40 years strong: Retreat house in Watchung offers peace, spiritual direction

• Established on Sept. 1 1976, Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer is a spiritual center dedicated to nurturing adult spiritual growth in an atmosphere of hospitality and prayer
• In celebration of its 40th anniversary, soon-to-be unveiled upgrades to the century-old House of Prayer facility include a new gathering space and kitchen as well as new windows in several guest rooms
• Other celebratory activities this year will include a presentation by author and radio personality Sister Camille D’Arienzo on Oct. 19 as well as several holiday-related events
• “We’ve trusted in God’s providence and the House of Prayer has been built on that trust,” said Sister Eileen Smith, director of the House of Prayer, of its longevity and milestone 40th anniversary

In an era where economic challenges and changing societal mores have left many religious institutions struggling to survive, Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer in Watchung has much to be thankful for.

And that’s exactly how staffers and constituents feel as they prepare to celebrate the house's landmark 40th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 1.

“Many spiritual centers haven’t made it this long, and we’re delighted to have achieved this milestone,” said Sister Eileen Smith, director of the House of Prayer. “There’s a sense of trust that God wants us to have this ministry, and it’s a blessing that we hope will continue for many years to come.”

Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Watchung Mountains within the 70-acre Mount Saint Mary complex, “the House of Prayer was originally designed as a carriage house for Mount Saint Mary Academy when it first opened in 1908, but in September 1976 it became the House of Prayer, founded by Sisters Margaret Mary Kelly, Edwarda Barry, Theresina Flannery and Mary Jo Kearns,” Smith said. “Rooted in Gospel values and the charisma of Catherine McAuley, the House of Prayer is a spiritual center dedicated to nurturing adult spiritual growth in an atmosphere of hospitality and prayer.  Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the center welcomes people of all faiths to retreats, spiritual direction, and a variety of programs and opportunities for holistic growth.”

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Enhancements abound

Since 1982, when conversion of the warm and inviting century-old stone structure to the House of Prayer was completed, the house received minor upgrades along the way, “but 35 years later, we were in need of some major renovations to meet our contemporary needs,” said Smith, who noted that the 40th anniversary seemed like the perfect opportunity to pursue these changes.

Among the enhancements that the House of Prayer is excited to unveil to the public this September are a gathering room that’s been refurnished as well as outfitted with the latest in smart and connected technology to ensure the utmost in media friendliness for guests.

“We’ve updated the furniture and reconfigured the space in the main gathering area such that it feels larger and will provide comfortable places for more people,” Smith said.

In addition, the windows in some of the guest rooms have been modernized and enlarged to capitalize on area views. and a new ADA-compliant bathroom has been installed. Finally, a former downstairs bedroom was converted into a new kitchen, a welcome change from the original small kitchen upstairs.

“All of the upgrades were designed to make more productive use of our space, increase our functionality and enhance our ability to serve our guests in the most comfortable and efficient manner possible,” an excited Smith said of the new and improved facility that soon will be ready to welcome its many annual visitors.

Time of celebration

While the House of Prayer – led by Smith, Sister Mary Jo Kearns, and Sister Laura Arvin – runs regular prayer sessions and a variety of programs designed to promote spiritual growth in modern-day formats, such as programs for cancer survivors, art and music fans, holistic health devotées and Spanish-speaking constituents, it also will be running several special events in celebration of its 40th anniversary  through the end of the year.

Among these, “our anniversary celebration will take place on Sunday, Sept. 18, at which time we’ll be offering a Eucharistic liturgy at 11 a.m. in our large Immaculate Conception Chapel on the Mount Saint Mary complex followed by a luncheon and an open house at the House of Prayer,” Kearns said. “We’ll also be presenting our Living Stone Awards – so named after our stone house and the people who have so graciously supported us and been foundational stones for our ministry – to Sister Theresina Flannery, RSM, co-founder and Cornerstone Recipient, as well as community members Robert and Linda Jennings.”

According to Kearns, other major celebratory events this year will include a presentation on “Stories of Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World” by author and radio personality Sister Camille D’Arienzo on Oct. 19, a special Mass for the deceased friends and benefactors of the House of Prayer on Nov. 6, a Christmas cocktail and benefit on Dec. 4, and an Advent/Christmas Come to the Stable Day prayerr itual and tree lighting/blessing on Dec. 18.

“For the past 40 years, I’ve loved going to the House of Prayer,” said North Plainfield resident Jerry McKenna, an environmental scientist and member of the house’s advisory council who was involved in the  original reconstruction four decades ago. “There’s a certain hospitality, genuineness and friendliness to everything the sisters provide, and they meet everyone exactly where they are. The programs they present are of such a high quality, and the sisters are so open to the beauty of God and his creation and make the house such a wonderful and positive place to be.

"While other spiritual centers and organized religions have experienced challenging times,” McKenna added, “the House of Prayer’s 40 years of longevity mark an amazing ability to sustain itself, and I look forward to seeing it continue to nurture people of all faiths and help them live in the present with gratitude and joy.”

For Oldwick residents and upcoming Living Stone Award recipients Robert and Linda Jennings, who have been involved with the House of Prayer for the past seven or eight years, the spiritual center has played a similarly invaluable role in their lives.

“The House of Prayer runs so many wonderful programs for so many individuals. and they do so much with so little,” said Robert Jennings, who runs the family-owned business Container Manufacturing in Middlesex. “We never supported the House of Prayer to receive an award, and we’re honored and humbled by the fact that they want to recognize us, but there are so many people who have contributed so much in terms of time and resources.".

“The 40th anniversary is as much a celebration of the House of Prayer as it is of the sisters and other individuals who have worked so hard to help it succeed over the years," he said. "It’s amazing to see all of the energy and passion that surround the House of Prayer, and we encourage others to get involved, experience it for themselves and help it continue to thrive.”

‘Blessed Beyond Belief’

In today’s fast-paced world, “we provide an oasis of peace where people can deepen their faith and relationship with God and experience hospitality in a caring environment,” Smith said.

“It feels like there’s a great longing for God among many people, and we’re so excited to welcome everyone who comes here seeking greater spirituality, purpose in life, and an understanding of the many troubling events going on in the world today,” Kearns added. “I feel so grateful and blessed beyond belief for all of the wonderful people I’ve met and all of the years here at the House of Prayer.”

“So many other organizations have had to close for financial reasons, but the fact that we’ve been able to continue in our own humble way is a reflection of God’s love,” Smith added. “We’ve trusted in God’s providence, and the House of Prayer has been built on that trust.”

Take action

Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer is at 1651 Route 22 in Watchung and can be reached by calling 908-753-2091 or visiting www.msmhope.org. Call or visit the website for more information on any of the House of Prayer’s regular programs or special anniversary events, all open to the public, including its anniversary celebration on Sept. 18 (Reservations are requested by Sept. 10) and the Oct. 19 presentation on “Stories of Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World” by author and radio personality Sister Camille D’Arienzo.