Meet the Retreat Directors

 

Kathleen Andersen

Kathleen Andersen, D.Min., has been doing spiritual direction and retreat work as part of her ministry for about 30 years. After retiring as a pastoral associate in a large Long Island parish, she now does spiritual direction out of her home, both in-person and via Zoom. She volunteers with hospice one morning a week and also with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps Virtual Community. Kathleen treasures listening to people’s life stories and is always amazed how God is revealed in the ordinary and extraordinary, in both simple and surprising ways.

  

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. 

  

Laura Arvin, OP

Laura is a Dominican Sister of Amityville, NY and is currently serving as a Councilor on her congregational Leadership Team. Prior to this she ministered at Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer in Watchung, NJ for nearly 13 years serving as Executive Director for the last 6 years. She also worked in higher education at St. John’s University in Queens, NY for many years. She completed her spiritual direction training at Fordham University, retreat direction internship at Inisfada Jesuit Retreat House on Long Island, and directed the 30 day retreat at the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth in Wernersville, PA and Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, MA. She guest directs in a number of retreat houses. Laura has a special interest in St. Catherine of Siena and the mystics. She also enjoys praying with poetry and music. 

  

Helen Beairsto, r.c.

Sr. Helen Beairsto, RC, is a sister in the congregation of the Religious of the Cenacle whose ministry is spiritual direction, retreats and offering spiritually orientated programs. Her original formation in the Spiritual Exercises occurred in her community formation and this was followed with ongoing certificate programs as well as a post Graduate Diploma focused in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction at Fordham University. She continues to minister in this area to a wide variety of people and experiences it as a deep privilege to companion others on their spiritual journey. She is a long time Educator and Facilitator of Biospiritual Focusing, a professional in the field of Mental Health and a former practitioner in nursing. She has a deep appreciation of nature including pets, the cosmos, and a lifelong desire to integrate spirituality and science.

  

Nan Bouché

 Nan Bouché is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is a retired hospital chaplain and an associate member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. Nan holds an MA in Theology from Boston College with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling. A seasoned spiritual director and retreat director, Nan meets with individuals at her home on Cape Cod , as well as virtually. She is a trained supervisor, companioning other spiritual directors in the supervision of their ministry. Nan has a particular interest in Ignatian Spirituality, 12 Step Spirituality, and accompanying those experiencing loss and grief of any kind . Walking with others as they seek to grow in deeper, personal relationship with God is a great passion of her life.  

JoAnn Bourquard

 JoAnn is a seasoned retreat director and workshop facilitator currently on the staff at Genesis Spiritual Life Center in Westfield, MA. A former educator, she has a particular interest in journaling and using literature as a means of awakening the soul. With a Master’s Degree in Spirituality and a certificate in Women’s Leadership, JoAnn is a Supervisor to those in formation to become spiritual directors. She especially connects with nature as a way into deeper contemplation and joy. She is also experienced in teaching the Enneagram. JoAnn presents a range of programs throughout the Northeast and is involved in the spiritual discernment process with individuals and groups in transition. She accompanies people of all faiths, including those seeking but not identifying with a particular tradition. She has accompanied men and women with serious illnesses, those who are dying, and people dealing with grief and loss of all types.  

Elizabeth "E" Broyles, CMA

Sister Elizabeth or “E” as she is sometimes called, is a founding member of the Companions of Mary the Apostle, an ecumenical monastic community in West Park, New York. She is an Episcopal priest, ordained in 1994. E has been a spiritual director for 20 years, and loves accompanying others as they share their journeys with God. E deepened her practice of spiritual direction with the Haden Institute in North Carolina and received a certificate in 2011, as well as other studies in direction and Christian spirituality. E has served several parishes in New York and was priest in residence at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, N.Y. for five years. Her spiritual life is fed by prayer and the sacraments as part of her community; dwelling in the scriptures and sacred writings of other religions; poetry; and the glories of creation. She looks forward to meeting those with whom she will journey at Mercy by the Sea.

  

Margaret Ellen Burke

 Margaret Ellen Burke, SC, a New York Sister of Charity, earned a Masters in Spirituality, Counseling and Biology and has been a spiritual director for more than 30 years. She has taught and supervised spiritual directors as a member of the faculty of Fordham University School of Religion & Religious Education, the Center of Spirituality & Justice and Mariandale Retreat & Conference Center. Her ministry of retreats, of every kind, has been in the US and Canada. Margaret Ellen was the co-founder and director of the Center of Renewal & Education (CORE), a mobile center in the rural areas of the Diocese of New York whose focus was the empowerment of the laity for ministry in Church and public life. She has often facilitated processes for the leadership of numerous religious communities of women and men. Margaret Ellen’s previous ministries include chaplaincy to the terminally ill at St Vincent’s Hospital in NYC and Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, and spiritual direction at the Jesuit Center of Religious Development in Cambridge, MA. She has always had a great passion for her ministry. A former hiker and camper, Margaret Ellen loves the outdoors and continues her daily walks no matter the weather. She is seldom seen without her camera.  

Eileen Campbell, RSM
 

Eileen is a Sister of Mercy currently living in Dallas, PA. Throughout her 60 years as a vowed religious, Eileen has been a teacher, principal, director of a residency for women and children experiencing homelessness, and director of a full time volunteer program. She served on the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Leadership Team and as director of new membership. Spirituality is dear to her heart, her wellspring, and her source of joy and peace. Accompanying people on their spiritual journey has been pure gift whether as spiritual director, retreat director, or more recently as co-facilitator of the Mercy by the Sea Sabbatical Program for women religious. The sacred grounds of Mercy by the Sea are a rich environment for her own spiritual journey. Eileen enjoys poetry and spiritual writings of Scripture, Rumi, Howard Thurman, Mary Oliver, David Whyte and others.

  

Joannie Cassidy, SSJ

 Joannie Cassidy, a Sister of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia, is currently the Director of Retreats and Programs at the SSJ Center for Spirituality in Ocean Grove, NJ. Previously she was the Director of the CSJ Office of Spirituality, Brentwood, NY. Joannie considers companioning others in spiritual direction as well as facilitating retreats a gift and grace. Being awakened, attuned and attentive to the Divine movement within and deeply listening to God in the encounter, Joannie has accompanied others to go deeper. Finding God in all things: art, poetry, scripture, nature enables the retreatant to embrace the sacred moments and invitations of their lives. Her education includes a Masters Degree in Spirituality from Jesuit School, Seattle University and Spiritual Direction Certification/Formation from Mercy Center in Madison, CT.  

Dolores Clerico, SSJ

Dolores is a Philadelphia Sister of Saint Joseph currently living in southern New Jersey. Her ministry experiences in parish, diocesan and congregational settings include education, family ministry, lay ministry formation, administration, retreats and spiritual direction. Her life has been greatly enriched by the encounters she has had as speaker, facilitator, retreat director, and consultant. Dolores enjoys creating beautiful spaces, gardening, cooking, and sharing meals with family and friends.

  

Mary Ann Collins, OP

 Sr. Mary Ann Collins, a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt, New York has been engaged in preached and directed retreat work and spiritual direction for over 40 years.  She has studied in the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA and at Fordham University School of Religion and Religious Education. She has also received 1 CPE unit. Sr. Mary Ann has ministered as an elementary and secondary teacher, a Vocation and Formation minister as well as served in leadership in her Congregation.  She has also ministered as a hospice spiritual care leader and a NYS Corrections Chaplain.  Sr. Mary Ann has facilitated retreats and spiritual direction in Florida, NY, NJ, West Virginia, and South Africa.  

Peggy Cummins, SND

 Peggy Cummins is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur currently living in Somerville, MA. Her passion for God is the driving force in her life. She has her MA in Pastoral Ministry from Fairfield University and is a spiritual director and retreat presenter. Along with doing individual spiritual direction, she gives guided days of prayer and workshops with various themes such as Eastern Spiritualty, Breathing Under Water- 12 step Spirituality; Meeting Jesus in Our Daily Lives; Fear-St. Francis and the Wolf and The Heartbeat of God. She believes that Spiritual Direction is an awesome endeavor immersed in Mystery. Together, director and directee uncover, notice, and nourish the Divine within our deepest Selves and in all creation.  

MaryAnne Davey

 MaryAnne Davey is the founder & owner of Body & Soul Ministries, a spiritual companionship ministry through which she offers spiritual direction, retreat facilitation and ministry mentorship. Her spiritual direction training is steeped in the Ignatian tradition. MaryAnne directs retreats at various retreat centers in New England and New Jersey.  She is an adjunct chaplain at College of the Holy Cross where she assists with the Spiritual Exercises Retreats and Marriage Preparation Coordination.  MaryAnne is also a trained giver of the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises Retreat in Everyday Life. She serves as an adjunct instructor in the Practice of Spiritual Direction with the Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative (SDII) in Brighton, MA.   MaryAnne holds a Master of Arts Degree in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from Loyola University Maryland and has over 20 years of experience in Catholic higher education with a focus in mission and ministry work. She is passionate about justice, equity and integrated well-being.   

Fr. Tony DiBardino

 Tony DiBardino is a priest of the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University and attended Christ the King Seminary. He was ordained in May of 1976 and has spent 48 years in Parish work as a Parochial Vicar and then as Pastor. Before retiring in 1999 he was the facilitator of the merger of three parishes, forming the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit serving Elmer, Mullica Hill and Woodstown, New Jersey. After retirement he entered the 2 year program for a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Fairfield University which he completed in 2021. In addition to helping at Saint Damien Parish in Ocean City, NJ, he has been offering Spiritual Direction and now working on Directed Retreats both under the supervision of Sr. Karen Doyle, SSJ, a former instructor of the Fairfield Program for Spiritual Direction. Entering this new phase of ministry, (Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats) gives witness to his commitment to growth and development and to the ongoing relationship with God.  

Fr. Joe Donnelly


 Fr. Joe is a senior priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford, was ordained in 1971. He holds a bachelors degree from St. Bonaventure University in Olean NY, a licentiate in systematic theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, and a Masters degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha. He has served in parish ministry, on the seminary formation faculties of St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and the North American College in Rome and as chair of the Board of Directors of St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Greater Waterbury as well as in several archdiocesan ministries. Father Joe retired from parish ministry in 2021 and now serves at St. Thomas More Catholic Center at Yale and leads retreats and parish missions.  

Kathy Donnelly, SU

Kathy is a native of the Hudson River Valley and has served in ministry at Linwood Spiritual Center in Rhinebeck NY as a spiritual director. She is active in the on-going formation of spiritual directors and supervisors, with a special interest in the Spiritual Exercises and Giving the Directed Retreat. A member of the Society of St. Ursula since 1973, Kathy received training in Spiritual Direction at Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario and Mercy Center in Burlingame CA. Kathy’s other interests include the ecology of the Hudson River Bio-Region, telling the New Story of the Universe, and education and advocacy for justice. She also teaches Bio-Spiritual Focusing.

  

Ann Duhaime, RSM

Ann Duhaime, RSM is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas who resides in Burlington, Vt.  She ministers as a Spiritual Director and facilitates a Circle of Support at Mercy Connections.  She has offered Healing Touch for patients at the local Medical Center.  Her past ministries include Hospice  Chaplain in the Boston area and Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Iowa.  She also served on staff at a Holistic Renewal Center for Sisters in Minnesota.  Her interests include photography, swimming, and being in God’s Creation especially by water that is renewing for her.  Background education includes a MDiv degree and Spiritual Direction training at Mercy Center in Burlingame, Ca. and the Center of for Religious Development, Cambridge, Ma.

  

Joanne Fantini,
CSJ Agregee'

 Joanne is the mother of four adult children and a grandmother. She is a vowed Agrégée of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. She currently serves as the Director of St. Joseph Spiritual Ministries at the communities Spirituality Center in Newton, MA. Previously, she served as Director of Eastern Point Retreat House and as a member of the staff. Joanne received her Master's Degree in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in Spirituality from Boston College including a year-long practicum at CRD and the Jesuit Collaborative. Joanne has been providing spiritual direction and retreats since 2007 in the Ignatian tradition. Directing 4,7,8 and 30 day retreats.  

Mary Kay Flannery, SSJ

Mary Kay Flannery, SSJ is a Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, whose passion is seeing and awakening the sparks of divinity in the beautiful diversity of God’s creation. After many years of ministering in multicultural communities and teaching religious studies and global studies in higher education, Mary Kay is currently a spiritual director and retreat presenter, as well as an immigrant legal advocate. She has been a dedicated volunteer at “safe houses” on both sides of the U.S./Mexican border. Mary Kay has a D.Min. degree from Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, with a focus on the integration of spirituality and interculturality. Mary Kay considers the gift of spiritual companioning as being a “midwife” to the wondrous birthing of God’s grace.

  

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.

  

Margaret Galiardi, OP

 Margaret Galiardi, OP is a Dominican Sister from Amityville, New York, whose passion is the contemplative integration of justice and peace for people and planet. She is a “lover of the wild,” spiritual director and workshop and retreat leader who has lectured nationally on the New Cosmology and the Christian Story. She spent a year living with the Trappistine monks in their monastery on the Lost Coast of Northern California in the Redwood Forest.  

Francis Gargani, C.Ss.R.

 Francis Gargani, a Redemptorist priest of fifty-two years, has ministered as a parish priest, campus minister, retreat director, minister of social justice, Provincial leadership and is now serving on his Province's Evangelization Team giving parish retreats and missions. After Theology Studies for the Master of Divinity Degree, and of Religious Education, Francis attended Catholic University in the Masters Program for Liturgy, and years later at Fordham University for the Masters in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. Starting the Directed Retreats at Mt. St. Alphonsus Retreat Center in 1994, Francis has been serving on the team for Directed Retreats ever since, regularly at San Alfonso Retreat Center (Redemptorist) of Long Branch, NJ and Mariandale Retreat Center (Dominican Sisters of Hope) of Ossining, NY. Francis is honored and happy to join Mercy Center's team.  

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.  

Rev. Stephanie Haskins

 Rev. Stephanie Haskins is ordained in the United Church of Christ (Protestant) and has pastored congregations in Massachusetts, Iowa and Connecticut. She is currently the Director of Religious & Spiritual Programs and College Chaplain at Connecticut College in New London, CT. She has served as a spiritual director and retreat leader for 10 years, and has an interest in contemplative spirituality and interspiritual formation.  

MaryEllen Higgins, IHM

 Mary Ellen Higgins, a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM – Scranton), is passionate about walking with others on their spiritual journeys. She brings a deep sense of compassion and care, shaped by her 17 years of life and ministry among the people of Latin America and her work with underserved populations here in the United States. These experiences have helped her develop a gift for listening deeply and gently encouraging others to recognize the presence of the Divine within themselves. Mary Ellen holds a Master’s degree in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction from Fordham University, along with training in retreat ministry from the Jesuit Center for Spirituality in Wernersville, PA. She also has a certificate in Mind, Body, Spirit integrated wholeness, which complements her holistic approach to care. She finds joy in the simple things—spending time in nature, walking, listening to music, and cooking for others. Mary Ellen looks forward to creating a welcoming, safe space where all feel heard, valued, and encouraged to grow in their own way.   

Jean Marie Holup, SSCM

 Sister Jean Marie is a Sister of Saints Cyril and Methodius who did her practicum at the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, in Wernersville, PA, in 1991, and received her M.A. in Spirituality from Creighton University, in Omaha, NE, in 1995. She ministered in a diocesan retreat program in the Scranton Diocese and was on staff at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, MD, from 1996-1999 before beginning St. Cyril Spiritual Center at the SS.C.M. Motherhouse in 1999. For the past 27 years, it has been her joy to accompany laity, clergy of various denominations, and men and women religious on their spiritual journeys. She has been involved in retreat work in Nova Scotia, Canada, in several Mid-Western States, and at Mercy Center in Madison, CT, for the past 20 + years. Jean enjoys singing, dream work, creating life patterns with collage, and taking walks in nature. She currently serves as Director of Formation for her Congregation.  

Lisa Irish

Lisa Irish, M.A., MEd, BCC, ministers as a spiritual director, retreat leader and author. She has served as parish staff, school faculty, and in pastoral care. Trained as a chaplain, Lisa understands ministry as an invitation to presence in the space that resides between ongoing human needs and the unending love of God. With a background and training in Bio-Spiritual Focusing, Lisa meets individuals where they are and assists their interior movement through the wisdom of the body. She is the author of "Grieving – The Sacred Art, Hope in the Land of Loss." Lisa finds joy in nature, dance, good sleep and soulful connections.

  

Chris Koellhoffer, IHM

Chris Koellhoffer, a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM – Scranton), is an author, presenter, and spiritual guide. Her worldview has been profoundly shaped by people on the margins, by the arts, and by the power of story. These life experiences have led her to companion others through a gentle and invitational approach, a listening together for the unfolding of the Holy One’s dream. Chris’ background is in communications and spirituality through Fordham University and the Center for Spirituality and Justice, New York City. She holds certificates in Spiritual Direction and as a Body, Mind, Spirit Healing Specialist. She is a long-time contributor to several spirituality publications. Chris engages in Mobile Spirituality Ministry, offering retreats and presentations on the road throughout the United States and Canada. Visit her blog, Mining the Now, at chriskoellhofferihm.org.

  

Madeleine Lane, SSND

 Sister Madeleine is a School Sister of Notre Dame from St. Louis, Missouri. Her love has been directing retreats by the sea since 1979, as well as community facilitation for women religious and leading workshops in the areas of spirituality, mental health, grief and loss. She has a degree in spiritual direction from Creighton University and other degrees in education, pastoral counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition to offering spiritual direction and therapy in St. Louis, Missouri, she serves as an international retreat companion, guest speaker, facilitator, and workshop leader. She has also been an adjunct professor at Creighton University’s International Spirituality Graduate Program, and Aquinas Institute of Theology.  

Mary Elizabeth Looby, GNS

 Sister Mary Elizabeth is a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart. She holds a BA in History and Political Science from D’Youville College; a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Temple University. Her training for spiritual direction and retreat ministry was at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in MD. She added a certification in Spiritual Direction from Neumann University, followed by a M.S. in Pastoral Care and Counseling with an Emphasis in Spiritual Care at Neumann. She has served as a spiritual director for 30 plus years and directed retreats in MD, PA, NY, NJ, CT and RI. She has served in congregational formation ministry, worked with GNSH Associates and congregational leadership in her congregation.  

Mary MacGillivray, CSJA

 Mary received her Master’s degree in Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Long Island, NY. Following retirement after thirty-three years of teaching High School Theology, she is now a part time Chaplain at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Brighton, Mass. She is currently a member of St Ignatius Parish, Newton, Ma where she did the 19th annotation. This experience, as well as being companioned by a Spiritual Director strongly influenced Mary’s call to become a Spiritual Director. She received her certificate in Spiritual Direction through the Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative with the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brighton, Ma. Mary has also been directing retreats and works with two other Spiritual Directors giving retreats in Ipswich, Ma. She understands spiritual direction as a way of helping people listen to their heart. Mary believes we are all on an inward journey with Christ as our companion and enjoys working with others on their journey.  

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.”  

Pat McDermott, IHM

 Sister Pat is a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Immaculata, Pennsylvania. Her background includes education, administration, pastoral ministry, and leadership in her community. She has ministered as a spiritual director, retreat director and supervisor for more than thirty years in various retreat centers throughout the United States and Chile. She has served as a member on the Retreat Team at Loyola Retreat House for sixteen years.  

Brenda McLaughlin

Brenda M. McLaughlin holds a M.A. from Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry as well as Certificates in: Spiritual Direction (Franciscan Spiritual Direction Training Program); The Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises 19th Annotation Retreat (Boston College); Giving Ignatian Retreats (St. Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre); and Advanced Biblical Studies (The New England Catholic Biblical School). Brenda’s professional experience includes teaching in public elementary schools and at the university level, as well as a stint in the corporate world. Since the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius guide Brenda’s prayer life, she seeks to find God in all things. Brenda grew up on a dairy farm in Western Massachusetts, which has served as good fodder for finding God in all the rest of her life.

  

Kathy McNamara

 Kathy holds degrees from the University of Rhode Island in Education (MA) & Counseling (MS)…Creighton University in Christian Spirituality (MA) and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction & Directed Retreats from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Kathy obtained chaplaincy training…Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Interfaith Health Care Ministries in Providence, RI. Most recently, she provided spiritual companioning as a hospice & hospital chaplain. Currently, Kathy serves as a spiritual director/companion in retreat settings across New England. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International (SDI).  

Connie Messitt, CSJ

Connie Messitt, CSJ is the former Director of The Priory retreat House in Chestertown, NY. She has an MA in Educational Psychology and has completed courses in Spirituality and Spiritual direction at the now University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. She has participated in the Spirituality Institute with the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and the Spiritual Direction Institute at Mercy Center. She offers presentations on forgiveness, Co-dependency, mid-life, grief, Celtic spirituality, and other topics. She is an artist, lives in Brant Lake, NY, and has been a spiritual director since 1982.

  

Tren Meyers

 Tren Meyers M.Div., BCC has served for many years as a spiritual director and retreat leader. His background includes interfaith chaplaincy in hospice, hospital, grief, campus ministry and congregations as well as social work experience. Tren has a deep love and training in contemplative spirituality expressed in various traditions & considers spiritual accompaniment a sacred honor where the Divine is encountered not only in the obvious places but also in the paradox, the messy and least likely experiences. He enjoys nature, silence, ritual, deep friendship, the arts, humor and married life.  

Marge Milanese

Marge Milanese is an Associate with the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, and a life long searcher, student, and world traveler. B.A.’s  in English, and Religious Studies from the College of St. Rose, Albany, an M.Ed. from Boston College, and later graduating as a Spiritual Director from the Center for Religious Development in Cambridge, MA. paved the way to Marge’s Ministerial Journey and extensive experiences as an elementary and high school educator, Parish Life Director of Faith Formation, Albany Diocesan Instructor for Catechist, Lay Formation Training Certification, and as a Hospital Director of the Spiritual Care Dept. Embracing her encore profession, Marge is a seasoned Spiritual Director and Retreat Facilitator accompanying people of all Faiths desiring to pursue the "more" via the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius and/or seeking guidance reflecting upon their own lives in the Presence of the Holy One. Marge’s Wellness Connection Retreat Center in Waterford, NY is a peaceful setting for encountering her local directees and retreatants and a launch pad from which she is available as a guest presenter/director/facilitator.

  

Andrea Minelli

Andrea Minelli is a graduate of the Women’s Leadership Institute and has an MA in Spirituality from Hartford Seminary. She is a certified Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader trained through Mercy by the Sea. She is a Mercy Associate. She received a certificate in Bio-Spiritual Focusing through the Spiritual Life Center, West Hartford CT and is trained as a Pastoral Care Associate through St Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT.

  

Catherine Morgan, OP
Sister Catherine is a member of the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sparkill, NY. Her academic credentials include a BS in Education, an MS in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction and a D. Min concentrating on the social and spiritual development of college students. Her recent ministries have taken her from NY to MI, as DRE and Campus Minister, to VA, doing retreat work, to St David the King as DRE. She is now ‘retired’ and a parishioner of the Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley, NJ, offering retreats and spiritual direction to those wishing to reflect more deeply on their journey with Jesus. She conducts this ministry in person or via Zoom. In her 55 years of Religious Life, and 40 years as a spiritual director, she has participated in many ministries and, in her own words: “Jesus has been at the heart of everything!”
  

Fr. John Murray, S.J.
John Murray is a Jesuit priest and a spiritual director working with Jesuits in formation and lay students at Boston College and minister at the Faber Jesuit Community, Brighton, MA.  John's work over the years has included being a high school principal, board of trustee member at several Jesuit schools and colleges, teacher of Ignatian spirituality and staff member of Eastern Point Retreat House, Gloucester, MA.  John also assists in the Concord/Carlisle, MA Catholic Collaborative for weekend masses.  John enjoys the beauty and simplicity of companioning others seeking the presence of God in their journeys of life and love.  John is an avid reader of American history and a Scrabble aficionado. 
  

Mary Naccarato
Mary T. Naccarato resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley in New York State. Her ministry experience includes administrative leadership at five different retreat houses throughout the Northeast. Most recently, she concluded her tenure as Executive Director of the Linwood Spiritual Center in Rhinebeck, NY and is the Executive Director of Women of Providence in Collaboration. She is a practicing Spiritual Director, Spiritual Direction Supervisor and Retreat Leader trained at Fordham University and the Center for Spirituality and Justice in New Rochelle, NY. She is a graduate of The Leadership Collaborative Leadership Program and currently serves as a mentor in that program.
  

Honora Nicholson, RSM

 Honora Nicholson, RSM, is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and resides in Philadelphia, PA. Honora holds a degree of Master of Arts in Theological Studies as well as certificates in Canon Law for Religious Institutes and in Spiritual Direction. Honora is part of the Coordinating Team in the Cranaleith Spiritual Directors Formation Program for new spiritual directors. Honora is an educator who has also served in parish ministry and community leadership and has extensive experience in leading retreats and small faith sharing groups.  

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.  

Dan Petronella

Dan Petronella is a Roman Catholic layman and secular Franciscan living in Middletown, CT with his wife, Rose. Dan completed a Master of Sacred Theology degree from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD. Then, after a long and fruitful ministry as a hospital chaplain and chaplain educator, Dan became certified as a spiritual director and retreat leader in 2015, having been trained at Cranaleith Spiritual Life Center in Philadelphia.  He has continued his practice of spiritual direction and retreat leadership ever since. Mercy by the Sea is Dan’s own spiritual home, and he is delighted to be participating with you on this retreat.

 

Shane Phelan, CMA

 Sister Shane is co-founder of the Companions of Mary the Apostle, an ecumenical monastic community for people of all genders and an Episcopal priest living in West Park NY. She trained in spirituality and direction with Interweave in New Jersey and the Spiritual Growth Center at Wernersville, PA. Shane has been doing retreat work and providing spiritual direction for 12 years. Also has several decades of 12-Step experience, and is happy to work with people on the journey of recovery.  

Judy Pluta

 Judy Pluta, B.A. Boston College, M.A. New York University, is an experienced spiritual director, supervisor, and trainer of both spiritual directors and spiritual direction supervisors at the Spiritual Life Center in West Hartford, CT. Her ministry positions have included pastoral minister, retreat leader, theology teacher, and presenter of workshops in Dream work and Ignatian Prayer. Judy considers it a privilege to accompany others on their journey of faith, noticing, naming and affirming the Spirit’s presence in life’s challenges and invitations for growth. She lives with her husband of 40 years in Simsbury, CT and enjoys swimming, gardening, and contemplative walks in the woods.  

Linda Robinson

 Linda draws from a wide breadth of human experience in her Spiritual Direction ministry, having served for over two decades as a retreat director, spiritual director formator, mother, grandmother, former religious educator and nurse. Following the path of Ignatius, she believes that “we are all pilgrims on a journey” and embraces the understanding that “everything in life has the potential of calling forth in us a more loving response to our life forever with our God.”  

Marion Scranton, SC

Sr. Marion is a Sister of Charity St. Elizabeth. She has a B.A in Spanish from St. Elizabeth University, and MA in Administration from Seton Hall University. Sr. Marion has been involved in retreat work for many years. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and has received awards for her outreach with those who have immigrated to the United States. She holds certifications in Spiritual Direction from An Crie Wisdom Institute, Ireland, and as a Chaplain from NACC. Sr. Marion’s past ministries have included Hospital Chaplaincy, V.P Hospital Mission Integration, teacher and Principal for many years.

  

Megan Shepherd

Megan serves as the Director of Spirituality and Retreats at Mercy by the Sea. A certified Spiritual Director in the Ignatian tradition for over eighteen years, she is a member of the College of Directors at Fairfield University’s Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality. Before moving to Connecticut in 2023, Megan spent fourteen years in South Bend, IN directing the Notre Dame Vision program for young people and those who serve them. Megan is grateful for the opportunity to share her gifts in creativity, spiritual direction, and ministry in service of all who seek to connect with the divine. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Megan has a heart for adopting senior dogs with special needs, and currently lives in Madison, CT.

  

Eileen Smith, RSM

 Sister Eileen P. Smith is a Sister of Mercy of the Americas. She received her education at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ, receiving her BA in Modern Languages (French and Spanish), Providence College, Rhode Island, MA in Religious Studies, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, PA receiving a Certificate in Spiritual Direction, and a Certificate in Directing the Spiritual Exercises and The Upper Room Spiritual Center, Neptune, NJ, receiving a Certificate in Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Currently she is ministering as Co-Director at Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, a retreat and spiritual center in Watchung, NJ. Besides her many years of work as a spiritual and retreat director, Sr. Eileen has taught in secondary schools, ministered as a formation director for the Sisters of Mercy and worked as a pastoral minister in a Hispanic parish in New Jersey, and Honduras, Central America where she ministered to children with HIV/AIDS. She is also a Reiki practitioner.  

Carol Tropiano, RSM

 Carol Tropiano, RSM is a Sister of Mercy living and ministering in the Philadelphia area. Currently she offers spiritual accompaniment for members of St. Norbert Parish and participates in directed retreats. Previously she ministered in education, campus ministry, health care, and vocation ministry. She has a MA in Theology, and a certificate in spiritual direction from Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA. Carol considers it a sacred privilege to accompany others on their spiritual journey.  

Patricia Vine

 Pat Vine has 37 years of experience as a Spiritual Director with individuals and groups in New Jersey. She is married for 52 years, mother of two adult children and grandmother to three grandchildren. Upon receiving healing from her Spiritual Director, her desire grew to give this gift of healing to others. She prayerfully discerned the call to train as a Spiritual Director and received a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Center for Spirituality and Justice, Bronx NY, whose training was centered on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She takes time away to go on a silent retreat periodically to refresh and renew herself and her ministry. She has a keen interest in dreams and has facilitated dream sharing groups with spiritual directors and members of her church; has co-directed retreats and quiet days; and was a member of the Committee on the Priesthood to help candidates discern their call to ordination.  

Jan Webb

 Jan Webb is an experienced spiritual director, who has been privately offering spiritual direction and serving on directed retreat teams for many years. Originally mentored at Mercy by the Sea, in the Spiritual Direction Practicum, she also completed programs and internships at the former Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Jan is trained in the art of Ignatian Spirituality and has accompanied those who have made the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises. A lifelong learner and educator of children and adults, Jan believes that the Holy is wondrously here to meet us exactly where we are. Jan lives in southern Rhode Island, where she also finds delight in walking its beautiful beaches with her Golden Retriever, Ariel.  

Sue Wieczynski, RSM

 Sister Susan has received certificates in Spiritual Direction and Spirituality and Retreat Ministry from Mercy by the Sea and has completed the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. She is an educator and theologian. She is also a healing practitioner and master with Rays of Peace Healing Energy Therapy. Sr. Sue will journey with all persons no matter their religious tradition, or those with no religious traditions. She holds an M.A. in theology from St. Bernard’s Institute in Rochester, NY and M.A. in Pastoral Ministry from St. Joseph College (now University) in West Hartford, CT.
  

Fr. Tom
Wilhelm, I.V. Dei

 Thomas M Wilhelm, I.V. Dei, was ordained as an Augustinian Priest in 1973 and since 2007 has been a member of the Secular Institute Voluntas Dei. After serving at two parishes in the Philadelphia area Tom served with the Augustinian Province of Chile from 1985-1994. Upon his return from Chile, Tom served at St. Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx and received a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Center for Spirituality and Justice.  After earning his MSW from Columbia University he worked as a therapist at the Institute of Urban Family Health then at Montefiore Hospital as the Social Worker in the dialysis department and assistant chaplain. Tom also completed a nine-weekend program on Contemplative prayer under the direction of St. Therese Saulnier and Sr. Peggy Murphy at St. Leonard’s Retreat House in Beacon, NY. Since 2022, Tom has been the part-time pastoral assistant at St. Johns/St. Francis de Sales in Phoenicia, NY, and maintains varied ministries part of each month in the Stamford, CT area.