Nourishing faith’s journey through an evening of reflection and sharing and a wonderful potluck – all women in the Collaborative are invited to join us to ponder, pray, and share!
Our Theme for 2024-2025: Women in Scripture and the Church
“Spiritual Gifts,” by Kathy Eppick. An Episcopalian, Eppick sketched the idea during a retreat, which focused on women discovering their spiritual gifts. A member of the Episcopal Church Visual Arts community, she is also a teacher and figure skater and lives in Cerritos, California.
Tuesday Evenings at 6:00pm at St. John the Evangelist
(Powers Hall and Lower Chapel)
Upcoming Dates:
April 11, 2025 (Offsite Retreat)
May 13, 2025 (Closing Liturgy)
To receive updates and reminders about upcoming programs, please add your contact information to the Evening for Women email list: Evening for Women Email List
Upcoming Program
Friday, April 11, 2025: Lenten Retreat
All women of the Collaborative are warmly invited –
dinner will be served and carpool arrangements are available.
Friday, April 11 from 5:00 – 9:00pm
Sisters of St. Joseph Spirituality Center
71 Walnut Park, Newton, MA
WITH FACILITATOR SARA MILONE
Steeped in Jesuit education, Sara received her B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross, a M.Ed. from Loyola Marymount University, and a M.Div. and Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
Her areas of ministry experience include high school campus ministry and education, parish youth ministry, college and young adult retreats, hospital chaplaincy, adult faith formation and spiritual direction.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
sjspwellesley.org/evening-for-women-retreat
Donations to the St. John-St. Paul Adult Faith Enrichment program
to help defray the costs associated with this retreat are gratefully accepted –
donations can be made online here.
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Previous Programs
Tuesday, March 4, 2025: Prayer and Pancakes
The evening will begin with a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration punctuated by an invitation for all gathered to share music, poems, readings, art, and anything else that may be preparing our hearts for our Lenten journey or inspiring our prayer life. Following the Holy Hour, we’ll enjoy a “Mardi Gras” pancake dinner – pancakes provided, attendees are invited to bring a drink or side to complement the meal!
Tuesday, February 4, 2025: The Nameless Women of Mark’s Gospel with Kelly Meraw
Kelly Meraw, our Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy, explored The Nameless Women of Mark’s Gospel.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024: “The Annunciation – An Advent Liturgy” with Kayla August
In December we were thrilled to welcome our special guest preacher Kayla August, who is a PhD candidate at Clough School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College. She currently studies theology and education with a particular focus on preaching. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Kayla offers a preaching that is vibrant, energetic and inspirational.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024: “Speaking of God with Julian of Norwich” with Anne Mears
In November, we entered a space of reflection and inspiration as we explored the powerful and nurturing images of God which come to us through the writings of one of the great women mystics: Julian of Norwich. Anne Mears guided us as we explored how Julian’s work can enrich our spiritual lives and the life of the Church today. Click here to watch the recording of Anne’s presentation: “Speaking of God with Julian of Norwich”
Tuesday, October 1, 2024:“Women in Sacred Music” with William Endicott
William Endicott, our new Collaborative Director of Music spoke about the significant contributions of women in sacred music. From sorting out the myths and facts surrounding St. Cecilia, the official patron saint of music, to a discussion of St. Hildegard of Bingen (c. 1098-1179), composer and Doctor of the Church, to more modern women composers of sacred music, including Florence Price and Theophane Hytrek, SSSF, it was an enlightening evening for all!
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2023-2024
Tuesday, April 9, 2024: “Hidden Women of the Exodus” with Dr. Jamie Waters
Dr. Waters is an Associate Professor of the Old Testament and Program Director of Courage to Preach at the B.C. Clough School of Ministry and Theology.
Her presentation will highlight “Hidden Women of the Exodus” and consider how these women can serve as models for us today, particularly in responding to injustice and oppression.
Friday, March 15, 2024: Tending to the Present with God – Lenten Retreat with Crista Mahoney
Facilitator Crista Mahoney will invite us into a moment of pause, to tend to the present moment with Jesus. Crista earned her Master of Divinity from Boston College School of Theology and Ministry after graduating with a BA in English from the College of the Holy Cross in 2002. Her professional ministry began in campus ministry at Emmanuel College, then as the Catholic Chaplain on a multi-faith team at Babson College before returning to her alma mater to work with students on retreats and women’s faith sharing groups. In 2019 Crista finished her Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation at the BC STM, and her current primary ministry is accompanying individuals in spiritual direction from across the Christian tradition. She also accompanies people of all ages in their spiritual journeys on retreat and in workshops in the Boston area.
February 6, 2024: Potluck Prayer and Supper
The evening will begin with a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration punctuated by an invitation for all gathered to share music, poems, readings, art, and anything else that may be preparing our hearts for our Lenten journey or inspiring our prayer life. Following the Holy Hour bring a dish to share for our “Potluck Supper” and fellowship.
December 5, 2023: Making Haste Into the Hill Country: An Encounter of Blessing with Dr. Colleen M. Griffith
Our featured speaker this month will be Dr. Colleen M. Griffith, Professor of the Practice of Theology at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry, where she serves as Faculty Director of Spirituality Studies and Coordinator of the Practical/Pastoral Area. Dr. Griffith will be sharing an Advent offering – Making Haste Into the Hill Country: An Encounter of Blessing.
November 7, 2023: “The First Session of the Synod on Synodality and What it Means for “Rethinking Women’s Participation” with Kelly Meraw
Our speaker will be Kelly Meraw, our Director of Pastoral Care. Kelly will be sharing about the most recent events in the Church’s Synod on Synodality and what they mean for the important topic of “Rethinking Women’s Participation.”
October 3, 2023: “Wandering in Wonder: Finding Ourselves and God along the Way” with Sr. Colleen Gibson, SSJ
Our speaker will be our very own Sister Colleen Gibson, SSJ, who will explore the topic “Wandering in Wonder: Finding Ourselves and God along the Way” as she invites us into the story of her own faith journey as a means of discovering the ways God calls each of us to be and become exactly who we’re meant to be. No matter where you are on your journey, this evening promises to offer the opportunity to delve deeper with God and with a supportive community to uncover the hidden treasures of faith, hope, and love we all carry with us.