The School of Mercy and Justice (SMJ) is a one-year certificate program particularly for those who desire to cultivate a deep, vibrant interior life with God and engage effectively and healthily in the practical work of mercy and justice in the world. It’s spiritual formation for those who long to embody a contemplative posture while engaging in an active life with those on the margins of society.
Through readings, activities, receiving spiritual direction, various contemplative practices, and written reflections, students journey together in becoming “contemplatives in action.”
A few distinctives of the school are:
- The deep level of friendship and community created given the size of cohorts (typically between 8-12 people). We learn to share vulnerably with one another and, in so doing, grow in real connection and love for one another.
- Its modular format. We meet five times for a total of ten days over the course of nine months. This allows you to maintain your existing rhythms of work and life whilst being a student in the school.
Cost and Syllabus
- Cost: Tuition is USD $1,500 (excluding books, payments to your own spiritual director, etc.). You can secure your place in a cohort with a $200 deposit (refundable until one month prior to the start of school). The remaining balance can be paid either up front or monthly over the following 8-9 months, due at the beginning of each month.
- 2024-2025 Student Syllabus (PDF)
Dates
Cleveland, Ohio (8:30 am – 4:30 pm EST, Saturday/Sunday)
Marisa Lapish
- Module 1 – September 27-28, 2025
- Module 2 – December 6-7, 2025
- Module 3 – February 7-8, 2026
- Module 4 – March 28-29, 2026
- Module 5 – May 30-31, 2026
Burton, Ohio (8:30 am – 4:30 pm EST, Saturday/Sunday)
Marion Ware
- Module 1: October 4-5, 2025
- Module 2: December 6-7, 2025
- Module 3: February 7-8, 2026
- Module 4: March 28-29, 2026
- Module 5: May 30-31, 2026
Writing Is Prayer 