Mary A. Dillard, MA, Director of Mercy Center and the Mercy Institute of Spiritual Formation. Mary brings over 20 years of formation and ministry experience and a deep love for community, spirituality, contemplative practices, and care for the Earth. She is a Focusing Trainer with The International Focusing Institute and a spiritual companion. She attended Catholic Theological Union as a Bernardin Scholar where she earned an MA in Theology with concentrations in Spirituality and Ethics. She is the author of a number of books and online training courses for Liturgy Training Publications, and is the publisher for Ayasofya Press.
ABOUT MERCY CENTER
MERCY CENTER BURLINGAME
Mercy Center is a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, West Midwest, an order of Catholic women religious. Mercy Center was established in 1981 in Burlingame, California, as a retreat center and a conference center for religious and non-religious nonprofit organizations.
Mercy Center provides opportunities for people to become more attentive to the presence of the Divine in their lives and in the world, and then respond with care for the Earth and service to others, especially people who are poor and vulnerable.
Learn more about the Sisters of Mercy West-Midwest Community.
Director
Program STAFF
Mary Ann Clifford Rodriguez, RSM
Sister Mary Ann is a spiritual director, supervisor, retreat director and works in the formation of spiritual directors in English and in Spanish. She has spent over 20 years working in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sister Mary Ann is adjunct staff of Mercy Center, Burlingame.
Celeste Marie Nuttman, RSM
Celeste Marie helps to guide the Mercy Institute of Spiritual Formation. She has ministered as a spiritual director for over 40 years and as a supervisor for 25 also directing numerous retreats. Celeste is a practicing artist and liturgical designer. Celeste has published two art meditation books: Mandala Meditations and Reflections with Rumi and Hafiz.
Rev. Canon Linda Taylor
Linda Taylor helps to guide the Mercy Institute of Spiritual Formation. Following ordination to the Episcopal priesthood (2000), she served churches in the San Jose area. In addition to serving as spiritual director and supervisor, she leads retreats and presents workshops in spiritual practices, conflict management and leadership.
Judy Cannon, RSM
Sister Judy, leads Wednesday evening meditation at Mercy Center. She has been studying and practicing meditation since 2000. She has made silent retreats at Mercy Center Burlingame with Fr. Thomas Hand and Fr. Greg Mayers, and also at The Insight Retreat Center and Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Jean Evans, RSM
Sister Jean facilitates retreats and Taizé Prayer at Mercy Center, Burlingame, California. She ministered with apartheid victims in South Africa, 1984-2012. Sister Jean trained for retreat direction at Loyola House, Guelph, Canada.
Suzanne Toolan, RSM
Sister Suzanne, creator of the communion song, “I Am the Bread of Life,” is an internationally known composer of liturgical music. She is a prominent American spokeswoman for the music and prayer of the Taizé ecumenical community from France and leads many Taizé-style retreats.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
(650) 340-7474
For general questions or to make a reservation please contact our front desk administrative team.
Group Reservations
If you would like to make a reservation for a group or if you have questions about an existing group reservation.
Individual Reservations
If you have questions about a Mercy Center sponsored retreat or if you are having trouble with registration.
Cristina Esguerra
Hospitality and Events Manager
Patricia Giles
Bookstore Manager
Art Arevalo
Guest Experience Coordinator
Jonathan Chua
Burlingame Administrative Staff
Sr. Amy Westphal
Guest Receptionist & Sales Associate
Linda Lueng
Program Assistant
OFFERINGS
Offerings include meditation, wellness, prayer, eco-spirituality, professional & social development, spiritual direction, and mutuality.
Internationally known, this conference and retreat center offers a peaceful and holistic environment for people of diverse faiths and backgrounds to nourish their spiritual and professional lives, and a convenient location for conferences and events in the
San Francisco Bay Area.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are grateful for the many volunteers who help with programs and special events at Mercy Center. Please contact Cristina Esguerra if you would like to join our volunteer community.