quiet your mind ~ rest your body ~ feed your spirit
3 days & 3 nights of sacred silence & spiritual renewal
Immerse yourself in the sacred practice of deep silence
guided by the reluctant, relatable prophet Jonah
as we explore creative, prayerful, and playful
ways to nurture a life of faith that is both
deeply contemplative & socially active.
Step away from the noise and demands of daily life to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the deep peace of God’s presence.
For those who are new to silent retreats, this is a great way to ease into the practice of sacred silence as part of a supportive community. We will briefly gather each morning and afternoon (45 minutes/session) to learn a little about Jonah and how to engage in creative prayer practices inspired by his story. Between sessions, you are free to explore the gift of silence in your own way, allowing you to experience rest and peace on your terms.
For those who are seasoned in silent retreats, this gathering offers a wonderful way to deepen your contemplative practice of sacred silence. With Jonah as your companion, you will explore creative new ways to pray and sink even more deeply into the rest and renewal you long for.
Whether you’re new to silent retreats or a seasoned practitioner, this time of reflection and renewal is designed to meet you where you are and offer space for a deeper encounter with God.
We will gather on the sacred grounds of the Jesuit Retreat Center in Cleveland, Ohio. These 57 acres are a wooded oasis in the city with walking paths, an outdoor labyrinth (to be installed in spring of 2025), benches for quiet reflection, and plenty of opportunities for deer watching. Click here to learn more about the Jesuit Retreat Center.
Sharon Seyfarth Garner (Founding Director, Belly of the Whale Ministries)
Sharon is a spiritual director, retreat leader, author and United Methodist Pastor with a growing passion for experiences of sacred pilgrimage. She enjoys taking long walks, singing loudly, traveling with family and searching for the world's best wood-fired pizza (recommendations welcome!).
Laurie Tucker (Retreat Spiritual Director and Labyrinth Facilitator)
Laurie graduated from Wellstreams in Columbus, Ohio with a certificate in spiritual direction and and training to facilitate individually directed retreats. She enjoys labyrinths, listening, fiber arts, contemplative prayer, art journaling, and seeking the Divine in all things.
All meals will be in sacred silence. Coffee/tea/snacks available 24/7. Special food requests are gladly accommodated if possible.
Private room with shared hallway bathroom. Each simple room includes a twin bed, comfortable chair, desk/chair, sink, linens and towels.
We gather briefly in community every morning and afternoon to reflect on the story of Jonah and prayer practices inspired by his journey.
You will receive a spiral bound retreat guidebook full of reflections on Jonah, creative prayer practices, and words of inspiration for you to use during the retreat and then take home with you.
We will share powerful opening and closing ceremonies in addition to meaningful evening vesper services - candlelight labyrinth walk (Mon. eve) and Taize prayer (Tues. eve).
You will have 24/7 access to creative art supplies, prayer beads, inspirational reading materials (including beautiful picture books), toys for playful prayer, and an indoor labyrinth.
Included in your retreat fee is a 30 minute private session of spiritual direction with Laurie Tucker, our on-site spiritual director.
Savor the silence in whatever way the Spirit leads you - taking long walks in the woods, watching deer in the meadow, reading, writing, creating art or enjoying a long afternoon nap!
You can easily access the Jesuit Retreat Center by car or air travel (located just 8 miles from Cleveland Int'l Airport).
3-4:00 Check-in at Jesuit Retreat Center
4:30 Words of Welcome & Get Acquainted
5:30 Dinner in community
6:30 Introduction to Jonah, Opening Worship & Beginning of Sacred Silence
DAY ONE
8:00 Breakfast
9-9:30 Reflections on Jonah 1 - Wake Up to God’s Presence
12 Lunch
1-1:30 Reflections on Jonah 2 - Pray with Thanksgiving
Individual Spiritual Direction (30 minute sessions by appointment)
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Vespers (Candlelight Labyrinth)
DAY TWO
8:00 Breakfast
9-9:30. Reflections on Jonah 3 - Get Up & Go
12 Lunch
1-1:30 Reflections on Jonah 4 - Love Extravagantly
Individual Spiritual Direction (30 minute sessions by appointment)
5:30 Dinner (5:30)
7:00 Vespers
DAY THREE
8:00 Breakfast
9-9:30 Reflections on Jonah 5? - Live Contempl-actively
11:00 Closing Worship, Holy Communion & End of Sacred Silence
12 Departure (lunch not included)
