School of the Spirit

“Your Retreat Theme Here”

A Contemplative Retreat in the Manner of Friends
at the Siena Retreat Center, Racine, Wisconsin

April 22-25, 2027

In order to act with integrity and wholeness in the world, a world which so needs integrity and wholeness, we must slow down into a deeper, quiet space. We need to find our own center, the Light within, and touch that regularly. This retreat will allow us to listen to the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes and ponder how these words might help us find our center, to glimpse the Realm of Presence in our own lives. Humility, mercy, gentleness, peace – how are these relevant to our own experiences of seeking the center? What other words or experiences might help us to center and then to live our daily lives out of that center?

During this retreat, participants will experience the distinctly Quaker manner of knowing contemplation in community. There will be silent time for individual prayer, reflection, rest, or walks, as well as time spent together in small groups, meals (some in silence) and in “active silence” in the large group.  Active silence allows us to share silence together while we each read, journal, do handwork or another quiet activity.

Sinking down into the silence, and the theme, we are likely to want to give voice to what we’re encountering, so we’ll have times for sharing in small groups as well as an invitation to meet one-on-one with a retreat leader for anyone who wishes to do so.

We will also offer, for those who wish to participate, some spiritual exercises. We hope that shared activities will enrich our time with one another and enhance our awareness of being gathered in blessed community. The Siena Center also provides an art room, a labyrinth and walking trails.