WELCOME!
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As "Joyful Bearers of
God's Redeeming Love," we... ...offer service,
hospitality and opportunities for spiritual and educational enrichment for everyone |
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Dear Friends,
For those unable to attend our Lenten Tuesday evening "Taize - Prayer Around the Cross" opportunities, we are videoing these and placing them on the Zoom and YouTube Library Page: (click here) Zoom and YouTube Library so that you can view them whenever you have some free time. Each week will offer different scripture readings, meditative music and reflections along with intercessory prayers. It is our hope that this will be a resource to you on your Lenten Journey.
God's blessings on all!
For those unable to attend our Lenten Tuesday evening "Taize - Prayer Around the Cross" opportunities, we are videoing these and placing them on the Zoom and YouTube Library Page: (click here) Zoom and YouTube Library so that you can view them whenever you have some free time. Each week will offer different scripture readings, meditative music and reflections along with intercessory prayers. It is our hope that this will be a resource to you on your Lenten Journey.
God's blessings on all!
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AN IMPORTANT NOTICE
Our thanks to all who attended the Annual Irish Tea! The afternoon was a huge success and deep gratitude is offered for the generous donations to the Afghan Resettlement Project. If you would like to view the photos from that afternoon event, please click here: Photo Gallery 2022 - 2023 then scroll to the bottom of the page. Enjoy! |
WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED?
If there is an interest, the IHM Conference/Retreat Center would like to offer an 8 sessions course (one hour each) on T’ai Chi Chih next year. T’ai Chi Chih is a mindfulness moving meditation which includes 19 moves and one pose. It is adaptable and benefits persons of any age. T’ai Chih Chi can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress. Benefits may include peace of mind, greater flexibility, increased balance, better health, serenity and increased joy. The Center will schedule the classes from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and the cost is $10 per session. Please let Sister Marie know if you might be interested by emailing her at ihmconferencecenter@gmail.com |
CELEBRATING OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY!
The following announcement appeared in our Fall 1997 IHM publication of the “Issues of the Heart Matter” magazine: “In 1997, anticipating the arrival of a new millennium, with the Church…’We the IHM Community respond, as we always have, from our simple beginnings to today, to the needs of God’s people. We were founded in simplicity and service to provide an environment of welcome to the immigrants of the 19th Century. Our mission was to educate and nurture the sacramental growth of the people. So today, we initiate a new - yet old - service. We open an IHM Conference Center at the Wootton Estate in Bryn Mawr. Born of collaborative brain-storming...the idea evolved as a practical response to a two-fold need. Maintaining the historic site of Wootton and perceiving the much publicized need in contemporary society for “time out” in overcrowded and over-busy lives, the General Administration approved the Center as a valid apostolic extension of IHM graced hospitality to a church relearning the art of welcome through evangelization, immigration and renewal.’”
Fast-forward to the Fall of 2022, we realize how blessed we are to look back on 25 years of breathing life into that initial idea! Today we extend sincere gratitude to the Sisters who “began it all” and to those who continued the mission, to our IHM Congregation for its ever-present support and encouragement, to our benefactors and, most especially, to the countless men and women who have graced our Center with their presence at our programs, Conference Days, faculty retreat days, Carol Nights and even our Irish Tea! Through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, may God continue to bless and prosper “the work of our hands” as we offer “Praise, Love, Thanksgiving” for these past 25 years!
What a Blessed and Beautiful Celebration for our 25th Anniversary!
On Sunday, October 30, we celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the IHM Conference/Retreat Center.
What a wonderful day it was! The celebration began with Mass with Father Jim Cardosi as our presider.
Many of our friends who visit the Center for retreats and special events were present for the festivities.
Other guests included the IHM General Administration, former staff members of the Center,
and other IHMs whose lives touched the Center in some way since its beginning.
We would like to thank everyone who celebrated this special event with us.
We are especially grateful for the gifts, good wishes, and prayers that were offered
on our behalf. How can we ever thank all of you?
The sisters here at the Center truly believe that we are blessed in our ministry
by your presence and your deep desire for a deeper relationship with God.
You are an inspiration!
May God continue to bless all of you for your support and generosity. And may our bountiful God
shower us with the graces we need to continue this ministry where we provide others
with the opportunity for “enabling renewal of mind, refreshment of spirit, and clarity”
for those whose hearts are searching for God.
With gratitude and love,
Sister Marie, Sister Beth, Sister Rita, Sister Rose
Please enjoy the photos on our '22-'23 Gallery Page...(click, scroll to the bottom of the page)
and the Video Links here:
Welcome: https://youtu.be/VkRxjhxe3Ic
We Give You Thanks: https://youtu.be/cxrSaMajC-M
(sung by Sr. Marianne Lallone)
Our Beginning Days at Wootton: https://youtu.be/1NBZSUWEhJc
Our Thanks: https://youtu.be/wmU36_6PgCQ
The following announcement appeared in our Fall 1997 IHM publication of the “Issues of the Heart Matter” magazine: “In 1997, anticipating the arrival of a new millennium, with the Church…’We the IHM Community respond, as we always have, from our simple beginnings to today, to the needs of God’s people. We were founded in simplicity and service to provide an environment of welcome to the immigrants of the 19th Century. Our mission was to educate and nurture the sacramental growth of the people. So today, we initiate a new - yet old - service. We open an IHM Conference Center at the Wootton Estate in Bryn Mawr. Born of collaborative brain-storming...the idea evolved as a practical response to a two-fold need. Maintaining the historic site of Wootton and perceiving the much publicized need in contemporary society for “time out” in overcrowded and over-busy lives, the General Administration approved the Center as a valid apostolic extension of IHM graced hospitality to a church relearning the art of welcome through evangelization, immigration and renewal.’”
Fast-forward to the Fall of 2022, we realize how blessed we are to look back on 25 years of breathing life into that initial idea! Today we extend sincere gratitude to the Sisters who “began it all” and to those who continued the mission, to our IHM Congregation for its ever-present support and encouragement, to our benefactors and, most especially, to the countless men and women who have graced our Center with their presence at our programs, Conference Days, faculty retreat days, Carol Nights and even our Irish Tea! Through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, may God continue to bless and prosper “the work of our hands” as we offer “Praise, Love, Thanksgiving” for these past 25 years!
What a Blessed and Beautiful Celebration for our 25th Anniversary!
On Sunday, October 30, we celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the IHM Conference/Retreat Center.
What a wonderful day it was! The celebration began with Mass with Father Jim Cardosi as our presider.
Many of our friends who visit the Center for retreats and special events were present for the festivities.
Other guests included the IHM General Administration, former staff members of the Center,
and other IHMs whose lives touched the Center in some way since its beginning.
We would like to thank everyone who celebrated this special event with us.
We are especially grateful for the gifts, good wishes, and prayers that were offered
on our behalf. How can we ever thank all of you?
The sisters here at the Center truly believe that we are blessed in our ministry
by your presence and your deep desire for a deeper relationship with God.
You are an inspiration!
May God continue to bless all of you for your support and generosity. And may our bountiful God
shower us with the graces we need to continue this ministry where we provide others
with the opportunity for “enabling renewal of mind, refreshment of spirit, and clarity”
for those whose hearts are searching for God.
With gratitude and love,
Sister Marie, Sister Beth, Sister Rita, Sister Rose
Please enjoy the photos on our '22-'23 Gallery Page...(click, scroll to the bottom of the page)
and the Video Links here:
Welcome: https://youtu.be/VkRxjhxe3Ic
We Give You Thanks: https://youtu.be/cxrSaMajC-M
(sung by Sr. Marianne Lallone)
Our Beginning Days at Wootton: https://youtu.be/1NBZSUWEhJc
Our Thanks: https://youtu.be/wmU36_6PgCQ
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Our Faithful and Faith-filled Volunteers During this "Anniversary Year," we would like to recognize the special, on-going service of our Volunteers! Ever-faithful, totally dedicated, and blessed with enormous generous hearts, we wish to thank them for always being ready to answer the "call" (literally!) to come and help us at the Center. Each month we will highlight two or three volunteers with a little biography and a photo so that our guests will also have the opportunity to get to know them! Please join us in whispering a prayer of great gratitude to God for gifting them to the Center and its ministry! |
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Introducing...Dottie Donahue
My name is Dottie Donohue and I am a member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media where I am a Eucharistic Minister and have been volunteering at the nearby IHM Conference Center for several years. I lost my first husband after 28 and a half years…we have three children, a son and two daughters. I was blessed a second time when I met John, who also lost his spouse; we’ve been married for 26 years. Together we have a total of 12 grandchildren – the joy of our lives! In addition to volunteering at the Conference Center, I am also involved in Hope Ministry, Bereavement Ministry in our parish and also volunteer at Camilla Hall. Volunteering at the IHM Conference Center is a privilege and a spiritual blessing for me! |
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And...Pat Brydges
I’m Pat Brydges and have been married to my husband Hugh for 51 years. We have 5 sons, including a set of twins, and 16 grandchildren who bring great joy to our lives. We are members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield. I was a Geriatric nurse prior to my retirement. I enjoy spending time at the shore as well as reading and walking outdoors. I love coming to the Center where I have been a volunteer for several years…and the Sisters always hear me say that I personally get so much more out of coming to help than I give! |
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Upcoming Events Our NEW Winter-Spring Brochure and all the Programs offered may be found at this link: Program Brochure
March 2023 Programs TAIZE: Prayer Around the Cross Tuesdays in Lent: February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 7:00 - 8:00 pm Our apologies! This Prayer Experience, a tradition at the Center, was left out of the mailed brochure. We hope you can join us for some/all Tuesdays in Lent. Lenten Series: Tuesdays March 7, 14 21, 28, 2023 Presenter: Sister Clare D’Auria, OSF 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon Stipend: $20 (includes refreshments) The Gospel readings which we hear proclaimed during the Lenten liturgical cycle clearly evidence that Jesus was a man of prayer who not only found God everywhere in the “marketplace” of his world, but who also “often withdrew to lonely places” (Lk. 5:16) to be alone with God and with himself. Throughout his public life, Jesus was drawn to the solitude intrinsic to such natural environments as the desert, the mountain, and the garden because these places mirrored his own interior life and facilitated his ever-deepening relationship with his Abba. You are invited during this morning series to “come apart and rest a while” (Mk. 6:31) with Jesus and, in praying with him, to discover these places within your own heart. Movie With Meaning: “St. Patrick, the Irish Legend” Wednesday, March 1, 2023 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (If only enough registrations for one showing, it will be at 1:00 p.m.) Stipend: $25 (includes lunch) *Lunch will be served at noon for both groups Armed with only courage and conviction, Patrick’s unwavering belief that good conquers evil and that it would liberate Ireland and alter the course of history. This movie tells the story of Patrick’s life in England, his enslavement and his return to Ireland. Starring Patrick Bergin, Malcolm McDowell, Alan Bates, and Susannah York A Labyrinth Experience Thursday, March 30, 2023 Guide: Anne Montgomery Schmid 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Stipend: Good will offering Come with your curiosity and willingness as Anne Montgomery Schmid, Certified Labyrinth Facilitator, will explore with us this ancient spiritual practice and serve as our guide for the labyrinth walks. During our time together, you will learn about concepts, history, and benefits of labyrinth walking. You will then have the opportunity to engage I holy listening while walking two different labyrinths. This nonjudgmental path opens new possibilities for prayer and spiritual practice. Time for journaling, group reflection and questions will follow the walk. Registration is required for any program. Please call 610-581-0120 or email Sister Marie at ihmconferencecenter@gmail.com to give your name and the program you wish to attend. ******** ******** ******** ******** Our new Zoom and YouTube Library, found under the Home Menu, contains links to all of the Zoom and YouTube videos that were completed during the months we were closed for the pandemic. You can view these at any time by clicking the links for each video or Zoom session. You may also quickly reach that page by using the link above or in the box at the bottom of this page! If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter and would like to, please send a note to S. Marie asking to be put on that mailing list (ihmconferencecenter@gmail.com) or see the text box below to do this yourself! Thank you! ````` ````` ````` ````` ````` ````` ````` To see our latest e-newsletter, please click here: https://mailchi.mp/0cd35d24fdd2/return-to-me-with-all-your-heart https://mailchi.mp/725e0bd33b17/february-so-much-to-celebrate Or to read previous e-newsletters: https://mailchi.mp/0a2d3784e619/are-you-or https://mailchi.mp/f01a0b95dc65/november-and-its-special-celebrations mailchi.mp/229c8a3d0a05/do-you-forward-our-emails If you would like to subscribe...or "re-subscribe"... to our monthly e-newsletters, please click the link under our previous e-newsletters (do-you-forward-our-emails) and you will be able to subscribe very easily! |
Join Us for a Virtual Tour!Have you seen the Wootton Mansion lately? We would love to have you visit, virtually, by viewing below... Please know that we have a Handicapped Person Entrance available for all participants of our Programs! If you wish to use this, kindly call Sr. Marie at 610-581-0120 to make arrangements before you arrive. DID YOU KNOW...? We are now on Facebook...and have added additional Photo Gallery Pages! Read below for more details! The IHM Conference Center is now on Facebook! If you use Facebook, please look us up...at IHM Conference/Retreat Center in Bryn Mawr, PA...and like us, but also SHARE us; you'll help spread our ministry when you share our posts with your Facebook friends! You'll find information about up-coming events, photos of recent groups that have been at the Center for one of our programs or their own day of reflection. There are so many wonderful things happening here! We are seeking to expand our present groups so that others can take advantage of the beauty of our Center and enjoy the opportunities it affords...not only for spiritual renewal, but also as a place to gather for business meetings "away from the workplace!" Thank you! Know that we always look forward to seeing our friends and appreciate your confidence and participation in our events! Photo Gallery: Click Photo Gallery 2019 - 2020 to see the added page under About Our Programs with slide shows of those groups that have visited our Center in the past! Click here to see the Photo Gallery for 2021-2022! As you know, our last photos were taken at our last, wonderful event, our Irish Tea, on March 12, 2020, the day before everything was "shut down." We were happy to begin anew in 2021! Click here to see the Photo Gallery for 2022-2023! Come back often to see the added groups that enjoyed a day or event here at our Center! Please be sure to see our Note of Gratitude for your many kindnesses to us! It may be found at the bottom of the Letter from the Director page! (Click the link!) Hello, Everyone!
We have created a new page for our website: Zoom and YouTube Library - that may be found under HOME on the menu above. On this page we have "re-located" all of the Zoom Sessions and YouTube Videos that we completed during the time of the pandemic. Happily, we will continue to add to these "tools" as we progress through the upcoming year and as we reopen the Center for our guests. We hope that you continue to find them helpful on your spiritual journey! For Links to past videos and Zoom sessions, please click here to view these on our new page: Zoom and YouTube Videos! |