Christos Summer Contemplative Retreat
June 19-21, 2025
Join us for a two-night retreat created to rejuvenate and restore your soul. We hope this will be a contemplative, restful retreat and will include a variety of embodied practices, invitations for some extended silence and times to be in nature on the peaceful grounds of Siena Retreat Center. Siena is located in Racine, Wisconsin on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. All are welcome: Christos learners and alumni, family, friends - anyone needing a retreat!
Does your soul need some tending? Take a pause and listen for Jesus' gentle invitation to "come away with Him" (Mk 6:31) and receive what only He can provide- some real nourishment for your heart & soul.
“Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
What you’ll experience:
Retreat will be held at Siena Retreat Center, on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin.
Retreat includes: a private room and bath, plus six meals; guided prayer experiences throughout the retreat; an optional 30 minute session of Spiritual Direction, an extended time of silence and some optional group sharing; plus access to the art room & grounds of the retreat center. Also a take-home booklet to continue growing your companionship with God.
Meditations themes:
God as Companion of my Soul
An Ongoing Conversational Life with God
Going on Adventures With God
Pleading or weeping with God
Thanking God and Celebrating with God
“One of the most overlooked qualities of God is that God is relational. God created us with the intention of being with us. Before the foundation of the world, God desired to build a community of people who would be the divine ‘dwelling place’ (or home) here on earth. God wants to have meaningful conversations with us, weep with us, celebrate with us, and be our soul’s companion. Draw deeper into this amazing relationship with the One who loves you.”
-Jan Johnson
Tentative Schedule (subject to change; detailed schedule will be shared when you arrive)
Thursday, June 19, 2025
2-4 pm CT - Arrival, registration & settling in
4:30pm - Welcome Orientation
5:30 pm - Fellowship Supper
7:00 pm - The invitation to retreat, meditation
Friday, June 20, 2025
Continental Breakfast
9:00 - Morning Prayer meditation
In between: quiet break for rest, silence, solitude, reflection, nature, walk, art
Lunch
1:00 pm - Mid-day Prayer, meditation
In between: quiet break to receive Spiritual Direction, rest, silence, solitude, nature, walk
5:30 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Evening prayer, meditation
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Continental Breakfast
9:00 am - Morning prayer, meditation
11 am - Closing/Re-entry/Silence ends
Fellowship Lunch
1 pm - Packing and departure
Costs:
PRICE: $410 early bird registration through May 1; $425 for registrations May 2-28.
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to Siena Retreat Center. Costs are non-refundable, but transferable to another person if you cannot come.
Retreat is facilitated by Cecilia Whitacre, Spiritual Director and Christos Staff member. Space is limited. A minimum of 10 people must register in order for the retreat to be held. Please register early to assure your spot!
Questions? If you have questions about the retreat content, please contact Cecilia Whitacre, cecilia@christoscenter.org. Questions about the retreat RSVP itself can be directed to Traci Stobbe, info@christoscenter.org