Second & Fourth Wednesdays each month, 7:30-9pm *Remote Via Zoom (PST)
Centering Prayer is a practice to foster our relationship with God. It prepares us for the gift of contemplation. It is a movement beyond conversation to communion and union with God. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts new light & depth of meaning on all types of prayer. Come and pray with us.
The Mary & Joseph Retreat Center Centering Prayer group will gather on Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month at
7:30 to 9 PM. Contact Herb Kaighan at to register.
Cost: Donation
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Sydne Yanko-Jongbloed Tuesday evenings 7-9pm, beginning in September ~ call for dates and more information
Please join us and enjoy the “piece-ful” art of quilting. Learn to hand-piece, applique and quilt, making a quilt for yourself as well as being part of the group quilt donated to the Retreat Center. Class fee will be a shared donation to cover the cost of the materials for the MJRC quilt as well as your own supplies. Bring a friend!! Call in advance to register with Sydne at or 310.802.6376 or
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Sydne Yanko-Jongbloed Third Wednesday of each month at 4:00pm
We discuss a new book each month in light of our own spirituality. Meet with us on-campus or call for location (we sometimes meet off-site). Call Sydne at 310.802.6376 or email at for book titles and information.
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Friday, December 11, 2020 ~ Major Fundraiser for Mary & Joseph Retreat Center
“How to Stay Spiritually Hydrated in a World that Depletes Us”
Zoom Presentation with Terry Hershey, Author, Speaker, Minister Friday, December 11, 2020 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
During this difficult year of shutdowns and restrictions, we have remained safely open to the public but, it has been a struggle to maintain our Center and sustain operations. It is an ongoing and costly challenge, and as pandemic conditions continue, we need the help of our friends and supporters to make it into the new year. We have introduced online retreat programs, and in that spirit we invite you to an evening of spiritual sustenance and renewal with acclaimed presenter Rev. Terry Hershey via Zoom. We will gather remotely in fellowship, to enjoy a meal, celebrate and to support Mary & Joseph in it’s time of need.
Terry has volunteered his time for our fundraiser ~ a vote of confidence that means so much to us. He is an author, humorist, inspirational speaker, and ordained minister. He treasures “sanctuary” and sharing his practice of “pausing” to help us rest, renew, and live wholehearted. A delicious dinner will be prepared for you to serve in your home to family and guests. Pick-up will be at the main entrance to the Retreat Center, 12 noon-5 pm.
“Let us raise a glass to the enduring value of Mary & Joseph Retreat Center so that we can continue to dance, to sing, to tell stories and to enjoy the sweet territory of silence.” ~ Terry Hershey
The evening also includes the final opportunity drawing for our beautiful, queen size, handmade quilt “East Meets West”. ~ Loving crafted by the Mary & Joseph Quilters
For questions, reservations or to purchase tickets, contact Sydne Yanko-Jongbloed, 310-377-4867 ext. 221 or .
This quilt takes its name from the stunning array of hand pieced fans. East & West come together in harmony and elegance — the East in the richly detailed Asian themed fabric, and the West in the distinctly American pattern “Grandmother’s Fan” style of quilting. Sensu, the Japanese word for fan, is a symbol of breath, change and spirit-moving. The Spirit flows even to the back of this quilt! It features Asian fabric won at the South Bay Quilt Guild Show and donated to the Mary & Joseph quilt group!
https://maryjoseph.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/logo.png00Jan Nowinskihttps://maryjoseph.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/logo.pngJan Nowinski2020-11-06 11:22:522020-11-13 10:56:09Major Fundraiser with Terry Hershey
3rd Prize Weekend Retreat for 2 or a “Suite” Retreat for 2 (Value up to $300)
Suggested Donation for tickets: $5 each; 5 for $20; 15 for $50
This quilt takes its name from the stunning array of hand pieced fans. East & West come together in harmony and elegance — the East in the richly detailed Asian themed fabric, and the West in the distinctly American pattern “Grandmother’s Fan” style of quilting. Sensu, the Japanese word for fan, is a symbol of breath, change and spirit-moving. The Spirit flows even to the back of this quilt! It features Asian fabric won at the South Bay Quilt Guild Show and donated to the Mary & Joseph quilt group!
Special Thanks to the Mary & Joseph Quilters
Winner Need Not Be Present
Proceeds to support retreat center operations and areas of greatest need.
“Choose Life Then… That You & Your Descendants May Live”
~ Deuter: 30.19
Fr. Pat Crowley, SSCC
6pm Friday, October 29 to 1:30pm Sunday, October 31, 2021
“The word road sums up one of the deepest experiences of human beings as they confront the task of life. Life is never a given, it is always a task, something that must must be done and carried out. We do not live simply by not dying. We walk toward life. To live is to walk. Walking assumes that there is a road.” ~ Leonardo Boff. This retreat will focus on the “the gift of life,” “the suffering of the human condition,” and God’s “compassionate love” in Jesus. It will be a time of prayer, healing and reconciliation.
Fr. Crowley, is a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in the Western Region of the United States Province. He has been actively involved in the Healing Ministry for over forty years. Presently, he resides at the Community House in California.
Cost: per person/shared $250; single $350; commuter $160
***This event is Sold Out!*** Call 310.377.4867 to be added to a waitlist for cancellations
Sacred Expressions: The Healing Art of Mandala Making Rev. Paula Vukmanic Saturday, November 13, 2021 9:00am to Noon
The word mandala is from Sanskrit and means circle. A circle is a symbol of wholeness. The psychologist Carl G. Jung created one each morning “somehow corresponding to his inner situation at the time”. For Jung, “the mandala really is Formation, Transformation, Eternal Mind’s eternal recreation.” For me, mandala making has become a centering, healing experience of unfolding energies, a witness of a journey into the center of who I am. I invite the same for you. Our workshop will engage the experience of the mandala with a variety of mediums and papers. I invite you to bring your own art materials if you so wish. Our workshop will focus on meditative moments, creating our mandalas and learning some of the history of the mandala and current mandala projects.
Come and experience this consecrated activity, in the Unity and Wholeness of God, embodied within us.
The Rev. Paula recently retired as Rector of St Francis Episcopal Church in Palos Verdes Estates. In this new season, Paula is reengaging mandala making as part of her spiritual practice and ministry. She is also a professional artist and has exhibited in galleries for years. Paula has given workshops on the mandala and taught plein aire painting. Paula has taught high school, provided pastoral care, led a parish as an Espicopal priest and given many retreats.
https://maryjoseph.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/11-13-Mandalas.jpg4501200Jan Nowinskihttps://maryjoseph.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/logo.pngJan Nowinski2021-06-25 15:45:412021-11-10 14:31:54The Healing Art of Mandala Making
Practice Principles ~ Emotional Sobriety
Herb Kaighan, Spiritual Guide
Saturday, November 13, 2021 10:00 to 11:30 AM Via Zoom (PST)
Step Twelve: A Practical Approach to Enlarging Our Spiritual Life | Practice of Principles • Program of recovery – Neutrality with addiction • Program for living – “Not Cured” of unmanageability
Herb’s journey includes: 7 years in Claretian seminary, a graduate education in psychology, 40 years in human resources consulting, certification as a Spiritual Director, active participation in a 12 Step Fellowship since 1984 and the publication of three books on spiritual awakening. A practitioner of Centering Prayer since 1990, Herb also facilitates a gathering (ZOOM) for Centering Prayer on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. ALL are welcome to join in this experience. More information at www.herbk.com For questions on content, email Tania at This 12 Step Series is a Fundraiser for Mary & Joseph Retreat Center
Suggested donation: $10 each workshop Zoom information and links will be emailed to you a few days before each event.
More videos of Herb K.’s recorded workshops on his Youtube channel here.
https://maryjoseph.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11-13-Principles-ES.jpg4471200Jan Nowinskihttps://maryjoseph.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/logo.pngJan Nowinski2021-01-10 15:08:312021-02-23 10:44:25Part 11 of the Path to Personal Freedom: 12 Steps Practice Principles ~ Emotional Sobriety
Part 15 of the Spirituality Series with Herb Kaighan Amazing Grace: Grace-Willingness, Gift-Action, Invitation-Response! Herb Kaighan, Spiritual Guide Saturday, November 20, 2021 10:00am to 1:00pm Remote Via Zoom (PST)
Are you tired of serial suffering? …are you mostly “restless, irritable, and discontent”? …are you filled with chronic irritation, anxiety, or boredom? Are you regularly asking: “IS THIS ALL THERE IS??” The text book of AA suggests: We have entered the world of the SPIRIT! We can grow in understanding and effectiveness! It will continue for our lifetime! It also confirms …we are NOT CURED …have a DAILY REPRIEVE from a SPIRITUAL MALADY? But when we have a …program of action …SANITY RETURNS? …fit spiritual condition… have a new way of living! We need to carry vision of God’s will …to exercise our will power = its proper use …to sense the flow of Spirit into us? Have we become God-conscious? What is Big Book talking about? What are specific suggestions for having a life that FLOURISHES ? Can I really be happy, joyous, and free? …REALLY? We will discuss: responding to the GIFT of GRACE with willingness & action; finding the KEY to unlock the secret to the Step 9 Promises of …Freedom …Happiness …REALLY!
Herb K’s journey includes: 7 years in Claretian seminary, a graduate education in psychology, 40 years in human resources consulting, certification as a Spiritual Director, 37 years of active participation in a 12 Step Fellowship and the publication of 3 books on spiritual awakening.
The Spirituality Series is a Fundraiser for Mary & Joseph Retreat Center
Donation: $25
Zoom information and links will be emailed to you a few days before each event.
Returning to Ourselves A 12 Step Recovery Weekend ~ All Fellowships Welcome! John McAndrew, MA, MDiv 6:00pm Friday, December 3 to 1:30pm Sunday, December 5, 2021
Recovery is a journey of new awarenesses, acceptance, and action. This Weekend Retreat is for people whose lives have been affected by the family disease of Alcoholism/Addiction- singles, couples, all Fellowships welcome! Utilizing the foundations of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, we’ll consider the Principles of Recovery as stepping stones to a new freedom, healthier relationships, and a life of joyful service. Bring your Big Book, 12&12– and your partner, spouse or friends!
John McAndrew is a counselor, musician, theologian, teacher, and poet in long-term recovery from the disease of addiction. Formerly Director of Spiritual Care at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, he currently resides in Arroyo Grande, CA, offering Spiritual Counseling and coaching for individual clients, as well as providing Spiritual Care for Hospice patients.
Cost: per person/shared $250; single $350; commuter $160
