On more than a few fronts we are working to continue the renewal of Mercer School of Theology. We do this not for the sake of the school itself, but for the sake of its usefulness to the parishes, people, and clergy of the Diocese and of the whole church. Beyond even that, we are working to renew and upbuild for the sake of the church's mission, undertaken in Christ's name.
One thing that has come to seem both relevant and obvious is the need for more opportunities for us, as individuals and church communities, to grow spiritually. We need to attend to the questions: what is the spirituality that underlies and enlivens my faith? What is my relationship to God, to the person of Jesus Christ? Do I experience God's presence, call, and support in my life?
It is a tall order to effectively offer this kind of experience. It might come in a day of prayer for a parish vestry, in a major event with an invited presenter at Mercer, in an evening retreat or in a couple of days spent away and dedicated to prayer. And these spiritual hungers are present in all of us, certainly both laity and clergy.
It is a blessing that Mercer is not alone in recognizing these needs and responding. We work together with the Society of Saint Francis at Little Portion Friary and with the committed and talented staff at Camp DeWolfe, as well as with parish clergy and lay leaders. In all these places, we are working together to offer substantial support to your spiritual journey, whoever and wherever you are.
Evelyn Underhill, the 20th century spiritual writer and mystic, said that the spiritual life is "the art of union with Reality."
I love that. Do you want to be more in touch with the ultimate Reality? Do you want to be yourself more real? Here are just some of the upcoming opportunities:
- February 7/8 Listening to God retreat at Camp DeWolfe;
- March 8 Inaugural Event Opening the Mercer Institute of Spirituality -A series examining what "Being Human" means will open with an afternoon/evening on Focusing and Spirituality with Dr. John McDargh of the Boston College Theology Department.
- March 19, 26 and April 2 Lenten Retreat Evenings at the Good Shepherd Chapel of Mercer School; come to one or all three;
- March 22 A Day of Prayer for Eucharistic Ministers at Camp DeWolfe, open to eucharistic ministers and visitors from across the Diocese of Long Island.
Stay tuned as well for details on a lenten season spiritual direction group meeting at Mercer School under the guidance of an experienced director.
In addition to all this, there's a lot more going on educationally at and through Mercer. Check out our calendar often on the Mercer School website (www.mercerschool.org). And we hope you'll enjoy and subscribe to Mercer's new daily online newspaper, Open Gates. You'll find a link to it everyday on our Facebook Page - Conversations at Mercer - and on our Twitter feed - @MercerTheology.
There are many ways for us to connect, whether at Garden City, around the diocese, or online. Let's get together. Mercer. We're your school.
Blessings,
John+
The Very Reverend Canon John P. McGinty
Canon for Formation
jmcginty@dioceseli.org
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