A Letter from Our Director
Dear Friends,
Autumn, for me, is a season filled with things that awaken my senses: the smell of apple cider and baking pies, the sight of vibrant-colored leaves swirling to the ground, the sound of crunching, already-fallen leaves underfoot, the feel of cool breezes that welcome “sweater weather,” the taste of crisp apples and hard, crusty ginger snaps. Each year I want to experience and celebrate all of it! I wait with great anticipation for the mums and pumpkins to appear, for caramel apple taffies and apple cider donuts to go on sale, for football games, for stories from a school year just begun, for temperatures to drop - oh, so slowly!
This season, more than any other I think, can stir - not only our senses - but our memories as well. At this time of year, I am home again living on a small tree-lined street in South Philly. If I close my eyes and try, I can smell the apple cider, see the leaves outside our house swirling past my window, hear the crunch of the dead leaves when I walk down the street, feel the coolness in the air, and taste the wonders of autumn fruit and snacks. Isn’t memory wonderful!!
This Autumn feels a little different to me, as I am sure it does to you as well. The beauty and wonder of the change of season has gotten lost in all the negativity that surrounds us these days. The pandemic, which brought out the best in us at the start, seems to bring out the worst in us now. Our country is divided over how to manage it, and along with that, it is divided politically. Decisions regarding opening stores, schools, restaurants and the debate about wearing masks is ripping us apart. The unity that we shared and felt just six months ago is fading quickly. Added to this negativity, our country has suffered from hurricanes and wild fires that are unprecedented. So many people are suffering!!!
It has affected me and, I’m sure it has affected many of you. Anger, frustration, worry, confusion, disappointment can bring our spirits down and make us forget who we are and why we are. What does God call us to do right now? I believe we are called to that same ministry that Jesus and his disciples were given: to bring good news to the poor, to release captives, to give sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of God’s favor.
During these days of uncertainty, perhaps we can all examine ourselves and ask how we can live the ministry given us as a member of God’s people. So, bring good news to those who are overwhelmed with bad news. Give an understanding ear to someone who feels he/she is held “captive” by social distancing. Share an insight with someone who looks for answers to the divisive atmosphere that surrounds us. Give a helping hand to a friend or family member who needs you. And remember that all of this is in God’s hands. This year, as crazy as it has been, is “a year of favor from our God.” Let’s try to discover how and where it is just that for each of us! And, while you’re at it, enjoy the beauty of the Autumn season by smelling, seeing, hearing, feeling, and tasting more deeply than ever before!
Autumn Blessings, Everyone!
Sister Marie
Some news from the Conference Center. . .
Sister Maureen Christi, who was on the staff of the Center for many years, has retired to Camilla Hall. Sister gave untiringly of her time and talent giving retreats, working in the kitchen, serving our guests, and offering her special brand of hospitality to everyone who entered our doors. Sister will be greatly missed by everyone!
If you would like to write to Sister, I am sure she would love to hear from you. Your can mail your card or letter to:
Sister Maureen Christi, IHM
Camilla Hall
100 Maxis Drive
Malvern, PA 19355
Autumn, for me, is a season filled with things that awaken my senses: the smell of apple cider and baking pies, the sight of vibrant-colored leaves swirling to the ground, the sound of crunching, already-fallen leaves underfoot, the feel of cool breezes that welcome “sweater weather,” the taste of crisp apples and hard, crusty ginger snaps. Each year I want to experience and celebrate all of it! I wait with great anticipation for the mums and pumpkins to appear, for caramel apple taffies and apple cider donuts to go on sale, for football games, for stories from a school year just begun, for temperatures to drop - oh, so slowly!
This season, more than any other I think, can stir - not only our senses - but our memories as well. At this time of year, I am home again living on a small tree-lined street in South Philly. If I close my eyes and try, I can smell the apple cider, see the leaves outside our house swirling past my window, hear the crunch of the dead leaves when I walk down the street, feel the coolness in the air, and taste the wonders of autumn fruit and snacks. Isn’t memory wonderful!!
This Autumn feels a little different to me, as I am sure it does to you as well. The beauty and wonder of the change of season has gotten lost in all the negativity that surrounds us these days. The pandemic, which brought out the best in us at the start, seems to bring out the worst in us now. Our country is divided over how to manage it, and along with that, it is divided politically. Decisions regarding opening stores, schools, restaurants and the debate about wearing masks is ripping us apart. The unity that we shared and felt just six months ago is fading quickly. Added to this negativity, our country has suffered from hurricanes and wild fires that are unprecedented. So many people are suffering!!!
It has affected me and, I’m sure it has affected many of you. Anger, frustration, worry, confusion, disappointment can bring our spirits down and make us forget who we are and why we are. What does God call us to do right now? I believe we are called to that same ministry that Jesus and his disciples were given: to bring good news to the poor, to release captives, to give sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of God’s favor.
During these days of uncertainty, perhaps we can all examine ourselves and ask how we can live the ministry given us as a member of God’s people. So, bring good news to those who are overwhelmed with bad news. Give an understanding ear to someone who feels he/she is held “captive” by social distancing. Share an insight with someone who looks for answers to the divisive atmosphere that surrounds us. Give a helping hand to a friend or family member who needs you. And remember that all of this is in God’s hands. This year, as crazy as it has been, is “a year of favor from our God.” Let’s try to discover how and where it is just that for each of us! And, while you’re at it, enjoy the beauty of the Autumn season by smelling, seeing, hearing, feeling, and tasting more deeply than ever before!
Autumn Blessings, Everyone!
Sister Marie
Some news from the Conference Center. . .
Sister Maureen Christi, who was on the staff of the Center for many years, has retired to Camilla Hall. Sister gave untiringly of her time and talent giving retreats, working in the kitchen, serving our guests, and offering her special brand of hospitality to everyone who entered our doors. Sister will be greatly missed by everyone!
If you would like to write to Sister, I am sure she would love to hear from you. Your can mail your card or letter to:
Sister Maureen Christi, IHM
Camilla Hall
100 Maxis Drive
Malvern, PA 19355
Hopefully, you have seen the news on our Home Page about the upcoming Reflections we will be offering during the coming months, via YouTube! We miss you and wish to keep connected with you in any way possible during this pandemic, so we have chosen this format to try to "keep in touch." Please remember that you are always in our prayers and we ask a remembrance in yours, as well. Don't forget that you are always welcome to call or email us with any special intentions you wish us to put in our Convent Book of Prayer Intentions! The email address is ihmconferencecenter@gmail.com and our office phone is 610-581-0120.
WE OFFER OUR GRATITUDE!
We often have folks contact us by phone or email asking how they can be a help to us...as a way of showing their gratitude for just being a part of our Conference Center "Family!" First of all, we are always so very grateful for a remembrance in your prayers as that is the best support to us in our ministry. Each day at our Morning Prayer, which we pray in common, we specifically ask God's blessings on our "Benefactors"...those who have gifted us with their presence, their time, their prayers and their treasure. If you would like to become one of our monetary Benefactors, we will gratefully accept a donation in any amount toward our ministry. Checks should be made to IHM Conference Center and sent to Sister Marie Gipprich at the Center. We are most grateful for all that you do for us and continue to ask God's blessings on each one and your special intentions! Thank you!
We often have folks contact us by phone or email asking how they can be a help to us...as a way of showing their gratitude for just being a part of our Conference Center "Family!" First of all, we are always so very grateful for a remembrance in your prayers as that is the best support to us in our ministry. Each day at our Morning Prayer, which we pray in common, we specifically ask God's blessings on our "Benefactors"...those who have gifted us with their presence, their time, their prayers and their treasure. If you would like to become one of our monetary Benefactors, we will gratefully accept a donation in any amount toward our ministry. Checks should be made to IHM Conference Center and sent to Sister Marie Gipprich at the Center. We are most grateful for all that you do for us and continue to ask God's blessings on each one and your special intentions! Thank you!
Please be sure to look for us on Facebook: IHM Conference/Retreat Center in Bryn Mawr, PA...if you like and share our posts, you will be helping to spread the ministry of the Center to others! Thank you!
Also, be sure to check out our new Photo Gallery Pages by clicking here! We are posting, in slideshow format, all the photos we have taken at any event or program hosted here at the Center.