A gift purchased for someone you would like to bless with a retreat, program or spiritual direction. Several options, listed at right, are available. Contact the Center for more information. 360-438-2595
Spiritual Direction is a way of extending a"sustaining, welcoming environment: within a one-on-one relationship. It is a dynamic process where one can listen to self in order to reflect on life's questions in light of our Gospel call. Sessions typically last one hour. Multiple sessions can be scheduled. Read about our […]
Our conference rooms are available to 501(c)(3) non-profit groups such as government, school, and church groups. We are available for daytime group use Monday through Saturday. Our monastic grounds are quiet, peaceful and green with trees and other plants. Since January 2007, our monastic grounds have been smoke-free; you’ll enjoy breathing our fresh air. We […]
We also offer day retreats. You will have a room to stay in and access to the Library, Center kitchen, and walking trails. Lunch is provided at no extra charge.
Cinema Divina – Reality with a capital “R” Lately, when it comes to the news it’s not that I look away, I don’t. But I do soften my gaze and try to notice my inner stance. What’s happening in my heart? How is Love moving in my life? Every day I find myself reflecting on a line I love by Evelyn Underhill, “Mysticism is union with Reality.” Without calling it out or footnoting, she writes it that way, Reality, with a capital “R”. She leaves its meaning up to us. I invite you to join me in reflecting on Reality…
This Contemplative Rest Practice series is open to those who have taken a Contemplative Rest retreat with M Freeman. Each session offers opportunities for awe-savoring, somatic, guided meditations by M and silent resting-in-awe practice together as well as gentle time for group sharing, connecting, and cherishing the transporting benefit of communal contemplative practice. “All living beings will profit from your relaxation and energy. This is the most basic kind of peace work,” Thich Nhat Hanh writes in How to Relax. And when we practice together? “The energy is amplified,” he writes, “and you will create a powerful collective energy…for your…
For St Benedict, growth in humility is actually about intimacy with God. He was down to earth about what the journey away from ego and wounds to a healthy deep relationship with God. We will explore the Rule of St Benedict -RB 7 in light of this inner journey. This retreat is for any seeker, beginner or seasoned. You will have the opportunity for sharing, reflection, and quiet time. If you have one, bring a copy of RB, your diary, even your camera—if you’d like.
About our 4 seasonal P.A.U.S.E. retreats (P.A.U.S.E.—Prayer and Understanding Silent Experiences) We warmly invite you to our 4 seasons of P.A.U.S.E. retreats—sacred opportunities to appreciate the seasons, rest, reflect, and nurture your connection with God. These retreats center on Christian contemplative prayer, offering space for spiritual formation, soul care, holistic healing, and deepening faith. Guided by the words of Psalm 46:10, “...Be still, and know that I am God...,” our seasonal P.A.U.S.E. retreats explore unique aspects of spiritual growth and renewal. While quiet moments of prayer are at the heart of our retreat, we also embrace times of fellowship, learning,…
Forest Therapy walks at St. Placid Priory “The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye...” (Genesis 2: 9a) About Our 4 Seasonal Forest Therapy Walks (also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku) We invite you to experience the natural beauty of God’s creation in the forests of St. Placid Priory. Through guided Forest Therapy walks we’ll rest in God’s presence, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy both its beauty and the holistic health benefits God offers there. Research suggests that Forest Therapy has preventative medicinal benefits,…
Prayer and work are key to St. Benedict’s way of life. We will begin by prayer, reflection and discussion comparing Benedict’s and our current understanding of planet earth and how we can care for it. After Noon praise and lunch with the Sisters, we will work outside and return inside to wrap up. This program is for anyone who is interested in our care for the earth and all of God’s creation. Ideally, the person would be reasonably mobile and able to walk and/or work outside. Families welcome, (may include older children with a parent). What to expect in the…
The call to care for our common home, the earth, invites Christians to consider the image of Jesus who was and is among us – in, with, and through nature’s seasons. In this retreat, participants will consider the work of Benedict of Nursia, the Venerable Bede, Walafrid Strabo, and Hildegard of Bingen – Benedictines whose writings, music, and art reveal an earthy Christ, the center of our worship, prayer, and ethics. This retreat is for anyone who is committed to caring for the earth and anyone who celebrates nature’s seasons and the seasons of the liturgical year.
This retreat, inspired by Joan Chittister's The Friendship of Women, offers a unique opportunity for women to explore sacred bonds and deepen friendships through spiritual practices, meaningful discussions, and creative activities. Adult women of any age, friends could come together, mothers and daughters, sisters, and cousins all might like to attend. Your facilitator will share Chittister's profound wisdom and insight in order to nurture your soul and connect with others. Reading the book is recommended but not required to participate. We encourage you to wear comfortable clothes and dress for the weather as we will offer an opportunity to be…
About our 4 Seasonal P.A.U.S.E. Retreats (P.A.U.S.E.—Prayer and Understanding Silent Experiences) We warmly invite you to our 4 seasons of P.A.U.S.E. retreats—sacred opportunities to appreciate the seasons, rest, reflect, and nurture your connection with God. These retreats center on Christian contemplative prayer, offering space for spiritual formation, soul care, holistic healing, and deepening faith. Guided by the words of Psalm 46:10, “...Be still, and know that I am God...,” our seasonal P.A.U.S.E. retreats explore unique aspects of spiritual growth and renewal. While quiet moments of prayer are at the heart of our retreat, we also embrace times of fellowship, learning,…
We, our planet, every one and everything on it, are feeling the distress of our times - a poly-crises. In this, many of us aren’t sure how to create positive impact in our communities , let alone skillfully pray and care for ourselves and our families. In this day apart we will visit ancient practices and their modern versions including experiential focusing, gratitude, recall of engagement and flow. These, along with supporting science, will deepen personal and collective foundations for self love, compassion and action.
As Christians, we meet God, the source of Love, in the Now. This three days Mindfulness retreat involves paying attention in the present moment without judgment and with self-compassion. A practice of mindful eating can increase our sense of the divine indwelling throughout our day. It can also help us access the inner wisdom of our bodies that we frequently do not hear or heed and nourish our whole selves-mind, body and spirit. This weekend is planned for you to experience mindful eating and mindfulness meditation from a Christian perspective. We will meet on Friday afternoon for a session on…
Forest Therapy walks at St. Placid Priory “The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye...” (Genesis 2: 9a) About Our 4 Seasonal Forest Therapy Walks (also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku) We invite you to experience the natural beauty of God’s creation in the forests of St. Placid Priory. Through guided Forest Therapy walks we’ll rest in God’s presence, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy both its beauty and the holistic health benefits God offers there. Research suggests that Forest Therapy has preventative medicinal benefits, as…
About our 4 Seasonal P.A.U.S.E. Retreats (P.A.U.S.E.—Prayer and Understanding Silent Experiences) We warmly invite you to our 4 seasons of P.A.U.S.E. retreats—sacred opportunities to appreciate the seasons, rest, reflect, and nurture your connection with God. These retreats center on Christian contemplative prayer, offering space for spiritual formation, soul care, holistic healing, and deepening faith. Guided by the words of Psalm 46:10, “...Be still, and know that I am God...,” our seasonal P.A.U.S.E. retreats explore unique aspects of spiritual growth and renewal. While quiet moments of prayer are at the heart of our retreat, we also embrace times of fellowship, learning,…
Prayer and work are key to St. Benedict’s way of life. We will begin by prayer, reflection and discussion comparing Benedict’s and our current understanding of planet earth and how we can care for it. After Noon praise and lunch with the Sisters, we will work outside and return inside to wrap up. This program is for anyone who is interested in our care for the earth and all of God’s creation. Ideally, the person would be reasonably mobile and able to walk and/or work outside. Families welcome, (may include older children with a parent). What to expect in the…
Forest Therapy walks at St. Placid Priory “The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye...” (Genesis 2: 9a) About Our 4 Seasonal Forest Therapy Walks (also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku) We invite you to experience the natural beauty of God’s creation in the forests of St. Placid Priory. Through guided Forest Therapy walks we’ll rest in God’s presence, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy both its beauty and the holistic health benefits God offers there. Research suggests that Forest Therapy has preventative medicinal benefits, as…
Fall P.A.U.S.E. retreat: Christian Contemplative Prayer, Well-being, and Embodiment About our 4 seasonal P.A.U.S.E. retreats (P.A.U.S.E.—Prayer and Understanding Silent Experiences) We warmly invite you to our 4 seasons of P.A.U.S.E. retreats—sacred opportunities to appreciate the seasons, rest, reflect, and nurture your connection with God. These retreats center on Christian contemplative prayer, offering space for spiritual formation, soul care, holistic healing, and deepening faith. Guided by the words of Psalm 46:10, “...Be still, and know that I am God...,” our seasonal P.A.U.S.E. retreats explore unique aspects of spiritual growth and renewal. While quiet moments of prayer are at the heart of…
Forest Therapy walks at St. Placid Priory “The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye...” (Genesis 2: 9a) About Our 4 Seasonal Forest Therapy Walks (also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku) We invite you to experience the natural beauty of God’s creation in the forests of St. Placid Priory. Through guided Forest Therapy walks we’ll rest in God’s presence, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy both its beauty and the holistic health benefits God offers there. Research suggests that Forest Therapy has preventative medicinal benefits, as…
SISTERS SPEAK: OUR BLOG
Sisters post on our Blog weekly on Fridays. See what our Sisters have to say about living Monastic Life in the 21st Century.
Sr. Laura on Youtube
See Sr. Laura’s youtube channelfor some of her work in “restoring women to the stories we tell.”
CLICK, TAP, OR SCAN QR CODE WITH PHONE FOR HANDY MAP & DIRECTIONS TO ST PLACID:
Programs
Gift Certificate
Spiritual Direction
Meeting Space
One-Day Personal Retreat
Private Overnight Retreat
Hybrid: Cinema Divina – Reality with a capital “R”
With M Freeman
Hybrid: Contemplative Rest Practice on First Saturdays Monthly
With M Freeman
Humility and Intimacy with God
With Laura Swan, OSB
Winter P.A.U.S.E. retreat: Christian Contemplative Prayer and Spiritual Formation
With Kathy Holley, PhD
Forest Therapy –Winter/Spring
With Kathy Holley, -PhD
Ora et Labora: Care for our earth
With Angela Hoffman, OSB, PhD
Hybrid: Jesus in Nature: Monastic Images of an Earthy Christ
With Samuel Torvend
Sacred Sisterhood: Celebrating and Nurturing the Spiritual gift of Friendship
With Laree Winer
Spring P.A.U.S.E. retreat: Christian Contemplative Prayer and Soul Care
With Kathy Holley, PhD
Daily Life as Spiritual Practice – A Day Apart
With Monty Smith and Jerry DeVore
Mindful Eating as a Christian Practice
With Rosemarie Oliver, OblSB
Forest Therapy –Spring/Summer
With Kathy Holley, -PhD
Summer P.A.U.S.E. retreat: Christian Contemplative Prayer, Holistic Healing, and Faith
With Kathy Holley, PhD
Ora et Labora: Care for our earth –Labor Day
With Angela Hoffman, OSB, PhD
Forest Therapy –Summer/Fall
With Kathy Holley, -PhD
Fall P.A.U.S.E. retreat: Christian Contemplative Prayer, Well-Being, and Embodiment
With Kathy Holley, PhD
Forest Therapy –Fall/Winter
With Kathy Holley, -PhD
SISTERS SPEAK: OUR BLOG
Sisters post on our Blog weekly on Fridays. See what our Sisters have to say about living Monastic Life in the 21st Century.
Sr. Laura on Youtube
See Sr. Laura’s youtube channel for some of her work in “restoring women to the stories we tell.”
CLICK, TAP, OR SCAN QR CODE WITH PHONE FOR HANDY MAP & DIRECTIONS TO ST PLACID:
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Hybrid: Cinema Divina – Reality with a capital “R”
February 15, 2025
Hybrid: Contemplative Rest Practice on First Saturdays Monthly
March 1, 2025
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