Spirituality and The Arts
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.