Bernadette Rudolph

Bernadette Rudolph, MA, MS is Director of Facilitation and Strategic Partnerships at Cranaleith.  She has earned degrees in the liberal arts (BA, St. John’s College, Annapolis), religion and religious education (MA, Catholic University, Washington DC) and educational leadership (MS, Marywood University, Scranton), as well as a certificate in spiritual direction (Cranaleith Spiritual Center, Philadelphia).

Bernadette is a visionary thinker whose practical lens leads to results.  She is an engaging presenter and creative thought partner.  She is committed to welcome, mercy and respectful dialogue.  She knows from experience that, if people come together in true partnership, they will find themselves creating lasting solutions no one could have imagined on their own.

Secular Expertise: Bernadette has experience in the areas of strategic planning, appreciative inquiry, processing difficult experiences and team building.  She has in-depth knowledge of gardening and sustainability, CliftonStrengths, deep listening for communal decision-making, team growth and self-care practices.  All of her work in these areas in rooted in compassion, nonviolence and a belief in the power of life.  These provide her with an invitational tone that is welcoming, safe and encouraging.

Spiritual Expertise: In Bernadette’s current ministry, she facilitates deep listening to God’s Spirit in one-on-one spiritual direction sessions, with teams, parishes and retreat groups.  Her ability in leading communal discernment has been enriched by three years of animating synodality around the country.  She is a Biblical scholar, who has written reflections on the entire cycle of Sunday readings and has taught many courses on the Bible.  Bernadette has also led retreats on a variety of themes, including spiritual practices, eco-spirituality, hope, resilience, the Mercy charism, racial healing and handling adversity.

Bernadette has been a volunteer teacher on the Navajo Reservation, a middle school and high school teacher of literature, religion and math, a pastoral minister in a parish setting, a K-8 principal, adjunct faculty at several universities and the Director for Family and Community Development for the Diocese of Scranton. Bernadette is a certified spiritual director and member of Spiritual Directors International.  She also serves on the board of the National Association for Lay Ministry and chairs its Standards and Formation Committee.

Bernadette enjoys hiking with her husband John, long talks, feeding people delicious food and creating colorful gardens with plenty of tomatoes.

Deep within us all, there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine center, a speaking Voice to which we may continually return.  Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-worn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself.

Thomas R. Kelly, Testament of Devotion

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Upcoming Programs by Bernadette Rudolph

Individual Virtual Directed Retreat

Also Maria DiBello, RSM and Mary Trainer, RSM

Open Dates
Stay at home or bring your retreat experience to the beach, mountains or wherever you are!

Solitude Day (self-catered)

Also Maria DiBello, RSM and Mary Trainer, RSM

Open Dates
Seeking a hermitage experience? This retreat allows you to be by yourself throughout your stay and do your own cooking. Let Cranaleith's warmth and beauty provide a renewing space for you!

Claiming Our Joy: Isaiah Prepares Us for Christmas - on demand

Open Dates
Give yourself the opportunity to be filled with joy!  This time of reflection will open up passages from the prophet Isaiah to connect his hopeful message to your life today. 

Intimacy and Inspiration in the Psalms - on demand

Open Dates
Soak in the psalmists’ vivid expressions and tease out how they can take your relationship with God deeper. Let the Psalms also serve as inspiration for your own prayers to God. 

Individual Directed Retreat (self-catered)

Also Maria DiBello, RSM and Mary Trainer, RSM

Flexible Dates
For some, retreat time includes the joys of cooking for oneself! The beauty, rest and solitude of Cranaleith await you. Meet daily with a spiritual director during your stay.

Rediscovering Your Vocation as a Catholic School Educator

April 12, 2025
God has called you to your ministry as a Catholic school educator.  Be refreshed, supported and inspired to continue God's good work in the world! (Act 48 hours available)