Reflection Garden at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice.
A spirituality of justice and sustainability that sees God's Providence as hope and healing for us and our world is alive and vibrant at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Come and sit in the Reflection Garden or under a giant tree or at the side of the lake, quietly absorbing it.
The Individualized Earth Sabbatical Program is offered by White Violet Center for Eco-Justice to allow people the opportunity to deepen the call of “hope and healing” for all creation. The tools for the program consist of physical labor on the farm, working with the animals, guided readings, videos, discussion groups, spiritual direction, art integration and time away in the straw bale retreat house.
Private retreats
Earth Retreat
Available by appointment
Looking for a different kind of retreat? Let Earth help you deepen your relationship with the Divine. Join us at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice and enjoy:
• Working in the garden
• Reading and reflecting
• Sitting under the grandmother Oak Tree
• Getting to know the alpacas
• Sharing in daily Spiritual direction
• Creating some fiber art
Within the limits of our schedule, individuals may come to White Violet Center for Eco-Justice for a period of time. During a stay, some want only peace and quiet and others wish to speak with a spiritual director. The Earth Retreat can meet both of those needs.
Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812-535-2930 or mfreeman@spsmw.org for further information including pricing.
Eco-spirituality events
Please check back periodically for new event announcements
March 27, 2010: "Awakening An Ecological Consciousness: Then What?"
Presenter Sharon Zayac, OP; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (EDT); $30; Registration deadline March 10; Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812-535-2930 or wvc@spsmw.org
May 6-10, 2010: Quiet Directed Retreat
The personally directed retreat provides the opportunity for time away from the usual activity of life to be quiet, to pray, to reflect and to experience the beauty of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. We have walking trails, gardens to enjoy or work in, and alpacas and bees.
Cost: $400 includes room, meals and daily spiritual direction. Check-in is 3-5 p.m. on May 6. Retreat concludes with lunch at noon on May 10. Registration deadline: April 22.
July 13-18, 2010: Earth Plunge
Immerse yourself into Earth to contemplate its impact on your own spirituality. In-depth presentations on the Universe Story, food issues, energy needs, water crisis and the critical question of what this all has to do with our own lives and faith.
There will be time to get your hands into the soil, help with the alpaca herd and meet our bees. Quiet time and time for prayer/ritual is key to this wonderful experience. Here at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods we are blessed with acres of forest, cropland and gardens for you to explore. Come and let Earth touch your soul!
Cost: $400 includes room and board. Program begins Tuesday afternoon with an opening gathering at 3 p.m. followed by supper and ends Sunday with brunch. Times: Tuesday afternoon 3 p.m.-Sunday brunch Registration deadline: June 21.
Aug. 8-14, 2010: "God, Jesus, Prayer and Liturgy in a New Story of the Universe"
Presenter Michael Morwood; $450 includes room and board and $325 for commuters; Check-in 3-5 p.m. Aug. 8 and retreat concludes with lunch at noon on Aug. 14; Registration deadline July 10 includes a $50 deposit.
This retreat provides an opportunity to reflect on a Christian spirituality grounded in belief that everyone and everything is connected in the mystery we call "God." Reflect on Jesus as the revealer of this mystery and how prayer and liturgy affirm our participation in it.
For more information or to register for these events, please contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812-535-2930 or mfreeman@spsmw.org