Dear Friend of JRH,
With this annual report, I will introduce myself as the recently appointed
executive director of this holy place, Jesuit Retreat House.
I am Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, who has served many years in Catholic education in the Diocese of Cleveland either in
teaching or congregational leadership – the last twenty as associate professor in
the department of communications at John Carroll University, including 8 years as chair. I have also been giving retreats at JRH for several years.
I am excited to accept this new adventure with the Society of Jesus because of the encouragement of the board of directors to develop a program in lay leadership while expanding the core mission of retreats and spiritual direction. Collaboration with lay leaders has always been a hallmark of the Jesuit order. Decree 13 of
General Congregation 34 of the Society of Jesus notes that “laity who collaborate in Jesuit apostolates can expect from us a specific formation in Ignatian values, help in discernment of apostolic priorities, and practical strategies for their
realization.” Enhancing lay leadership is central to our mission at JRH, and it represents one of the many ways we work to renew the Ignatian tradition.
Please join us in whatever way you can: prayer, participation in retreats, giving of your resources to the lay leadership fund which needs to expand, or to other
existing programs, or perhaps giving your time volunteering here at JRH. We are grateful to all who donate their time or resources for the benefit of our
ministry for the greater glory of God.
This report demonstrates the effective stewardship of my predecessor, Fr. Clem Metzger, S.J., and the multi-talented staff and board of directors with whom I have already been working. We face unprecedented challenges ahead, but I believe God’s grace looks benevolently upon JRH for its openness to serving all who seek a deeper relationship with God. Please join us in this effort. Fr. Karl Rahner, S.J. once wrote of the Society of Jesus, “The fact is, the Spirit is here.” The same is true of the Jesuit Retreat House. Come and see.
Sincerely in Christ,
Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, S.C.
Executive Director