Spring Appeal 2010

Spring 2010

Dear Friend.

As founded by Sr. Florence Trahan, RSM, in the 1980’s, spiritual direction training has become the very cornerstone of Mercy Center’s ministry.  On her 80th birthday on December 11, 2008, Florence officially gave a permanent name to her life’s work with the announcement of the creation of The Catherine McAuley Institute for Spiritual Formation. 

The Institute consists of the School of Spirituality, Spiritual Direction Practicum and related Institutes and Internships.  This name change reflects how deeply grounded Mercy Center’s spiritual formation program is in Catherine McAuley’s vision of union and charity and compassionate service to the poor. 

The participants in Mercy Center’s spiritual formation programs are seeking a fullness of life and find a path of spiritual discovery through their study in order to journey with others in turn seeking similar paths.  The on-going effect is handing over the mission based on Catherine McAuley’s belief in empowerment of others, especially women, for compassionate service. 

Even as Mercy Center enters a transition phase of renovation, construction and increased program focus, it is known that the School of Spirituality, the Spiritual Direction Practicum and related programming will remain cornerstones of Mercy programming.  These are areas of our programming that we believe we can grow, with the aid of scholarships for those who need them, during this transition period.

A donation to Mercy Center’s 2010 Spring Appeal will be directed to provide scholarships for those seeking to study in the School of Spirituality, the Practicum and related internships and institutes as well as to help establish the Sr. Florence Trahan, RSM Memorial Library – a professional library for Spiritual and Retreat Directors here at Mercy Center.

Sr. Florence spent her time and energy at Mercy Center fostering growth in the spiritual life through the programs that make up The Catherine McAuley Institute for Spiritual Formation.  This is her legacy for Mercy Center at Madison.  Please consider making a tax deductible gift to help us continue her work and help those with economic challenges who are looking to study the Word and make it a living tool in their life.  All donations are greatly received and 100% of your contribution will be dedicated to this fund. 

Please click here to donate on-line or mail your donation to:  Spring Appeal 2010, Mercy Center at Madison, 167 Neck Road, Madison, CT  06443. 

With gratitude and best wishes,

Krista May                                                                       Joan Linley
Interim Executive Director                                               Program Director

Some quotes from past graduates…

“It’s about growth, during our time here and since we’ve graduated.  Mercy Center becomes a touchstone for whatever growth comes after.”

“The community that is developed here is such a gift.  It’s so life affirming!”

“We share a hunger to go deeper into what we’ve learned here…deeper in to the Mysteries, deeper into spiritual direction.”


The Catherine McAuley Institute for Spiritual Formation

The Institute consists of the School of Spirituality, Spiritual Direction Practicum and related Institutes and Internships. 

The School of Spirituality is a two-year adult education program that helps individuals from a variety of faith traditions and communities deepen their basic understanding of Christian history, scripture, spirituality, prayer and mission.  This program is unique in that it not only offers information but students are also stimulated and enriched by the diverse faith experiences of their classmates.  Participants of the School of Spirituality are seekers and there are not many places like Mercy Center where students can give voice to their ideas, explore information and create a spiritual community through their commitment and dedication to personal growth. 

Approximately 40% of the graduates of the School of Spirituality continue their journey to become a student of the Practicum.  The Practicum is a two-year training program for aspiring spiritual directors who have a basic foundation in the areas of Scripture, Theology, Spirituality and Psychology. Participants explore the concepts of spiritual direction and eventually learn by doing in a supportive spiritual environment.  Practicum participants have experienced a call to a specific ministry – a continuing discernment process to the ministry of spiritual direction.

In addition to these two programs, Mercy Center also offers an Internship in Spiritual Direction, a six-day residential Institute in Spiritual Direction and an Internship in Retreat Ministry.

For more information about any of these programs, please contact Joan Linley, Program Director, at (203) 245 0401 or email joan@mercybythesea.org.

Thank you for supporting the ministry of Mercy Center.