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 centering prayer to conclude There is no cost for this event but a free will offering periodically is appreciated whenever you are able. To gain a more in depth understanding of Centering Prayer, we recommend Thomas Keating’s book, Open Mind, Open Heart.
T’ai Chi Chih (Fall 2026)
With April Leffler
September 24, 2026
Copper Beech Room
Known for its slow, intentional movements, T'ai Chi Chih 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.
Men’s Spirituality Group (October 13, 2026)
With Fritz Haas
October 13, 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.
The Enneagram Journey – Know Your Number, Know Yourself
With Sr. Regina Ryan, IHM, Ed.D.
October 13, 2026
Copper Beech Room
“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 is a spiritual answer and pathway to change. The Enneagram - a powerful tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth - identifies nine interconnected personality types and how they influence our motivations, communication, fears, and patterns of thinking. Rooted in the wisdom of the Desert Fathers,…
Conversations in Faith (October 14, 2026)
With Sr. Pat Smith, OSF
October 14, 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 week. The discussions are intended to broaden perspectives on many theological and practical Church issues, as well as ways of living our faith commitment. This program is a five week series on Wednesdays through October 21. Come for one session or come for them all!
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor: A Synodal Conversation (in person)
With The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
October 15, 2026
Assisi House
Are you concerned about the environment? Rising energy costs? The connections between migration and climate change? The world that today’s young people and their children will inherit? JOIN THE CONVERSATION. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia invite you to extend the spirit of the Season of Creation by joining us for a Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor Synodal Conversation. Come together in a spirit of prayer and openness as we listen to one another and to the voice of the Spirit—hearing and responding to the cries of Sister Mother Earth and of our sisters and brothers…
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor: A Synodal Conversation (on Zoom)
With The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
October 20, 2026
Are you concerned about the environment? Rising energy costs? The connections between migration and climate change? The world that today’s young people and their children will inherit? JOIN THE CONVERSATION. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia invite you to extend the spirit of the Season of Creation by joining us for a Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor Synodal Conversation. Come together in a spirit of prayer and openness as we listen to one another and to the voice of the Spirit—hearing and responding to the cries of Sister Mother Earth and of our sisters and brothers…
Spiritual Direction: Is It For You? (October 21, 2026)
With Sr. Mary Walsh, OSF
October 21, 2026
Clare Room
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 everything else we experience. Spiritual direction invites you to see your whole life — relationships, work, joys, struggles, dreams — as part of one integrated spiritual journey. Come explore whether spiritual direction might be a helpful support for your life path. All are welcome —…
Conversations in Faith (October 21, 2026)
With Sr. Pat Smith, OSF
October 21, 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 week. The discussions are intended to broaden perspectives on many theological and practical Church issues, as well as ways of living our faith commitment. This program is a five week series on Wednesdays through October 21. Come for one session or come for them all!
The Old Testament: Promises, Prophets, and Presence
With Sr. Regina Ryan, IHM, Ed.D.
October 22, 2026
Join us for a one-day insight talk exploring the rich history, powerful stories, fascinating people, and timeless themes of the Old Testament. This engaging session will provide a fresh perspective on key figures, major events, and the spiritual foundations that continue to shape faith and culture today. Whether you are new to biblical study or looking to deepen your understanding, this talk offers practical insights, meaningful discussion, and a clearer view of the message and relevance of the Old Testament.
Held By the Earth: A Grief Careshop
With Naila Francis
October 25, 2026
The Convent Grounds
This program has been moved to the rain date: Sunday, October 25, 2026. 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 heartaches and difficulties? In this careshop, we will spend some time reconnecting to the Earth through poetry, journaling, and embodied practice, to open up to her support. To listen for what wisdom…
Men’s Spirituality Group (October 27, 2026)
With Fritz Haas
October 27, 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.
Tree Planting at the Hermitages
October 31, 2026
The Hermitages of the Franciscan Spiritual Center
Volunteers needed: Give back to the forest that gives so much to you! Thanks to a grant from the TreeVitalize Watersheds program of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, in partnership with CRC Watersheds Association, we are planting 55 trees and shrubs by the stream at the Hermitages. Whether you pick up a shovel, stake a fence, or remove some invasive plants, your help is needed to make this happen. We may also plant 20 additional saplings we were recently gifted to the Franciscan Spiritual Center - East by PA Interfaith Power and Light. Many of you have noticed and expressed concern…
Monday Mindfulness (Fall 2026)
With Susan Long
November 9, 2026
Assisi Room
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. Weekly on Mondays: November 9 to November 30
Women’s Awareness Salon (November 11, 2026)
With Susan Long and Renee Eells
November 11, 2026
Copper Beech Room
Please join us for a special Awareness Salon as we warmly welcome back Marge Richards. Marge will invite us to explore seven graces—gifts that are freely given to us and that can accompany, strengthen, and guide us as we journey through the many stages of our lives. Together, we will pause to discover the deeper meaning of each grace and consider how these gifts can enrich the way we live and experience our journey. Joining Marge will be Penny Zimmerman, a West Chester–based Physical Therapist with a special gift for exploring the connection between mind and body. Penny will bring each of the…
A Day for Myself: Personal Day of Prayer (November 12, 2026)
With Sr. Marie Angela Presenza, OSF
November 12, 2026
5th Floor Chapel and Canticle Room
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.
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 people are “quick to listen.” What if you could change that, one conversation at a time? Whether you’re a community leader, a concerned citizen, or simply looking to bridge gaps in your own circles, this session will equip you with skills to transform challenging interactions…
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 will show you are registering for the start date of November 21, 2026. The price to register for individual sessions is $50 each. To register for individual sessions or for more information, please visit: Session 1: Creative Listening (November 21, 2026) Session 2: Listening Through…
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 stop listening to ourselves, each other and the more-than-human world around us. Listening deeply is a way to honor the ways the Divine is reaching out to us. It is planting seeds for receiving wisdom that is so needed in today's struggling world. Deep listening…
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 stop listening to ourselves, each other and the more-than-human world around us. Listening deeply is a way to honor the ways the Divine is reaching out to us. It is planting seeds for receiving wisdom that is so needed in today's struggling world. Deep listening…
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 stop listening to ourselves, each other and the more-than-human world around us. Listening deeply is a way to honor the ways the Divine is reaching out to us. It is planting seeds for receiving wisdom that is so needed in today's struggling world. Deep listening…