Advent Series: Making Our Way in the Wilderness (virtual)

Several of the scripture texts we’ll hear this Advent season draw our attention to the wilderness. The gospel writers highlight John the Baptist – a man living in the desert, his voice crying in the wilderness – as the one heralding the arrival of the Christ. The prophet Isaiah calls the people to prepare a way in the wilderness for this arrival. Monastics in the early centuries went into desert wildernesses specifically to clear a path so that the Spirit could more easily reach their souls. We have all had desert experiences at one time or another; we have all found ourselves wandering in the wilderness. Be a part of this Advent contemplative community, together considering how it is precisely in those very wilderness times we are invited to prepare a path for the Christ spirit to enter our lives, our hearts.

Schedule

Each 90-minute session has a short period of introduction to a sacred writing, a person, a reflection, or image and time for both small and large group conversation. Each session is also punctuated with contemplative practices such as statio (moments of silence), lectio divina (sacred reading), visio divina (sacred seeing).

Dates/Times

IN-PERSON – Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 am

• Dec. 1
• Dec. 8
• Dec. 15

Consider extending your experience by staying longer and attending optional prayer and/or lunch at the monastery. There is a fee for lunch if you decide to stay.

• 11:45 am – Midday Prayer: All are welcome to join the sisters’ community and guests for communal prayer in the Oratory (lower level of the monastery building). Click to learn more about prayer at Holy Wisdom Monastery.
• 12:00 pm – Lunch ($19): Enjoy a delicious meal prepared fresh by our chefs. Email retreats@holywisdommonastery.org to reserve your meal 48 hours in advance. Please specify which date/dates you wish to stay for lunch.

VIRTUAL – Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm

• Dec. 2
• Dec. 9
• Dec. 16

Program Leader – Pam Shellberg

Pam is the director of spiritual nourishment at Holy Wisdom Monastery. As a lifelong student, educator, and scripture scholar, it is always a special joy for her to offer an experience of contemplative engagement with sacred texts.

Cost

There are three options to attend or watch the Advent series sessions:

• $37 per person for in-person sessions (Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15)
• $37 per screen for virtual sessions (Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16)
• $37 per person for recorded virtual sessions (sent out after each virtual session)

Register

Please register by November 25, 2026 for the in-person or virtual Advent series. If you need to cancel your registration, there are no refunds, but you are welcome to share your registration with someone who could come in your place.