7303 N 112th St, Waverly, NE, USA
April 17 - 19, 2026
About this Retreat
A professional writer, teacher, and mentor with 20+ years experience in communications, including PR, journalism, marketing, development, scholarly publications, and technical writing. Dr. Jennifer Overkamp is also an author, artist, sewer, and gardener.
As a Professor of English at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward for 11 years, Dr. Overkamp was an instructor, tutor and mentor for many priests. She is a graduate of Lincoln's Pius X High School and Nebraska Wesleyan University, and UNL where she received her PhD in English in 2008. She and Robert, her husband of 25 years, are members of St. Teresa parish in Lincoln.
Details of this retreat
Christianity & Creativity
April 17-19, 2026
with Dr. Jennifer Overkamp
A working retreat for Artists, Writers, and Crafters
The retreat will begin on Friday with an 8pm Rosary and Mass and conclude Sunday with Mass and noon lunch. This retreat balances contemplation with action, providing ample time for creative work on your own projects alongside periods of prayer, Mass, and reflection
God is the first Creator, the divine Artist who spoke beauty into existence and fashioned humanity in His own image—making each of us participants in the ongoing work of creation. This unique working creative retreat invites authors and artists, scrapbookers and crafters, sewers and all creative souls to explore the profound connection between faith and artistic expression.
Dr. Jennifer Overkamp will explore creativity not as a luxury or extra talent, but as a divine birthright—part of what it means to be a beloved child of God. Through engaging talks and dedicated creative work time, discover how God invites us to share in making the world more beautiful, more virtuous, and more filled with truth.
The retreat will include talks on making/creating and Christianity, short activities to spark creativity, practical strategies for overcoming creative blocks, and ample time for both reflection and work on your personal project(s). Dr. Overkamp will be available for one-on-one conversations about your work and your creative journey.
All skill levels and creative disciplines are welcome. Artists, scrapbookers and crafters will bring their own supplies. Indoor and outdoor spaces, tables and drop clothes are provided. (Unfortunately, we do not have enough indoor space for quilt frames.)
Come create alongside fellow artists of faith and rediscover your divine birthright as a maker fashioned in the image of the ultimate Maker.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House offers a sanctuary of prayer and recollection on a spacious acreage near Waverly. There are 50 single rooms, each with a private bath.
We want our retreats to be accessible to everyone, please consider an additional donation, or contact the Retreat House to inquire about financial assistance or if your parish pays part of the cost. If the retreat you’re interested in is full, contact us to be put on a waiting list. A few double rooms are available upon request. Airport transportation to/from LNK or OMA is also available upon request.
(Due to the in-person nature of this working artistic retreat, there is no online option.)
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