Mary is a single laywoman who received her master’s degree in theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Long Island, New York. After thirty-three years of teaching high school Theology, she retired in June 2017. In addition to teaching, she served as a hospital chaplain for fifteen years, working part time at three hospitals in the Boston area.
Mary is currently a member of St. Ignatius Parish in Newton, Massachusetts, where she completed the 19th Annotation in 2016. This experience deeply influenced her desire to become a Spiritual Director. She received her certification in Spiritual Direction through the Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 2017–2018.
Mary regards the ministry of spiritual direction as both a privilege and a gift, offering individuals the opportunity to listen more deeply to their hearts. She understands spiritual direction as a sacred process through which people recognize their ongoing inward journey with Christ and welcomes the chance to accompany them on that path. In particular, she is especially open to directing those who have struggled with the effects of growing up in families affected by addiction and domestic abuse.
Since completing the Spiritual Direction Internship, Mary has accompanied many individuals on their spiritual journeys. She has led retreats at Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, Massachusetts; Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center in Westfield, Massachusetts; Mercy by the Sea Spirituality Center in Madison, Connecticut; and the Sisters of Notre Dame Spirituality Centers in Worcester and Ipswich, Massachusetts. She also accompanies directees participating in the 19th Annotation at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
She currently serves part-time as Coordinator for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Associates, managing administration, prayer services, and retreats.
Details of this retreat
As summer begins to slip by, are you longing for some rest, solitude and connection to the Holy? Allow yourself time for a sacred pause. Come to savor the prayerful surroundings, silence, and spiritual companionship for a weekend. Arrive on Friday afternoon at 3:00, enjoy dinner and conversation at 6:00, and begin the retreat at 7:00 with a communal prayer service. You will meet with your spiritual director to discuss how you can make the most of this time and to decide on a time to meet on Saturday. Saturday will include an optional communal prayer service at 7:00. On Sunday communal breakfast will be at 8:00. Departure from your room will be at 10:00. Anyone who wishes may remain on the grounds of Genesis as your schedule allows.
I have been going to Genesis since 1980. As usual, my experience was wonderful. Sr. Nancy is extremely wise and caring. I love being with her. It's also great to have liturgy twice during the week. The house is very comfortable, warm when it needs to be and very cool when necessary. The schedule and the food is great. I have no complaints. Please God I will return next summer.
Sr.Christine Lavoie
5.0
Verified
Nature Companionship
As a frequent flyer in nature based retreats this was my second experience with "forest bathing". Jeannette and Simon were a powerful pair of facilitators and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Genesis as a retreat center was also very good. The staff were all very helpful and the facility exuded care and quality.
5.0
Verified
Nature Immersion Experience
The Genesis Nature Immersion Experience with Simon de Voil and Jeanette Banashak was a deeply enriching and transformative offering. Rooted in both contemplative practice and ecological awareness, the experience gently guided participants into a renewed sense of connection; with themselves, one another, and the living world around them.
Simon and Jeanette bring a rare combination of wisdom, attentiveness, and reverence to their facilitation. They create a space where participants can slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the sacred rhythms of the natural world. Through their guidance, nature is not simply observed but encountered as a teacher, a companion, and a mirror.
A central gift of the experience is the invitation to rediscover our interconnectedness. Participants are reminded that we are not separate from the more-than-human world, but intimately woven into it. This awareness opens the door to a deeper sense of reciprocity, recognizing that just as we receive from the earth, we are also called to respond with care, presence, and gratitude.
The practices and reflections offered throughout the immersion reveal how profoundly the natural world can teach us. We begin to notice patterns of patience, resilience, and mutuality that illuminate our own lives. Relationships, both human and ecological, are seen in a new light, inviting greater compassion, balance, and attentiveness. Even our understanding of the Divine is expanded, as we encounter God not only within but also alive and active in the unfolding of creation.
This experience is both grounding and awakening. It offers participants not just a retreat from daily life, but a return to what is most essential; connection, presence, and sacred belonging. Anyone seeking a deeper relationship with the natural world and a more integrated spiritual life would find this program profoundly meaningful.
5.0
Verified
Sacred Story of Birth and Rebirth
The weekend was excellent. Diarmuid O'Murchu was clear, engaging and gave much for reflection. I am glad that it was not cancelled due to a small number of participants.
It was a more intimate setting and allowed Diarmuid the opportunity to call us by name.
My only disappointment was that I was told when I registered that a recording would be made of the session and sent to the participants. That proved not to be the case.
5.0
Verified
Wonderful retreat
I attended the yoga retreat as a commuter, and had an excellent experience! Sally is a phenomenal teacher, instructor, guide, and director. I enjoyed the grounds thoroughly, and all of the Genesis staff were friendly and welcoming. The communal experience was peaceful and restorative as well. I felt inspired, renewed, awakened, and refreshed by the end - and I am already looking forward to the next retreat!
Top Rated
Verified
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