Sr. Margaret Scott, acj, is an English Handmaid who has served in Chile, Italy, and the United States in addition to participating in many ministries in the English-Irish province.  She is the director of St. Raphaela Center. We look forward to the 2008 publication by Paulist Press of her recent book on Eucharist and social justice.  At left, Sr. Margaret gives a talk in St. Raphaela Center's conference room.

Sr. Asunta Thanh, acj, a Handmaid who comes to us from Vietnam (by way of Ireland), handles the enormous task of purchasing for the retreat center.  She's also a good cook and plays the role of head chef from time to time.  Sr. Asunta is pictured at right sharing a laugh with two young Handmaids.

Sr. Mary Carboy, SSJ is a Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia.  She is a spiritual director and retreat director and has collaborated with the retreat ministry of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart for many years, with special emphasis in seasonal retreats (Advent and Lent).

Sr. Julie Grey, op, is a Dominican Sister of St. Catharine, Kentucky.  Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she has ministered at St. Raphaela Center for the past two years.  Prior to her time here, she spent five years as a formator for newer members in her congregation and fifteen years at Emmaus Retreat Center in Uncasville, CT.  She is a certified spiritual director and has educational background in psychology, pastoral studies, and spiritual direction.

Sr. Maria J. Sagaseta, acj, is a recent addition to the Retreat Center staff.  She greets newcomers to the retreat house and acts as a hospitality coordinator.  Here, Sister Maria recounts a story from her fifty years of religious life as a Handmaid.  Originally hailing from the Basque region of Spain, she has extensive experience working with Spanish-speaking immigrants to the United States.  Welcome, Sister Maria!

Laura Del Rosario is a part-time receptionist and volunteer coordinator.  Many times hers is the friendly voice you hear when you call St. Raphaela center! 

Eileen McGoldrick  is our principal cook.  She is talented, and flexible with special dietary needs, if the retreat center is alerted to them ahead of time.

Susana Finegan ministers by cleaning guest rooms and common areas, by assisting in the dish room and dining room when necessary, and with her ever-present good humor and smile.  Here she is enjoying one of our dogwoods at a relaxed moment.

Jean McDonald is a dining room hostess who ensures mealtime runs smoothly during large retreats.  She has been part of the St. Raphaela Center team for over twenty years.  She is also a rabid Philadelphia Eagles fan, so it's not a good idea to openly root for another team while she's nearby!

Ed Brennan is a lay collaborator who keeps the center up and running with his maintenance and repair skills.