DEVELOPING OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES

The Men’s Spirituality program at Mercy Center Burlingame affords men an opportunity to explore, to examine, and to share our spirituality. As with all programs at Mercy Center, men of diverse faith and cultural backgrounds are welcome.

Background

Brother Don Bisson, FMS, D.Min began the Men’s Spirituality program in 1994. The program has grown since then into workshops, a retreat, and quarterly dinner-discussions. At present, Saturday workshops in the spring and fall are offered, as well as a 4-day retreat each June. For the past two years we have held quarterly dinner-discussions where we meet for dinner and have a discussion of a spiritual topic.

In 2010, we will be presenting the following events:

Men’s Spirituality Workshop - April 10

Men’s Spirituality Retreat - June 3-6

Men’s Spirituality Workshop - October 2

Presentations in the workshops and retreats draw from a wide range of resources including the Bible, contemporary and classic Christian writers, monastic and contemplative traditions, music, art, theology, and psychology.

Workshops and retreats have covered topics such as Inviting the Soul to Work, Men and the Fire of Life, Men and Prayer, Raising Lazarus, and Men in Transition.

At the heart of our time together is rich and honest conversation with an intent to honor the varied spiritual journeys of all those present; to listen, laugh, pray, encourage, share, and open ourselves to the work of God in our lives, both individually and collectively.

What is Mercy Center Men’s Spirituality?

“The Men’s Spirituality community has become my faith community. It is here that I am nourished and fed. It is the men with whom I share this sacred space who accept me, inspire me, and challenge me to continue to grow. At times I feel overwhelmed with a sense of deep gratitude for the ways in which my life has been enriched by the personal relationships and experiences with which I have been blessed.” — Al

“It is where men can come to refresh themselves, get away from the hectic world for awhile, spend time reviewing and thinking about their own faith, life, etc. Sharing with and learning from other men who are also seeking this deeper relationship with their God and others. It gives men new insights and helps them as they pass through the various stages of their life journey.” — Dick

“My girlfriend told me about a workshop for men at Mercy Center. I went to it not knowing what to expect, but the topic was of interest to me, and I wanted to explore my spirituality more. Now, many workshops later, ‘Lord, I love the place where your glory makes its home’.” (Psalm 26) — Chris

Talk by Huston Smith

In 2009, Huston Smith visited the Men's Spirituality retreat. Download or listen to his talk. The scholar of world religions addressed spiritual matters and offered personal recollections, including a memorable encounter with the mystic and poet Thomas Merton.

Contact List

If you would like further information about the Men’s Spirituality program at Mercy Center Burlingame, please contact one of the following program members:

Al Chaquette 510.796.8340 (Fremont) email: alchaq@yahoo.com

Jim Nelson 650.726.4583 (Half Moon Bay) email: jim94019@yahoo.com

Dick Shinn 510.276.1576 (San Lorenzo) email: DickSh12@comcast.net

Chris Wehling 925.363.9663 (Martinez) email: chriswehling@sbcglobal.net