5.0
Verified
Art Journaling
What a lovely weekend spent meeting new people and sharing an intimate moment of creating art journals and discovering about myself along the way.
Sacred Pause - A Weekend Silent Directed Retreat
Top Rated
Sacred Pause - A Weekend Silent Directed Retreat
4.8990 reviews
53 Mill St, Westfield, MA 01085, USA
Jan 15 - 17, 2027
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Jo Ann Bourquard is a seasoned spiritual director who believes that spiritual companioning is a means of healing the soul and, ultimately, the world. She holds the belief that “an unreflected life is not worth living” and that sharing our life story with one who is trained to listen deeply is a path toward personal growth and connection with the Divine.
JoAnn is a retreat director and workshop facilitator. She has a particular interest in journaling and using literature as a means of awakening the soul. With a Master’s Degree in Spirituality and a certificate in Women’s Leadership, JoAnn is a Supervisor to those in formation to become spiritual directors and trains other supervisors. She especially connects with nature as a way into deeper contemplation and joy. She is also experienced in teaching the Enneagram.
JoAnn presents a range of programs throughout the Northeast and is involved in the spiritual discernment process with individuals and groups in transition. She accompanies people of all faiths, including those seeking but not identifying with a particular tradition. She has accompanied men and women with serious illnesses, those who are dying, and people dealing with grief and loss of all types.
Jo Ann has been a cherished member of the Genesis team for many years. She has led retreats, offered spiritual direction, and helped shape the Genesis guest experience into one of hope, healing, and hospitality.
Details of this retreat
As a new year begins, are you yearning for rest, silence, and a deeper connection with the Holy? Give yourself the gift of a sacred pause. Step away from the demands of daily life and enter a space of prayerful stillness, peaceful surroundings, and spiritual companionship.
This weekend retreat invites you into the grace of silence, complemented by the opportunity for Spiritual Direction. On Saturday, you will meet privately with an experienced spiritual director who serves as a compassionate companion and guide on your spiritual journey. Through attentive conversation, you will be encouraged in prayer and invited to recognize the movements of the Spirit in your life. On Friday evening, you will have an introductory meeting with your spiritual director to discuss your intentions for the weekend and arrange a time for your Saturday session.
The remainder of the retreat is yours to experience at your own pace. You may choose to spend time in personal prayer, journaling, quiet reflection, creative expression, peaceful walks, or simply resting amid the serene beauty of Genesis. With an intentionally unstructured schedule, this retreat offers the freedom to listen deeply, embrace stillness, and open your heart to the mystery of the Divine at work within and around you.
Those who wish are welcome to remain on the grounds of Genesis beyond the scheduled retreat time, as their personal schedules allow.
Schedule
Friday
3:00p – Arrival and check-in
6:00p – Supper
7:00p – Communal Prayer Service.
Saturday
Day of Silence and Spiritual Direction
8:00a – Breakfast
12:00p – Lunch
6:00p – Supper
7:00p Communal Prayer Service (optional)
Sunday
8:00a - Breakfast
10:00a – Check-out and departure.
This weekend retreat invites you into the grace of silence, complemented by the opportunity for Spiritual Direction. On Saturday, you will meet privately with an experienced spiritual director who serves as a compassionate companion and guide on your spiritual journey. Through attentive conversation, you will be encouraged in prayer and invited to recognize the movements of the Spirit in your life. On Friday evening, you will have an introductory meeting with your spiritual director to discuss your intentions for the weekend and arrange a time for your Saturday session.
The remainder of the retreat is yours to experience at your own pace. You may choose to spend time in personal prayer, journaling, quiet reflection, creative expression, peaceful walks, or simply resting amid the serene beauty of Genesis. With an intentionally unstructured schedule, this retreat offers the freedom to listen deeply, embrace stillness, and open your heart to the mystery of the Divine at work within and around you.
Those who wish are welcome to remain on the grounds of Genesis beyond the scheduled retreat time, as their personal schedules allow.
Schedule
Friday
3:00p – Arrival and check-in
6:00p – Supper
7:00p – Communal Prayer Service.
Saturday
Day of Silence and Spiritual Direction
8:00a – Breakfast
12:00p – Lunch
6:00p – Supper
7:00p Communal Prayer Service (optional)
Sunday
8:00a - Breakfast
10:00a – Check-out and departure.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill St, Westfield, MA 01085, USA
Accommodation
Program Price - Single Occupancy
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Taste of Italy
Truly an amazing evening with delicious food, creative ambiance, and delightful entertainment. Congratulations, Genesis, on launching this new experience of bringing people together for friendship and sheer delight. Looking forward to the next Table of Grace.
5.0
Verified
Biospiritual Focusing retreat at Genesis
I recently attended a five day Biospiritual Focusing retreat at Genesis. The program was excellent. The coordinators experience and wisdom were extremely helpful. I also appreciated their caring and responsiveness to anything I needed.
The staff at the retreat house created a caring, welcoming environment in every way. The food was excellent, and much appreciated. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. It was a very positive experience, and am looking forward to my next retreat there.
The staff at the retreat house created a caring, welcoming environment in every way. The food was excellent, and much appreciated. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. It was a very positive experience, and am looking forward to my next retreat there.
5.0
Verified
BioSpiritual Focusing Retreat 8/26
I received so many gifts of new knowledge and experiences from all 4 instructors and many participants. As always I enjoyed all of the outdoor spaces, especially the labyrinth. I truly appreciate the space that was freely available in the chapel, carriage house and friendship hall for myself and others to offer optional groups.
5.0
Verified
Italy at Genesis
It was a wonderful evening. Not only was the food delicious, but the teamwork of the staff was admirable and the camaraderie of the guests made for an enjoyable evening. The ambiance was elegant!
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