Following Jesus can be a great challenge and a wonderful grace. Following Jesus with a community of women who share your dreams is even better. There is someone there to share the time when the dream seems far away and unrealistic. There is someone there to share the joy of making the world a more loving and accepting place.

Think about making someone's life better by placing your gifts at the service of others. Jesus did the same thing, in his preaching, in feeding the hungry, curing the sick, healing the brokenhearted. It can be hard work, but there is great satisfaction in knowing that what you do is helping to make the world a better place. Doing it with other women of faith lightens the task and expands your dreams.

Sr. Margaret Mary Borek and Sr. Joann Stuever are the staff members of the Spiritual Renewal Center in Albuquerque, NM, administering all areas of the retreat setting, leading prayer services, giving occasional talks, and being available for private sessions as well as offering spiritual direction.  

Sr Margaret Mary, Born in Baltimore, MD, lived most of her Catholic school life in Philadelphia, PA. She attended Neumann College in Aston, PA, and received her BA and MA in Religious Studies from Barry College, Miami, FL. In addition she has completed a course in Spiritual Direction in Albuquerque, NM. Sr. Margaret Mary's interests are varied and numerous: She loves history, studies Native American culture, and has written her Master's research paper on the Penitentes of New Mexico. She holds a commercial pilot's license and remains a member of the Ninety-Nine International Organization of Women Pilots.

Sister Joann Stuever joined the staff of the Retreat House in March 2005. The Sisters have known Sr. Joann for some time as she has made many private retreats over the years. We enjoy her energy, spirit of prayer, and sense of humor. Here is a limited biography of her many gifts:

Sister Joann was born in Woodward, Oklahoma. She is a vowed member of the Society of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, St Louis, Missouri. She has been active in parish ministry and taught science to high school juniors/seniors and in junior college. Her favorite teaching challenge was as a TV instructor for inmates of the Oklahoma State prison system. She has studied at Southern Methodist, OU, UNM, Portland State and Aquinas Institute of Theology. She has ministered for the past 11 years at HIV/AIDS in Wichita, Kansas. She enjoys outdoor activities, playing bridge and is an avid football fan. Her passion is for the poor and those suffering from discrimination. Her favorite saint is Catherine of Sienna, who just happens to be a Dominican! Come and meet Sr. Joann!