- Spiritual Directors Laurie Erickson and Gwen Pickering will be facilitating the Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina Retreat, based on the teachings of Father Thomas Keating, OCSO.
- There will be several 20 minute sits each day and time for quiet reflection and rest. Extended sessions of group centering prayer offer the opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and self. Enjoy the labyrinth, courtyard, walking trails, and art gallery.
- Participants are invited to join the Sisters for prayer, following the daily schedule of Liturgy of the Hours.
- All meals and a private room are included.
You are welcome to make the retreat, whether you are just beginning the practices or are deeply formed by them.
Laurie EricksonLaurie received training in spiritual direction at Christos Spiritual Formation Center in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Laurie has a B.S. in Business and is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer. Her interests in the context of spiritual direction include centering prayer, and using bio-spiritual focusing as a way to listen deeply to God’s presence through one’s body.
In her own experience of spiritual direction, Laurie felt true acceptance and non-judgment. She truly felt seen and heard and was able to pour out her own heart in the presence of her director. This is also the approach she takes with her own directees. She seeks to listen to the Spirit as she listens with you to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit within.
Laurie has two adult sons, three step-adults and eight grandchildren. She would be honored to walk with you on your faith journey.
Gwen PickeringGwen received her training as a spiritual director from the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI. She is a commissioned presenter of both centering prayer and the welcoming prayer through Contemplative Outreach. She also received training in leading the Ignatian Exercises through Sacred Ground. Gwen earned her undergraduate degree in secondary education from the University of Minnesota and MA in counseling from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Gwen is an oblate of St. Paul’s monastery. Her approach to spiritual direction is based on the Benedictine value of listening with the ear of the heart. She provides a safe space for you to reflect on your life while listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. She invites you to listen to the wisdom within your body and soul, as well as your mind. It is her great joy and honor to walk with people like you as you grow closer to the God who adores you and come to know and embrace your True Self.
Gwen loves to facilitate and attend retreats, especially silent retreats. This is quite surprising, since she is extremely extroverted, has ADHD and loves to be on the move. She has been married for 40 years, has a daughter, a son-in-law from Argentina, and two grandchildren that she adores.