Persons serving in pastoral ministry throughout the Diocese, including clergy, religious and laity, are invited to attend a retreat May 3 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in San Alfonso Retreat House, 755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch.
Using the theme, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening!” from Scripture’s 1 Sm 3:10, the retreat will feature presenter Sister of St. Joseph Anne Myers.
“As people called by God to ministry in the Church, we desire to respond to God’s call as Samuel did, with a ‘listening heart,’” said Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Mission, which is hosting the day.
Ginther noted that while an annual retreat is offered for pastoral ministers, this year’s gathering follows on the heels of the Diocese’s participation in the Global Synod on Synodality. The retreat, she said, will have participants delve into three meaningful ways to listen to God’s voice more deeply through prayer, and they will learn six skills that will help them to have more profound encounters with God and the people they are called to serve.
“The importance of listening has never been more evident. Listening is an essential and spiritual discipline for individuals and for groups, especially in discernment,” she said, emphasizing that listening is a crucial pastoral skill for every pastoral worker.
“Listening can be a sacred action through which the healing love of Christ is expressed,” Ginther said.
Sister Anne is a licensed psychologist. She received a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Loyola University, Baltimore, and a doctorate in clinical/counseling psychology from Temple University, Philadelphia, completing her doctoral training at Norristown State Hospital and Philadelphia Geriatric Center.
Among Sister Anne’s many ministries, she served as an assistant professor in Chestnut Hill College, a psychologist in private practice and in a mental health agency, where her services included psychological assessment, psychotherapy and clinical supervision. Sister Anne was involved in congregational leadership for 20 years, completing two terms as president of the Sisters of St. Joseph in July 2019. She currently works as a psychology consultant.
Fee to attend the day is $50 and registration may be completed by visiting dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoral-care before April 21.
For more information, contact Ginther at 609-403-7143 or Tginth@dioceseoftrenton.org