Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike. —John Muir #villamariapa #nature
Rabbi Joe Schonberger and Fr. George Balasko present Sr. Jane Marie Kudlacz, HM (President/CEO), with a check and a loaf of bread as an offering for the valuable work VMESC does to promote their Jewish and Christian dialogue programs. The generosity displayed by these community leaders highlights the importance of supporting organizations that actively work towards making a positive impact in the community. Also present is Rebecca Mickler, Assistant Executive Director #vmesc #villamariapa
Today, when so much of the evolutionary process is being explained from a materialist view, one of the most challenging questions for believers is how to envision the role of the Divine in the ongoing creation. Contemporary mystics have discovered powerful images that address this dilemma. Read more and register for Kathleen Duffy's retreat on our website: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=933 (Link in our bio) #vmesc #villamariapa
Join us May 15 for Guided Labyrinth Walk, registration is preferred. (Due to all the rain we have been having, please check our website before heading out, as we may have to cancel due to the ground being too wet.) Link to our programs is in our bio. #guidedlabyrinthwalk #vmesc #villamariapa
National Teacher Day, May 3, 2024 Becoming a teacher is generally not something one chooses to do, but rather it is something that one is called to do. I was drawn to learning early in life, and my parents encouraged me to be a musician since that would be an important skill for a teacher. Having taught children of four different cultures, I have learned to make the most of my own continuing learning experiences. Sharing about one culture with another culture was and continues to be a blessing. Teaching and learning go hand in hand. Teachers have to keep learning if they are to meet the needs of the students and allow students to test their wings, explore, and imagine. Most importantly, teachers get to watch students whose eyes light up, who bring up related questions, who work with other students to learn, who participate in many projects, who grow and become better young people – that is the true blessing of being a teacher. We should all be teachers. - Sister Janet Burkhart, HM #vmesc #villamariapa #sistersofhm #NationalTeachersDay #teachers
Taizé prayer will be held on May 7, the theme is Easter. Please join us for this in-person only event in Magnificat Chapel. #vmesc #villamariapa #sistersofhm
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts… There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter. —Rachel Carson #nature #landconservation #villamariapa #vmesc
Registration is open! https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=942 The link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa #5Krace #5K
There are still spots available for Habits and Practices to Nurture Our Health in Mind, Body and Spirit with Anne Kertz Kernion. Join us as we explore the latest research from Neuroscience and Positive Psychology on sleep, diet, exercise, pain and stress management, breathwork/meditation, awe and nature, relationships, and much more. Link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Please join us for this educational presentation on the Shroud of Turin with Barrie Schwortz. For more information, please visit our website: Link in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa #ShroudOfTurin
In this interactive workshop, Gary Loncki will help participants realize that every part of a dream is a part of who they are. Link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Habits and Practices to Nurture Our Health in Mind, Body and Spirit with Anne Kertz Kernion Join us as we explore the latest research from Neuroscience and Positive Psychology on sleep, diet, exercise, pain and stress management, breathwork/meditation, awe and nature, relationships, and much more. https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=932 #vmesc #villamariapa
Labyrinths are used for reflection, meditation, prayer and comfort. Are you interested in a customized Labyrinth Walk? For a nominal fee we will personalize a labyrinth walk for your parish, organization, club or group. Please contact us at 724-964-8886 for more information. #vmesc #villamariapa #labyrinthwalk
Catholic Sisters Week 2024-Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World-As we wind down Catholic Sisters Week, we want to thank you for celebrating with us. While it may have a different name today, the hospital system founded by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary continues to provide care to the community in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Bon Secours Mercy Health maintains strong ties to all its founding congregations, and for the past several years Mercy employees have participated in a service day at the Villa around the Humility of Mary feast day in July. Employees come out to beautify the Villa grounds and have lunch with the sisters. Sr. Maryann Golonka [front row, center] usually organizes the volunteers. #catholicsistersweek #celebratingtraditions #changingtheworld #sistersofhm #villamariapa #catholicsisters #catholichealthcare
Catholic Sisters Week 2024-Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World — Sisters sharing their stories help inspire others to listen for God’s call in their own lives. Sr. Mary Stanco [left] and Sr. Mary Slattery [right] spoke at a vocation discernment event at St. Aiden/St. Alexis Parish in Wexford, Pa., in February for World Day for Consecrated Life. Might God be calling you? Contact Sr. Mary Slattery at [email protected] to explore if life in community with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary may be for you. #catholicsistersweek #celebratingtraditions #changingtheworld #sistersofhm #villamariapa #catholicsisters #catholic #vocation #vocationstory
Catholic Sisters Week 2024-Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World — HM Sisters have often answered diocesan calls to serve on mission teams. Sr. Toby Lardie [pictured here] and Sr. Cathy McConnell served on a mission team in El Salvador sponsored by the Cleveland Diocese from 1986-1995 and 1990-1997, respectively. They recently returned to the country this past summer to visit with old friends, get to know the country again, and enjoy the changes that have happened in the years since their service. #catholicsistersweek #celebratingtraditions #changingtheworld #sistersofhm #villamariapa #catholicsisters #catholic
Catholic Sisters Week 2024-Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World — HM Sisters advocate for many social issues by collaborating with organizations like NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, ICCR, the Alliance to End Human Trafficking, and Nuns Against Gun Violence to name a few. NETWORK hosted a Care Not Cuts Rally last May in Youngstown that many HM Sisters attended. Helping to host the event was Sr. Eilis McCulloh [fourth from left], who serves as a Grassroots Education and Organizing Specialist at NETWORK. She also co-hosts a podcast called Just Politics, which covers current political issues and their intersections with Catholic social justice teaching. The podcast is a joint venture of NETWORK and U.S. Catholic magazine. “Founded by Catholic Sisters in 1972, in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, NETWORK is an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization open to all who share our values, working to achieve equity and justice for everyone.” – NETWORK website #catholicsistersweek #celebratingtraditions #changingtheworld #sistersofhm #villamariapa #catholicsisters #catholic #catholicsocialteaching #advocacy Tuesday, March 12
Catholic Sisters Week 2024-Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World — HM Sisters have a long history of serving in parish ministry as directors of religious education and pastoral associates, among other roles. Sr. Carolyn Capuano currently ministers as a Pastoral Associate for Social Justice at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Canton, Ohio. In honor of the 70th anniversary of the parish, St. Michael initiated a Catholic Community Build with Habitat for Humanity of East Central Ohio. The four parishes of St. Michael, St. Paul, North Canton, Holy Spirit, Uniontown, and St. Francis of Assisi, Canton came together to financially sponsor and actually build a home in urban southeast Canton. Sr. Carolyn [second from right] is pictured here with several St. Michael volunteers and the future homeowners on the first day of construction when the foundation was tarred and braced. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity #catholicsistersweek #celebratingtraditions #changingtheworld #sistersofhm #villamariapa #catholicsisters #catholic #parishministry
Catholic Sisters Week 2024-Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World — Each year, Sisters, Associates, Covenant Companions, and Partners in Ministry gather together for Community Days and Missioning. This annual event is held over a three-day period during the first week of August. The first day is usually reserved for sisters to hear reports and conduct community business. Associates, Covenant Companions, and Partners in Ministry are invited to join on the second day to hear speakers and participate in discussions. The Missioning ceremony in Magnificat Chapel concludes the weekend where all are sent forth to fulfill the mission for the coming year. #catholicsistersweek #celebratingtraditions #changingtheworld #sistersofhm #villamariapa #catholicsisters #catholic
Happy International Women’s Day! Join us March 8-14 as we observe Catholic Sisters Week 2024-Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World. What is your favorite memory or experience with the HM Sisters? One of the first ministries of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary was educating women and girls in their French village. They brought that spirit with them when they came to the United States and served in many educational institutions as teachers and principals and in leadership positions at the diocesan level. Sr. Rose Marie Kramer (Sr. Gilmary) is just one of the many sisters who carried on that tradition when she helped mold young minds at Magnificat High School, Lourdes Academy, Erieview High School, Villa Maria High School, and St. John High School. She was inducted into the inaugural class of Magnificat High School’s Fine Arts Hall of Fame in September 2023. Photo courtesy of Magnificat High School. #catholicsistersweek #celebratingtraditions #changingtheworld #sistersofhm #villamariapa
It was 160 years ago today that God called our foundress, Mother Madelaine, home to heaven. She is our first “Sister in Glory.” May Mother Madelaine, Mother Anna, and all of our Sisters in Glory pray for us. #sistersofhm #villamariapa #catholicsisters #womenreligious #catholic
Consider a personal retreat at VMESC this winter. Call our office for availability 724-964-8886. Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation. ―Stephen C. Paul #vmesc #villamariapa #sistersofhm #personalretreat #retreatcenter
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL VILLA MARIA-THON - JUNE 1, 2024 Trophies/plaques awarded to the top 3 runners for males & females in each age group. #vmesc #villamariapa #5krace
Taizé prayer will be held on March 5, the theme is Lent. Please join us for this in-person event in Magnificat Chapel. #vmesc #villamariapa #sistersofhm
Divine posture is the bedrock of meditative living. It is the foundation on which all other seated meditation rests and has profound impacts on our well-being. The true power of meditation is in its capacity to erode barriers between our physical body and spiritual heart/mind, so this program serves as an exercise that includes our entire being. https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=923 - The link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Ardath Blake, HM virtually as she begins a special Lenten series based on the book "Between Heaven and Earth" by Gerhard Lofink. For more details, visit our website: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=918 (Link to our programs is in our bio). #vmesc #villamariapa
A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations but look what they can do. when they stick together. —Author unknown (Archive photo of Villa Maria campus) #vmesc #villamariapa #snowflakes #snow #winter
Spiritual Direction Formation Program For more information, please visit our website: https://vmesc.org/programs-retreats/all-events?id=937 -- You may also call Ardath Blake, HM at 724-964-8920, ext. 3444 or email her at [email protected]. #vmesc #villamariapa #spiritualdirectiontraining
FIND YOURSELF on a weekend of relaxation, self-care & connection. This retreat is exquisitely designed to help you release stress, find your inner balance and cultivate a sense of serenity. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Fr. George Balasko via Zoom or in person for TaNaK Studies for Christians. Registration is not required. The Zoom link will be on our website. #vmesc #villamariapa
Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. —John Ruskin #nature #seasons #vmesc #villamariapa
Join us for Coffee and Contemplation on Tuesday, January 16 in Begel Commons. #coffeeandcontemplation☕️ #vmesc #villamariapa
Golden hour has been the prime time to spot deer around the Villa campus. We had some visitors to the Labyrinth and one of the farm fields last week. 📷: Kylene Kamensky #villamariapa #sistersofhm #catholicsisters #wildlife #naturephotography #nature #deer
GET WITH THE PROGRAM with Dena DeLuco January 13 & 14, 2024' To register, or to get more information, please visit our website: The link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Fr. George Balasko via Zoom or in person for Tanak Studies for Christians. Registration is not required. The Zoom link will be on our website. #vmesc #villamariapa
I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. —Stephen Grellet (Etienne de Grellet) Photo credit: Cheryl Principi #vmesc #villamariapa
GET WITH THE PROGRAM with Dena DeLuco January 13 & 14, 2024 To register, or to get more information, please visit our website: Link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join us for Coffee and Contemplation on Tuesday, December 19 in Begel Commons. #coffeeandcontemplation #vmesc #villamariapa
Taizé prayer will be held on December 12, the theme is Advent. Please join us for this in-person event in Magnificat Chapel. #vmesc #villamariapa
GET WITH THE PROGRAM with Dena DeLuco January 13 & 14, 2024 Saturday, 1-5 Sunday 10-2 To register: the link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Rabbi Joseph for the fourth and final installment of his series "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book" December 6 at 7 pm via Zoom. To join via Zoom, go to our website: The link is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Get with the Program is your go-to-class for Success! It’s like hitting the RESET BUTTON … on your life. All the tools and resources you need are within you … this class helps you find them! To register: The link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Sr. Cheryl Rose for an Advent Empty Bowl. To register, go to our website: the link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Autumn. . . the year’s last, loveliest smile. ― William Cullen Bryant #vmesc #villamariapa #autumn2023 #autumn
Join Fr. George Balasko via Zoom or in person for Tanak Studies for Christians. Registration is not required. The Zoom link will be on our website. The link to our website is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Might God be calling you? November 5-11 is National Vocation Awareness Week. Explore what religious life could be for you in community with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. Top photo courtesy of Eileen Mohr #sistersofhm #villamariapa #vocationawarenessweek #catholicchurch #religiouslife #womenreligious
This is a flashback post from 2020 that we thought was worth repeating. 😃 You can still schedule a personal retreat by calling our office at 724-964-8886. Photo credit: Natalie Terry #vmesc #villamariapa #pond
Join us for Coffee and Contemplation on Tuesday, November 14 in Begel Commons. Correction, the correct title is "Forgiveness: Moving On" The link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa #coffeeandcontemplation
Here are 2 more of my dear friends and guest #yogateachers at #2023yogagathering - They brought their best gift to share: A Heart ♥️ for God and His People. #lovegodlovepeople #christcentered #yogacommunity #yogaretreat #villamariapa
IT’S FINALLY HERE! 🎉👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🍁🍂🍃 We have 30 souls joining together in this amazing place - and I cannot wait to welcome each of you!!! #2023yogagathering #yogabybethanie #christcentered #masterpiece #yogaretreat #villamariapa #yogacommunity
It was a beautiful, bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it. – Diana Gabaldon #autumn #vmesc #villamariapa #autumn2023
All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried. — Donald Miller #vmesc #villamariapa #autumn2023 #autumn
If you would like to schedule a personal retreat, call our office at 724.964.8886. #vmesc #villamariapa
To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment. —Jane Austen, Mansfield Park #vmesc #villamariapa #autumn2023
Join Fr. George Balasko via Zoom or in person for TaNak Studies for Christians. Registration is not required. The Zoom link will be on our website. Link to our website is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Nicole Schoeppner tomorrow, October 7 at 10:00 am in the Mother Madelaine room. Walk ins are welcome by 9:30 am. See our website for what to bring with you. The link to our website is in our bio. In sound we are born, in sound we are healed. ― Mehtab Benton, Gong Therapy #vmesc #villamariapa
Join us on Tuesday, October 17 as Ardath Blake, HM kicks off a new season of Coffee and Contemplation with "As Disciples We are Invited by God to Live the Sermon on the Mount in Everyday Life." Please note the new time. The link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year. – Chad Sugg #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Rabbi Joseph for the second installment of his series "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book" October 4 at 7 pm via Zoom. Link to our website is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Check it out Sr. Cheryl Rose’s latest blog on our website. Link to our blog page is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Join us virtually with Diarmuid O'Murchu from Ireland as he presents "How Evolution is Changing our Faith in the 21st Century". For details and to register, please visit our website: Link to our programs is in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
This land, this water, this air, this planet - this is our legacy to our young. —Paul Tsongas #vmesc #villamariapa
Join us September 17 for Guided Labyrinth Walk, registration is preferred. #guidedlabyrinthwalk #vmesc #villamariapa
Join Nicole on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10 am. The Sound Of Stillness, Immersive Sound Meditation Workshop with Nicole Schoeppner, VSTP Soulful Sounds Vibrational Sound Therapy For more information or to register, go to our website: Link in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Life is a long lesson in humility. —James M. Barrie #WomenReligious #villamariapa
Enter the Chaos: Engage the Differences to Make a Difference with Vernice Solimar, PhD and Nancy Sylvester, IHM For more information or to register, visit our website: Link in our bio. #vmesc #villamariapa
Sr. Janet is a junior high math teacher by profession but after retiring from the classroom, she sought out the opportunity to allow Earth to be her classroom. One of her special contributions to GROW Camp is to welcome the children, and then talk about Reverence (as described by Paul Woodruff). Sr. Janet composed the music that she teaches the children to sing every time they return to camp with the words from Sr. Miriam Theres MacGillis’ “The Pledge to Earth.” After singing the song, she also reads stories from other cultures, especially stories involving animals. Sr. Janet has been actively involved in planning other activities for this program for about six years. She helps program leaders with the planning and is actively involved in many of the activities that the children enjoy. #vmesc #villamariapa #WomenReligious #service #GROWCamp #nonprofit
Sr. Elaine Schindler, HM worked at Villa Maria High School (VMHS) and was devoted to the youth retreat offerings and programs. After the closing of VMHS, Villa Maria Education Center (VMEC) was formed, LEAP Camp (Leadership, Education, Art, Play) was established with a strong backing of St. Elizabeth Hospital staff in Youngstown. Kids came from Lowellville, Campbell, Youngstown, and New Castle, and VMEC bussed them all! By LEAP Camp came GROW Camp (Growing in Reverence for Ourselves and the World of Nature) years later with a focus on children’s exploration of and learning about the natural world. Sr. Elaine, being so accustomed to spending time with youth, naturally volunteered to help with GROW Camp. She loves to work with the kids and thinks it’s important to share the Villa land with them “for young people to grow.” #vmesc #villamariapa #WomenReligious #service #GROWCamp #nonprofit
This is National Non-Profit Day! Youth programs such as GROW Camp are just one of many events that VMESC offers each year. We also provide space and hospitality to organizations for meetings, conferences, and other events for both adult and youth groups. #vmesc #villamariapa #WomenReligious #service #GROWCamp #nonprofit