Programs
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.
A Watercolor Journey II
With Pearl Maxner
September 23 - 25, 2025
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
Take the next step toward becoming a confident watercolorist. Revisit the techniques learned in "A Watercolor Journey" and move forward to new skills. Any beginner class will serve as a prerequisite for this retreat. All materials provided.
Diffusions - Playing with Words: Benedict’s Little Rule for Beginners
With Tim Oberholzer
September 23, 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.
Spiritual Discipline of Contemporary Iconography
With Kara Gillette
September 26 - October 2, 2025
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
Because at its heart iconography is a spiritual discipline, emphasis will be placed on spirituality and embracing our work as a form of prayer. Participants should prepare for a time of silence and contemplation while engaging with their creative selves and with the One in whose image we were created.
Diffusions - Praying with the Desert Mothers : Prayer and Hospitality
With Dr. Samantha L. Miller
October 8, 2025
Zoom
Looking closely at the sayings and lives of the desert saints, we think about their particular spiritual practices, what those practices lead to, and how we might imitate these practices in our own lives. Come see what our new friends can teach us about spiritual formation.
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, […]
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.