Programs
Personal Retreat
Visitors from around the world come to Mercy Center Burlingame for private retreats. All of our bedrooms are individual occupancy for complete privacy. We offer silent dining room space for all meals. “Come away by yourselves…and rest a while.” (Mk. 6:31) Private Retreats provide time in a supportive and contemplative atmosphere, with opportunities for prayer […]
Shout to God with Cries of Gladness: Celebrating Sister Suzanne Toolan's 97th Year
SAVE THE DATE! You are invited to join us to celebrate Sister Suzanne Toolan on Sunday, December 8 at 2 pm at Mercy Center Burlingame. The event, “Shout to God with Cries of Gladness,” Psalm 47:1 will feature a 45-minute video interview as we rejoice with Sister Suzanne in her 97th year. Famous for “I […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - December 14, 2024
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
East-West Intensive Contemplative Year-End Retreat
With Nona Strong
We invite you to take the final weekend of this year to refresh, reinvigorate, and renew your spiritual practice – your own spiritual journey. Come and share with us the sacred silence of the beautiful Rose Room at Mercy Center, Burlingame. During this Friday evening through Monday morning retreat, you will have the opportunity to […]
Steps 11-12, Spiritual Directors Using Steps for Spiritual Conversation
With Don Bisson FMS, D.Min
Step 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out. Step 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to those […]
The Universal Mystical Call
With Don Bisson FMS, D.Min
Vatican II called us to see that all of us are called to be Holy and to experience God deeply. There is no hierarchy of vocation for God. We also learn from Jungian psychology and transpersonal psychology that all humans are created for the numinous experience of the Divine in the psyche. This weekend will […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - January 18, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
An Introduction to a Wisdom Way of Knowing: A Wisdom Practices Series
With Heather Ruce, M.A., Joy Andrews Hayter, Ph.D. and Catherine Regan, Ph.D.
January 18th This Sacred Path: Three Centered Knowing This Sacred Surrender: Centering Prayer January 25th This Sacred Voice: Chanting This Sacred Body: Gesture & Movement February 1st This Sacred Self: Witnessing & Welcoming This Sacred Heart: The Way of the Heart This is a series introducing some key elements of the Christian Wisdom tradition, […]
Finding Your Divine Rhythm: Connecting with the Balance and Peace that Speaks to Your Season of Life
With Christine Jurisich
There is a reason we feel out of sorts when our lives get out of balance. A Divine rhythm is sewn into our very being. This Divine pacing has its roots in the Creation story, where we are inspired to live a life of work and rest; prayer and action; solitude and community. This rhythm […]
Centering Prayer and Three-Centered Knowing: A Silent Centering Prayer Wisdom Retreat
With Joy Andrews Hayter, Ph.D., Heather Ruce, M.A. and Catherine Regan, Ph.D.
"Centering Prayer … is the opening of mind and heart, body and emotions--our whole being--to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond words, thoughts, and emotions." —Thomas Keating, in Open Mind Open Heart In Centering Prayer we practice letting go to the Divine Indwelling, building up a muscle of release, of consent to the presence and […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - February 8, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Listen to Your Life: Growing Spiritual Intuition Through Art & Embodiment Practices
With Colette Lafia and Mary Loebig Giles
Your life is sacred. Your inner world with God contains wells of mystery and beauty. In this weekend retreat we will gather to listen deeply and creatively explore the depths of our life in the Holy. We will practice discernment, labyrinth walking, and art journaling as intuitive ways to help us cultivate our inner wisdom […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - March 8, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - April 5, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - May 10, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - June 14, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Grace and Gratitude: Cultivating the Belief that Enough is Enough
With Christine Jurisich
It is easy to be grateful when life is going your way. How do you cultivate gratitude during a stressful time? Is it possible to find beauty in the middle of suffering? In this retreat, you are invited to discover God's Grace in your most ordinary, painful, and joyful moments. Recognize what prevents you from […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - August 16, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Awakening Feminine Wisdom
With Cindy Rasicot and Doreen Meister MA, LMFT
Join us for an inspiring weekend of meditation, walking the labyrinth, and honoring the feminine. Cindy Rasicot is a spiritual teacher who brings women together in healing circles to explore their creative potential. Doreen Meister is an experienced psychotherapist who specializes in mindfulness and creative arts expression. Through a series of guided visualizations and writing […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - September 13, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - October 11, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - November 8, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - December 13, 2025
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - January 10, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - February 21, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - March 14, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - April 11, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - May 9, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - June 13, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - August 8, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - September 12, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - October 10, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - November 14, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - December 12, 2026
With Barbara Howing and Karen Brugge
Are you looking for a place to connect in community? Seeking a place where you can talk about your faith in an open and non-judgmental environment? Join us for Sacred Circle, a small-group faith sharing experience. It is your chance to carve out a special time each month to draw on God’s comfort and strength […]