Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica

Monthly Book Club
2026-07-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Keeler Women’s Center, 759 Vermont Ave, Suite 100 - B, Kansas City, KS, 66101, United States
Our Monthly Book Club reads and discusses books by female authors of different genres related to women’s history, issues, and stories. This group is currently holding virtual meetings only. We have a limited number of copies of each book. Please ask if you need to request one. Please call 913.689.9375 for more information.

Our upcoming books are:

May 20th – The Colony Club by Shelley Noble

June 17th – Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor

Led by Therese Bysel

Therese is a Keeler Women’s Center volunteer in her personal time, leading our Monthly Book Club. She also serves as representative for our partnership with OakStar Bank in Shawnee Mission, KS.

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The Holy in Poetry—Exploring How the Poet Conveys the Divine
2026-07-28 09:30 - 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

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Poetry distills pieces of truth we have discovered in the living of life. In its succinct, vivid language, poetry gives us space to sense the truth before intellectually acknowledging it. Poetry often reveals what is sacred and holy, thus speaking of the divine whether the poet names God or not. Join us in exploring how the divine shines through poetry.

“Every single soul is a poem.” —Michael Franti

Poetry selections may include poets such as Mary Oliver, John O’Donohue, Hafiz, and Rainer Maria Rilke.

*Cost includes noon meal.

Please register by July 21.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Wendy Deering-Poynter

Wendy is an ordained minister serving as a church worship director. She is a spiritual companion, yoga instructor and florist. She lives in a farmhouse with her husband and two children, where she likes to dance in the kitchen and eat chocolate.

Silent Directed Retreat: In the Stillness, God Speaks—Tapping Into Benedictine Wisdom
2026-08-04 19:00 - 2026-08-08 15:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Register

Join us for the opportunity to settle deeply into the richness of sacred silence. To help you open your spirit to God’s wisdom, you will have access to daily prayer with the Benedictine sisters, spiritual direction, meditation, and the peaceful monastery atmosphere. Is this the invitation your soul needs?

*Cost includes a private room, meals, and spiritual direction. We will begin our time together with a social at 6:00 p.m.

Please register by July 28.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will include your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Obedience: Doing It Willingly
2026-08-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

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Join us for a guided meditation rooted in the parable of the two sons, whom their father asks to go into the vineyard, along with the story of Jesus being called away from the Temple by his parents. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on our own willingness to respond with respect, responsibility, and care in our daily lives—even when it is challenging.

The session will include scripture, guided meditation, time for quiet reflection, opportunities for sharing, and will conclude with a closing prayer.

*Register for all 5 sessions, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, for $50.

Please register by August 3.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Linda Zahner

Sr. Linda is a member of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, Kansas. For 32 years, she worked in education as a teacher, administrator, and executive officer for a consolidated Catholic school system. In 1996, she received her certification as a spiritual director and retreat director from the Creighton Spirituality Program. She completed massage therapy training at the Universal College of Healing Arts in Omaha, Nebraska, passing her national boards in 1999. Sr. Linda guides retreats and offers therapeutic massage, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

Remarkable Irish Women Through History and Faith (a 4-week series)
2026-08-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

Join us for an engaging and inspiring journey through Ireland’s rich history as we explore the lives of remarkable women whose courage, faith, and leadership helped shape a nation. From legendary queens and daring adventurers to beloved saints and compassionate visionaries, these women continue to leave their mark on history and on the hearts of those who hear their stories.

Together, we will learn about the strength and determination of Queen Maeve, the fearless spirit of Pirate Grace O’Malley, the enduring faith and hospitality of Saint Brigid, and the compassionate legacy of Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters and champion of the poor.

Through storytelling, reflection, and discussion, we will discover how the lives of these extraordinary Irish women can inspire and challenge us in our own journeys of faith and courage.

Please register by August 3rd.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Suzanne Fitzmaurice

Sister Suzanne has served as campus minister at Notre Dame de Sion High School, then taught at Cristo Rey High School, Kansas City, before joining Keeler Women’s Center as associate director. In addition, she has ministered as the IT and hospitality coordinator at Sophia Spirituality Center, computer IT support specialist at the monastery and as the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica webmaster. After studying for a year in County Cork, Ireland, she graduated from the University College of Cork in March 2024 with a master’s degree in Beginnings of Irish Christianity. She currently is the director of monastic temporalities.

Contemplative Sampler
2026-08-11 09:30 - 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Register

Curious about contemplative prayer? This “Contemplative Sampler” offers a gentle introduction to several time-honored practices that invite stillness, listening, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence. Participants will be guided in praying with creation through lectio naturae, experience the quiet simplicity of centering prayer, and be introduced to walking the labyrinth as a form of embodied prayer.

Whether you are new to these practices or seeking to deepen your experience, this day offers a welcoming space to explore, reflect, and rest in God.

*Cost includes noon meal.

Please register by August 4th.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Elizabeth Carrillo

Sr. Elizabeth has an M.A. degree in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith, which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. She is an alumna of the Center’s Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program and provides workshops and retreats at Sophia Center and elsewhere.

Mark Lepper

Mark is the Hospitality Coordinator at Sophia Center, ready to greet you with a smile when you arrive, or a kind voice when you call. He also offers spiritual direction as a graduate of the Souljourners program and enjoys leading retreats as a trained Boundless Compassion facilitator. Mark is an oblate of Mount St. Scholastica, where he is formed by the Benedictine tradition of hospitality and community life. He looks forward to meeting you and sharing the gift of hospitality during your next visit to Sophia Center.

Lectio Naturae–Waking Up (a monthly series)
2026-08-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Journey 1

Zoom

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Using Living In an Icon as our monthly guide, we will learn about and put into practice lectio naturae (think of lectio divina, but with nature rather than scripture), to help us in waking up and beginning the process of truly learning to see. Every day presents us many opportunities to encounter and learn more about God, but all too often we fail to recognize them when they come our way. As Israel Baal Shem (c1698-1760) was said to have stated:

“The world is full of wonders and miracles but people take their little hands and cover their eyes and see nothing.”

The exercises in this first part of our journey encourage us to uncover our eyes, wake up from our existential naps, and engage with the world around us.

*For these sessions, we will be using Living in an Icon, which you can either purchase for yourself, or we can order and send to you for an additional cost of $17–just make a note as you register. Subsequent session dates, gathering the third Tuesday of each month: September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15.

Please register by August 14.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will include your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Elizabeth Carrillo

Sr. Elizabeth has an M.A. degree in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith, which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. She is an alumna of the Center’s Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program and provides workshops and retreats at Sophia Center and elsewhere.

Coffee and Silence–A Prayerful Day Away
2026-08-19 09:30 - 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Including an optional introduction to labyrinth as a prayer practice*

On-site

Register

Step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a day of quiet rest and renewal. You are invited to find a cozy corner and settle into a comfortable chair, take a peaceful walk around our beautiful grounds, or spend time in the chapel or library. Let the gentle rhythm of the day create space for prayer, reflection, and simply being.Daily Eucharist is celebrated at 11:15 a.m. in St. Lucy’s Chapel and guests are welcome to join the sisters. Let us know as you arrive if you wish to do this.Warm coffee and tea will be available throughout your time with us. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or visit a nearby restaurant. Refrigerator space is available if needed.*An optional orientation to labyrinth as a prayer practice will be offered at 10:00 a.m.

Please register no less than 2 days prior.

After we receive your registration, you can expect to receive a confirmation email from us.

Inner Blindness: I Want to See
2026-09-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

Join us for a guided meditation centered on the healing of Blind Bartimaeus. This familiar story invites us to reflect on our own longing for healing and the places where we may struggle to see clearly. It gently reminds us that we are loved and forgiven, even in what we might wish to hide or cannot yet recognize within ourselves. Jesus meets us with compassion, always ready to restore our sight and guide us toward wholeness..

The session will include scripture, guided meditation, time for quiet reflection, opportunities for sharing, and will conclude with a closing prayer.

Please register by August 31st.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Linda Zahner

Sr. Linda is a member of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, Kansas. For 32 years, she worked in education as a teacher, administrator, and executive officer for a consolidated Catholic school system. In 1996, she received her certification as a spiritual director and retreat director from the Creighton Spirituality Program. She completed massage therapy training at the Universal College of Healing Arts in Omaha, Nebraska, passing her national boards in 1999. Sr. Linda guides retreats and offers therapeutic massage, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

Spiritual Direction Peer Supervision (1st Thursdays)
2026-09-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

In these monthly peer supervision groups, spiritual directors will have the opportunity to find support, gain wisdom from others’ lived experiences, and be part of a community where they can sharpen their skills. We ask that you commit to one group, where you can build bonds of trust and support, for the year.

Please choose one of the following:

Group 1: Second Mondays (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, Apr. 12

Group 2: First Thursdays (10:00 – 11:30 AM) Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Jan 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4, Apr. 1

Group 3: Third Tuesdays (7:00 – 8:30 PM) Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Jan 19, Feb. 16, Mar. 16, Apr. 20

Please register at least 3 days prior to the first session.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will include your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Mary Kay Whitacre

Mary Kay has worked in pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church for more than 45 years. She received a Master’s degree in Religious Education in 1982 and her Doctor of Ministry in 2017 from Seattle University. After she graduated from the Souljourners Spiritual Direction Formation Program in 2005, she joined the Souljourners staff. Currently, Mary Kay is a part of the Souljourners leadership team. She provides spiritual direction and supervision, and leads a variety of retreats for Sophia Center.

Spiritual Direction Peer Supervision (2nd Mondays)
2026-09-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002

Spiritual Direction Peer Supervision (3rd Tuesdays)
2026-09-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002

Through a Green Lens: Cinema and Creation
2026-09-15 19:00 - 2026-09-16 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Register

Through story, image, and shared reflection, this retreat invites you into a contemplative way of engaging film that deepens awareness of our connection with creation. We will gather for three screenings—Billy & Molly, Spirited Away, and The Biggest Little Farm—each offering a distinct window into what it means to live lovingly and responsibly within our shared home: a story of unexpected companionship and mutual healing between a man and a wild otter in the Shetland Islands; an animated mythic world that explores the consequences of unchecked consumption and the recovery of wonder and identity; and a family’s journey of ecological restoration through patient, responsive collaboration with the land.

Please register by September 8th.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Elizabeth Carrillo

Sr. Elizabeth has an M.A. degree in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith, which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. She is an alumna of the Center’s Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program and provides workshops and retreats at Sophia Center and elsewhere.

Coffee and Silence–A Prayerful Day Away
2026-09-17 09:30 - 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Including an optional guided centering prayer practice*

On-site

Register

Step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a day of quiet rest and renewal. You are invited to find a cozy corner and settle into a comfortable chair, take a peaceful walk around our beautiful grounds, or spend time in the chapel or library. Let the gentle rhythm of the day create space for prayer, reflection, and simply being. Daily Eucharist is celebrated at 11:15 a.m. in St. Lucy’s Chapel and guests are welcome to join the sisters. Let us know as you arrive if you wish to do this.Warm coffee and tea will be available throughout your time with us. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or visit a nearby restaurant. Refrigerator space is available if needed.

*An optional guided centering prayer practice will be offered at 10:00 a.m.

Please register no less than 2 days prior.

After we receive your registration, you can expect to receive a confirmation email from us.

Nonviolent Communication: Enhancing Your Toolkit for Navigating the Election Year and Beyond
2026-09-17 10:30 - 12:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

In this time of polarization, do you desire to communicate more effectively with loved ones, neighbors and colleagues? No matter how much we care and try, sometimes it can be quite a challenge!

Nonviolent Communication is a time-honored model of relating that includes compassion, empathy, respect and understanding of human needs. It supports effective conflict resolution and helps create opportunities for deepening connection with others.

This session will explore the basics of Nonviolent Communication and offer spiritual practices to support us as we endeavor to expand our orientation and “toolkit” for relating in our homes, holiday dinner tables, workplaces and beyond.

Please register by September 15th.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Kristina Frank

Kristina Frank is a 2023 graduate of Souljourners and serves as Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach Kansas City. She is a Certified Enneagram Teacher, working regularly with individuals and groups. Kristina is a mother of six, has a growing number of grandchildren, and has served in various ministries and leadership roles in her Catholic parish and in other spiritual arenas.

Contemplative Outreach Presenter Formation for Centering Prayer
2026-09-22 17:00 - 2026-09-25 13:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Apply Now

Fr. Thomas Keating, founder of Contemplative Outreach

The vision of Contemplative Outreach, founded by Thomas Keating, states “we embrace the process of transformation in Christ, both in ourselves and in others, through the practice of Centering Prayer.” Helping to bring this transformative prayer practice to others is richly rewarding. Please join us for this retreat that offers a first step of formation training that will enable you to become a commissioned presenter of centering prayer workshops in your local area. As a commissioned presenter, you will have the opportunity to introduce the practice of Centering Prayer to others who are encountering it for the first time, as well as help guide those already experienced in this contemplative exercise go more deeply.

This retreat and training will be facilitated by experienced workshop presenters and centering prayer retreat leaders of Contemplative Outreach. Certain prerequisites are expected for participants in this event. They include a thorough exposure to the writings and teachings of Thomas Keating, 2-3 years minimum of personal centering prayer practice, and a recommendation from a current commissioned presenter of centering prayer. Other prerequisites are listed on the application form which can be accessed using the “Apply Now” link above. Please feel free to contact Rob Carr robcarr924@gmail.com if you have any questions about the application or the retreat itself.

Please apply by September 1. The registration fee will be due following reception and approval of your application.

Upon acceptance of your application, you can expect to receive a registration link and invoice for the retreat at Sophia Spirituality Center.

The Enneagram and the Spiritual Journey: Becoming More Fully Who You Are
2026-10-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

What motivates you? What draws your attention? How might you inadvertently be living small (smaller than God invites you), even if you seem bold to some? How may what you fear, consciously or unconsciously, be impacting your life?

The Enneagram, based on ancient wisdom and accessible to people of all faiths, offers insight into our strengths, motivations, defenses, and so much more, and provides a map of the dynamics of our psychological and spiritual growth.

Together we will explore how the Enneagram can support our spiritual journey and open us to a more robust living of our lives. How might we experience greater freedom to be our true selves, as God created us to be?

This series will include teaching and practices to engage with the material personally. It is appropriate for all, including those totally new to the Enneagram and those with more Enneagram experience.

Please register by September 24.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Kristina Frank

Kristina Frank is a 2023 graduate of Souljourners and serves as Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach Kansas City. She is a Certified Enneagram Teacher, working regularly with individuals and groups. Kristina is a mother of six, has a growing number of grandchildren, and has served in various ministries and leadership roles in her Catholic parish and in other spiritual arenas.

Coffee and Silence–A Prayerful Day Away
2026-10-06 09:30 - 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Including an optional introduction to labyrinth as a prayer practice*

On-site

Register

Step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a day of quiet rest and renewal. You are invited to find a cozy corner and settle into a comfortable chair, take a peaceful walk around our beautiful grounds, or spend time in the chapel or library. Let the gentle rhythm of the day create space for prayer, reflection, and simply being. Daily Eucharist is celebrated at 11:15 a.m. in St. Lucy’s Chapel and guests are welcome to join the sisters. Let us know as you arrive if you wish to do this.Warm coffee and tea will be available throughout your time with us. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or visit a nearby restaurant. Refrigerator space is available if needed.

*An optional orientation to labyrinth as a prayer practice will be offered at 10:00 a.m.

Please register no less than 2 days prior.

After we receive your registration, you can expect to receive a confirmation email from us.

Experiencing Autumn
2026-10-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

Join us for a guided meditation and reflection on the rich themes of autumn. As the season changes, we witness harvest, migration, and the quiet surrender of trees releasing their leaves. In these movements of nature, we are invited to notice the rhythms of letting go and renewal.

The session will include scripture, guided meditation, time for quiet reflection, opportunities for sharing, and will conclude with a closing prayer.

Please register by October 5th.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Linda Zahner

Sr. Linda is a member of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, Kansas. For 32 years, she worked in education as a teacher, administrator, and executive officer for a consolidated Catholic school system. In 1996, she received her certification as a spiritual director and retreat director from the Creighton Spirituality Program. She completed massage therapy training at the Universal College of Healing Arts in Omaha, Nebraska, passing her national boards in 1999. Sr. Linda guides retreats and offers therapeutic massage, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

Earth, Our Original Monastery (a 5-week Zoom book-club)
2026-10-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

Join us for a five-week online book discussion series on Earth, Our Original Monastery by Christine Valters Paintner. Together, we will explore the ancient Christian insight that the natural world is a place of prayer, wisdom, and encounter with God. Through weekly conversation and supplemental readings, we will reflect on creation as cathedral, scripture, icon, holy teacher, sacrament, and liturgy. This series invites a contemplative engagement with creation, shaped by the Benedictine practice of attention and reverence for the holy encountered in daily life.

*If you would like us to purchase and send the book to you, please let us know as you register. We are happy to do so for the additional cost of $16.50

Please register by October 16.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Elizabeth Carrillo

Sr. Elizabeth has an M.A. degree in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith, which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. She is an alumna of the Center’s Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program and provides workshops and retreats at Sophia Center and elsewhere.

Creating a Green Rule of Life (on-site w/Zoom follow-up)
2026-10-24 09:30 - 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Register

Christian communities throughout history have relied on a Rule of Life as a spiritual tool for living a Gospel-centered life. This workshop will explore rules of life from intentional Christian communities and invite you to craft a personal rule that expresses and guides your commitment to living in Christ-like community with both our human and non-human neighbors.

Please register by October 17.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Elizabeth Carrillo

Sr. Elizabeth has an M.A. degree in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith, which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. She is an alumna of the Center’s Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program and provides workshops and retreats at Sophia Center and elsewhere.

Two-Day Silent Retreat with Spiritual Direction
2026-10-27 09:30 - 2026-10-28 16:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Register

Step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a sacred space of rest, reflection, and renewal. This two-day silent retreat offers an opportunity to reconnect with God through silence, prayer, and one-on-one spiritual direction. With nothing scheduled for these days except rest, private prayer, prayer with the monastic community if you wish, and the opportunity to meet with a spiritual director, this retreat is ideal for those seeking time and space to think, to experience a deeper communion with God, or simply to have quiet time to listen more intentionally to the movements of the Spirit. Whether you are praying over a decision, navigating a season of change, or longing for deeper communion with God, this retreat invites you to pause, breathe, and be renewed.

Additionally, an option to participate in a guided orientation to a labyrinth walk as prayer practice will be available to the group at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday.

*Cost includes a private room, meals, and one appointment with a spiritual director

Please register by October 20.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will include your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Dreams: Our Own Personal Parables
2026-10-30 15:00 - 2026-10-31 15:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Register

Jesus often spoke and taught in parables—stories filled with metaphor, symbolism, and hidden messages that turned usual circumstances upside down. Our dreams at night are very similar, and while they often seem important for us to process, we may not know how to do so. Exploring dreams through different methods and from other perspectives can be helpful as we look to make sense of the mysterious stories that God, the Dream-Maker, sends to help us grow in holiness and wholeness. In this retreat, we will explore some basic dream theory and ways to work with our dreams to facilitate new insights into the meaning and messages in our dreams. Sharing during the retreat will require some openness and vulnerability, as you are invited to submit a written dream to process with your fellow retreatants, but you can expect the experience to be both rich and fun. We will have some prayer time with Scripture and information/handouts about dream theory, but the majority of our time will be spent exploring our night dreams.

Registration is limited to 6.

Please register by October 23.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will include your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Bernadette Graves

Bernadette “Bernie” Graves has been intrigued by dreams since she was about 8 years old. She is a 2013 graduate of the Souljourners program. Bernie has been on the Souljourners staff since 2015 and offers a mini-course on dreams for the Souljourners students. She recently retired from 40 years of laboratory work as an immunohematologist.

Good Judgement: Choose Wisely
2026-11-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

Register

Join us for a guided meditation and reflection on the enlightening prayer experience, “Choose Wisely,” inspired by Solomon’s gift of discernment. This time of prayer invites us to seek wisdom in our decision-making and in our relationships with others, following Solomon’s example of thoughtful and faithful judgment.

The session will include scripture, guided meditation, time for quiet reflection, opportunities for sharing, and will conclude with a closing prayer.

Please register by November 2nd.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Linda Zahner

Sr. Linda is a member of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, Kansas. For 32 years, she worked in education as a teacher, administrator, and executive officer for a consolidated Catholic school system. In 1996, she received her certification as a spiritual director and retreat director from the Creighton Spirituality Program. She completed massage therapy training at the Universal College of Healing Arts in Omaha, Nebraska, passing her national boards in 1999. Sr. Linda guides retreats and offers therapeutic massage, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

Living With Grief During the Holiday Season—Remembering With Love
2026-11-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

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The memories, traditions, and celebrations of the holiday season can be a bittersweet reminder of the love you have had and lost. It can be difficult to face the merriment around you while your own heart is grieving. A new normal may have been thrust upon you, and navigating the season can feel overwhelming. This session will offer an opportunity to share your grief and to plan for a meaningful holiday season with others who understand.

Please register by November 5.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will include your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Mary Kay Whitacre

Mary Kay has worked in pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church for more than 45 years. She received a Master’s degree in Religious Education in 1982 and her Doctor of Ministry in 2017 from Seattle University. After she graduated from the Souljourners Spiritual Direction Formation Program in 2005, she joined the Souljourners staff. Currently, Mary Kay is a part of the Souljourners leadership team. She provides spiritual direction and supervision, and leads a variety of retreats for Sophia Center.

Women of Scripture: Do What You Have the Power To Do
2026-11-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

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“For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…” -Romans 12:4-6a NRSVUE

In this retreat we will listen to and learn of the stories of four women in Scripture: Tamar (Genesis 38); Jephthah’s Daughter (Judges 11); Hannah (1 Samuel 1) and the Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30). Each of these women did what they had the power to do in their particular situation, and in so doing, they challenged the cultural traditions of their time and brought about the grace of higher righteousness. These Biblical women are able to show us how to live out our own stories of God’s grace and power. For through the work of Christ’s Spirit within us, we can act on those gifts to bring about God’s kingdom here and now.

In addition to reading the Biblical stories, we will spend time in discussion and sharing of our own stories as a way to build up the Body of Christ.

Please register by November 11.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Renee Neff-Clark

Renee Neff-Clark has a degree in Religious Studies and has been a student of the Bible and a leader of Bible Studies throughout her life. The stories of women in Scripture have always held a special place in her heart, as they represent and reflect the lives of all women, both then and now. Although recently moved to Arizona, Renee continues to share her love of scripture and poetry with us.

Coffee and Silence–A Prayerful Day Away
2026-11-18 09:30 - 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Including an optional guided lectio naturae practice*

On-site

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Step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a day of quiet rest and renewal. You are invited to find a cozy corner and settle into a comfortable chair, take a peaceful walk around our beautiful grounds, or spend time in the chapel or library. Let the gentle rhythm of the day create space for prayer, reflection, and simply being. Daily Eucharist is celebrated at 11:15 a.m. in St. Lucy’s Chapel and guests are welcome to join the sisters. Let us know as you arrive if you wish to do this.Warm coffee and tea will be available throughout your time with us. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or visit a nearby restaurant. Refrigerator space is available if needed.

*An optional guided lectio naturae practice will be offered at 10:00 a.m.

Please register no less than 2 days prior.

After we receive your registration, you can expect to receive a confirmation email from us.

Desert Mothers
2026-11-20 19:00 - 2026-11-21 15:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

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The next wave of spirituality after Christianity was legalized was that of the desert mothers and fathers. In the 4th century, men and women settled in the desert and created what would be the seeds of monasticism. They attempted to model a life of contemplation apart from the world’s ways that would point toward creating the Kingdom of God in this world. There are many extant books with their sayings and aphorisms, their biographies, and their instructions for leading a peaceful and holy life. While few females are identified by name, several were important enough to have their words preserved, and their wisdom deserves to be studied and reflected upon. This retreat will introduce participants to their life stories and provide time for reflecting on their teachings and their meaning for today’s seeker.

*Cost includes private room and meals

Please register by November 13.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Judith Sutera

Sr. Judith Sutera, OSB, MA, a member of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, has master’s degrees in counseling and monastic spirituality. She serves as an oblate director for Mount St. Scholastica and as a writer, speaker, and retreat director. She edits Magistra, a journal of the history of women’s spirituality, and is the author of Wisdom from Saint Benedict (Lent and Advent volumes), The Vinedresser’s Notebook, and Benedict’s Rule: An Inclusive Translation and Daily Commentary.

Compassionate Pause for Caregivers
2026-11-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

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Join us for a gentle, one-hour Zoom gathering created for caregivers—both professionals and those caring for family members or loved ones—who are carrying a great deal and rarely have space to simply be. This time offers a quiet invitation to step out of the demands of caregiving and into a rhythm of reflection, rest, and connection. Together, we’ll share a brief grounding practice, a contemplative reading, and a period of silence, followed by optional, open-hearted sharing in a supportive and confidential space. Rooted in compassion for self and others, this gathering honors both the gifts and the challenges of caregiving, offering a place to reconnect with your own inner well of presence, strength, and care.

Please register by November 19th.

After completing your registration, you will receive a $0 invoice as confirmation. If you wish to make an offering, details on how to do so will be provided at that time.

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Mark Lepper

Mark is the Hospitality Coordinator at Sophia Center, ready to greet you with a smile when you arrive, or a kind voice when you call. He also offers spiritual direction as a graduate of the Souljourners program and enjoys leading retreats as a trained Boundless Compassion facilitator. Mark is an oblate of Mount St. Scholastica, where he is formed by the Benedictine tradition of hospitality and community life. He looks forward to meeting you and sharing the gift of hospitality during your next visit to Sophia Center.

A Contemplative Silent Advent Retreat
2026-11-30 19:00 - 2026-12-04 13:30 | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
On-site

Register

You are invited to join Contemplative Outreach of Kansas City and Sophia Center as we begin Advent with time dedicated to deepening your spiritual practice.

This retreat will be primarily in silence and will include optional gatherings for Centering Prayer. (For those new to the practice, or those who would like a refresher, we will offer an orientation.) Daily conferences on Advent-related themes will be offered, along with opportunities for group questions and discussion.

Participants will also have abundant personal silent time and may choose to pray the indoor labyrinth or join the sisters in praying the Divine Office in the Choir Chapel. You may also choose to pray in St. Scholastica Chapel, join the sisters for Mass each day, or enjoy the library in the monastery or Sophia.

Guests may arrive anytime between 2:00–6:00 p.m. on Monday to settle in and be ready to join the group for a social that will serve as supper from 6:00–7:00 p.m. The retreat begins with orientation and prayer at 7:00 p.m.*Cost includes a private room and meals. Individual spiritual direction and/or massage, if desired, are available for an additional fee. Please make a note when you register if you would like spiritual direction. A limited number of massage appointments are available with Sr. Linda. Please contact her directly at 913-426-3363 to reserve a time.

Please register by November 23.

After receiving your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from us which will be your invoice. We never want our retreat costs to be prohibitive to anyone who wants to attend our programs, so we are pleased to offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

*Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Elizabeth Carrillo

Sr. Elizabeth has an M.A. degree in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith, which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. She is an alumna of the Center’s Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program and provides workshops and retreats at Sophia Center and elsewhere.

Kristina Frank

Kristina Frank is a 2023 graduate of Souljourners and serves as Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach Kansas City. She is a Certified Enneagram Teacher, working regularly with individuals and groups. Kristina is a mother of six, has a growing number of grandchildren, and has served in various ministries and leadership roles in her Catholic parish and in other spiritual arenas.
