Fourth Annual Pilgrimage of Peace

Join in a daily rhythm of sung prayer, silence, and common work
August 10-26, 2012
Still Point Mountain Retreat

A Friends of Silence Retreat with Br. Stefan Waligur (Macushla)

Join in a daily rhythm of sung prayer, silence, and common work
Stay as long as you want, for part of a day or an entire week

For the past three years, people from across the nation and the world have come together each summer to experience the peace of daily song, chant, silence, reflection, rest and work on a forested hilltop overlooking the Shenandoah Valley.  This gathering is called a Pilgrimage of Peace.  You will be embraced by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge foothills with access to Rolling Ridge, a 1400-acre wilderness preserve between the Shenandoah River and the Appalachian Trail. 

Praying with the Psalms

Friends of Silence invites you to a special summer contemplative retreat at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat
July 12-15, 2012
Thursday 6:30 pm - Sunday 1:00 pm
Still Point Mountain Retreat and Retreat House at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat


“Who among us has not yearned to know the Unknowable? The Psalms have ever been a response to these deep yearnings: cries of the soul ... songs of surrender ... paeans of praise.” - Nan Merrill, author of Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness

In Psalms for Praying Nan Merrill reworks the Hebrew Scripture Psalms into a poetic dance between the human heart and Divine Love. The language is all about “aspiring to live in a spirit of cooperation, co-creation, and companionship with the Beloved.” Though mindful of our personal struggles, we are invited in prayerful dialogue to come to know our deepest truth and to join with others on a journey towards wholeness.

Quiet Days Apart: Summer’s Delight and Gratitude for the Ordinary

A year of new mini-retreats for 2012 with Trish Stefanik at Priest Field Pastoral Center
June 30, 2012 (also planned August 18, October 20, December 1)
Priest Field Pastoral Center in West Virginia


Sisters of Mercy foundress Catherine McAuley once said: "We have one solid source of happiness in all our journeying - we can keep our hearts fixed on God."

But how can we do that? Busyness fills most of our days, and many things pull at our hearts. Jesus knew this. And that is why he himself repeatedly went off to a quiet place apart to be able to fully engage with others in his life and ministry. We are encouraged to do the same: "Come away…and rest a while" (Mark 6:31).

Retreat gives us the opportunity to prayerfully reflect on who we are and where we are, and tap into the wellspring of the Spirit for guidance and wisdom. Our God-given gifts and call are unique to each one of us; but for all of us, it takes time in silence and prayerful reflection for these to be nurtured.

Green Building at Woodhaven

June 15-17, 2012
Retreat House at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat

More information to follow.

Girls' Art

June 15-July 4, 2012 (dates in process)
Still Point Mountain Retreat

Sponsored by Friends of Silence. More to follow.

Dear Children of the Earth

Annual retreat for children ages 6-12 and their parents, grandparents or mentors
May 11-13, 2012
7pm Friday - 7pm Saturday
Retreat House at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat


In our grasshopper and salamander days, who among us didn't ask why the grasshopper could jump so far -- or why the salamander had black dots on its orange body.  We lived by wonder, for by wondering we were able to multiply a growing consciousness of being alive. -- Richard Lewis, Living by Wonder

We warmly invite you to a special treat for Friday night and Saturday of Mother's Day weekend, May 11-12, 2012. The retreat begins with dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and concludes with supper on Saturday and is designed especially for pairs of one adult and one child (ages 6-12).

The retreat includes:

Quiet Days Apart: Springtime Newness and Resurrection Possibility

A year of new mini-retreats for 2012 with Trish Stefanik at Priest Field Pastoral Center
April 28, 2012 (also planned June 30, August 18, October 20, December 1)
Priest Field Pastoral Center in West Virginia


Sisters of Mercy foundress Catherine McAuley once said: "We have one solid source of happiness in all our journeying - we can keep our hearts fixed on God."

But how can we do that? Busyness fills most of our days, and many things pull at our hearts. Jesus knew this. And that is why he himself repeatedly went off to a quiet place apart to be able to fully engage with others in his life and ministry. We are encouraged to do the same: "Come away…and rest a while" (Mark 6:31).

Retreat gives us the opportunity to prayerfully reflect on who we are and where we are, and tap into the wellspring of the Spirit for guidance and wisdom. Our God-given gifts and call are unique to each one of us; but for all of us, it takes time in silence and prayerful reflection for these to be nurtured.

Good Friday and After

A meditation on loss, vulnerability and transformation amid spring in the wilderness
Friday, April 6 - Saturday, April 7, 2012
A 24 hour retreat experience: 3 pm Friday - 3:30 pm Saturday
Retreat House at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat

 


A 24 hour retreat experience

3 pm Friday, April 6 - 3:30 pm Saturday, April 7, 2012

Experience the ancient Stations of the Cross anew as we pilgrimage through the forest and sacred spaces of Rolling Ridge in a walking meditation with pauses for reflection, prayer and awareness.

In the hushed anticipation of Holy Saturday consider the deeper meaning of this interlude in the Easter story. What happened during those forgotten, sacred hours when Jesus lay in the tomb?

Led by Lindsay McLaughlin, who is a writer, contemplative dance artist and member of the residential community of Rolling Ridge Study Retreat.

Sacred Male Sexuality

A Retreat for Men on a Journey
March 30 - April 1, 2012
Still Point Mountain Retreat

More to follow.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Green Work

March 17, 2012
Retreat House at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat

Calling all Members, Partner Groups and Friends!

St. Patrick loved to wield a rake, saw or garden hoe and we do too!  Join us on Saturday, March 17, 2012, for a joyful day of working together on the land.  We plan wood cutting, gardening and trail work.

Coffee and muffins at 9:30; work begins at 10. Lunch and supper provided. After supper join us for a campfire, Irish folk tales and more, music and games.

The Retreat House is open and available for overnight stays (no charge) on both Friday and Saturday.  Bring your own food for meals other than Saturday lunch and supper. Hours worked count toward membership and partner group volunteer commitments.

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