Spirituality and The Arts

Sensing the Divine with St Hildegard of Bingen.

With Karla Neumann Smiley, Obl.S.B.

July 7 - 10, 2026
Monastery of St. Gertrude, Spirit Center

St. Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th century Benedictine mystic, visionary, artist, composer, herbalist, and Doctor of the Church.  A polymath who has left us with a vast array of music, writing, art, and inspiration, Hildegard’s life and work offer a rich and multi-sensory experience.  In this retreat we will engage our five senses as […]

A Watercolor Journey II

With Pearl Maxner

September 15 - 17, 2026
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude

St. Benedict highlighted the role of artisans in monastic life.  The Center for Benedictine Life fosters awareness of the sacred moment, tending the inner life and the beauty of creation.  Art is essential to the contemplative path.  It expresses new ways to “see” the invisible and participate with the Divine and the human. Surrounded by […]

Spiritual Discipline of Contemporary Iconography

With Kara Gillette

October 8 - 14, 2026
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude

Iconography Retreats are a time to break from our busy modern lives and connect deeply with God through the ancient practice of icon writing. Throughout this 6-day retreat, instructor Kara Gillette will provide detailed instruction, as well as individual support, guiding the process using a combination of traditional techniques and processes with the aid of […]

The Letter : An Intimate Pilgrimage

With Cheryl Johnson and Tim Oberholzer

October 27 - 31, 2026
Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude
On this pilgrimage we will accompany each other on this personal road to Emmaus.  We will begin by finding one “person” (family member, friend, colleague, Saint, God, pet, tree, animal, house, strangers within and without, etc) with whom we will explore on pilgrimage. We will address our letters to this person.  By the end of our pilgrimage, each retreatant will leave with a stack of letters.  Perhaps, ready for mailing or for storing or for continuing the journey.  Each day we will explore a variety of ways to write these letters--expressing gratitude, forgiveness, discord, healing—whatever surfaces and asks for attention.