About the Spirit Center
"Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart... ~Rule of BenedictA tradition of welcoming people of ALL beliefs…
Spirit Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of the Monastery of St. Gertrude, located in north central Idaho in Cottonwood. This community is guided by the values of Healing Hospitality, Grateful Simplicity and Creative Peacemaking.
Spirit Center has twenty-two double-occupancy rooms with private baths. Each bedroom floor features a lounge with a kitchenette which can be used for small gatherings. In addition, there are three meeting rooms for groups up to 120, with break-out space and adaptable arrangements. Our green facility features two conference rooms and 22 guest rooms, utilizing partial solar power as well as geothermal heating and cooling.
“Thank you for your generous hospitality. In a world of distrust and fear you all really are the light of compassion. Thank you for receiving me with such incredible patience and kindness.”
“Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the scholarship to be here at the Monastery. Just one day in this energy has been very healing for me. This place is so beautiful.”
How can you expect to live the 1500-year-old Rule of Benedict while on retreat at Spirit Center?
A retreat at Spirit Center is an opportunity to live life according to the Rule of Benedict alongside the monastic community. Benedict undertook the grand goal of designing a way of life that would bring out the best in people and keep them focused together on the Divine. The results, as history has shown in Benedictine monasteries through time, are communities that have shared the Kingdom of God in myriad ways including healing and educating, creating justice, inspiring the arts, and preserving culture.
Benedict’s Rule is structured and practical in ways that encourage encounters with the mystery and grace of God. From an intentional prayer schedule to his (mostly relevant) advice to not go to bed while still wearing a knife (RB 22), his counsel is both visionary and realistic.
Mission statement for spirit center
Spirit Center draws upon the core values of the Monastery of St. Gertrude — Healing Hospitality, Grateful Simplicity and Creative Peacemaking — in its role as a center for the exploration and promotion of the arts, spirituality, history, and social justice. We offer contemplative space for learning, renewal and crucial conversation as we partner with others for a better world.
while you are here
Visit the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude showcasing the history of north central Idaho and the Monastery.
Explore our forested grounds and learn about our call to care for the land. If you would like to meet our forester, Sister Carol Ann Wassmuth, visit the Care of the Land page.
Explore the Gift Shop at the Welcome Center, offering homemade jam, hand-crafted herbal soaps, salve and lip balm, books, music, souvenirs, one-of-a-kind items and more.
scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of our friends and donors, we have scholarship funds available. You may also consider joining in our Spirituality Ministry by donating more than the suggested amount. If you are interested in a retreat scholarship, please call the Spirituality Ministry Team at 208-962-2000.
gift certificates
Give the gift of a retreat! Call 208-962-2000 to make arrangements.
more information
Call 208-962-2000 or email spirit-center@stgertrudes.org.
