Weekend Silent Centering Prayer Retreat: Sitting with the Desert Fathers and Mothers

What a beautiful day! We spent time in contemplative prayer together, we forest bathed amongst the trees, we had a wonderful lunch with the Sisters, we shopped in the priory bookstore, and we listened to wisdom on all the many benefits of engaging in centering prayer. The retreat exceeded my expectations. It was everything I needed to start the season calm, rested and at peace.

I relaxed completely in this beautiful retreat space. The meals provided were delicious and nutritious. I enjoyed staying in the simple, basic rooms and slept well.

Thank you for this great space of peace and tranquility. Life today can be so hectic and stressful. I am glad I decided to step outside my comfort zone to attend your Silent Retreat. I felt at peace the moment I drove onto campus. The residence and room were very clean and comfortable. The weekend's Silent Centering Prayer schedule was very well planned. I love worshipping with the Sisters in chapel and in 20 minutes sit in silence with my fellow retreat participants. Retreat schedule also included Rest and Recreation time to walk around on campus and enjoy nature or just stay in my room to read/relax. The meals were delicious. The weekend ended with attending mass with the Sisters and the community. I am not Catholic, but I felt welcomed and comfortable attending mass. I am definitely planning to attend again! Thank you!

Dear St. Placid Priory, I just wanted to thank you again for allowing me to stay at the St. Placid Visitor Center while I attended a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation training in Olympia. Janice and Val were so welcoming and made me feel right at home. The minute I stepped onto the Priory property, I could feel the quiet, contemplative spirit of the Sisters. The Priory is beautiful and the Visitor Center was just as beautiful. My room was lovely, with handmade quilts on each bed and a cozy rocking chair. My bed was very comfortable and I loved that I had my own sink and mirror right in my room. My room also had a desk which I used every night to do my homework. As the week went on, I met other retreatants who were also so kind and generous. I was allowed to use the community kitchen which had a full oven, microwave and refrigerator so I was able to make my own lunches and dinner each day. Though, I didn't have an opportunity to eat with the Sisters because my classes ended too late, I did hear from other retreatants how delicious the food is at St. Placid. I would definitely recommend staying at St. Placid if you are looking for a calm, quiet, contemplative atmosphere. It was exactly what I had hoped for. Thank you, Sisters for your loving embrace of me and my CGS course. I will always remember you in my prayers. Mary Pat Heelan, Worcester, MA

This was my first visit to St Placid Priory and I found the experience a wonderful retreat. It gave me a chance to get some much needed respite. The sisters were very kind, the rooms very nice, and the food was delicious and the grounds are also very nice . I would recommend it to anyone wanted some quiet time.