Praying With the Scriptures of Advent
2026-12-04 19:00 - 2026-12-05 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th Street, Atchison, KS, 66002
Zoom

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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.
