The Upper Room, sponsored by the Diocese of Trenton since 1978, is a Spiritual Center that supports and nourishes the spiritual lives of the laity, religious and clergy. Spacious and comfortable surroundings make it an inviting place of prayer, worship and service to others.

The Upper Room is located on the spacious grounds of Holy Innocents parish on the corner of Route 33 and West Bangs Avenue in Neptune, New Jersey – just 1.2 miles from exit 100 of the Garden State Parkway, a beautiful suburban area in Monmouth County, close to Shark River State Park and only a ten minute ride from the Jersey shore.  These added features contribute to the relaxed surroundings of The Upper Room.

       Certification of Seven Spiritual Directors

     The Upper Room, which has been educating spiritual direcftors since 1982, graduated seven Spiritual Directors on May 9, 2008.  Following two years of study, members of this class are now certified to serve in a variety of locations.

     Judy Gibson will be a Spiritual Director at St. Gabriel's in Marlboro, Brother Joseph Jozwiak, FSC in the Provincial Offices in Lincroft, and Lorraine Kolankowski at St. Joseph's in Bogata and the Carmel Retreat House in Mahwah.  Mike and Sandy Mullarkey will be working at the Church of the Epiphany in Brick.  Sandy Mullarkey will also provide spiritual direction at St. Anselm's in Wayside; Brigitte Pincelli, at the House of Prayer, St. Mary's Watchung and George Salsovic will be a Spiritual Director at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church in Easton, Pennsylvania, as well as Mary Immaculate Center in North Hampton, Pennsylvania.

     The Associates came from both New jersey and Pennsylvania to study in the two year certification program.  As Spiritual Directors, each will provide guidance to "help others deepen their relationship with God", said Sister Trudy Ahern, SSJ, one of the instructors of the program and a Co-Director of the Upper Room.

      Congratulations to these seven wonderful people!  Our prayers are with them as they move forward in their ministry.