Spirit Center Retreats
Gift Certificate Purchase
Open Dates
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
Spirit Centers offers contemplative space for learning, renewal, and crucial conversation with others for a better world. Sometimes that means taking private time in silence and nature. Sometimes that means a group retreat to express or deepen spiritual longings. Sometimes that means sitting in safe conversation with the Holy Spirit and a spiritual director. If you aren't sure which is appropriate now, give them a gift certificate and let them choose their path.
Individual Retreat
Flexible Dates
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
St. Benedict said, “Listen with the ear of your heart.” Why? It is this type of listening that allows the hearing of divine wisdom and inspiration that guides our lives into ever-increasing fullness, peace, and joy. But sometimes the noise and blur of life make that difficult. That is why we offer you the opportunity to come to Spirit Center and listen.
An Attitude of Gratitude Yoga Retreat
With Kay Totten
November 7 - 9, 2025
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
November is a month when we naturally think of GRATITUDE as we near the time of Thanksgiving and the culmination of our summer and fall season activities. This Yoga retreat will focus on our deep inner need to begin each day with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE using the key themes of: LIGHT, WARMTH, ENDINGS, RESILIENCE, AND BEAUTY. Beginning “yogis” welcome! The yoga sessions will be grounded in the Yoga for Healthy Aging method allowing for modifications in postures and safety in your practice. Please bring a mat, blocks, or any other props you might want for your practice.
Silence the Christmas Noise 2025
December 1 - 18, 2025
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
Set aside a few days for calm, quiet Advent reflection this year. You are worth this gift of time away from the holiday rush, to prepare yourself for the true meaning of Christmas.
Diffusions – Playing with Words: Benedict’s Little Rule for Beginners
With Tim Oberholzer
December 2, 2025
ZOOM
St. Benedict's "little rule written for beginners" invites us to grow in virtue through intentional living in the ordinariness of life. The text contains numerous themes to inspire and direct individuals and communities in the way of perfection. During these Zoom sessions, we will ponder the Rule of St. Benedict by "playing" with recurring words and themes. Each month we will examine Benedict's weaving of a different word or theme through the Rule to gain an understanding of his intention and our application.
Come to the Quiet: Winter’s Hush
With Spirituality Ministry Team
January 23 - 30, 2026
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
Relax in God's presence, surrounded by natural beauty and supported by a praying community. Experience a week of silence for your heart, soul, mind, and body. Let go and listen deeply. Come To The Quiet retreatants stay in a private room with a private bathroom, receive three meals a day, and access all of Spirit Center's amenities. Included Optional Offerings: Readings and images to spark your reflection Conversations with a spiritual director Communal prayer with the sisters of the Monastery of St. Gertrude T'ai Chi body prayer with Sr. Carlotta Mid-retreat faith sharing Group art creation of a sand mandala
The Sacred Art of Traditional Iconography
With Fr. Damian Higgins
February 9 - 13, 2026
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
"Holy icons direct us toward the Divine." Fr. Damian Higgins is an iconographer whose works are featured around the world. Don't miss this encounter with sacred Christian art using traditional egg tempera. Materials provided; no experience is necessary.
Lent: Encountering the Sacred
With Sr. Betty Schumacher
February 20 - 22, 2026
Spirit Center
The Lenten season invites us to enter into these 40 days of spiritual transformation with an awareness of the ways the Sacred, the Divine, dwells within and among us. This retreat will provide an opportunity to reflect upon your own Lenten journey in light of Abraham and Sarah's encounter with God; the Samaritan woman and her conversation with Jesus that changed the direction of her life; and Mary and Martha's bold proclamation of faith as they experienced the death and rising of their brother Lazarus.