gather to draw near to God — body, soul, and spirit. Lunch is included. Guided by Sherrell Moore-Tucker.
Sherrell Moore-Tucker is an author, health minister, and Bible teacher. She has organized and led health and wellness workshops and retreats, and she has facilitated studies on spiritual disciplines and various Biblical topics. An advocate for Christian education and Biblical literacy, her passion is to see people become more disciplined in their faith with a clear understanding of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, attributes of God, stewardship, and growth through the disciplines.

3-Night Ignatian Spirituality Retreat
2025-11-13 16:00 - 2025-11-16 13:00
We’re so sorry, but due to an unavoidable conflict, the presenter is unable to faciliate this retreat, and the retreat has been canceled.
Please consider registering instead for Paul Gallagher’s “Healthy Living With St. Ignatius” Weekend Retreat to be held January 9-11, 2026.
Again, we apologize for the cancellation.

In-Person Centering Prayer Session
2025-11-11 13:00 - 14:00
Held in person on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1-2pm and on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 7-8pm.
For these in-person sessions, registration is required in advance, due by the Monday before each in-person session.
(Virtual Zoom sessions will be the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 1-2pm. Register by emailing facilitator Amy Sorensen Kulesa at kulesa.neshama@gmail.com.)
Centering Prayer is a form of Christian contemplative prayer, in which one abides in the Presence of God in interior silence. Centering Prayer emphasizes the indwelling Presence of the Holy Trinity within and among us, and our openness, through receptive silence and restful surrender, to God’s action and healing grace. For our one-hour sessions, we will gather to pray together in silence, attentive to the stillness within, and reflect together on readings related to our prayer life. The sessions are relaxed and informal. You are invited to dress comfortably and use a meditation cushion, if you would like.
Facilitation for each Centering Prayer session will be led by an experienced member of the group, both staff and from the community. We follow a consistent format from week to week, with variability each session in the reflective reading that is shared. Coordinated by Amy Sorensen Kulesa.

Quiet Mornings - In Person Session
2025-11-11 09:30 - 10:45
Quiet Mornings sessions are currently being held in-person on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. (It is also held virtually on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday and 4th Saturday. Every virtual session is held from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon.) Please email Joanne at jmcahooneph3@gmail.com for the Zoom sessions invitation.
Quiet mornings provide an opportunity for quiet – for reflection, prayer, listening, presence – in common with others. Perhaps you’d like to carve out time, but could use the support of a structure that is also flexible? Most of us could! And there is encouragement and strength in coming together in this way. You are welcome whenever matches your schedule/desire/need.
Each gathering is bracketed by an opening and closing prayer. The quiet hour at its heart is not scripted or guided. Each one enters the quiet and utilizes or follows it as she/he desires to do so. Some opt to journal, read, walk; to engage in meditation; imaginative prayer or centering prayer; art or collage; or physical movement. The commitment to enter the quiet with some regularity as an ongoing practice is the point. By doing so in companionship with others, we support each other’s journey just by willingly being present in God’s presence together, and hoping good for each other. In our closing prayer, we pray a blessing for each other.
Please feel welcome! Guided by Joanne Cahoon.
Joanne Cahoon, D.Min. – spiritual director, retreat leader, coach – facilitates the Quiet Mornings. Please email Joanne at jmcahooneph3@gmail.com for the Zoom invitation.

Virtual Caregiver's Support Group - November
2025-11-08 13:30 - 15:30
Soul Care of Self for Caregivers: A Bi-Monthly Spiritual Support Group on Zoom
Caregivers of all types, this invitation is intended specifically for you!
Based on feedback from attendees who participate in the Caregiver Retreats facilitated at Bon Secours, a more regular opportunity for caregivers to gather together as a community for spiritual nourishment and support is being offered in 2025.
Beginning in January and scheduled for the second Saturday every other calendar month, this two-hour online program is an invitation for caregivers to converge and engage in a safe space and with various spiritual practices around a topic relevant to the caregiver experience. Each session will include time for a spiritual practice (including body prayer, silence, mantras, etc.), personal reflection, and small / large group sharing.
The caregiver role encompasses a diverse array of possibilities, including the care of a spouse, family member, child, or loved one. It is also a vocation for countless individuals who are professionally employed in the health and human services industry. Each session will be tailored to uplift participants who may or may not provide hands-on care for their loved ones, but who are involved in their lives. With this in mind, the underlying focus for each gathering will be on creating meaning for each one’s respective caregiver journey while uncovering blessings and cultivating what each participant needs the most at that station in their caregiving.
The topics explored will flow from what is expressed by participants during scheduled sessions and welcomed feedback. Various resources and materials for further consideration, connection, and support will be provided during and in between sessions. Participants are not required to register for all bi-monthly sessions, but are encouraged to attend as many as desire and availability allow. Guided by Gordon Creamer.
When registering, please provide the email address to which we should send the Zoom Meeting link. If you don’t receive the Zoom Meeting information by the day before the session, please contact the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120.
To register for other 2025 Virtual Caregiver Support Group Sessions, please visit the following links:

January 11, 2025
March 8, 2025
May 10, 2025
July 12, 2025
September 13, 2025

Gordon Creamer, MA, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, Maryland. He has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute. Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing. For more information, visit TheMissionBridge.com.

Contemplative Healing Through Introspective Breathwork
2025-11-07 16:00 - 2025-11-09 11:30
A Journey into Embodied Presence
Peace, as well as centered presence and an embodied understanding of “God-with-us,” are literally just a breath and a prayer away! This nurturing and enlightening retreat weekend will be an immersive introduction to the ways prayer and the practice of conscious connected breathwork can work together to facilitate deeper self-awareness, release stress and emotions held in the body, and invite us into a more profound sense of unity with God and God’s love for us.
Participants will be supported in a safe, affirming space to explore areas where they seek healing from past or present wounds, reflect on the need for clarity in their personal journeys, or simply enjoy a weekend of time away to relax and reduce stress. We will explore some of the history and science of breathwork and how ancient tradition and modern neuroscience have demonstrated the effectiveness of breathwork in healing trauma and supporting the self-regulation of our nervous systems. No prior experience with breathwork, yoga, or other practices is required…just an open mind and heart! Guided by Amy Sorensen Kulesa.
Participants will be asked to complete a health release form before the weekend begins. Introspective Breathwork™ is a safe and gentle process, but there are several health contraindications that the leader would like to be informed of prior to the weekend to ensure that everyone is guided in the most beneficial way for their individual needs.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief welcome session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The retreat begins after dinner at 7pm on Friday and concludes before lunch on Sunday. Mass will be available on Sunday morning for those who wish to attend.
Amy Sorensen Kulesa, M.Div., MSW is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and certified Introspective Breathwork™ facilitator. She earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. She is a graduate of Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality, Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute, and One Breath Institute. Immersed in both the Franciscan and Bon Secours charisms, Amy enjoys facilitating retreats in which participants have the opportunity to discern the narrative of their own lives within the larger story of God’s abundant healing, grace, and mercy.

Lunch & Dialogue: Native American Spirituality
2025-11-07 12:00 - 15:30
A Non-Native Honoring of Native American Spirituality
“To encounter the sacred is to be alive at the deepest center of human existence. Sacred places are the truest definitions of the earth; they stand for the earth immediately and forever; they are its flags and shields. If you would know the earth for what it really is, learn it through its sacred places. At Devil’s Tower or Canyon de Chelly or the Cahokia Mounds, you touch the pulse of the living planet; you feel its breath upon you. You become one with a spirit that pervades geologic time and space.” ~ N. Scott Momaday
Reverence for the Great Spirit, Nondualism of the Spiritual and Real World, and the Necessity of Rituals. These principles are at the heart of Native American spirituality as it spans across the vast multitude of its diverse nations on the North American continent. While there are many creedal nuances among each of these nations, most acknowledge these as core beliefs and express them concretely by living in harmony with Mother Earth, honoring all beings, and respecting the interdependence of all life.
Join us for a Lunch & Dialogue on this topic as we consider the bountiful gifts of Native American spirituality and the meaningful ways in which indigenous peoples have celebrated the Divine within the cosmos, the land, and each other for thousands of years. During our sojourn together, participants will be invited to connect with the broad strokes of this spirituality by engaging with and dialoguing about some of the perspectives and practices of diverse Native American nations. Included in our journey together will also be a brief discussion of (provided) excerpts from Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Potawatomi professor, Robin Wall Kimmerer as a means of connecting mysticism with reverence for the earth as a creation of the Divine. A closing ritual will bring convergence to the teachings and themes considered and offer integration into the embodiment of contemporary spirituality in our current era of living. Lunch is included. Guided by Gordon Creamer.
Gordon Creamer, MA, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, Maryland. As a creative and contemplative builder, he has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute. Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing. For more information, visit TheMissionBridge.com.

Friends Day of Prayer: Linda Mastro
2025-11-05 09:30 - 15:00
Gratitude for the Little Moments
Do not forget the things your eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart all of the days of your life. ~Deuteronomy 4:9
The brilliance of autumn and the season of Thanksgiving call us to turn our hearts and prayers to gratitude. It is easy to remember the big moments that spark gratitude — the birth of a child, a good outcome from a medical procedure, the grandeur of God painted on the trees and in the sky. Joyce Rupp, in her poem “Gratitude for the Little Moments,” encourages us to look for “deep thankfulness for the bite-sized pieces” of life. Through poetry, music, and time of quiet contemplation, we will consider what God has served up on small plates of goodness and in cups of challenges. Guided by Linda Mastro.
All are welcome to attend the Friends Day of Prayer retreats, held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. It is not required to attend every month, so register for one or more sessions as your schedule allows. While the presenters and topics vary, each Friends Day of Prayer typically includes pastries and conversation at 9:30am, a morning presentation at 10am, an optional Mass, a delicious lunch, short periods of free time to enjoy the grounds or shop in the bookstore, and an afternoon presentation.
Linda Mastro is a graduate of the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute in Marriottsville, Maryland, where she now serves as a faculty member. In addition to being an Associate of Bon Secours, Linda is a spiritual companion for individuals and groups and brings a spirit of compassion and light-heartedness to her work as a women’s retreat facilitator, pilgrimage leader, and workshop guide. Linda is co-author of the book Petite Retreats: Renewing Body, Mind, and Spirit Without Leaving Home. Learn more about Linda and her ministry at LivingPilgrimage.com.

A Grateful Heart Women's Workshop
2025-11-01 09:30 - 16:00
The “seat of gratitude” is the HEART. The scriptures are filled with words of gratitude and thanksgiving. But when was the last time you took the opportunity to go within…to sit in your heart…to explore all of the people and situations where you can be grateful? If you are longing for a time to reflect and revive, please consider joining us. Through journaling, group discussions, and time in nature, we will prepare our hearts to celebrate this season of thanksgiving. Lunch is included. This is a women’s retreat, guided by Paula Jilanis.
Paula Jilanis, MA has facilitated retreats and workshops since 1995. She has been involved in retreat work at Bon Secours since 2009. Her intention always is to create a safe space where others can explore their inner world. As a life coach and Reiki Master, Paula works holistically to bring people more deeply into their spiritual journey. She is author of the book A Guide to Creating Your Wellness Center.

Celebrating National Hermit Day: A Day of Quiet at Bon Secours
2025-10-29 09:30 - 16:00
Do you…

need a day of quiet and solitude to rest, reflect, be?
need at least one of these each year?
sense that God may be inviting you to enter silence and reorient?

October 29th might be just for you, as it is the annual celebration of National Hermit Day.
Although its origins are not firmly known, many attribute Hermit Day’s origin to the 18th century and suggest a connection to the Irish Hermit Saint Colman. It gives us an opportunity to join the many others who — throughout Christian history — have entered silence and solitude to remember what is most important: to listen, to pray. A day like this has the potential to initiate or strengthen a regular practice.
Since 2014, Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center has hosted Quiet Morning events that are also opportunities for shared silence. This day will follow a similar pattern. We will begin and end together in simple prayer, have lunch in shared silence, and spend the day on our own in prayer or other quiet activities such as walking, doing art, reading, journaling — whatever you feel inclined to do. The Center’s daily Mass at 11:00 am will be available to you, if desired. This is mostly a silent retreat. Lunch is included. Guided by Joanne Cahoon.
Joanne Cahoon, D.Min. holds a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, master’s degree in Religion/Pastoral Ministry, graduate certificates in spiritual direction and in spirituality studies, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where her specialization was spirituality and practical theology. Along the way, Joanne has taught in elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate school settings. She has also served as youth minister, high school campus minister, consultant, writer, national trainer, diocesan staff member, staff member of a graduate school, spiritual director, facilitator of retreats, and professional coach. Joanne has welcomed and worked with many individuals and groups, serving them as they listen for God’s invitations in their personal and corporate lives. She finds it a privilege to be involved in spiritual and human formation — bringing deep listening, presence, creativity, and a commitment to her own ongoing formation to her work.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION on Interfaith Peacebuilding - Rossing Center US Tour
2025-10-27 19:00 - 21:00
Jewish-Christian Relations in the Wake of October 7th and the War in Gaza
The Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue is an interreligious organization based in Jerusalem which promotes an inclusive society for all religious, ethnic, and national groups. Through education, encounter, research, and consulting, the Rossing Center promotes better relations between Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the Holy Land.
Hana Bendcowsky (Israeli-Jewish) and John Munayer (Palestinian-Christian), two interfaith educators and dialogue practitioners from the Rossing Center, will be visiting the East Coast of the United States in October 2025 to mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the groundbreaking Vatican II document that transformed Jewish-Christian relations. During this tour, they will be offering talks, workshops, and meetings focused on the crisis in Jewish-Christian relations, as well as about the current realities and challenges of interfaith peacebuilding in Israel-Palestine, informed by their on-the-ground experience and academic work.
The issue of Israel-Palestine has always proved challenging to Jewish-Christian relations — but never more so than since October 7th and the ensuing war in Gaza, which has added to the immense strain on interreligious relations worldwide. With the gravity of the current situation in the region, dialogue and education are crucial. Hana and John will bring this important conversation into today’s context in the Holy Land.
We invite you to join us for a powerful presentation and discussion about these critical issues as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Nostra Aetate and to begin to repair the interreligious dynamics so damaged by the war in Israel-Palestine.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Trinitarians and the Sisters of Bon Secours, there is no charge for this program. If you’d like to make a donation to the Rossing Center to support their work, please come prepared with cash or checks payable to Rossing Center.
Learn more about the Rossing Center at RossingCenter.org.
Please register for this free event below or by calling 410-442-3120.

Hana Bendcowsky is a Program Director at the Rossing Center and an expert in Jewish-Christian relations. She holds a master’s degree in Comparative Religion from the Hebrew University and has 30 years of practical experience in interfaith activities in the Holy Land. She teaches in various institutions, colleges, and academic programs.

John Munayer, born and raised in Jerusalem, is passionate about researching, writing, and lecturing on Palestinian Christian identity, Palestinian Theology and Interreligious Dialogue. He completed an MSc in International Relations of the Middle East from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s degree in Theology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Currently, John is a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh.

Caregiver's Retreat
2025-10-25 09:30 - 16:00
We’re so sorry, but this retreat has been cancelled due to low enrollment.
Please consider joining us instead for our bi-monthly support group for caregiver’s on Zoom on November 8, 2025.

Spirituality and Neuroscience: Nourishing Our Well-Being
2025-10-24 16:00 - 2025-10-26 11:30
Our spiritual habits affect our physical, cognitive, and emotional health in a variety of ways. Fascinating neuroscience insights show how these practices slow aging in our cells, maintain our brain health, reduce stress, and nurture our health and happiness. Beautifully crafted multimedia presentations will explore the Breath, Christian Mindfulness, Meditation, Gratitude, and Kindness. We will include time to practice these together, along with group discussion and individual contemplative time. Anne will also lead a simple creative art project (no skills required). Come and nurture your spirit, body, and mind! Guided by Anne Kertz Kernion.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief welcome session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The retreat begins after dinner at 7pm on Friday and concludes before lunch on Sunday. Mass will be available on Sunday morning for those who wish to attend.

Anne Kertz Kernion is the owner and artist of Cards by Anne, an inspirational greeting card company founded in 1986. Anne’s cards, hand-designed in calligraphy and ink, are available online (CardsByAnne.com) and in stores throughout the US, England, and Australia, including the Bon Secours Book Store. For fourteen years, Anne taught “Cross-Cultural Understanding of Religious Meaning” at Carlow University; for seven years, she taught courses ranging from Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition to World Religions and Ethics at a local community college. Her first book, A Year of Spiritual Companionship, was published in 2016. Her recent book, Spiritual Practices for the Brain: Caring for Mind, Body and Soul, was published in late 2020 and has won numerous awards for the integration of health and spirituality. Currently, Anne is a frequent lecturer and retreat leader, presenting topics that combine neuroscience, positive psychology, and spirituality to groups across the US and Australia. A former Division 1 athlete, Anne teaches a weekly yoga class and enjoys biking and hiking. She and her husband, Jack, have three grown children and six grandchildren.
