Silence….
Silence is God’s first language. Everything else is a poor translation.
~ Thomas Keating
Eight Day Centering Prayer Retreat
Experiencing the Fellowship of Sacred Silence
Join us for eight days of centering prayer practice, experiencing the fellowship of sacred silence.
This retreat will be lead by seasoned and trained centering prayer facilitators. Participants will have the opportunity to join multiple centering prayer sits throughout the day, Meditation in Motion gentle stretching yoga-type sessions, BodyWork therapy (gentle touch, over the clothing, energy healing by a LMT), as well as enjoy the breathtaking bluff views of St. Mary’s Sewanee often covered in winter beauty.
The highly rated kitchen staff will offer well balanced, delicious and nourishing meals throughout the retreat beginning with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day. The St. Mary’s Sewanee and the Centering Prayer Staff will be here to support guests in this week long dedication to “God’s first language”. You don’t have to worry about bringing anything except your weary soul to Rest, Renew and Reconnect.
What This Retreat Offers
Come as you are — and bring only your weary soul to rest, renew, and reconnect. This eight-day residential retreat invites participants into the deep fellowship of sacred silence through multiple Centering Prayer sits throughout each day, Meditation in Motion gentle movement sessions, and optional BodyWork therapy offering gentle, clothed energy healing by a licensed massage therapist. Our highly rated kitchen staff will provide well-balanced, nourishing meals from dinner on the first evening through breakfast on the last day. The breathtaking bluff views of St. Mary's Sewanee — often covered in winter beauty — provide a stunning backdrop for a week dedicated, in the words of Thomas Keating, to God's first language.
Optional Ease In Day Package: Arrive a day early to gently transition into the week of silence. The package includes an extra night in your retreat room plus continental breakfast and a box lunch on Friday. Please purchase the Ease In Day Package for the same building in which you will be staying for the retreat week.
Retreat Leadership
The Rev. Bill Combs is a retired Episcopal priest and former rector of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Georgia. A former oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Bill felt a profound calling to change his path, answered that call through the Virginia Theological Seminary, and has served many years in the Episcopal Church. He is known for his warm pastoral presence and deep commitment to contemplative practice.
Tom Camp is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Yoga Therapist (IAYT), Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500), and ordained United Methodist Elder with over 40 years of experience integrating psychotherapy, yoga, breath work, and meditation in the healing process. He leads Meditation in Motion gentle movement sessions throughout the retreat.
Lisa Kammerud is a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in trauma-informed, fully clothed bodywork. She offers a stable, safe presence that combines touch, supportive communication, meditative visualizations, and movement. Lisa regularly collaborates with Centering Prayer retreats at St. Mary's Sewanee and is also available for individual appointments.
Support Staff: Margaret Caldwell and Lynne Lockie bring experienced and caring presence to the retreat community throughout the week.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is especially suited for:
Those longing for an extended immersion in Centering Prayer practice
Beginners and experienced practitioners alike — all are welcome
Anyone feeling spiritually weary and in need of deep rest and renewal
Clergy, spiritual directors, and those in ministry seeking refreshment
Those drawn to the contemplative tradition of Thomas Keating
Financial Assistance
Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. For scholarship inquiries, contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org | 931-598-5342
Reserve Your Place
To ease in to your week of silence, you can purchase the Ease In Day Package (must be purchased separately). The Ease In Day includes an extra night in the room you will be staying in for the week, continental breakfast + box lunch on the Friday the day of the retreat. Please, purchase the Ease In Day Package in the same building you will be staying in for the week of the retreat.
1 night lodging Anna House, continental breakfast + box lunch on Friday before the retreat begins
Lodging in Anna House (motel style rooms, private bathroom), meals, program fees & materials
Lodging in St. Mary's Hall - dorm style room, shared bathrooms, fans only/no air condition in rooms (heat only); meals, program fees and materials included.
Lodging in St. Mary's Hall - dorm style room, shared bathrooms, fans only/no air condition in rooms (heat only); meals, program fees and materials included.