Mystics Group
About
We work to deepen our knowledge and understanding of our Catholic faith by reading and discussing works written by the classical saints and mystics that are part of the rich heritage of Catholicism, saints like Francis of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Padre Pio, Julian of Norwich.
We seek to deepen our love of God and grow in our friendship and support of one another.
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We seek to carry on the legacy of Joan Prime, the founder of this group. She wanted to afford people the opportunity to read good Christian literature, especially the works of the mystics themselves. Those books were often difficult to understand and those who took part were fortunate to have Joan available to answer questions and guide them through the more challenging parts. Since Joan is no longer here to guide us, we have reached out to clergy when necessary.
We strive to carry on Joan’s idea that people need a “safe” place to ask their own faith questions freely without fear of criticism or judgement.
We read and discuss books about saints and Christian mystics, contemplative spirituality, and the Catholic mystical tradition in an effort to better appreciate and understand our faith.
Group members agree that we have greatly enhanced our spiritual journeys and strengthened our love of God through such reading and discussions.
Click on the book title to learn more.
- Padre Pio: Stories and Memories of My Mentor and Friend, Fr. Gabriele Amorth
- The Passionate Troubadour, Edward Hays
- Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement: The Wisdom and Spiritual Power of Venerable Bruno Lanteri, Fr. Timothy Gallagher
- Encounters With Angels, Invisible Companions of Our Spiritual Life, Odile Haumonte
- Sacred Fire – A Vision for Deeper Human and Christian Maturity, Ronald Rolheiser
- Good Goats: Healing Our Image of God, Dennis, Sheila Fabricant, and Matthew Linn
- Understanding Difficult Scriptures in a Healing Way, Dennis, Matthew and Sheila Fabricant Linn
- The Enneagram Made Easy, Elizabeth Wagele and Renee Baron
- Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child, John Bradshaw
- Saying Yes! Responding to God’s Invitation to Transform and Energize Our Lives: A Guide for Catholic Women, Kristen Armstrong and Sally Robb
- The Process of Forgiveness, William Meninger
- The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen
- The Ladder of the Beatitudes, Jim Forest
- Pray All Ways, Edward Hays
- The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis
- A Tree Full of Angels, Macrina Wiederkehr
- On Heaven and Earth, Jorge Mario Bergoglio and Abraham Skorka
- When the Well Runs Dry: Prayer Beyond the Beginnings, Thomas H. Green S.J.
- Can You Drink the Cup?, Henri Nouwen
Cathie deLeon: “There are two things that I really love about being a part of the Mystics Group. One is the inspirational, meaningful books we choose to study, and two is the wonderful, faithful friends within the group. I look forward to every Zoom meeting on Wednesdays! ”
Cathryne Gardner: “When our family first joined the POP community back in 1983, we soon became aware of a wonderful teacher of Sacred Scripture, Joan Prime. Our two children were still in elementary school and this kept us fairly busy. However, as they grew older, I decided to join one of Joan’s Scripture study classes. I knew she also had a class called, “Mystics.” However, this sounded a bit too “learned” for my background and I held back on joining for a few years.
But as Joan and I became friends, she explained that in her Mystics class we would explore and discuss the various writings of those recognized mystics and other Catholic authors. She encouraged us to honestly express our thoughts, questions, convictions, etc. Reciprocally, we too were to be open to listening to whatever Joan or other class members had to say in response. We had some wonderful discussions!
Joan wanted all of us to grow in our friendship and love of the Lord and one another. I really miss her but know she is guiding us!”
Contact Us
Betty Anne Shady
Mystics Group Coordinator