Welcome to Our New Rector

Sept. 26, 2011 -- Reverend Herbert J. Sperger has been appointed Rector, pro-tem, to direct the spiritual ministry of the largest Catholic retreat center in the country. 

Father Herb Sperger, who has served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since his ordination in 1979, will start at Malvern Retreat on Oct. 3 as a temporary assignment while he continues a period of discernment with the Norbertine Order at the Daylesford Abbey.  Previously, he served as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas parish in South Philadelphia and has extensive experience in adult faith formation in both English and Spanish.

 “We are very pleased that Father Sperger, who is an experienced retreat director, will be joining us,” said James A. Fitzsimmons, president of Malvern Retreat House.  “We expect even more retreatants to come here during our Anniversary Year and I know they will be inspired by Father Sperger’s guidance.”

Fr. Sperger succeeds  Fr. Gregory J. Hickey, who served as Rector since 2007 until beginning his new assignment from the Archdiocese as pastor of St. John Fisher parish in Boothwyn, Delaware County, on September 12.

Fr. Sperger also served as pastor of St. Michael and Immaculate Conception, twinned parishes in Philadelphia and worked in the Hispanic Apostolate (1985-2006) while teaching for four years at Bishop Shanahan, Cardinal Dougherty and Roman Catholic High Schools.

He has been an adjunct personal spiritual director at St Charles Borromeo Seminary and a visiting retreat director at the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, the IHM Sisters’ Villa Maria by the Sea, and Daylesford Abbey.

“The opportunity and privilege of taking time away from home, family and work responsibilities make the retreat experience unique in the lives of many Americans,” said Father Sperger. “Malvern  is a  significant ministry, not only within the diocese and for the sake of the Church, but for individual Catholics and other Christians. I look forward to advancing its spiritual mission by serving those who  come to us in their growth in knowledge and love of the Lord.”

Fr. Sperger, 58, who will be the ninth Rector at Malvern, grew up in Roslyn PA and graduated from Bishop  McDevitt High School in 1971. He graduated with a Masters in Divinity from  St Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1979.

Internship Opportunity

We have an unpaid internship position available in Marketing and Public Relations for a college student studying Marketing, Communications or a related field. For more information, please email mflannery@malvernretreat.com.

A Snapshot of What's Happening...

Discover the uniqueness of the Malvern Retreat House by participating in one of our upcoming events or retreats. Throughout the year we host traditional and thematic retreats for men, women, married couples, families, religious and clergy. We also sponsor exciting events like our Annual Golf Outing, an Awards dinner, and so much more!

Mark Your Calendars:

• November 13 – Communion Breakfast at St. Charles Seminary.
• December 6 – C. A. Captain’s Conclave

Annual Report

The Malvern Retreat House 2010 Annual Report
The Malvern Retreat House, owned and operated by Catholic laity since 1912, serves the spiritual needs of lay men and women of all ages, as well as clergy and religious of many denominations through the retreat experience. Rooted in the Gospel truths of Jesus Christ, we provide a place of hospitality in a unique and peaceful environment.

The Annual Report recognizes those individuals, families, corporations, foundations and organizations who have made gifts to St. Joseph’s-in-the-Hills, Malvern Retreat House in the 2010 calendar year.

Download the 2010 Annual Report

Upcoming Events

Retreats for Men, Women, Married Couples and Families
Look at our schedule and find a retreat for you! If you have not been on a retreat in years, “Come home to Malvern.”
If you have never been on a retreat, or if you are searching to reconnect with the Lord, call us at (610) 644-0400 and we will help you to choose a retreat. Be assured, you are welcome to participate in any retreat. Come alone... or bring a friend

MEN OF MALVERN traditional retreats are held each weekend. Returning retreatants as well as newcomers are invited to participate. You will be hosted in comfortable, private rooms with a hall bathroom. The voluntary contribution is a suggested donation of $190.00 including five delicious meals. Each weekend is known by a religious name.

Other Retreats for Women and Men may be hosted in the beautiful McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center.

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Women's traditional Retreat
Nov. 18-20
Click Here to register.

To register or for more information, please call (610) 644-0400 or CLICK HERE.