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.
Silence the Christmas Noise 2025
December 1 - 19, 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.
Diffusions – I Have Loved You :: A Conversation about Dilexi Te
With Tim Oberholzer
December 11, 2025
ZOOM
On October 4, 2025, Pope Leo XIV issued the apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te to all Christians on love for the poor. This one-time discussion will explore Dilexi Te allowing participants to share thoughts and impressions. The chapters within the document are: A Few Essential Words, God Chooses the Poor, A Church For The Poor, A History That Continues, and A Constant Challenge. Themes include: forms of poverty, prejudices, choice, justice, mercy, simplicity, true riches, care of the sick, monastic life, freedom, witness, education, accompaniment, and application today.
Diffusions :: ordinary mysticism
With Tim Oberholzer
January 8 - February 26, 2026
Zoom
This book discussion will explore Mirabai Starr's book ordinary mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground. In this weekly journey, our group will meet via 1 1/2 hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm (Pacific) 9-10:30 pm (Eastern), to share thoughts and impressions of each chapter. Themes include Intention, Attention, Surrender, Transmission, Connection, Feeling, and Unfolding.
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 2026
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 2026
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.
A Watercolor Journey 2026
With Pearl Maxner
March 10 - 12, 2026
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
Explore watercolor painting with step-by-step instructions on the use of color and light and capturing mood and emotion. Paint with confidence and trust God in the flowing of color in your life. For beginning to intermediate painters. All supplies provided.
Deepening Our Spirituality with Mindfulness
With Gail Stearns
May 8 - 10, 2026
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
Ancient spiritual wisdom and current science are showing we can actually shift the way our brains work, to experience less reactivity toward greater calm and purpose. When we combine mindfulness tools with spiritual, contemplative practice, we can experience this transformation in a beautiful way.