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

Apply Now for the Waitlist

Fr. Thomas Keating, founder of Contemplative Outreach

Registration for this formation program is full, but please feel free to proceed with your application to be added to the waitlist. Feel free to contact Rob Carr robcarr924@gmail.com with questions about the application.

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.

Registration for this formation program is full.

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 (a 5-week Zoom series)
2026-10-01 10:30 - 12:00
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
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
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
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
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
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
On-site

Register for Waitlist

This retreat is currently full, but we encourage you to register for the waitlist, in case of cancellations.

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
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
Zoom

Register

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
Zoom

Register

“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
Including an optional guided lectio naturae 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 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
On-site

Register

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
Zoom

Register

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
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.

Advent Naming
2026-12-02 10:30 - 11:30
Zoom

Register

Join us for a guided meditation on the empowering prayer experience of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, and the Visitation between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. In these sacred encounters, both women carry new life and respond with trust to God’s call.

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 30th.

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.

Praying With the Scriptures of Advent
2026-12-04 19:00 - 2026-12-05 11:30
Zoom

Register

As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we will enter into the scriptures of Advent through the prayerful practice of lectio divina. Sacred scripture, art, and music will serve as companions on the journey, inviting us to listen deeply for God’s presence and invitation in our lives. The retreat will include time for personal reflection and prayer, as well as opportunities for shared conversation and insight within the group. Together, we will slow down, attend to the wisdom of the season, and make space for hope, longing, and expectation to take root as we await the birth of Christ.

Please register by December 1.

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.

Jenny DeVivo

Dr. Jenny DeVivo, OblSB, is a biblical scholar, spiritual director, speaker, and retreat leader with a passion for helping people encounter God through scripture and prayer. She serves as Vice President of Mission and Heritage at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, supporting the university’s Catholic and Mercy mission, and is a Benedictine Oblate of Saint Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota.

Jenny holds a Ph.D. in Theology from Loyola University Chicago and has taught scripture and theology for many years at the university level. A gifted educator and faith companion, she brings together deep knowledge of the Bible, a love for the Christian tradition, and a welcoming approach that invites participants to engage scripture in meaningful and life-giving ways.

She is a graduate of the Siena Center Spiritual Guidance Training Program and has led retreats, faith formation programs, and spiritual enrichment experiences for adults throughout her ministry.

Journey Through Advent: A Labyrinth Day
2026-12-05 09:30 - 15:30
On-site

Register

Join us for a relaxed and contemplative retreat experience inviting you to slow down and enter the sacred rhythm of the Advent season. It will offer time for quiet reflection, prayer, and walking the labyrinth as a contemplative practice of preparation and waiting. We’ll begin with a brief introduction to the labyrinth, including simple guidance on how to engage it as a spiritual path, and then you are free to move through the day at your own pace through walking, resting, journaling, or simply being. The day will gently conclude with a short communal prayer, gathering all that has been experienced and held.

Please register by November 29.

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.

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.

Two-Day Silent Retreat with Spiritual Direction
2026-12-08 09:30 - 2026-12-09 16:00
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 introduction to labyrinth 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 December 1.

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.

Coffee and Silence–A Prayerful Day Away
2026-12-10 09:30 - 15:30
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.

Please register no less than 2 days prior.

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

Sole to Soul: A Personal Retreat Day
2026-12-11 09:30 - 15:30
On-site

Register

Take a day to refresh and restore your soul, mind, and body. Sr. Linda Zahner will lead a guided meditation drawing upon the wisdom of St. Hildegard of Bingen to start the day, and then you can choose from one of three options— reflexology, contemplative healing touch, or spiritual direction—to add to your time. You will also have ample opportunity to visit the chapel, walk the grounds, or relax at Sophia Center—whatever nourishes your health and well-being.

*Cost also includes lunch. Registration is limited to 3.

If you have a group of three friends who would like to schedule your own day, contact S. Linda directly at 913.426.3363 to arrange a date.

Please register by December 4.

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. 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.

Zentangle for Beginners
2026-12-11 15:00 - 2026-12-12 15:00
On-site

Register

The Zentangle method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. The materials required are minimal. Zentangle may be used as a means of contemplation and also fosters creativity, relaxation, empowerment, focusing, excitement, fun, and satisfaction. Sr. Patricia Seipel is a certified Zentangle teacher, having attended classes led by the founders, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Come and enjoy learning something new that may grow into an established practice. Experience a relaxing time at Sophia Center and grow in your relationship with God. You will meet others on the same path and will leave with skills to help you continue with your practice of Zentangle.

*Cost includes a private room and meals.

Please register by December 4.

After we receive your registration, you can expect to 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 and so we offer scholarships. Fill out our simple scholarship request form now!

Read about our cancellation and refund policy.

Sr. Patricia Seipel

Sr. Patricia ministered as a teacher for many years in Missouri and Kansas. She also worked at Keeler Women’s Center. Presently she serves as Community Formation Director, offers spiritual direction, and is a member of the Souljourners Leadership Team. She enjoys art, being outdoors, arranging flowers for the chapels, working with the bees, and making various kinds of rosaries for Monastery Goods.
