Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center

AFTERNOON Breathwork Workshop
2026-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Introspective Breathwork™
In this two-hour workshop, participants will be introduced to the transforming potential of mindfully utilizing the breath for our health and well-being. Some background on the history and science of therapeutic breathwork will be shared, followed by a 45-minute session of conscious connected Introspective Breathwork™, a form of conscious breathing. Please bring a camping or yoga mat (the more cushion the better), one or two pillows and a blanket, along with a water bottle. Participants will be asked to sign a medical release form in order to attend this workshop.
Note: The same program will be offered in the Morning Session and Afternoon Session as part of this Weekday Workshop event. When registering, be sure to select/indicate your preferred time slot.
This registration page is for the AFTERNOON Session.
Explore our website for various morning and afternoon workshops offered on this same date.
Guests may choose from several options and attend a morning workshop, have lunch in the Dining Room, and attend an afternoon workshop. Register for each event separately.
Amy Sorensen Kulesa, OFS, MDiv, MSW is a spiritual director, retreat leader and certified Introspective Breathwork™ facilitator. She earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. She is a graduate of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality, the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute, and One Breath Institute. Immersed in both the Bon Secours and Franciscan charisms, Amy enjoys facilitating retreats in which participants have the opportunity to discern the narrative of their own lives within the larger story of God’s abundant healing, grace, and mercy.

VIRTUAL Continuing Education for Spiritual Directors - October
2026-10-24 09:00 - 12:00
Spiritual Direction Peer Support: Finding Partners in Ministry
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, NIV)
The practice of one-on-one spiritual direction is a solitary undertaking. Those of us who accompany others on their spiritual journeys rely on the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit every time we meet with a client. We also need the support of other women and men who are engaged in this ministry. Participating in a peer support group is one way to share our experiences and to illuminate how our ministry shapes our own spiritual journey.
In this session, we will discuss the purpose, composition, and process of a spiritual direction peer support group. We will share our experiences of what works well and what pitfalls to avoid. Our time together will include practice and observation of the peer group process. We will take home ideas for how to form a peer group and how to maintain a vibrant group.
This Zoom presentation will include an opportunity for questions and discussion. You will receive resources to guide you in your use of the material presented.
This is a virtual program, open to all spiritual directors. A Zoom Meeting link will be emailed to registered participants by Friday, October 23, 2026. When registering, please be sure to include the correct email address to which the Zoom link should be sent.
Linda Mastro is a graduate of the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute in Marriottsville, MD, where she now serves as a faculty member. In addition to being an Associate of Bon Secours, Linda is a spiritual companion for individuals and groups and brings a spirit of compassion and light-heartedness to her work as a women’s retreat facilitator, pilgrimage leader, and workshop guide. Linda is co-author of the book Petite Retreats: Renewing Body, Mind, and Spirit Without Leaving Home. Learn more about Linda and her ministry at LivingPilgrimage.com.

Hermit Day
2026-10-29 09:30 - 16:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Day of Quiet at Bon Secours
Do you…

need a day of quiet and solitude to rest, reflect, be?
need at least one of these each year?
sense that God may be inviting you to enter silence and reorient?

October 29th might be just for you, as it is the annual celebration of National Hermit Day.
Although its origins are not firmly known, many attribute Hermit Day’s origin to the 18th century and suggest a connection to the Irish Hermit Saint Colman. It gives us an opportunity to join the many others who — throughout Christian history — have entered silence and solitude to remember what is most important: to listen, to pray. A day like this has the potential to initiate or strengthen a regular practice.
Since 2014, Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center has hosted Quiet Morning events that are also opportunities for shared silence. This day will follow a similar pattern. We will begin and end together in simple prayer, have lunch in shared silence, and spend the day on our own in prayer or other quiet activities such as walking, doing art, reading, journaling — whatever you feel inclined to do. The Center’s daily Mass at 11:00 am will be available to you, if desired. This is mostly a silent retreat. Lunch is included. Guided by Joanne Cahoon.
Joanne Cahoon, D.Min. holds a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, master’s degree in Religion/Pastoral Ministry, graduate certificates in spiritual direction and in spirituality studies, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where her specialization was spirituality and practical theology. Along the way, Joanne has taught in elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate school settings. She has also served as youth minister, high school campus minister, consultant, writer, national trainer, diocesan staff member, staff member of a graduate school, spiritual director, facilitator of retreats, and professional coach. Joanne has welcomed and worked with many individuals and groups, serving them as they listen for God’s invitations in their personal and corporate lives. She finds it a privilege to be involved in spiritual and human formation — bringing deep listening, presence, creativity, and a commitment to her own ongoing formation to her work.

Friends Day of Prayer: Fr. Pat Bergquist
2026-11-04 09:30 - 15:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Only One Came Back to Give Thanks – What Happened to the Other Nine?
Martin Bell writes a “parable on a parable” about what might have happened to the nine lepers who did not return to give thanks when Jesus healed them. What are some of the reasons that we fail to give thanks in our life? As we explore the fate and/or faith of the nine, we’ll discern what we have to be grateful for and how we too might return to offer thanks to God. Guided by Fr. Patrick Bergquist.
All are welcome to attend the Friends Day of Prayer retreats, held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. It is not required to attend every month, so register for one or more sessions as your schedule allows. While the presenters and topics vary, each Friends Day of Prayer typically includes pastries and conversation at 9:30am, a morning presentation at 10am, an optional Mass, a delicious lunch, short periods of free time to enjoy the grounds or shop in the bookstore, and an afternoon presentation.
Fr. Patrick Bergquist, MDiv, MFA, MATW, after nearly twenty years as a missionary priest along the Yukon River of Northern Alaska, has turned to look into a wilderness far less charted, but far more wondrous — that of the human heart and soul. Now a retired priest of the Missionary Diocese of Northern Alaska, Fairbanks, he spends his time as a spiritual and retreat director. He holds master’s degrees in Divinity, Creative Writing, and Theopoetics, as well as two certificates in spiritual direction, including the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. As a writer, a poet, and a priest, he has written for publications such as Spiritual Life and America Magazine, as well as authoring a book, The Long Dark Winter’s Night: Reflections of a Priest in a Time of Pain and Privilege. He is currently working on a spiritual memoir called Springtime Beneath the Snows: Confessions of a Priest-Turn-Poet.

Quiet Mornings - In Person Session
2026-11-10 09:30 - 10:45, 2026-12-08 09:30 - 10:45
Quiet Mornings sessions are currently being held IN-PERSON on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
(It is also held virtually on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday and 4th Saturday. Every virtual session is held from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon.)
Please email Joanne at jmcahooneph3@gmail.com for the Zoom sessions invitation for Virtual sessions.
Quiet mornings provide an opportunity for quiet – for reflection, prayer, listening, presence – in common with others. Perhaps you’d like to carve out time, but could use the support of a structure that is also flexible? Most of us could! And there is encouragement and strength in coming together in this way. You are welcome whenever matches your schedule/desire/need.
Each gathering is bracketed by an opening and closing prayer. The quiet hour at its heart is not scripted or guided. Each one enters the quiet and utilizes or follows it as she/he desires to do so. Some opt to journal, read, walk; to engage in meditation; imaginative prayer or centering prayer; art or collage; or physical movement. The commitment to enter the quiet with some regularity as an ongoing practice is the point. By doing so in companionship with others, we support each other’s journey just by willingly being present in God’s presence together, and hoping good for each other. In our closing prayer, we pray a blessing for each other. Please feel welcome! Guided by Joanne Cahoon.
Joanne Cahoon, D.Min. – spiritual director, retreat leader, coach – facilitates the Quiet Mornings.

In-Person Centering Prayer Session
2026-11-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-12-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Held IN PERSON on the:

2nd and 5th Tuesdays of the month, 1-2pm and
4th Tuesday of the month, 7-8pm.

For these in-person sessions, registration is required in advance, due by the Monday before each in-person session.
(Virtual Zoom sessions will be the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 1-2pm. Register for Virtual Sessions by emailing facilitator Amy Sorensen Kulesa at kulesa.neshama@gmail.com.)
Centering Prayer is a form of Christian contemplative prayer, in which one abides in the Presence of God in interior silence. Centering Prayer emphasizes the indwelling Presence of the Holy Trinity within and among us, and our openness, through receptive silence and restful surrender, to God’s action and healing grace. For our one-hour sessions, we will gather to pray together in silence, attentive to the stillness within, and reflect together on readings related to our prayer life. The sessions are relaxed and informal. You are invited to dress comfortably and use a meditation cushion, if you would like.
Facilitation for each Centering Prayer session will be led by an experienced member of the group, both staff and from the community. We follow a consistent format from week to week, with variability each session in the reflective reading that is shared. Coordinated by Amy Sorensen Kulesa.

Welcoming Divine Love: A Quiet Day with Poetry
2026-11-11 09:30 - 16:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
“Love bade me welcome, but my soul drew back” writes the poet George Herbert. We know we are invited to love God, but we don’t always find it easy to receive or even to experience God’s love for us. The words of poetry can help us to move into our hearts, to listen, and to respond to the love that always surrounds and blesses us. This one-day silent retreat will use poetry, Scripture, and other creative media to invite and deepen our meditations on what it means to love and to be loved, in the embrace of the Holy. Lunch is included. Guided by Dr. Kathleen Henderson Staudt.
Kathleen Henderson Staudt, PhD works as a teacher, poet, spiritual director, and retreat leader in the greater Washington, DC area. She serves as adjunct faculty in theological studies at Virginia Theological Seminary and has taught frequently in the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute. A poet and writer, Kathy has published four volumes of original poetry, including her recent title, Viriditas: New and Selected Poems. She has published two books and many articles on the British Catholic artist and poet David Jones, as well as writings on Christian spirituality and practice, most recently Shaping a Faithful Life: Discernment and Discipleship for Young Adults. Kathy is a Companion in the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross (SCHC). Her website is KathleenStaudtPoet.com.

Lunch & Dialogue with the Mystics: Spiritually Navigating the Seasons of Life with Gratitude
2026-11-20 12:00 - 15:30
Join us this autumn for some intentional time to celebrate the diverse heritage of the mystics. This lunch and dialogue program is an invitation for a delicious meal and engaging conversation just before the holiday season begins its unfolding. During our time together, we will briefly explore the personal biographies of certain mystics alongside their incredible contributions to contemporary spirituality, especially around encountering the Divine in everyday life. Moreover, we will specifically consider their legacy on spiritually navigating the seasons of life with the practice of gratitude and how being grateful can serve as an entry point into mysticism and its transformative, empowering grace. While engaging with a broad range of these figures across the arc of Christianity, a significant portion of the program will unfold around the wisdom of Julian of Norwich, Henri Nouwen, and Br. David Steindl-Rast.
As we ground our encounter of these cherished mystics and their teachings within our personal experiences, we will participate in creative exercises and contemplations to access our unique voice and deepen our respective journeys. Additional time for reflection through prayer, meditation, and group dialogue will also be integrated. Prior familiarity with mystics or mysticism is not mandatory but welcomed. Please bring along an open heart and mind and a journal for use throughout the program. Lunch is included. Guided by Gordon Creamer.
Gordon Creamer, MA, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, MD. As a contemplative theologian and creative builder, he has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute. Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing. For more information, visit TheMissionBridge.com.

Soulful Companioning
2026-11-21 09:30 - 16:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
The Holy Journey Home: The Ancient Hospice Way of Companioning the Dying
Are you called by the Divine Spirit to be a soulful companion for a family member, a friend, or a loved one near the end of life? Is someone you know experiencing the passage from this life alone?
Would you like practical guidance and sacred tools on how to companion another with compassion, presence, and peace in a way that transforms your soul and the lives you touch?
This retreat/workshop shares the spiritual wisdom of over 500 years of hospice companioning known as “The Ancient Hospice Way.” It is the teaching of presenter Rev. Dr. Ken Patrick — a hospice chaplain for 20 years and author of Journeying to the End of Life: Discovering the Ancient Hospice Way of Companioning the Dying — who has walked beside countless souls on their sacred passage.
You are invited to a journey of spiritual depth and peace that shares the timeless spiritual wisdom of the hospice tradition through the ages. Lunch is included. Guided by Rev. Dr. Ken Patrick.
Rev. Ken Patrick, DMin has a lifelong interest in the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism, as well as the contemplative tradition of the Christian faith. His graduate education includes a Master of Divinity Degree and Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC. He has also done doctoral level studies in theology and spirituality at New College, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland and is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. Ken is a graduate of the US Army Chaplain School and the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He hiked the Appalachian Trail 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine to help open a shelter for the homeless. Ken is the author of Mountain Meditations, My Walk With Christ on the Appalachian Trail, and Journeying to the End of Life: Discovering the Ancient Hospice Way of Companioning the Dying. Ken has served as a hospice chaplain for nearly 20 years at Blue Ridge Hospice in Winchester, VA and has led workshops and seminars on being a compassionate spiritual companion on the journey to the end of life. He currently also serves as a rural parish minister. Ken recently founded The Association of Hospice Spiritual Masters to provide education and coaching in care of the soul at the end of life’s journey. Learn more at HospiceSpiritualMaster.com.

Friends Day of Prayer: Sr. Sara Dwyer
2026-12-02 09:30 - 15:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Walk in the Light of Jesus
Advent is a season of waiting, watching, and preparing that happens in the ‘darkness of winter.’ It is a season that embraces darkness, stillness, and reflectiveness. We will consider various aspects of life that reflect the Scriptural themes of Advent. God’s Word invites us to open to a new discipleship, where we can more fully see, understand, and walk the path of Light.
God’s voice is often faint or unclear because it isn’t what we expected or wanted to hear. Perhaps we have settled for a religious complacency overshadowed by comfort or conformity.
Holiness is a challenging mission. Advent reminds us we don’t journey alone. We so often need a faith community and trusted family and friends. We need to find companions to be with us on the journey, so we can, as Isaiah says, “walk in the Light of the Lord.” Guided by Sr. Sara Dwyer.
All are welcome to attend the Friends Day of Prayer retreats, held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. It is not required to attend every month, so register for one or more sessions as your schedule allows. While the presenters and topics vary, each Friends Day of Prayer typically includes pastries and conversation at 9:30am, a morning presentation at 10am, an optional Mass, a delicious lunch, short periods of free time to enjoy the grounds or shop in the bookstore, and an afternoon presentation.
Sr. Sara Dwyer, ASC has been a member of the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ, an International Congregation, for 55 years. Sr. Sara has served in various adult faith formation positions during those years. She was a member of her congregational leadership team and served as their Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation contact for over 10 years. Sara served eight years as the Director of the Washington Retreat House in Washington, DC. In January 2025, she accepted a ministry role within her community, where she continues to offer retreats and other faith formation programs. Sara holds a master’s degree in Theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and a master’s in Education from Boston College. Sara enjoys interacting with people, reading, retreat ministry, and taking nature walks.

Advent Day of Prayer
2026-12-07 09:30 - 16:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
“The Lord will come and he will not delay.” (Cf. Habakkuk 2:3)
Advent is about waiting and preparing for the coming of Jesus, commemorating his birth/first coming and also anticipating the second coming of Christ. But our Christian faith tells us that God is with us, already and still. This holy season invites us to encounter God in the present, in the day-to-day of our lives. Set aside some personal time and join us for a quiet day of prayer this Advent, a season of both hopeful waiting and encountering God who is ever present.
The day will begin with reflective input by Sr. Bernie, followed by time for private prayer and reflection, lunch in silence, the option of walking the labyrinth or beautiful grounds, journaling, or just relaxing with God. The atmosphere for the day will be reverent silence, which allows us to encounter God and be attuned to God’s promptings. There will be the opportunity to attend Mass if you wish. The day will close with us coming together to name the blessings of the day and for a closing prayer. Lunch is included. This will be a day of silence. Guided by Sr. Bernie Claps.
Sr. Bernadette Claps, MSW is a Sister of Bon Secours and provides spiritual direction and spiritual companionship at the Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center. She holds graduate certificates in Spiritual Direction, Spirituality, and Aging. She has done graduate studies in theology and received a Master of Social Work from New York University.

Grief Retreat: Living the Holidays with Peace
2026-12-11 09:30 - 16:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
The holidays can be especially challenging for people who are grieving. Whether your loss came through death or something else like a divorce, other relationship, job, career, or home, the grief that accompanies such losses can feel especially devastating during the winter holidays. As the year winds down and the (supposed and expected) holiday thrill winds up, we become acutely aware of what we have to be thankful for and what causes us sorrow.
At this retreat, we will talk about grief and its most common expressions at this time of the year, using two exercises with stones. In addition, we will construct a self-agreement and a holiday calendar that uniquely works for how we feel about the holiday season at this point in December. We will also practice an acupressure exercise to promote self-calming. Participants will have time to talk in small groups during and outside of lunch and to wander about the grounds in contemplation of what might bring them peace for this season. Granting ourselves peace means having self-awareness to avoid holiday havoc and to spread peace to people who are meaningful in our lives. A final exercise will be to decorate a candle in honor of our deceased loved ones or the things we have lost that cause the most sorrow. Given the opportunity, we will light these candles one by one in the retreat center Chapel as part of a group memorial ceremony. Lunch is included. Guided by Beth Hewett.
Beth Hewett, PhD, CT, GC-C, CCISM, CEOLS is an expert in grief, trauma, and communication, bringing a compassionate and insightful approach to these sensitive areas. With a PhD in Rhetoric and Writing Studies and specialized training in traumatic bereavement, Dr. Hewett focuses on how language and thoughtful communication can support individuals coping with loss and traumatic experiences. She is an ICISF Faculty member and the developer and instructor of the one-day course “Foundations of Grief for First Responders” and the two-day course “Advanced Practices for Healing First Responder Grief.” An accomplished author, speaker, and adult educator whose work explores the profound intersections of grief, trauma, and expressive writing, Dr. Hewett is also a grief coach, spiritual companion, grief support group facilitator, and facilitator trainer. Her contributions have empowered professionals and individuals alike, equipping them with tools for healing and resilience through thoughtful grief-focused communication practices. Her work is widely valued for its depth of empathy and for offering practical, transformative strategies for those navigating challenging times. Her credentials include being a Certified Thanatologist (CT) with the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), a Certified Grief Counselor with the American Academy of Grief Counseling (AAGC), and a Certified Compassionate Bereavement Care™ Provider with the MISS Foundation. Dr. Hewett is a trained Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) provider with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). She also has earned a certificate in Death and Grief Studies from the Center for Loss and Life Transition. She is the author of Duty, Honor, Hope: Strategies for Understanding and Unpacking First Responder Grief (which is currently available but also revised for March 2026), and her upcoming book is Being Human, Being Strong: Foundations of Grief for First Responders (also available in March 2026). Dr. Hewett’s other grief-focused books include Grief on the Road to Emmaus: A Monastic Approach to Journeying with the Bereaved (ICISF Press, 2023), Good Words: Memorializing through a Eulogy, More Good Words: Practical Activities for Mourning, and Supporting a Grieving Workforce with Dr. Richard Ottenstein (ICISF Press, 2021). Some of her other publications can be found on her website GoodWordsForGrieving.com.

Journeying to the Heart of the Nativity with a Celtic Spirit
2026-12-12 09:30 - 16:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
As you set your intentions this Advent to honor the Incarnation of God’s Love and celebrate the holiday season, what would it be like to do so with a Celtic spirit? What graces and gifts could be waiting for you at the heart of the Nativity by incorporating some of the rituals, music, and perspectives of the ancient Celtic way into your annual traditions?
Join us for a day-long retreat that invites you to explore Celtic spirituality with its intimate connection to the heartbeat of God and Mother Earth and its reverencing of the returning light at the Winter Solstice. Throughout the program, participants will be engaged in cherished Celtic legends about the birth of Christ and their intersection with various Christian saints from this tradition. Additionally, time will be spent participating in practices from Celtic spirituality that touch both the senses and the soul while offering moments for creating personal meaning.
During each of these activities and exercises, participants will have opportunities for contemplation and prayer, group dialogue, and mirthful expression related to all that is explored personally and within community. While this retreat is similar in theme to last year’s Celtic Advent retreat, the content offered will be different. Participants from the 2025 retreat are encouraged to register if interested. Lunch is included. Guided by Gordon Creamer.
In the Celtic spirit of blessing others:
The Light of the Christmas Star to you, the warmth of home and hearth to you, the hope of a childlike heart to you, and the joy of a thousand angels to you…

Gordon Creamer, MA, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, MD. As a contemplative theologian and creative builder, he has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute. Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing. For more information, visit TheMissionBridge.com.

New Year’s Eve Retreat
2026-12-31 09:30 - 16:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Humor and Laughter: Divine Gifts
Finding humor in both the joyful experiences and challenging situations in life — and embracing the freedom to laugh — are important elements of a healthy and balanced spirituality. The closing of one year and the opening of a new is a wonderful opportunity to explore our spiritual life through these elements. On this threshold of “what has been and what will be,” we will explore how the joyful sound of laughter calls us to action. We will discuss where humor can be a powerful testimony. We will answer together what it means to be a collective chorus and how we can make laughter an intentional practice. Bring the joys and sorrows of the year as we join with friends, old and new, to reflect, heal, look forward, and yes, have more than a few laughs! Lunch is included.
Andrea Springer, MA has spent many years in executive administration and formation. She is a graduate of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, now Notre Dame of Maryland University, with both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Liberal Arts and Religious Studies. In addition to being a graduate of the University, she is an adjunct faculty member. Andrea designs and facilitates workshops and retreats for a variety of organizations and has been a popular presenter for Women’s Wellness and other Bon Secours retreats.
