Program Presenters

Sr. Helen David Brancato, IHM, is an artist and teacher of art, currently at Villanova University, and formerly as director of the Southwest Community Center. She collaborated with Evelyn Mattern in “Why Not Become Fire” and “Ordinary Places, Sacred Spaces.”

Donna Buckley is an Associate in Mercy, and a mother and grandmother par excellence. She serves on the Development Council of Cranaleith, and volunteers at Women of Hope.

Sr. Megan Brown, RSM is Vice President for Mission and Values at Mercy Hospital, Philadelphia. Fascinated with the interplay of psychology and spirituality, Megan is also a spiritual director, whose doctoral work focused on Celtic Christian spirituality.

Sr. Ivette Diaz, RSM, is a Social Worker at St. Gabriel’s Hall. She is a case manager for court adjudicated youth in Philadelphia.

Sr. Maria DiBello, RSM is Program Director at Cranaleith. She is a spiritual director and a teacher on prayer in the Archdiocesan Church Ministry Institute.

Sr. Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM is co-director of Mercy Spiritual Ministries, a teacher at Gwynedd Mercy College and the Archdiocesan Church Ministry Institute, and a speaker on topics of faith.

Sr. Mary Pat Garvin, RSM is a psychologist and teaches at Seton Hall University. Integral to all her ministry is the interfacing of spirituality and psychology in a manner which enriches and sustains our lives of faith.

Jim Knipper is a deacon in the Diocese of Trenton, deeply committed to the core values of Mercy in Church, in Catholic education, and in the larger community. Jim serves on Cranaleith’s Board of Directors.

Teresa Knipper is an Associate In Mercy who delights in creation, and pours her own creative spirit into awakening the eyes, hearts and hands of others. Teresa coordinates the flower section of Cranaleith’s ecotherapy program.

Sr. Rose Martin, RSM, is president of Hope Partnership for Education. She serves on the anti-racism commission of the Sisters of Mercy, and holds a long-standing commitment to the education of children in an urban setting.

Fr. Jack Nevins is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who, after many years as pastor and educator, now serves as chaplain to the Grey Nuns Community in Yardley.

Sr. Suzanne Neisser, RSM is a professor in the Hispanic ministry program at LaSalle University. For many years, Suzanne has accompanied women in North Philadelphia in their spiritual journey.

Sr. Mary Anne Nolan, RSM is co-director of Mercy Spiritual Ministries, a spiritual director, and a teacher of theology at Gwynedd-Mercy College and the Archdiocesan Church Ministry Institute.

Sr. Leslie Porreca, RSM is a Clinical Social Worker. Her passion is reverence for the environment and care of earth’s gifts.

Sr. Margie Walsh, SSJ, is well known in 12 Step circles as counselor and retreat leader She is on the staff at Limen House, a halfway house for women in recovery.

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