It is our privilege and our joy to offer the prayerful atmosphere, spiritual richness and delightful hospitality which is . . .

 

A Contemplative Retreat Center
279 Cartier Street
Manchester, New Hampshire 03102

Voice:  (603) 627-9493
Fax:     (603) 666-4732

E-mail:  SrMaryanneL@aol.com

A retreat center for contemplative prayer in the classical Christian tradition. Erected in 1905 as part of Ste. Marie Parish, it served originally as a residence for the Brothers and later for the Sisters who taught in the adjacent school. Destined for demolition in 1986, it was providentially spared and has been transformed into a charming, 21-room retreat center.

 


Where is Joseph House located?


Nestled in the center of Cartier Street on Manchester's west side, the center is two blocks behind Catholic Medical Center. It is readily identified by its attractive red brick, white-shuttered exterior which, in spring and summer, is made even more lovely with colorful flower beds.


What facilities are available?


The four-story building provides a small Eucharistic chapel, large oratory with seating capacity for 25, and a very large conference room which comfortably accommodates 35. Guest rooms include 5 private and 6 semi-private rooms.  Each  has its own special character and charm.  There are common showers on each of the three levels, and several rooms have their own sinks.  All linens are provided.  The well-equipped kitchen and dining room can comfortably serve 35 guests. A lovely park just a block away provides space for exercise.


What are its special features?

 

 
Since its inception, Joseph House has been truly a house of prayer. An almost tangible sense of God's presence prevails.

In keeping with its philosophy, "When a guest comes, Christ comes,"  Joseph House welcomes all with utmost graciousness.  Meals are always served with a view to pleasing both the eye and the palate. Fresh table linens, fresh flowers and soft candlelight are the order of each day. Casual dress is appropriate.


What ministries are offered?


Primarily, Joseph House teaches centering prayer, a simple and effective method of entering into ever deepening intimacy with God. The title, "Centering Prayer, Gateway to Intimacy with an Adventurous God," nicely captures the flavor of the experience. 

Centering Prayer Retreats
Centering Prayer invites us to radical transformation of self and the universe through deep intimacy with God.  These retreats are adapted to the needs of individual retreatants who may include beginners, regular or advanced meditators. Retreatants may also bring their own directors.  Arrival time is 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday.  Opening session at 8:00 p.m. 

Activities include:

  • Lectio Divina, a way of praying scripture that leads to deep union with God

  • Conferences

  • Videos by Thomas Keating

  • Opportunities for one-on-one sessions with director

  • Times of quiet reflection.

The format and content are determined at the Friday evening session after consultations with participants.

2007 Schedule

Centering Retreats

Jan 26-28
February 23-25
March 16-18
April 27-29
May 18-20
June 22-24

Centering Prayer Group

The centering prayer group meets on Sundays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The first hour is centering prayer.  Some remain only for that hour.  Others stay to be enriched by watching format  a video by Fr. Thomas Keating or joining in dialogue about some aspect of contemplative prayer.  Participants are free to shorten the prayer time if an hour seems too long.

Adsum

"ADSUM, DOMINEI!" is a Latin phrase which means, "Here I am Lord." This is the title chosen by a group which meets each Thursday from 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.  Its focus is to let go and let God take over the confusing problems in one's life.  The format is a type of prayer called Lectio Divina.  Lectio Divina is a way of allowing the Scriptures to unite oneself deeply with God and then to watch in wonder at what happens in one's life.


What about cost?

There are no predetermined fees for retreats and events. Love offerings in any amount are gratefully accepted. Joseph House depends totally on these offerings for operational and maintenance costs.


Private Retreats
Joseph House staff members are available for retreats in which arrangements can be tailored to respond to the requests and needs of individuals and groups, both on-site and away. When the schedule permits, individuals and groups such as Cursillo teams and parish personnel are welcome to avail themselves of the prayerful atmosphere of the house for a day or for overnight stays. Guests who desire private or staff-directed retreats are also welcome.
Sister Mary Anne Laughlin, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, is co-foundress and co-director with Father Marc Montminy. Sister is a founding member of the National Faculty of Contemplative Outreach, and a member of the diocesan Spiritual Renewal Services. She has practiced contemplative prayer for 30 years and currently gives many workshops and retreats in centering prayer and related topics. Sister is assisted by several gifted men and women who volunteer their services both on spiritual and culinary levels.
Directions From Rt. 293 Northbound: Take Exit 5 (Granite St./Downtown). At the end of the ramp, take a left towards West Manchester. At the 3rd set of lights, turn right onto Main Street. Go through one set of lights and proceed 0.2 miles, watching for Putnam St. on the left, just prior to reaching the hospital. Turn left onto Putnam St., go up the hill, and take the 2nd right onto Cartier St. Joseph House is #279 on the right hand side of the street.
Directions From Rt. 293 Southbound: Take Exit 6 (Amosheag Bridge). At the stop sign, turn left. Follow this road past a caution light and through two sets of lights. After the second set of lights, Putnam St. will be the first right. Turn right onto Putnam St., go up the hill, and take the 2nd right onto Cartier St. Joseph House is #279 on the right hand side of the street.

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