Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center

In-Person Centering Prayer Session
2026-11-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Quiet Mornings - In Person Session
2026-11-10 09:30 - 10:45, 2026-10-13 09:30 - 10:45 | MD
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.

SoulCollage®
2026-11-06 16:00 - 2026-11-08 11:30 | MD
Everything Is Holy Now
Step into a sacred space where music, imagery, and contemplation converge. Inspired by Peter Mayer’s song Holy Now, this retreat invites you to explore the profound truth that holiness permeates every corner of life.
Through the intuitive process of SoulCollage®, we’ll listen deeply to the song’s themes — wonder, gratitude, presence, and interconnectedness — and allow them to awaken images within us. Using music divina (a contemplative listening practice), we’ll reflect on the lyrics and discover the cards that emerge from our own inner landscapes. These cards become mirrors of the soul, revealing insights about where we encounter the sacred in the ordinary.
What You’ll Experience

Guided listening to Holy Now as a spiritual practice.
SoulCollage® card-making sessions, inspired by themes of awe, reverence, and transformation.
Group reflection and journaling to integrate insights.

Who Should Attend
Anyone seeking a creative, contemplative way to deepen their spiritual journey — no art experience required. Just bring openness, curiosity, and a willingness to see the world as “holy now.”
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 before lunch on Sunday. Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday morning for those who would like to attend. Guided by Mickey Reed.
Mickey Reed, OT is an Associate with the Sisters of Bon Secours. She is enjoying her retirement from a 20-year career as a professor of Occupational Therapy with the CT State College and University System. Mickey combines her background in counseling and spiritual direction with her love for the arts and her commitment to be “Bon Secours — Good Help to Those in Need” within a variety of settings. In any given week you may find her visiting children with special needs with her therapy dogs, listening to families of children in critical care while sharing a craft project at the Ronald McDonald House, or providing musical comfort for hospital and hospice patients. Mickey is a Certified SoulCollage® Facilitator and was trained as a Boundless Compassion Facilitator by Sr. Joyce Rupp.

Sacred Waiting
2026-11-06 16:00 - 2026-11-08 11:30 | MD
A Retreat for Spiritual Formation and Preparing Room for God
In the quiet days before Advent begins, join us for a contemplative retreat where you’ll learn, practice, and experience spiritual formation in community. Sacred Waiting isn’t passive — it’s an active engagement with God through ancient Christian disciplines that serve as means of grace. Over this weekend, you’ll be introduced to the foundational practices of spiritual formation: what it is, why it matters, and how contemplative disciplines shape us into deeper relationship with God. Through teaching and guided practice, you’ll explore lectio divina (sacred reading), moving meditation (gentle mindful movement), guided Christian meditation, silence, prayer, and worship — each designed to help you release what clutters your inner life and cultivate attentiveness to the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re new to spiritual practices or seeking to deepen your contemplative life, this retreat offers practical tools, restful space, and the gift of practicing together. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of spiritual formation and concrete practices you can carry into your daily rhythm. No prior meditation or movement experience required. Come ready to learn, rest, and discover the transformative power of holy expectation. Guided by Sherrell Moore-Tucker.
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 before lunch on Sunday. Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday morning for those who would like to attend.
Sherrell Moore-Tucker is an aspiring chaplain and founder of Sacred Rhythms Ministry — a spiritual formation ministry offering sacred spaces, both online and in person, where believers can cultivate sacred rhythms as life-giving patterns that help us stay aligned with God’s presence. Sherrell has over a decade of experience in Christian wellness ministry. She is trained in Christian and Biblical meditation, natural and holistic health, and trauma-informed movement practices, and she holds certifications in yoga and mindful movement. Sherrell serves in her local church while reaching a broader community through YouTube, Insight Timer, and annual retreats that integrate spiritual disciplines with embodied prayer. Her work bridges contemplative practice and chaplaincy preparation, equipping people to care for their body, soul, and spirit through accessible, grace-centered disciplines. Learn more at: www.SherrellMooreTucker.com.

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.

3-Night Ignatian Retreat
2026-10-29 16:00 - 2026-11-01 13:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Are you looking to go deeper in your relationship with God? Join us as we experience the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Our retreat will explore some of the key aspects of the spirituality which flowed out of the life and Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who was declared the Patron Saint of retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922. This retreat will introduce participants to Ignatian methods of prayer, such as the Daily Examen. Guests will also learn more about the richness of silence and imaginative prayer using Scripture. We’ll explore how we might more effectively discern God’s will for us using St. Ignatius’ time-tested methods and how we can more easily find God in all things. In addition to the presentations, there will be periods of silent prayer and individual spiritual direction, as time allows. If the weather permits, the retreat group may also do a group prayer walking exercise. Guided by Paul Gallagher.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The retreat begins after dinner at 7pm on Thursday and concludes after lunch on Sunday. Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday morning for those who would like to attend.
Paul Gallagher, DMin is a longtime faith formation leader in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and is currently the Director of Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Parish in Glyndon. He received his doctorate at Catholic University of America, focusing on the positive effects Ignatian Spirituality can have on a person’s health and well-being. His blog, MakingAllThingsNew.com, has been viewed by thousands of people all over the world. Through his retreats, blog posts, and spiritual direction, he looks to help people transform their lives by integrating Ignatian practices into their daily routines. Paul used the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to get his own health back on track and looks forward to helping you with your transformation.

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.

In-Person, Evening Centering Prayer Session
2026-10-27 19:00 - 20:00 | MD
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.

VIRTUAL Continuing Education for Spiritual Directors - October
2026-10-24 09:00 - 12:00 | MD
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.

AFTERNOON Breathwork Workshop
2026-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 | 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.

AFTERNOON Creative Workshop
2026-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Images and Words: The Wisdom of Nature
Every season holds a sacred rhythm, both in the natural world and in our own lives. Autumn especially invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and notice what is quietly unfolding within and around us. In this gentle, soul-centered workshop, we will attune ourselves to the wisdom of the present moment through guided meditation, reflective journaling, and a contemplative walk in nature with camera or cell phone in hand. We will practice seeing with new eyes — allowing the landscape to speak, symbols to emerge, and quiet truths to reveal themselves through the lens. This is not about technique, but about presence, so cell phone cameras are fine. A small journal will be provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own. No photography experience is needed — just a willingness to pause, notice, and receive.
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, MD. 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. She currently works at a small primary care practice in Montgomery County as well as offering workshops and retreats at various local venues. You can find out more at MichelleLisenbee.com.

AFTERNOON Saints Workshop
2026-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
We are so sorry, but this event has been canceled. Please check our retreat listings for other workshops offered on this same day.

AFTERNOON Yoga Workshop
2026-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Movement & Meditation with the Divine in Mind
‘Come away with me’ says our Lord. We are meant to live and move and have our being in Him. Let’s take a break from the busy, roll out our mats, and lay our worries down before The One who sees, knows, and understands all. Bring your yoga mat, a bottle of water, comfortable loose clothes, and a journal to this time of gentle, intentional movement and mindful meditation with the Divine in mind. No prior yoga experience is necessary.
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.
Sanyika Calloway is a certified master yoga instructor with specializations in Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, yoga with weights, and yoga classes for all levels. Her classes are designed to accommodate beginners as well as advanced practitioners. She is passionate about helping participants move more freely and breathe easily, both on and off the mat. In addition to her yoga training and certifications, Sanyika holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a master’s degree in Psychology.

Lunch at Bon Secours on October 20
2026-10-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
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.
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 October 20, 2026.
We’re sorry, but meal tickets are not refundable.
Registrations for meal tickets will be accepted until noon on 10/13/26.
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.

MORNING Yoga Workshop
2026-10-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Movement & Meditation with the Divine in Mind
‘Come away with me’ says our Lord. We are meant to live and move and have our being in Him. Let’s take a break from the busy, roll out our mats, and lay our worries down before The One who sees, knows, and understands all. Bring your yoga mat, a bottle of water, comfortable loose clothes, and a journal to this time of gentle, intentional movement and mindful meditation with the Divine in mind. No prior yoga experience is necessary.
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.
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.
Sanyika Calloway is a certified master yoga instructor with specializations in Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, yoga with weights, and yoga classes for all levels. Her classes are designed to accommodate beginners as well as advanced practitioners. She is passionate about helping participants move more freely and breathe easily, both on and off the mat. In addition to her yoga training and certifications, Sanyika holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a master’s degree in Psychology.

MORNING Saints Workshop
2026-10-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States

MORNING Creative Workshop
2026-10-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD, 21104, United States
Images and Words: The Wisdom of Nature
Every season holds a sacred rhythm, both in the natural world and in our own lives. Autumn especially invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and notice what is quietly unfolding within and around us. In this gentle, soul-centered workshop, we will attune ourselves to the wisdom of the present moment through guided meditation, reflective journaling, and a contemplative walk in nature with camera or cell phone in hand. We will practice seeing with new eyes — allowing the landscape to speak, symbols to emerge, and quiet truths to reveal themselves through the lens. This is not about technique, but about presence, so cell phone cameras are fine. A small journal will be provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own. No photography experience is needed — just a willingness to pause, notice, and receive.
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.
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.
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, MD. 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. She currently works at a small primary care practice in Montgomery County as well as offering workshops and retreats at various local venues. You can find out more at MichelleLisenbee.com.

MORNING Breathwork Workshop
2026-10-20 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 MORNING 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.

Autumn Tree Speak
2026-10-17 09:30 - 16:00 | MD
Learning and Reverencing the Life, Language, and Spiritual Lessons of Trees in Autumn
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 autumn 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 fall. Participants will be invited into times for personal reflection, contemplative prayer and 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 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.

Healthcare Workers Retreat
2026-10-16 09:30 - 16:00 | MD
Caring, Healing, Curing: How Our Patients (and Healthcare Providers) Yearn for All Three
So often, the healthcare system can be burdensome for both patients and their healthcare providers to navigate with grace — so many needs, so many rules, so many patients, so few providers, so little time. This one-day retreat for healthcare providers will focus on caring as the heart of the patient-provider relationship and how such caring can help foster curing (when possible) and healing — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Emphasis will be on the Christian and Jewish traditions, although other religious traditions will also be included as warranted. Lunch is included. Guided by Dr. Pat Fosarelli.
Patricia Fosarelli, MD, D.Min. is Director of the Masters in Christian Ministries program at St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore, Maryland where she also teaches Spirituality and Practical Theology. She received a medical degree from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s Seminary & University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Commuter Option Sacred Earth Sacred Soul - Celtic Wisdom 3
2026-10-09 16:00 - 2026-10-11 13:00 | MD
In 2016 John Philip Newell began the Earth & Soul initiative, including a series of retreats (now called Celtic Wisdom) to help reawaken awareness of the sacred in all things through the recovery of Celtic wisdom for today and to help translate this awareness into compassionate action in our lives and world.
Celtic Wisdom 3 is the third of a three-part series of annual retreats led by the Celtic teacher John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling in which we explore the sacredness of the imagination, the sacredness of compassion, and the sacredness of reshaping the world.
The teachings of this retreat are based on John Philip’s award-winning book Sacred Earth Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World (especially Chapters 5, 8, and 9 drawing on the wisdom of Alexander John Scott, George MacLeod, and Kenneth White).
The essential text for the three-year Celtic Wisdom program is John Philip Newell’s Sacred Earth Sacred Soul. The shared prayer book for this program is Sounds of the Eternal: A Celtic Psalter.
Celtic Wisdom 3 can be taken as a stand-alone retreat or in conjunction with Celtic Wisdom 1 and Celtic Wisdom 2 which can be attended in any order and at any of our retreat centers across the country or online.
This registration form is for the COMMUTER OPTION. The Commuter Option does not include lodging and does not include breakfast. Please click here to REGISTER FOR THE OVERNIGHT OPTION INSTEAD.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief 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 celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday morning for those who would like to attend.
John Philip Newell is a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being. Canadian by birth and also a citizen of Scotland, he resides with his family in Edinburgh and works on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2016 he began the Earth & Soul initiative and teaches regularly in the United States and Canada as well as leading international pilgrimage weeks on Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland. His PhD is from the University of Edinburgh and he has authored over fifteen books, including his award-winning publication, Sacred Earth Sacred Soul, which was the 2022 Gold Winner of the Nautilus Book Award for Spirituality and Religious Thought of the West. His new book, also with HarperOne (and published in the UK by Wild Goose), is The Great Search (August 2024), in which he looks at the great spiritual yearnings of humanity today in the context of the decline of religion as we have known it. Newell speaks of himself as ‘a wandering teacher,’ following the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic world, seeking the wellbeing of the world. He has been described as having ‘the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar,’ combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern.
Cami Twilling, based in Colorado, is the Director of Earth & Soul, a Celtic initiative of study, spiritual practice and compassionate action inspired by the teachings of John Philip Newell. As well as heading up the overall work of Earth & Soul, she facilitates the spiritual practice component of the Earth & Soul Annual Retreats. Previously she was the head of Contemplative Spirituality and Youth Ministry at Trinity UMC in Denver. She has studied meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition of Shambhala and received Spiritual Direction certification from the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to leading mountain and urban retreats, she has led international pilgrimage groups to Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland and work teams to Guatemala to build houses in communities that have suffered from political strife and economic hardship. Cami is passionate about the relationship between spirituality and action and believes that spiritual vision and practice can play a vital role in helping to heal and transform our lives both individually and together.

Sacred Earth Sacred Soul - Celtic Wisdom 3
2026-10-09 16:00 - 2026-10-11 13:00 | MD
In 2016 John Philip Newell began the Earth & Soul initiative, including a series of retreats (now called Celtic Wisdom) to help reawaken awareness of the sacred in all things through the recovery of Celtic wisdom for today and to help translate this awareness into compassionate action in our lives and world.
Celtic Wisdom 3 is the third of a three-part series of annual retreats led by the Celtic teacher John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling in which we explore the sacredness of the imagination, the sacredness of compassion, and the sacredness of reshaping the world.
The teachings of this retreat are based on John Philip’s award-winning book Sacred Earth Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World (especially Chapters 5, 8, and 9 drawing on the wisdom of Alexander John Scott, George MacLeod, and Kenneth White).
The essential text for the three-year Celtic Wisdom program is John Philip Newell’s Sacred Earth Sacred Soul. The shared prayer book for this program is Sounds of the Eternal: A Celtic Psalter.
Celtic Wisdom 3 can be taken as a stand-alone retreat or in conjunction with Celtic Wisdom 1 and Celtic Wisdom 2 which can be attended in any order and at any of our retreat centers across the country or online.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief 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 celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday morning for those who would like to attend.
Please click here if you’d like to register for the Commuter Option for this retreat instead.
John Philip Newell is a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being. Canadian by birth and also a citizen of Scotland, he resides with his family in Edinburgh and works on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2016 he began the Earth & Soul initiative and teaches regularly in the United States and Canada as well as leading international pilgrimage weeks on Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland. His PhD is from the University of Edinburgh and he has authored over fifteen books, including his award-winning publication, Sacred Earth Sacred Soul, which was the 2022 Gold Winner of the Nautilus Book Award for Spirituality and Religious Thought of the West. His new book, also with HarperOne (and published in the UK by Wild Goose), is The Great Search (August 2024), in which he looks at the great spiritual yearnings of humanity today in the context of the decline of religion as we have known it. Newell speaks of himself as ‘a wandering teacher,’ following the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic world, seeking the wellbeing of the world. He has been described as having ‘the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar,’ combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern.
Cami Twilling, based in Colorado, is the Director of Earth & Soul, a Celtic initiative of study, spiritual practice and compassionate action inspired by the teachings of John Philip Newell. As well as heading up the overall work of Earth & Soul, she facilitates the spiritual practice component of the Earth & Soul Annual Retreats. Previously she was the head of Contemplative Spirituality and Youth Ministry at Trinity UMC in Denver. She has studied meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition of Shambhala and received Spiritual Direction certification from the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to leading mountain and urban retreats, she has led international pilgrimage groups to Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland and work teams to Guatemala to build houses in communities that have suffered from political strife and economic hardship. Cami is passionate about the relationship between spirituality and action and believes that spiritual vision and practice can play a vital role in helping to heal and transform our lives both individually and together.

Friends Day of Prayer: Tony Tamberino
2026-10-07 09:30 - 15:00 | MD
Jesus’ Ministry and Our Call to Justice
Since the time of the Reformation, there have been disagreements about social justice and personal piety. How do we balance the call to discipleship and personal holiness with Jesus’ strong concern for the poor and disenfranchised, especially considering current events?
Our discussion will focus on Jesus’ proclamation of the Reign of God in the Gospel, with particular emphasis on the Judgement of the Nations in Matthew 25, his Mission Statement in Luke 4, and the implications for our living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Guided by Tony Tamberino.
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.
Tony Tamberino has worked in church ministry for 50 years in the areas of youth and young adult ministry, catechetics, campus ministry, and publishing. He served as Events Coordinator for the 2020 Mid Atlantic Congress and retired from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School as Director of Campus Ministry in 2019. He is a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Columbia and lives in Ellicott City with his wife Therese Brown.

Contemplative Writing as Spiritual Practice
2026-10-03 09:30 - 16:00 | MD
To Pray Into Beauty
Terry Tempest Williams writes that “Finding beauty in a broken world is creating beauty in the world we find.” Finding beauty in a broken self, a broken heart, and a broken community is also an affirmation that we are the image of God, wonderfully made, beautiful and beloved.
Daily writing can help move us into our heart’s song. We begin with a word or a thought and then let it bloom; as we ponder, pray, and write, we receive healing for our tired souls — we begin to see the beauty within. We notice and we wonder, then write it down.
During this day-long retreat, we will practice contemplative silence together, complemented with reflections that invite us to practice looking and seeing with curiosity. Writing prompts will be offered, and we will write and share as we feel led. Lunch is included. Guided by Debra Donnelly-Barton.
Debra Donnelly-Barton, MA has led pilgrimages, workshops and retreats across the country for several Christian denominations. She has a private practice in spiritual direction, which informs all her ministries, emphasizing deep listening with others for whispers of the Spirit. Debra is a seminary trained spiritual director with 30 years of experience. She has studied at Stillpoint, Sewanee, University of the South, and General Theological Seminary in New York. Her master’s degree in Theology is from the Ecumenical Institute, St. Mary’s Seminary & University. She is a Doctor of Ministry candidate in Creative Writing and Public Theology. Debra writes a daily meditation, which she shares through social media.

Broken and Beautiful: Learning to See Ourselves Through God’s Eyes
2026-10-02 16:00 - 2026-10-04 11:30 | MD
So often we imagine that in order to be loved, we must become better, different, perfect. But what if the things we think need to be “fixed” to make us more lovable — flaws and weaknesses, mistakes, and sins — are the very things that make us beautiful in our own way? In this retreat, we will use Psalm 139 as a touchstone and will learn to see our brokenness as a beauty mark instead of a scar. We will use prayer, stories, humor, journaling, music, and more to begin to remove the filters that color our vision and see ourselves as God does — wonderfully made, imperfections and all. This retreat will include silent breakfasts and optional yoga classes. Guided by Mary DeTurris Poust.
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 before lunch on Sunday. Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday morning for those who would like to attend.
Mary DeTurris Poust is a writer, retreat leader, yoga teacher, and spiritual director. She is the author of six books on Catholic spirituality and six books of seasonal reflections. Mary writes about the spiritual journey in her award-winning monthly column, Life Lines, and hosts a podcast by the same name. She is also a frequent contributor to Give Us This Day. She and her husband, Dennis, have three adult children and live in upstate New York. Visit her website at NotStrictlySpiritual.com.

SDI Cohort 7, Session 3 *VIRTUAL Option
2026-09-27 16:00 - 2026-10-02 13:00 | MD
The Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute offers a nationally-recognized training program in the art and skill of spiritual direction. Participants gather three sessions, each time for an intensive week.
Session 3 of Cohort 7 of the Spiritual Direction Institute will focus on dealing with particular populations, such as victims of abuse and LGBTQ+ persons. A session on setting up a spiritual direction practice will be included. Each student will present two case studies of spiritual direction from their practicum in the previous months.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of the previous two week-long sessions (September 2025 and April 2026) or permission of the instructor.
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion of the entire program, which includes three week-long sessions and the required course work.
This registration form is for the VIRTUAL option. Virtual participants attend all sessions on Zoom in real time. The program begins at 7pm on Sunday. This option does not include meals or lodging.
Program Directors are Kathy Brown and Sr. Bernie Claps.
Sessions are facilitated by Kathy Brown and others.
Kathleen Hope Brown, D.Min. is Director of Pastoral Care Services at the Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her doctorate in Adult Spiritual Formation is from Catholic University. She lectures on spiritual direction in programs throughout the country.
Sr. Bernadette Claps 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.

SDI Cohort 7, Session 3 *COMMUTER Option
2026-09-27 16:00 - 2026-10-02 13:00 | MD
The Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute offers a nationally-recognized training program in the art and skill of spiritual direction. Participants gather three sessions, each time for an intensive week.
Session 3 of Cohort 7 of the Spiritual Direction Institute will focus on dealing with particular populations, such as victims of abuse and LGBTQ+ persons. A session on setting up a spiritual direction practice will be included. Each student will present two case studies of spiritual direction from their practicum in the previous months.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of the previous two week-long sessions (September 2025 and April 2026) or permission of the instructor.
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion of the entire program, which includes three week-long sessions and the required course work.
Plan to arrive in time for Sunday dinner at 6pm. The opening session will be held at 7pm after dinner.
This registration form is for the COMMUTER option. The Commuter Option does not include lodging or breakfast.
Program Directors are Kathy Brown and Sr. Bernie Claps.
Sessions are facilitated by Kathy Brown and others.
Kathleen Hope Brown, D.Min. is Director of Pastoral Care Services at the Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her doctorate in Adult Spiritual Formation is from Catholic University. She lectures on spiritual direction in programs throughout the country.
Sr. Bernadette Claps 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.
