May 16-23, 2027

7-Night Retreat $950

Ginger
Andrews, RSM

Margaret
Gaffikin, FSP

Eleanor
Guerin, RSM

Dawn
McCaffrey

Rev. Deb
Pallatto

Ginger Andrews, RSM

Ginger Andrews is a Sister of Mercy of the Americas and her ministry experiences include teaching life sciences and religion in high school as well as pastoral theology and spirituality at the graduate level.  She has served as vocation, formation and novice minister for new members in the Mercy community and as a spiritual companion, retreat facilitator and liturgy coordinator for many years. She has also served in leadership positions for the community. Ginger is passionate about supporting others in their quest for God and is committed to awakening the gift of Mercy in whomever she meets-all in service for the most vulnerable among us, including Mother Earth.  She enjoys poetry, yoga, walking, nature, music and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs football team and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team! She holds a BA in Life Sciences, a Master in Christian Spirituality, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching. Her certification for spiritual direction is from Creighton University. 

Margaret Gaffikin, FSP

Sister Margaret is a has a Masters from Fordham University, Certificate from the Center for Spirituality and Justice, Bronx, NY, Certificate from Chrysalis, The Art of Supervision, Inisfada, Manhasset, NY. She served in Congregational Leadership (8 years) for the Franciscan Sisters of Peace, Haverstraw, NY and was Director of Formation for the Franciscan Sisters of Peace. Other ministerial experiences: Religious Studies teacher (secondary level), Pastoral Associate in a parish in Newburgh, NY. Involved in Retreat Ministry at Stella Maris, Long Branch, NJ and Jesuit Retreat Center, Wernersville, Pa. Margaret presently is accompanying persons in spiritual direction, and facilitates a supervision group for spiritual directors.

Eleanor Guerin, RSM

 Eleanor Guerin, RSM Sister Eleanor is a Sister of Mercy of the Americas. She is engaged in a freelance Spiritual and Personal Development Ministry. She enjoys providing spiritual direction, directed retreats, the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life, discernment processes and offers days of prayer. She holds a M. A. in education from SUNY Albany and an M.A. in theology from St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT. She completed an internship in spiritual direction at Mercy by the Sea, Madison, CT. Eleanor enjoys art journaling and working with dreams. She has experience in pastoral care and bereavement ministry.

Dawn McCaffrey

 Dawn McCaffrey is a certified spiritual director who offers a welcoming space for those seeking a deeper relationship with God. Grounded in Ignatian spirituality and licensed as a massage therapist, she integrates body, mind, and spirit in her ministry. She holds a Masters degree in Religion and Spirituality from Fordham University, a certification in spiritual direction from Fairfield University’s Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality, and a certification in leading retreatants through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius through the Sisters of St. Joseph. In addition to her work at Fairfield University, Dawn offers spiritual direction both in person and online. Her education, life experience, and compassionate presence help her meet others wherever they are on their journey. At the heart of her ministry is a deep belief in St. Augustine’s words: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

Rev. Deb Pallatto

 Rev. Debbie is an experienced spiritual director and retreat leader and previously taught the School of Spirituality at Mercy by the Sea. She enjoys helping others in developing a personal relationship with the Holy, in seeking one’s prayer life in creative ways, and in acknowledging God’s presence in all aspects of one’s life. She is currently pastor at Second Congregational Church UCC, in Coventry, CT. Her career has included elementary school teaching and counseling, and teaching education, psychology, and global studies as a professor for 28 years. Global mission is a passion of Debbie’s and she has taught pastors in China through Global Ministries, UCC as well as in S. Korea and Ghana, and had volutneered in Haiti for the past 14 years. In additon to regular retreats at Mercy, she loves Tai Chi, yoga, hiking, and kayaking.