Frequently Asked Questions
What makes COMPASS kits unique?
All the contents of our kits are created by Mercy Conference and Retreat Center staff. We write our own reflections, create the exclusive soul-word keepsake items, and write a personal note to each recipient. Each of these special touches help to give our COMPASS kits a very unique and special feel.
What do you mean when you say that COMPASS kits arrive with a promise of prayer?
During kit assembly, each recipient is prayed for by name, then held in prayer daily by Mercy Conference and Retreat Center staff members. We also ask all Mercy Center residents and employees to lift up COMPASS kit recipients in their daily prayers.
What is the handcrafted soul-word item referred to in your description?
Each of the Original and Special Edition themed kits is personalized with an item hand-crafted by our staff and inscribed with what we call a soul-word. The soul-word serves as a focus for reflection and the item as a keepsake for the recipient. Though our bank of soul-words remains constant, the hand-crafted item varies with each kit. So, if you order 3 different kits, you will receive 3 unique hand-crafted items, each with a chosen soul-word. An explanation of how the soul-word is chosen is included with each kit.
How long does it take to go through the reflections?
COMPASS KITS are self-paced retreats. One can set aside one day, several days or even more time to complete each of the reflections. Each individual sets the pace!
Will you be offering other themed kits in the future?
Yes, additional themes will be announced as they are developed. Typically, we will release four new themes every 3 to 4 months. Mercy Conference and Retreat Center also has other COMPASS products and services in the works! If you would like to receive our emails to be alerted to COMPASS related announcements, please click here to enter your email address.
When do you assemble COMPASS kit orders and how are they shipped?
COMPASS kits are assembled and shipped Monday through Friday. Because each kit is customized for the recipient, up to two business days may be required for kit assembly and shipping. Shipping occurs via USPS Priority Mail. You will receive an email from USPS once your shipping label is created, which will include a number to track your shipment. If you are sending kits to multiple addresses, you will receive a separate email for each destination. Simply delete the emails if you don’t wish to track your order.
Do you ever offer FREE shipping specials?
We don’t offer FREE shipping specials because we offer REDUCED shipping year-round! To keep COMPASS kits affordable, Mercy Conference and Retreat Center pays a portion of the shipping for every order!
What is COMPASS Fund-a-Need?
Those placing a COMPASS kit order are given an opportunity to bump up the total purchase price to offer a donation to COMPASS Fund-a-Need. Fund-a-Need donations support the expansion of our ongoing COMPASS ministry by funding advertising, the gap in shipping costs, and the development of new products and services.
If COMPASS kits are personalized, how do groups use them?
Though each kit is personalized for the recipient, groups may wish to facilitate conversation or dialogue among a group of COMPASS kit recipients either virtually or in-person. Dialogue is best facilitated within a group of individuals utilizing the same themed kit. To print a copy of our Leader Guide, click here.
Do you offer COMPASS Retreats at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center?
Yes, we do! When you book an Individual Overnight Retreat or a Personal Quiet Day, you may add a COMPASS kit to your reservation! To inquire about an Individual Overnight Retreat, click here. To register for a Personal Quiet Day, click here. You will have access to our beautiful grounds, chapel and all other campus amenities!
Can I host a COMPASS Retreat for a group of friends or family members at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center?
Absolutely! COMPASS kits are a wonderful centerpiece to a special gathering of family, friends, co-workers, boards of Directors, church groups and others looking for a unique getaway! If you are interested in booking space at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center for a COMPASS Retreat, please click here to send an email to Sandy Meyer to inquire about details. Your group will have access to our beautiful grounds, chapel and all other campus amenities!
Do you offer any discounts for group purchases?
Yes, we offer discounts on Original themed COMPASS kits. Discounts are applied automatically, as follows, when you place your volume order:
- Purchases of 20 or more kits receive a 20% discount
Can I order one kit and just make copies for my group?
No, COMPASS kits cannot be duplicated. COMPASS materials are copyrighted and are not to be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Mercy Conference and Retreat Center. Additionally, we do not sell the COMPASS kit personal candles or the soul-word items separately. Both of these additional items are essential to each COMPASS kit.
If you have any additional questions or would like more information, please send an email to:
compass-orders@mercycenterstl.org
