Centering Prayer
Silence is God’s first language. Everything else is a poor translation.
~ Thomas Keating
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 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 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
Hendree Harrison serves as the primary clergy leader for the retreat, offering spiritual guidance and pastoral presence throughout the week. Janet Graham and Frances Jackson serve as support staff, bringing experienced and caring presence to the retreat community.
The retreat also features Tom Camp leading Meditation in Motion gentle movement sessions, and Lisa Kammerud offering BodyWork therapy — gentle, clothed energy healing for those wishing to deepen their experience of rest and renewal.
Together, this team creates a prayerful, grounded, and deeply caring environment for all participants.
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, distracted, or in need of renewal
Clergy, spiritual directors, and those in ministry seeking refreshment
Those drawn to the contemplative tradition of Thomas Keating
Financial Assistance
St. Mary's Sewanee is deeply grateful for generous grant funding that allows us to offer this retreat at a reduced cost, making this time of contemplation and community more accessible to all who feel called to join us. Scholarships are also available for those needing further financial assistance. For scholarship inquiries, contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org | 931-598-5342
Registration Information
After 72 hours, there is a $100 cancellation fee. There are no refunds within 7 days of the retreat.
Scholarships are available. Contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org for more information.
A minimum of 12 guests is required for the retreat to take place. Guests are fully refunded if the event is cancelled by St. Mary’s Sewanee.
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
1 night lodging St. Mary’s Hall, continental breakfast + box lunch on Friday before the retreat begins
Lodging in St. Mary's Hall - dorm style room, shared bathrooms, fans only/no air condition in rooms; meals, program fees and materials included.