Serving in Our Community
Our Second Annual Retreat for Unhoused Men will take place on September 22, 2025 at Mercy by The Sea in Madison, Connecticut. Each year The Sisters of Mercy graciously donate accommodations for an overnight stay by the ocean for a community of men from Bridgeport. Read about our last retreat here.
Annual Men’s Small Group Retreat 2025
The second retreat is being held the weekend of November 14, 2025 at Jogues Retreat Center in Cornwall NY. We have hosted retreats for a variety of Men’s Ministry groups at Jogues over the years, and it is one of our favorite venues. The center is situated in a contemplative setting, with great food and comfortable accommodations. The year’s retreat will be directed by Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D, and will run from Friday afternoon to lunch on Sunday.
The Retreat’s Focus
The weekend will include group discussion on a faith centered theme, shared prayer, and quiet time for personal prayer and reflection. The retreat will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday, with lunch before departure.
If you are interested in joining us this November or have questions about a retreat for your ministry or small group, please reach out to us at:
About Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.DFr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D., is a leading expert on Christian spirituality. In recognition of his ministry in the Church, Pope John Paul II awarded him the pontifical honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1999. In 2000, he was awarded the Caritas Centennial Award for his work in lay ministry and the Spirit of RENEW Award for his work in interreligious dialogue and ecumenism. His publications include Everyday Mysticism (Crossroad, 1995), Beauty: A Path to God (Paulist Press, 2013), and Moral Formation in the Parish (Alba House, 1998).
Fr. Ciorra holds graduate degrees in psychology, spirituality, and pastoral theology. He earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Fordham University. Currently, he is Assistant Vice President for Mission and Catholic Identity at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Prior to assuming this post, Fr. Ciorra occupied a number of leadership positions in higher education and beyond, including: dean of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University; director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of St. Elizabeth; and director of the Center for Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York.Fr. Ciorra’s professional experience ranges from parish life and preaching to teaching and administration to retreat work and formation ministries. He gives workshops and retreats throughout the world and is active in creating programs for interreligious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
