Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of commonly asked questions and their answers. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us by emailat info@cranaleith.orgor phone at215-934-6206.
Q: What types of programs are offered at Cranaleith?
A: We host and facilitate meetings and retreats for marginalized populations and the human service agencies that serve them; we offer special Work & Spirit programs for the business community; we feature spiritual and theological retreats and programs for the general public; we manage a garden program that pairs adults with mental health challenges with community volunteers to work our Garden; and we provide “Coming Home, Becoming Whole” retreats for Veterans and their families.
Q: How do I register for a program or retreat?
A: Simply register online or call 215-934-6206. You can also email us atinfo@cranaleith.org with your name, phone number and email address. Registrations will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. Checks made payable to “Cranaleith Spiritual Center” can be mailed to: Cranaleith, 13475 Proctor Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116.
Q: What types of organizations visit Cranaleith?
A: Cranaleith staff and adjunct facilitators work with businesses and regional nonprofit organizations including: social service agencies, health care providers, churches and faith-based groups, community organizations, institutions of higher educations, arts organizations and environmental groups, among others. Special programs are also designed and offered for client populations recovering from trauma, such as homelessness, poverty, abuse, addiction and mental illness.
Q: What do nonprofit staffs do while at Cranaleith?
A: Program content varies based on the needs and wishes of the organization, but many groups come for staff or faculty retreats, visioning and planning sessions, skill building workshops, reflection on mission and values, days of spiritual growth, leadership development, celebration of milestones, team building, days of refreshment and renewal, or recovery from burnout or compassion fatigue.
Q: Is Cranaleith wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, for the first floor of the Main House and for the entireEducation & Conference Center.
Q: What is the capacity for overnight guests?
A: The Main House can sleep 10, with an additional three beds on the second floor of the property’s Carriage House.
Q: What is the capacity for the Education & Conference Center?
A: The main Conference Room can accommodate up to 60 either theater style or at table rounds. The adjacent Board Room can fit up to 20 at either a long table or in other table configurations. The cozy Catherine McAuley Room is furnished with sofas and chairs that can comfortably accommodate 15 or so.
Q: Can we bring our own directors and leaders of a retreat?
A: Yes, this can be arranged.
Q: Is mass offered at Cranaleith?
A: Mass is not offered at Cranaleith but is offered at St. Christopher’s Church located adjacent to our property. Times can be found on their website here.
Q: What is spiritual direction?
A:Spiritual Direction is a gift to God’s people in which an experienced and qualified guide listens with us to the movement of God’s Spirit in our hearts. This sacred listening awakens recognition of the ways God speaks to us in the story of our lives and encourages us to experience a closer relationship with God. In the midst of a busy life and the press of many voices, it can be difficult to notice God’s gifts and invitations. Yet, at the deepest level, all of us long for a more conscious awareness of God’s presence and love.
You might seek spiritual direction to:
- identify and trust your own experiences of God
- deepen and expand your prayer
- integrate the joys and sorrows of your life
- discern choices and life-directions
- become more attentive to the mystery of God’s providence
- draw spiritual support for challenges in your life
- share God’s desire to heal and delight you
The privilege and responsibility of a spiritual director is to journey with you as you grow in your relationship with God, with others, and with the world God loves. The journey takes place in the context of confidential, one-on-one sessions with your spiritual director. Call 215-934-6206 for more information or to set an appointment for individual spiritual direction. The stipend for individual direction is on a scale in accord with what you can afford.