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 […]
Lo Cotidiano, Historias Sagradas, Camino Sagrado
With Ana Maria Pineda, RSM
[caption id="attachment_973" align="alignleft" width="300"] ‘Rutilio Grande and Óscar Romero’ © Peter Bridgman Paintings (2018)[/caption] Cada una de nuestras vidas parece ser tan ordinarias. Nos encontramos prestando atención a una multitud de tareas cotidianas. Pocos de nosotros creemos que nuestras vidas son extraordinarias. Pero la verdad es que al vivir nuestras vidas llenas de alegrías, luchas […]
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 […]
Summer Zen Sesshin
With Nona Strong
We invite you to take a few days’ retreat from your daily routine and come share with us the sacred silence of the beautiful Rose Room at Mercy Center, Burlingame. During this Thursday through Monday sesshin (three full days), you will have the opportunity to sit in silent contemplation within your own space and with […]
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 […]
Introduction to Enneagram: Seeing and Being Seen Through the All Loving Eyes of God
With Colleen Gregg, MA
Cultivating the spiritual life will always draw one deeper into the meaning and mysteries of life, of self, of God. This workshop will be introduction and exploration into the Enneagram Defense System that is identified with our personality types. The Enneagram offers an awakening to the stumbling blocks that hold us back from living out […]
Encontrando a Dios en todos los eventos de la Vida
Un retiro que da la experiencia de los ejercicios de San Ignacio con acompañamiento espiritual personal: Nuestra humanidad quebrantada y la misericordia de Dios El seguimiento de Jesús Viviendo el misterio de la pasión, muerte y resurrección de Jesús Dónde: Virtual por Zoom Cuando: Fin de semana 18, 19, 20 de Julio 2025 Empieza: […]
The Divine Feminine: Experiencing Healing and Liberation Through the Part of God They Buried
With Shannon K. Evans
Do you find exclusively masculine representations of God exhausting, incomplete, and even harmful? Are you curious about what people mean when they speak of “the divine feminine,” and wonder if you have permission to speak that yourself? Join us for a tender, safe, and empowering weekend of healing the narrow idea of God that was […]
Sacred Unfolding: Writing as Spiritual Discovery
With Colette Lafia and Debie Thomas
Writing is a gentle, yet profound and powerful way to listen to the stirrings of your heart and soul. It can illuminate what lies within, helping give voice to your innermost thoughts and feelings. When approached with intention, writing becomes a spiritual encounter—an invitation to deepen your relationship with the Sacred. During this retreat, we […]
Finding God in All Things: Silent Retreat
With Joseph McHugh, S.J., Bernadette Hart, RSM, Mary Ann Clifford Rodriguez, RSM and Sharon Chiarucci
Finding God in All Things Ignatian spirituality is summed up in this phrase. It invites a person to search for and find God in every circumstance of life, not just in explicitly religious situations or activities such as prayer in church (e.g., the Mass) or in private. It implies that God is present everywhere and, […]
Centering Prayer and the Reality of Being: A Silent Centering Prayer Retreat
With Rev. Amber Sturgess and Catherine Regan, Ph.D.
"Christ is the Reality." Col. 2.17 How do we show up in the world? What kind of presence and attention are we able to bring to our daily living? How can we begin to cultivate presence and come from a place of true being in the midst of a world in chaos? The practice of […]
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 […]
Three Keys Labyrinth Retreat – Unlock Your Inner Strengths Using the Three Keys of Labyrinth Walks, Symbolic Art, and Guided Journaling
With Ami Sarasvati
Three Keys Labyrinth Retreat – Unlock Your Inner Strengths using the Three Keys of Labyrinth walks, Symbolic Art, and Guided Journaling” does exactly what it says. The first key is walking the labyrinth. The labyrinth walks provide a sacred space to walk and have contemplative time. The second key is symbolic art creation, done solo and as part of a group […]
Writing Your Life – Mercy Online Writing 2025-2026
With Liz Dossa and Linda Bradford, RSM
“Planning to write is not writing. Writing is writing.” – E. L. Doctorow If writing is important to you, you are invited to Mercy Online Writing sessions on Zoom from September 9, 2025 to May 12, 2026. You will receive prompts to stimulate your writing be invited to enjoy poetry, prayers and reflections on the […]
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 […]
Jewish New Year Interfaith Zen Meditation Retreat
With Rabbi Dr. Adam Fogel
Come celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the Jewish New Year on this contemplative interfaith Zen retreat! Rosh Hashanah is a holiday of waking up. We awaken from the deep slumber of selfishness, conceit, and putting ourselves above others and awaken to something different. On Rosh Hashanah, the Divine calls out to wake us up from the […]
Wisdom School: Sacred Movements as Medicine for Ourselves, Each Other, and the World
Sacred gestures and movements have been a part of every sacred tradition. They are considered a means by which ancient Wisdom is preserved and passed down to future generations. Through their embodied symbolic language beyond our thinking mind, a deeper perception arises. This perception is anchored in our inner center, in our hearts. In this […]
You Are Beloved: An Intensive Zen Contemplative Retreat
With Ruben L.F. Habito
An invitation to step back from the busy-ness of life and enter into a time of silence, a time to appreciate in new and deeper ways this precious gift of being alive, and appreciate anew the gifts of Earth, as we open our hearts and bask in the Infinite Love that embraces us and affirms […]
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 […]
Wholeness and Holiness: How to be Sane, Spiritual, and Saintly
With David Richo, Ph.D.
From a psychological perspective sanity, that is, soundness and balance, is what we need to survive and thrive in the world. From a wholeness perspective, we feel ourselves drawn to a spiritual consciousness, something more than individual surviving and thriving. From a faith perspective, we believe that sanctity is our divinely imprinted calling and destiny. […]
Awakening Feminine Wisdom
With Cindy Rasicot
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. Through a series of guided visualizations and writing prompts we will begin to tell our stories of healing and transformation. We will […]
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 […]
Seeing and Being Seen: Enneagram Insights for Living in Healthy Relationships
With Colleen Gregg, MA
One indication that we are moving towards an integrated self is the discovery and embrace of the rejected and shadow parts of the soul. It is from here that we awaken to the multidimensional nature in all persons and the misconceptions that are cause for difficulties in relationships. The focus of this workshop will be […]
Out of the Depths I Cry to You, O God!
With Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn
Survivors of adversity and trauma desire to heal and ignite their capacity for growth after trauma. This retreat will look at research and unique methods and mindsets to help survivors use their inner strength, build resilience, and cultivate spiritual practices that bring forth Post-Traumatic Growth.
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 […]
Let the Beauty You Love: A Retreat for Renewal & Engaged Social Action
With Valerie Brown, JD, MA, PCC
This retreat explores issues of transition, vocational calling, passion, life purpose, meaning, direction and underlying life patterns to live in greater alignment with your core values, to listen to your own inner wisdom, and to reconnect who you are with what you do. While exploring personal life transitions, this retreat acknowledges the global polycrisis we […]
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 […]
Sacred Circle: Small Group Faith-Sharing - January 9, 2027
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 13, 2027
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 20, 2027
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 10, 2027
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 8, 2027
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 12, 2027
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 14, 2027
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 11, 2027
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 9, 2027
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 13, 2027
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 11, 2027
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 […]