Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center

Quiet Mornings - In Person Session
2026-03-10 09:30 - 10:45, 2026-04-14 09:30 - 10:45 (America/New_York)
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
2026-03-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours, 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.

Renewed By Grace
2026-03-13 09:30 - 16:00
A Journey of Surrender and Spiritual Renewal
Join us for a Lenten retreat designed to help you slow down, release burdens, and make space for God’s renewing grace. Through a gentle rhythm of guided meditation, breath prayer, reflective journaling, and mindful movement, we’ll explore what it means to surrender to God’s love and be spiritually refreshed. Whether through stillness or movement, each practice will invite you to return to the One who restores the soul. Come as you are….to open your heart, quiet your mind, and leave renewed. Lunch is included. Guided by Sherrell Moore-Tucker.
Sherrell Moore-Tucker is a seminary student and aspiring chaplain with a heart for care of the body, soul, and spirit. With over ten years of experience in wellness and Christian ministry, Sherrell holds various certifications and training in Christian and Biblical meditation, natural and holistic health, health minister, mindful movement, and trauma-informed movement practices. In addition to serving in her local church, she also leads small groups and retreats and shares mindful movement, meditations, guided prayers, and other faith-based content on platforms such as YouTube and Insight Timer. Learn more about Sherrell at SherrellMooreTucker.com.

Unbind Him and Let Him Go Free
2026-03-13 16:00 - 2026-03-15 13:00
Jesus’ Healing Ministry of Forgiveness
Like the people of Jesus’s time, we are astonished by the “great deeds” of his miracles and cures. But we may not focus as much on Jesus’ healing ministry — the times he reaches out to touch someone’s isolation and spiritual brokenness.
Join us for a weekend of prayer and reflection as we ponder how allowing Jesus’ healing touch for ourselves invites us to reach out in compassion and forgiveness to “unbind” others. This weekend will include periods of silence as well as times for sacred sharing. There will also be limited times for individual spiritual direction. Guided by Joy Aker and Elaine Ireland.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief welcome session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The retreat begins after dinner at 7pm on Friday and concludes after lunch on Sunday. Mass will be available Sunday morning for those who wish to attend.
Joy Aker, MA is a spiritual director, labyrinth facilitator, and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She has a master’s degree in Spirituality from St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore. She was also trained in Ignatian spirituality and the Ignatian Exercises at Ignatius Jesuit Center in Guelph, Ontario. Her focus is on helping others to develop a holistic spirituality which looks to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Joy also has a great interest in assisting others as they deepen their relationship with God through individual spiritual direction and group retreats.
Elaine Ireland, MA is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and writer with over 20 years in Christian ministry. She has a Master of Arts in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from Loyola University and has led numerous people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Everyday Life, as well as companioning others on their spiritual journeys. She writes weekly scripture reflections; for the past 17 years, she has written Come and See in ordinary time and Provisions for the Journey during Advent and Lent, both of which can be found on a Dominican website called Preacher (PreacherExchange.com/comeandsee.htm). She is passionate about world and indigenous faith practices, inspirational poetry and music, and how we are to live Christ’s calling in the 21st century.

Stations of the Cross – Visio Divina
2026-03-18 19:00 - 21:00
Praying with the Stations of the Cross…in a Little Different Way
Visio Divina is a way of approaching what we see contemplatively — gazing on something and letting it gaze on us — and listening for God’s invitations to us in the present moment through a process with a visual focus. Multiple images will be set up in the Bon Secours chapel for each of the Stations of the Cross, and participants will be invited to choose to spend time with one Station. We will begin with a guided quiet prayer process, followed by a time for journaling with your chosen Station in shared silence. There will be opportunity to share what you wish of the experience with others present. 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.

Playing with Paradox
2026-03-21 09:30 - 16:00
Paradoxes are intrinsic to human existence and can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the divine. We often hear paradoxical statements, such as “Out of mud, lotus flowers do grow” and “The last shall be first” and “The meek shall inherit the earth.” In a well-known story by Rumi, a Chinese farmer repeats, “Good news, bad news, who knows.” Playing around with the ironies and paradoxes of life can add humility, lightness, and even humor to our days. Join us as we dare to see with new eyes! Throughout the day, there will be opportunities to hear stories of paradoxes, share in small groups, write a private paradoxical haiku, and wander the beautiful retreat grounds. Lunch is included. Guided by Annie Hisle.
Annie Hisle is a practicing psychotherapist and bereavement counselor and is a retired Montgomery Hospice grief counselor group facilitator. She is a spiritual companion, a home bound minister, workshop facilitator, and author of two books: My House Burned Down and Now I Can See the Stars and Remembering Smiles. She enjoys seven nearby grandchildren, yoga, movies, meals, long walks with her spouse and/or friends, as well as participating in her Shalem Centering Prayer Group, her bi-monthly women’s group, and a book group.

In-Person, Evening Centering Prayer Session
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-28 19:00 - 20:00
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 and preferred in advance.
(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.

The Donkey and the Divine
2026-03-27 09:30 - 16:00
Reflecting on Lent through the Poetry of Mary Oliver
“On the outskirts of Jerusalem, the donkey waited. Not especially brave, or filled with understanding, he stood and waited.” ~Mary Oliver
Have you ever wondered about the donkey who carried Jesus on that triumphant, palm-waving journey into Jerusalem? Was he merely a practical choice, or does his quiet presence offer something more to consider during the Lenten season? Or perhaps you’ve pondered what the people on the hillside must have felt when a bounty of fish and bread was suddenly provided to take away their hunger pains. And what about the disciples who could not stay awake?! Oh, what they must have felt like in the morning. Mary Oliver, beloved poet and spiritual guide of the ordinary, invites us into these sacred moments with her deep noticing and provocative wonderings. Her poetry opens our hearts to the small, overlooked details and invites us to care more deeply, to wonder more freely, and to listen with greater attention. In this day-long retreat, we will engage with selected poems by Mary Oliver in anticipation of Holy Week. Our rhythm for the day will include sacred reading and deep listening, introductions to simple spiritual practices to accompany our personal reflections and responses, and time to share with one another in sacred community. Come with your curiosity, your longing for a spacious day, and your desire to see with fresh eyes in this season. Let the poetry of Mary Oliver be a lantern as we walk with Jesus — and a humble donkey — on the road to Jerusalem. Lunch is included. Guided by Lorie Conway.
Lorie Conway, MA, Spiritual Companion has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual companionship, contemplative small groups, and spiritual retreats. Lorie received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation and holds a master’s degree in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in Behavioral Management & Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Lorie is on the programming staff at Well for the Journey and is the director of the Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Lorie’s spirituality is rooted in the Christ tradition and is welcoming of the many paths and unique journeys enfolded within Divine Mystery.

Friends Day of Prayer: Sr. Fran Gorsuch
2026-04-01 09:30 - 15:00
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
Serious times demand humor as one critical means of coping. This April Fool’s Day, celebrate being a “fool for Christ’s sake” (1 Cor. 4:10) as we consider the importance of humor in a wholistic way as an integral part of our life’s journey. There will be an opportunity for story telling (using Sacred Scripture and other sources), personal reflection, and group sharing — with much laughter (and maybe some tears)!
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 informal 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. Guided by Sr. Fran Gorsuch.
Sr. Fran Gorsuch is a Sister of Bon Secours with a background in pastoral ministry, health care ministry, and vocation and formation ministry. She has a BA in Philosophy from Loyola University, Baltimore, an MDiv from Duke University, and an “unofficial PhD” from years of living with seven siblings, 62 years in religious life, and being a strong advocate for the God-given dignity of all life.

Triduum Retreat
2026-04-02 16:00 - 2026-04-05 13:00
Were You There: Following Jesus from the Upper Room to the Empty Tomb
During the three days of the Triduum retreat, we will follow Jesus’ journey of crucified love through imaginative, prayerful reflections and liturgical celebrations. In the Upper Room, he teaches us how to be a servant leader. In the Gethsemane Garden, he guides us in the way of yielding to his Father’s desire, “Thy will be done.” Through the streets of Jerusalem to Mount Calvary, he shows us the blueprint of ‘no greater love’ as we observe the sufferings of a man crowned with thorns, beaten and assaulted, while carrying the cross of his own crucifixion. Throughout this retreat experience, we will personally encounter Jesus in these events as we prayerfully enter the biblical narrative. Ultimately, we will embrace a deeper level of comprehending the teaching that “No one shows greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends.” Our time together will culminate on Easter Sunday morning, when everything is turned upside down in the unprecedented event of the resurrection.
This is a silent retreat. Silence is kept from after dinner on Thursday until after the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. The retreat will begin on Thursday at 4:30pm and will end with lunch after Mass on Easter Sunday.
A COMMUTER OPTION is also available. The commuter option costs $255 and includes everything except for lodging and breakfast. Call the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 to register for the Triduum Retreat Commuter Option.
Fr. Phillip Cover is an experienced retreat leader, spiritual director, pilgrimage leader and author. He previously served as the Assistant Executive Director in the Department of Religious Education for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) in Washington, DC. He also served as an adjunct staff member for the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He is co-author of Journey with Purpose, Through Exile into the Heart of God and The Inner Work of Lent.
Sr. Carole Rybicki, MA is a Baltimore Franciscan. She is a board-certified chaplain and has served in hospital ministry for over 25 years. She worked with those in need through a number of inner-city programs for Catholic Charities and parish ministry, and she was also a teacher in pre-school through high school. She received her Certificate in Spiritual Direction through Loyola University of Maryland. Her foundation for spiritual guidance is “seeing and finding God in all things.”

Spring Tree Speak - Day Retreat
2026-04-11 09:30 - 16:00
Learning and Reverencing the Life, Language, and Spiritual Lessons of Trees
Have you often wished to connect with nature on a deeper level? Do you already have a practice of spending intentional time in nature while gardening, hiking, or being active? Responses to these questions reveal a frequently-expressed desire — shared among so many of us who have experienced the impact of stress and busyness — to pause and immerse ourselves in the rhythms and lessons of the natural world around us. If this resonates with you, join us for a day-long retreat on the life cycle, language, and spiritual teachings of trees.
As we gather in sacred community on the Bon Secours campus, some intentional time will be spent outdoors among the trees in their springtime glory and woven into an interactive dialogue around readings from forester and author, Peter Wohlleben’s work, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from a Secret World. Poetry and other enriching materials will also be included for creating personal meaning as the day unfolds. A season-specific ritual will be facilitated during the program that incorporates the sacred energies of trees and the transformative cycle of spring. Participants will be invited into times for personal reflection, contemplative prayer & meditation, writing, and other creative exercises that explore and further ground and empower them as they harness the cherished stirrings and connections they form within nature, themselves, and with one another.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking the grounds and spending time in nature. 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 creative and contemplative 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.

The Widow's Might - A Retreat Day for Widows
2026-04-17 09:30 - 16:00
Finding Strength for the Journey
Come experience time away from the wilderness of widowhood and seek solace at a retreat that has been designed with you in mind. This retreat will aid you and encourage you to look forward and upward as you travel this widow’s walk and remind you that you are not alone. Gain new insights about how God made you to survive and thrive through reflection, self-assessment, and interaction with women who have experienced similar loss — and with a God who has the power to renew your strength, heal your broken heart, and give you hope for tomorrow. Lunch is included.
[Want to extend your retreat experience? With at least 48 hours’ notice (and subject to availability), Bon Secours offers “private retreats” with lodging and meals. Register for two back-to-back retreats and add an overnight stay as a private retreatant for the night between. Call the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 to inquire about booking a private retreat.]
Rev. Terrye Moore’s life and ministry are anchored in the divine calling of Isaiah 49:1-6: to be a servant of the Lord and carry God’s salvation “to the ends of the earth.” With a heart for people and a passion for purpose, she has spent decades building ministries that uplift, empower, and transform lives. She is a mother and grandmother who describes herself as a “remarried widow.” A proud graduate of Tuskegee University (Class of 1981), Rev. Moore was ordained in 2005 and quickly became a driving force in establishing impactful ministries for men, women, and youth. In 2011, she was consecrated to pastoral ministry and installed as Assistant Pastor. Soon after, she took a leap of faith — leaving behind a successful career in Information Technology to fully dedicate her life to God’s work. In 2012, Rev. Moore founded The Virtuous Woman’s Institute, a God-given vision to minister to the “total woman”— spirit, soul, and body. Her commitment to community collaboration led to the formation of the Northwest Faith-Based Community Partnership in 2013, a united effort among Baltimore congregations to bring healing and hope to the city. She deepened her theological foundation with a Master of Arts in Church Ministries from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University in 2014. In 2017, she was installed as Senior Pastor of New Solid Rock Fellowship Church, leading the congregation with boldness, compassion, and prophetic insight. Rev. Moore’s influence has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian University. In 2021, she was honored as one of “The Guardians of Baltimore,” a powerful photo documentary celebrating unsung female leaders who have been pillars of strength in their communities. Most recently, in 2023, she was ordained to the Office of Prophet through Jackie Miller Ministries. Rev. Terrye Moore continues to serve faithfully — equipping the saints, engaging the community, and extending God’s love with unwavering conviction.

Making Key Changes
2026-04-18 09:30 - 16:00
Mentorship & Motivation UNLOCKED!
Change can be challenging — but it’s within reach! In this empowering retreat day, participants will reflect on their personal journeys, identify the key people in their stories, and explore how each one contributes to their growth. Together, we’ll define what meaningful change looks like and how to take actionable steps toward it. Through a creative and compelling lens, we’ll explore key changes that help beat burnout, boost confidence, build effective routines, and align a shared vision. Participants will be guided to envision the next chapter of their evolving story and uncover the changes that can unlock their fullest potential — both personally and professionally — in partnership with those they love, serve, and lead. Lunch is included. Guided by Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl.
[Want to extend your retreat experience? With at least 48 hours’ notice (and subject to availability), Bon Secours offers “private retreats” with lodging and meals. Register for two back-to-back retreats and add an overnight stay as a private retreatant for the night between. Call the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 to inquire about booking a private retreat.]
Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl is the visionary thought leader behind Making Key Changes, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to mentorship and motivation, and the founder of The Confidence Camp, a summer program empowering youth. As an accomplished author, educator, podcaster, and former public school music teacher and band director (2001–2015), Lori has always centered her work on transformation — through music, leadership, and human connection. Today, she leads a “global classroom,” guiding organizations, teams, and individuals to unlock their greatest potential by making key changes that help them grow alongside those they love, serve, or lead. Lori is a sought-after speaker and consultant who has delivered hundreds of learning sessions and keynote addresses across the nation. She hosts the Making Key Changes podcast and produces its companion newsletter, offering weekly actionable insights across multiple media platforms. Lori lives in Maryland with her husband and their two active children. Learn more at MakingKeyChanges.com.

Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute Cohort 7 - Session 2 OVERNIGHT Option
2026-04-19 16:00 - 2026-04-24 13:00
This page is for the OVERNIGHT option for Cohort 7.
Please click the following links if you prefer the
COMMUTER option or the VIRTUAL option.
Intensive Training Program for Those Interested in Spiritual Direction
The second week-long session of the Spiritual Direction Institute will provide a deeper foundation for understanding and engaging in the practice of spiritual direction in the Christian tradition. It is intended to enhance the students’ understanding of the spiritual life, with attention given to developing the basic skills required for this ministry. Classes will include presentations, discussions, and interactive experiences. There will be time for quiet reflection throughout the week.
Lodging room check-in for overnight guests will begin at 4pm, and the program will start after dinner. Check-out on Friday is 11am, but participants will depart after lunch.
Prerequisite:
Completion of the week-long introductory intensive (September 2025) or permission of the instructor.
Course Learning Objectives:
– Gain an understanding of the spiritual life — its breadth, depth, and language — in order to understand the context of spiritual direction ministry.
– Examine and understand the core principles of effective spiritual direction, noting the implications for both the director and the directee.
– Enhance and practice the basic interpersonal skills necessary for the exercise of this ministry, such as maintaining appropriate boundaries, dealing with transference and counter-transference, etc.
– Explore a range of issues for which people might find themselves when seeking spiritual direction: loss, grief, spiritual darkness, alienation from the church, and abuse.
Required Texts:
-Henri Nouwen, Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (New York: Doubleday, 1992).
Following This Session:
In the months between Session 2 and Session 3, students will offer spiritual direction as “interns” and will write up two case studies for the final week.
The third week-long intensive in the program is scheduled for September 26-October 2, 2026. Registration for this final session will be available soon. A certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion of the entire program, which includes these three week-long sessions and the required course work.
Questions: If you have questions, please contact Sr. Bernie Claps at Bernadette.Claps@CBSParis.org.
Guided By: Kathy Brown and Sr. Bernie Claps, CBS.
Kathleen Hope Brown, D.Min. teaches spiritual direction and other courses in spirituality at the Virginia Theological Union. Her doctorate in Adult Spiritual Formation is from Catholic University.
Sister Bernadette Claps, a Sister of Bon Secours, provides spiritual direction and spiritual companionship at the Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours. 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.

Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute Cohort 7 - Session 2 VIRTUAL Option
2026-04-19 16:00 - 2026-04-24 13:00
This page is for the VIRTUAL option for Cohort 7
for those unable to attend in person.
Please click the following links if you prefer the
COMMUTER option or the OVERNIGHT option.

Intensive Training Program for Those Interested in Spiritual Direction
The second week-long session of the Spiritual Direction Institute will provide a deeper foundation for understanding and engaging in the practice of spiritual direction in the Christian tradition. It is intended to enhance the students’ understanding of the spiritual life, with attention given to developing the basic skills required for this ministry. Classes will include presentations, discussions, and interactive experiences. There will be time for quiet reflection throughout the week.
Please plan to attend the virtual sessions in real time. The program begins at 7pm on the first day.
Prerequisite:
Completion of the week-long introductory intensive (September 2025) or permission of the instructor.
Course Learning Objectives:
– Gain an understanding of the spiritual life — its breadth, depth, and language — in order to understand the context of spiritual direction ministry.
– Examine and understand the core principles of effective spiritual direction, noting the implications for both the director and the directee.
– Enhance and practice the basic interpersonal skills necessary for the exercise of this ministry, such as maintaining appropriate boundaries, dealing with transference and counter-transference, etc.
– Explore a range of issues for which people might find themselves when seeking spiritual direction: loss, grief, spiritual darkness, alienation from the church, and abuse.
Required Texts:
-Henri Nouwen, Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (New York: Doubleday, 1992).
Following This Session:
In the months between Session 2 and Session 3, students will offer spiritual direction as “interns” and will write up two case studies for the final week.
The third week-long intensive in the program is scheduled for September 26-October 2, 2026. Registration for this final session will be available soon. A certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion of the entire program, which includes these three week-long sessions and the required course work.
Questions: If you have questions, please contact Sr. Bernie Claps at Bernadette.Claps@CBSParis.org.
Guided By: Kathy Brown and Sr. Bernie Claps, CBS.
Kathleen Hope Brown, D.Min. teaches spiritual direction and other courses in spirituality at the Virginia Theological Union. Her doctorate in Adult Spiritual Formation is from Catholic University.
Sister Bernadette Claps, a Sister of Bon Secours, provides spiritual direction and spiritual companionship at the Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours. 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.

Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute Cohort 7 - Session 2 COMMUTER Option
2026-04-19 16:00 - 2026-04-24 13:00
This page is for the COMMUTER option for Cohort 7
for those who live locally and choose not to stay overnight.
Please click the following links if you prefer the
VIRTUAL option or the OVERNIGHT option.

Intensive Training Program for Those Interested in Spiritual Direction
The second week-long session of the Spiritual Direction Institute will provide a deeper foundation for understanding and engaging in the practice of spiritual direction in the Christian tradition. It is intended to enhance the students’ understanding of the spiritual life, with attention given to developing the basic skills required for this ministry. Classes will include presentations, discussions, and interactive experiences. There will be time for quiet reflection throughout the week.
The Commuter Option does not include overnight lodging or breakfast.
The program begins with dinner at 6pm on the first day.
Prerequisite:
Completion of the week-long introductory intensive (September 2025) or permission of the instructor.
Course Learning Objectives:
– Gain an understanding of the spiritual life — its breadth, depth, and language — in order to understand the context of spiritual direction ministry.
– Examine and understand the core principles of effective spiritual direction, noting the implications for both the director and the directee.
– Enhance and practice the basic interpersonal skills necessary for the exercise of this ministry, such as maintaining appropriate boundaries, dealing with transference and counter-transference, etc.
– Explore a range of issues for which people might find themselves when seeking spiritual direction: loss, grief, spiritual darkness, alienation from the church, and abuse.
Required Texts:
-Henri Nouwen, Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (New York: Doubleday, 1992).
Following This Session:
In the months between Session 2 and Session 3, students will offer spiritual direction as “interns” and will write up two case studies for the final week.
The third week-long intensive in the program is scheduled for September 26-October 2, 2026. Registration for this final session will be available soon. A certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion of the entire program, which includes these three week-long sessions and the required course work.
Questions: If you have questions, please contact Sr. Bernie Claps at Bernadette.Claps@CBSParis.org.
Guided By: Kathy Brown and Sr. Bernie Claps, CBS.
Kathleen Hope Brown, D.Min. teaches spiritual direction and other courses in spirituality at the Virginia Theological Union. Her doctorate in Adult Spiritual Formation is from Catholic University.
Sister Bernadette Claps, a Sister of Bon Secours, provides spiritual direction and spiritual companionship at the Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours. 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.

Earth Awareness
2026-04-25 09:30 - 16:00
Deepening Connections, Weaving Reciprocity
“The divine communicates to us primarily through the language of the natural world. Not to hear the natural world is not to hear the divine.” ~Thomas Berry
In this week of Earth Day celebrations, we’re invited to remember and reweave ever-deeper, sacred connections to the living world around us. Our souls long to reclaim full communion with all life, to re-establish rich relationships too-often hidden beneath cultural expectations, distractions, and chaotic times.
As we open to deepening connections to the land and lives around us — our kith and kin — we also open to beauty, joy, wisdom, and gratitude. And within us awakens a sense of loving generosity toward those who have given so much. We see that we live within an ecosystem, participate in a cycle of reciprocity, and are called to support mutual well-being.
Join us on this day-long retreat to slow our busy minds, tune our senses to the more than human life around us, and remember that all are held within a living, sacred web. Our day will include opportunities for shared conversation, contemplative silence, and wandering the paths outdoors. Your guide will offer contemplative practices to deepen your spiritual practice and encourage connecting to the beauty and wisdom of the sacred community in which we live. Lunch is included. Guided by Leah Rampy.
Leah Rampy, PhD is a writer, speaker, and experienced retreat leader who weaves ecology, spirituality, personal stories, and practices to help others deepen their relationship to the natural world. She authored the award-winning Earth & Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos, co-authored with Beth Norcross Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, and is a frequent speaker on spiritual ecology and leadership in these uncertain times. Leah is the founder and leader of Church of the Wild Two Rivers that meets regularly to deepen spirituality through time in the natural world. She has led over a dozen pilgrimages to sacred places in the US and internationally for the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, where she previously served as the Executive Director and continues to serve as an adjunct staff member. Her essays on living more fully connected to Earth in these uncertain times appear weekly on Substack in Reweaving Earth & Soul.

MORNING Saints Workshop
2026-04-27 10:00 - 12:00
Meet Mary of Magdala — St. Mary Magdalene
St. Mary Magdalene is one of the most inspiring models for women disciples. Hear her story of healing and her role as the first apostle — an apostle to the apostles. She is first witness to the Resurrection, being the evangelist to the apostles. Her faithfulness is mirrored in her role at the foot of the cross, never abandoning Jesus. Bring your Bibles, and we will explore the four gospel narratives of St. Mary Magdalene’s great devotion and personal relationship with Jesus. Come meet Love!
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 Morning Session.
Rebecca Quinn is a mother of four and a grandmother of five and was a former Secular Discalced Carmelite. She loves to act and was with The Women of the Bible, Alive production for years. Her mission now is to portray women saints and mystics. By enacting and telling their stories, she believes our stories will be transformed.

MORNING Creative Workshop
2026-04-27 10:00 - 12:00
Art Hearts
The word, “encourage” is a heart word. It is rooted in the Latin word for heart and means “to make strong, to hearten, to inspire, to fill with hope.” Art Hearts are heart shaped mini-messages of encouragement, love, and light. In this workshop, we will begin our creative process with a short meditation to connect with our own beautiful hearts and then use paint, stamping, stenciling, collage, and mark-making to transform blank watercolor paper into 8-10 unique messages, perfect to inspire yourself or give as small gifts. All supplies included. No art experience needed.
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 Morning Session.
Michelle Lisenbee, RN, BSN, HNB-BC, LMT is a Holistic Registered Nurse, a Board-Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, and mixed media collage artist from Savage, Maryland. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Mason University, her massage training at the Baltimore School of Massage, and her Board Certification from the American Holistic Nurses Association. Her training has included various bodywork and holistic therapies over the years. Michelle is also a self-taught mixed media artist who believes that connection is where healing happens. Exploring ways to cultivate space for connection both in her own life and the lives of others is her calling, and she is currently developing her own healing arts practice.

MORNING Yoga Workshop
2026-04-27 10:00 - 12:00
Restorative Yoga and Sound Healing
This restorative yoga and sound healing workshop invites participants of all ages and abilities to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with their bodies and minds. Using gentle, supported poses, soothing sound vibrations, and mindful breathwork, the practice promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance. Participants will experience restorative yoga stretches that calm the nervous system, vibrational sound healing with crystal bowls, chimes, and drums to deepen focus and serenity, and simple breathwork and mindfulness exercises to cultivate presence and inner peace. No prior yoga experience is required. Bring a yoga mat and props such as blankets or pillows to support comfort and alignment, ensuring you can fully rest and receive the benefits of the practice. Please dress comfortably and come with an open mind.
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 Morning Session.
Teara Booker, MPH, CD, E-RYT 300 is a seasoned wellness practitioner and maternal health expert with over 20 years of experience in public and maternal health. She holds degrees in health, dispute resolution, and behavioral management and is extensively trained and certified in a variety of movement and restorative practices. Teara has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and communities through education, empowerment, and holistic wellness, blending her deep understanding of health with evidence-based practices and intuitive guidance. A passionate interdisciplinary educator, Teara is trained in Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra, creating workshops that cultivate mindfulness, healing, and self-awareness. Her approach integrates movement, meditation, and somatic practices to help participants connect with their bodies, release tension, and nurture overall well-being. Through her workshops, Teara inspires individuals to embrace balance, cultivate resilience, and harness their inner strength for lasting wellness.

Lunch at Bon Secours on April 27
2026-04-27 12:00 - 13:00
Meal Ticket for Lunch in the Dining Room
Enjoy a self-serve, buffet lunch in our Dining Room. Your meal includes the entree of the day, salad bar, dessert, and beverage.
Registrations for meal tickets will be accepted until noon on 4/20/26. Meal ticket purchases are not refundable.
Please pick up your meal ticket at the front desk when you check-in.
Lunch is served in the Dining Room on the first floor from 12pm-1pm. Your meal ticket is only valid on April 27, 2026.
We’re sorry, but meal tickets are not refundable.
Registrations for meal tickets will be accepted until noon on 4/20/26.

AFTERNOON Saints Workshop
2026-04-27 13:30 - 15:30
Meet Mary of Magdala — St. Mary Magdalene
St. Mary Magdalene is one of the most inspiring models for women disciples. Hear her story of healing and her role as the first apostle — an apostle to the apostles. She is first witness to the Resurrection, being the evangelist to the apostles. Her faithfulness is mirrored in her role at the foot of the cross, never abandoning Jesus. Bring your Bibles, and we will explore the four gospel narratives of St. Mary Magdalene’s great devotion and personal relationship with Jesus. Come meet Love!
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.
Rebecca Quinn is a mother of four and a grandmother of five and was a former Secular Discalced Carmelite. She loves to act and was with The Women of the Bible, Alive production for years. Her mission now is to portray women saints and mystics. By enacting and telling their stories, she believes our stories will be transformed.

AFTERNOON Creative Workshop
2026-04-27 13:30 - 15:30
Art Hearts
The word, “encourage” is a heart word. It is rooted in the Latin word for heart and means “to make strong, to hearten, to inspire, to fill with hope.” Art Hearts are heart shaped mini-messages of encouragement, love, and light. In this workshop, we will begin our creative process with a short meditation to connect with our own beautiful hearts and then use paint, stamping, stenciling, collage, and mark-making to transform blank watercolor paper into 8-10 unique messages, perfect to inspire yourself or give as small gifts. All supplies included. No art experience needed.
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.
Michelle Lisenbee, RN, BSN, HNB-BC, LMT is a Holistic Registered Nurse, a Board-Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, and mixed media collage artist from Savage, Maryland. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Mason University, her massage training at the Baltimore School of Massage, and her Board Certification from the American Holistic Nurses Association. Her training has included various bodywork and holistic therapies over the years. Michelle is also a self-taught mixed media artist who believes that connection is where healing happens. Exploring ways to cultivate space for connection both in her own life and the lives of others is her calling, and she is currently developing her own healing arts practice.

AFTERNOON Yoga Workshop
2026-04-27 13:30 - 15:30
Restorative Yoga and Sound Healing
This restorative yoga and sound healing workshop invites participants of all ages and abilities to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with their bodies and minds. Using gentle, supported poses, soothing sound vibrations, and mindful breathwork, the practice promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance. Participants will experience restorative yoga stretches that calm the nervous system, vibrational sound healing with crystal bowls, chimes, and drums to deepen focus and serenity, and simple breathwork and mindfulness exercises to cultivate presence and inner peace. No prior yoga experience is required. Bring a yoga mat and props such as blankets or pillows to support comfort and alignment, ensuring you can fully rest and receive the benefits of the practice. Please dress comfortably and come with an open mind.
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.
Teara Booker, MPH, CD, E-RYT 300 is a seasoned wellness practitioner and maternal health expert with over 20 years of experience in public and maternal health. She holds degrees in health, dispute resolution, and behavioral management and is extensively trained and certified in a variety of movement and restorative practices. Teara has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and communities through education, empowerment, and holistic wellness, blending her deep understanding of health with evidence-based practices and intuitive guidance. A passionate interdisciplinary educator, Teara is trained in Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra, creating workshops that cultivate mindfulness, healing, and self-awareness. Her approach integrates movement, meditation, and somatic practices to help participants connect with their bodies, release tension, and nurture overall well-being. Through her workshops, Teara inspires individuals to embrace balance, cultivate resilience, and harness their inner strength for lasting wellness.

Awareness of God’s Presence Through Mindfulness and Centering Prayer
2026-05-01 09:30 - 16:00
Mindfulness is paying attention to what is happening in the present moment, nonjudgmentally, and with compassion. The present moment is where we meet God. Paying attention to our experiences gives us valuable information we can use to live better. Living mindfully allows us to live more connected with God and to more effectively do what God is calling each of us to do.
Centering prayer is resting in God’s presence in silence, consenting to God’s presence and action within. We experience the fruits of regular practice in our daily lives. Come learn about and experience practices you can use to become more aware of God’s presence.
Wear comfortable clothing. You may want to bring a blanket or shawl. If you have one, please bring a yoga mat or something soft to lay on, a cushion or pillow to sit on, and a journal or paper. Please note, however, that it is not necessary to lay down or sit on the floor to participate. Lunch is included. Guided by Dr. Heather Alexander.
Heather Alexander, MD has a passion for encouraging and empowering people to live well by becoming more present to the moments of their lives and living with more compassion. She sees this as her way of offering peace to our world that is so in need of healing. Initially learning mindfulness to reduce stress, she found that practicing mindfulness helped her to be more aware of God’s presence. Dr. Alexander has led workshops on practicing mindfulness for stress reduction and connecting with God, mindfulness for parents, and mindfulness for teens. Dr. Alexander received her undergraduate degree from Haverford College. She received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her pediatric residency at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. She currently practices in Columbia, MD. She has trained with the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine. Dr. Alexander has also trained with the Mindful Schools program to teach mindfulness to children.
Want to extend your retreat experience? With at least 48 hours’ notice (and subject to availability), Bon Secours offers “private retreats” with lodging and meals. Register for two back-to-back retreats and add an overnight stay as a private retreatant for the night between. Call the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 to inquire about booking a private retreat.

VIRTUAL Continuing Education for Spiritual Directors - May
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00
Enneagram Personality Types: An Introduction for Spiritual Directors
As spiritual directors, we are aware that one’s personality, experiences, and relationships strongly influence a directee’s perception of his/her relationship with God. Gaining knowledge of a client’s personality leanings can assist directors while navigating a spiritual direction session.
This workshop will include the history, structure, and uses of Enneagram typing, along with identifying the basics of Enneagram personality typing. The schedule will allow for small group work using examples of the enneagram typing with short biographies. Through this activity, you will have the opportunity to discover how Enneagram personality typing might assist you as you work with a client.
Prior to the workshop, you will be provided with the materials needed to discover your own personality type. It is common to find a little of yourself in all nine types. However, one of them may stand out as being closest to yourself. This is your basic personality type.
This workshop is only an introduction to the Enneagram type. With the basic knowledge acquired through this workshop, you may be motivated to explore the subject further.
This is a virtual program, open to all spiritual directors. When registering for this virtual program, please provide the email address to which we should send the Zoom Meeting link. If you don’t receive the Zoom Meeting information by the day before the session, please contact the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120.
Donna Bilek, a 2018 graduate of the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute, is a spiritual director and companion with over fifteen years’ experience. As an Associate with the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), she serves on the Ongoing Personal Development in Community Committee for the SSNDs, presenting reflections and prayer on various topics, including grief and loss. Donna teaches and guides prayer at “earthwalk Center for Wholeness,” which she founded in 2005. For thirteen years, Donna taught Spirituality, Biblical Studies, and Death and Dying at Notre Dame of Maryland University. She has a master’s degree in Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

Caregiver's Retreat
2026-05-02 09:30 - 16:00
Uncovering the Blessings of the Caregiver Journey – A Day of Retreat & Reflection
This spring, spend some intentional time in sacred community with fellow caregivers, being reaffirmed and supported as a caregiver for someone with a long-term illness or condition. This retreat utilizes a lens for understanding and naming the spiritual dimension of the caregiver role and its myriad emotions and experiences and is tailored to uplift participants who may or may not provide hands-on care for their loved one, but who are involved in their lives. Topics that will be explored are intrinsic to the caregiver journey, especially the necessity of self-care and compassion, burnout, family dynamics, grief, and the often-conflicting emotions that accompany this reality.
Throughout the program, participants will be invited to engage in storytelling, prayer/meditation, writing, and other contemplative exercises that validate the caregiver’s experience and provide therapeutic tools for the ongoing commitment of caregiving. The morning and afternoon sessions will envelop the themes of caregiver grief, healing, and hope within each participant’s respective circumstances, while also envisioning endurance and renewal. Resources will be offered related to what is examined and for ongoing nourishment on the journey. A journal is a great companion for this program in addition to comfortable walking shoes for optional times of healing in nature. Lunch is included.
We also offer a bi-monthly support group for caregivers on Zoom in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
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 creative and contemplative 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.
Want to extend your retreat experience? With at least 48 hours’ notice (and subject to availability), Bon Secours offers “private retreats” with lodging and meals. Register for two back-to-back retreats and add an overnight stay as a private retreatant for the night between. Call the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 to inquire about booking a private retreat.
