Who is Mary Bea?

The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan is a published author, spiritual director, and facilitator. An Episcopal priest, she has enjoyed serving in small, large, urban, and suburban parishes and led retreats throughout the United States. Mary Bea is especially drawn to being with people in pivotal moments of their lives and listening with them for the nudging of the Spirit. She has led parishes through discernment regarding same-sex marriage, the calling of new leaders, and developing new ministries for caring for one another, and creating a memory-care respite program. She is the former Diocesan Chair for the Commission on Spirituality. Prior to ordained ministry Mary Bea founded the end-of-life care non-profit Project Compassion which was a Robert Woods Johnson award recipient and a collaboration with Duke, UNC, hospices, churches, and community groups. A lover of nature, she is buoyed by her husband Malcolm Marler, adult children, Brendan and Kiki, her large, loud family, and her friends. Her dogs Beau and Grace keep it real.

  • Mary Bea received a B.S. degree in Finance from the University of Dayton a long time ago. More recently, she attended Virginia Theological Seminary and has had training in Spiritual Direction from the Haden Institute, Living Compass, and Life Coaching from Seasons of Change and The Institute for Life Coach Training as well Peoplemap.

  • Centering Prayer, Journaling, Morning Prayer and Compline are the foundational practices of Mary Bea’s prayer life. She is also keen to walk a labyrinth, make and pray with prayer beads. Hiking, gardening, and traveling are vital to the nourishment of her soul.

  • Cynthia Bourgeault was instrumental in Mary Bea’s call to the priesthood. She is also influenced by Richard Rohr, Vincent Pizzuto, Ilia Delio, Scott Stoner, Joan Chittester, and the poetry of Steve Garnaas-Holmes. Both Benedictine and Ignatian Spirituality influence her theology and approach to life. Her writing coach is Carol Henderson. Beau and Grace, Mary Bea’s dogs teach her to slow down—which doesn’t come naturally.

What does she love?

prayer. family. friends. listening devoutly. sacraments. nature. mercy. tears. compassion. beauty. creative expression. standing alongside. laughter. stories. being real. worship. dogs. forgiveness. silence.

What are people saying?

“At a very difficult time in my life, Mary Bea came into my journey. I don’t think this was happenstance for one moment, but the hand of God who placed her in my path. Her words of  ‘listening with the ear of the heart’ have become a mantra for me, springing forth in my mind in all aspects of my life, each and every day.

Being part of a women’s circle under her leadership has brought a deeper understanding and meaning to my spiritual journey.

Establishing a framework of trust, acceptance, non-judgement, and confidentiality are all hallmarks of working with Mary Bea. They are the binding elements, allowing for a richer sharing of thoughts, and a deeper unveiling of experiences, forming greater connections and bonds within the group

Through her guidance and depth of wisdom, we as a group have been able to explore many aspects of Christianity, allowing for the expression of thoughts, questions, and openness to many points of view." Cheryl Mayer


“Mary Bea leads a women's book study at our Episcopal church where she has introduced us to authors like Richard Rohr and Vincent Pizutto, broadening our understanding of the universal Christ and helping us deepen our faith.

She brings humor, abundant joy and her commitment to learning, and she brings her embrace of the Mystery into our room and into our hearts. She has been an inspiration to me and to our group.” Carolyn Ratliff, Author, Small Business Owner, and Peace Advocate


“I have been on several retreats led by Mary Bea and she is a gifted leader and speaker and has a wonderful  sense of humor!  She has also written several beautiful books that I have loved and passed along as gifts to friends.  I can’t wait to sign up for the next event that is led by her because I know it will be fantastic.” Kathy Thomson, Attorney

The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan is a remarkable Facilitator and Presenter --- energetic, yet calm;  full of food for thought, yet encouraging participants to share pertinent experiences; a good leader while being a very good listener. The day spent with her exploring Wilderness opened my eyes to areas of wilderness in my life and armed me with tools to utilize those periods in life-giving ways.  Virginia Caruso

Mary Bea’s  Lenten retreat was quite surprising! She gave an engaging tour of the
“Wilderness” experiences we are all familiar with but highlighting different ways to view these times in our lives. Mary Bea allows for interaction and discussion.  The time went quickly and despite Lent as a penitent and somber time of reflection, I felt uplifted and energized!  Don’t miss one of her retreats!

“Participating in a group led by Mary Bea is like traveling with a good guide who is also a good friend. She creates an atmosphere that spawns honest exploration, questioning, and discussion, as well as healthy doses of laughter and empathy.” Ann Johnson, Retired writer, editor, and television news producer