Mary C. MacGillivray, CSJA

Mary is a single laywoman who received her master’s degree in theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Long Island, New York. After thirty-three years of teaching high school Theology, she retired in June 2017. In addition to teaching, she served as a hospital chaplain for fifteen years, working part time at three hospitals in the Boston area.

Mary is currently a member of St. Ignatius Parish in Newton, Massachusetts, where she completed the 19th Annotation in 2016. This experience deeply influenced her desire to become a Spiritual Director. She received her certification in Spiritual Direction through the Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 2017–2018.

Mary regards the ministry of spiritual direction as both a privilege and a gift, offering individuals the opportunity to listen more deeply to their hearts. She understands spiritual direction as a sacred process through which people recognize their ongoing inward journey with Christ and welcomes the chance to accompany them on that path. In particular, she is especially open to directing those who have struggled with the effects of growing up in families affected by addiction and domestic abuse.

Since completing the Spiritual Direction Internship, Mary has accompanied many individuals on their spiritual journeys. She has led retreats at Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, Massachusetts; Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center in Westfield, Massachusetts; Mercy by the Sea Spirituality Center in Madison, Connecticut; and the Sisters of Notre Dame Spirituality Centers in Worcester and Ipswich, Massachusetts. She also accompanies directees participating in the 19th Annotation at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

She currently serves part-time as Coordinator for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Associates, managing administration, prayer services, and retreats.