JOSEPH HOUSE - A Contemplative Retreat Center
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 and what


279 Cartier Street
Manchester, New Hampshire 
03102

Sister Mary Anne Laughlin, s.n.d.
Welcomes You

 

Voice:  (603) 627-9493
Fax:     (603) 666-4732
E-mail:  SrMaryanneL@aol.com

LET US ENTER THROUGH 
THE OPEN DOOR 
INTO THE HEART OF GOD.

 

The Open Door 
of 
Centering Prayer

The Open Door 
to Private Retreats 
and/or Spiritual Direction

The Open Door 
of 
Lectio Divina

"Here I stand, knocking at the door.  If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will enter that house and we will share supper..." 
 Rev. 3:20

"About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and the prisoners were listening, a severe earthquake rocked the prison to its foundations.  Suddenly all the doors flew open and everyone's chains fell off." 
 Acts 16:26

"Beginning with Moses and the prophets, Jesus interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him.  Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him ... Were not our hearts burning within us! "  
 Luke 24:27 ff

"Centering prayer is the world in which GOD CAN DO ANYTHING...  It is to be open to the infinite, and hence, to infinite possibilities."
Thomas Keating

Each of us is imprisoned in some way or other.  This open door leads to a listening ear, an understanding heart, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Lectio Divina is an ancient form of praying Scripture which brings us to awakening to the experience of the real Presence of Jesus within us.

2008 Retreat Schedule 2008 Retreat Schedule 2008 Retreat Schedule

January 11 and 12
February 8 and 9
March 7 and 8
April 11 and 12
May 16 and 17
June 13 and 14
 Dates are a matter of personal choice.
For further details, please call 

(603) 627-9493
January 25 and 26
February 15 and 16
March 28 and 29
April 11 and 12
May 30 and 31
June 27 and 28

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.

Using MAPQUEST will give you directions from your home.  Click the back button to return here.

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