Deep Breath
Deep Breath: Self- Guided Retreats at Holy Wisdom Monastery
This offering builds on the personal retreats offered at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Deep Breath is specifically for clergy, offering additional support and resources. This program is open to all clergy actively serving in a congregation or chaplaincy. There are two primary ways in which a Deep Breath is different from a Personal Retreat:
- Additional support and resources. Rev. Kathleen Owens works with each pastor ahead of your retreat to structure a time that will help you to listen to God and your own heart in your Deep Breath. You will also have access to our clergy lounge space with books, art supplies, spiritual practice guides, and other resources for your time here.
- We operate on a “Pay What You Can” principle. We know that church budgets and clergy salaries vary widely. A day of retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery with room and meals is roughly $115. We ask everyone who comes for a Deep Breath to contribute what they can toward their room and board costs so that we can continue to provide this opportunity for those who need it.
Program Description
Pastors participating in Deep Breath will be provided with a bedroom and private bathroom in the Holy Wisdom Monastery Retreat and Guest House. Breakfast is available on your own schedule at the Guest House, lunch and dinner will be provided in the Monastery building.
Deep Breath Retreats are designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of individual pastors. Our funding will subsidize up to six nights per year. We will work with each Deep Breath pastor to find a retreat length and timing that works for you, subject to availability in the Guest House. You are invited to come for several shorter retreats, or you can come for six nights at once.
After your application is accepted and we find dates that work for your schedule, Rev. Kathleen Owens will follow up with you to develop a structure for your Deep Breath that addresses your particular needs. Your retreat may include attending Daily Prayer and/or Centering Prayer with the sisters, hiking, journalling, art, meeting with a Spiritual Guide, or giving yourself permission to nap!
Deep Breath participants are encouraged to participate in Daily Prayers with the sisters (offered Tuesday-Saturday). This is not required, but it does provide structure for your contemplative retreat. Here is a potential schedule for Deep Breath participants:
7:30 am – Centering Prayer
8:00 am – Morning Prayer
8:30 am – Breakfast (on your own in the Guest House—food is provided)
9:00 am – Hike or meditation trail
11:30 am – Midday Prayer
12:00 pm – Lunch (in the Monastery)
1:00 pm – Nap or reading/reflection time
4:30 pm – Evening Prayer
4:55 pm – Centering Prayer
5:15 pm – Dinner (in the Monastery)
6:00 pm – Evening walk or journaling
Deep Breath FAQs
1) When can I come?
The timing of Deep Breath retreats is dependent on your schedule and the availability of space in the Retreat & Guest House. After your application is accepted, a Holy Wisdom staff member will work with you to arrange dates that work for your schedule. Please note that Daily Prayer with the sisters and meals are only offered Tuesday-Saturday.
2) Can I come with a friend or a small group?
You are welcome to come with a friend or bring a small group to take a Deep Breath together. Please have each person in the group submit an application and note that you are seeking to come together.
3) How does “Pay What You Can” work?
The Deep Breath program is sustained, in part, by participants paying what they can towards their housing and meals. The average cost of room and board is $115 per day. We encourage you to prayerfully consider what works for your personal and congregational budget and give what you are able. You will receive a link to contribute what you can towards your Deep Breath when you schedule your retreat. We are grateful for your partnership in keeping this program available for all clergy seeking a Deep Breath. By supporting one another as we are able, we can breathe the Spirit more deeply into the world and its people.
Apply HereWhat pastors are saying about Deep Breath…
“Tension seemed to dissipate. My mind seemed quieter. I loved the walks in the prairie lands and through the woods.” -ELCA Pastor from IL
“The scenery and space is a great testimony to God. It washed over me in a cleansing way that left the challenges of the rat race feeling insignificant.” -ELCA Pastor from IL
“I feel a welcome sense of calm in the midst of busyness. I have come to understand that I have been called by God to serve the Church during a time of multiple crises. Intentionally spending 48 hours in a space of pausing provided me with renewed wonder and gratitude for the Spirit’s movement in my life, congregation, and community.” -UCC Pastor from WI