Last summer, at the end of June, I began the first of two immersion experiences at Holy Wisdom Monastery, a Benedictine community outside of Madison.
Joining several other clergy members from all of the country and different denominations, we were introduced to several types of spiritual practices and the teachings of the Benedictines.
I especially enjoyed the journaling and the 24 hours of silence (I know, but I did!). For me, to learn several more ways to be in relationship with God and how to express it was extremely moving for me, and I looked forward to my time in Winter 2026.
That immersion just completed on Jan. 29. This time, the rhythms of the monastery felt normal, and the time of silence went fast as we dwelt in it together and made gifts for one another and also worked on our own personal rule.
I have a lot to say about the experience, but I am not ready JUST yet. But I will share the pattern of our normal day now, and perhaps more later after I have thought about it more deeply.
First, the day begins early at 7:35 in the Oratory (think chapel) for worship followed by 15 minutes of centering prayer. Worship had a hymn, a chanted psalm with canticle, a spoken psalm, and prayers. Centering prayer followed worship, and was a time of silence to center ourselves and create space for hearing God’s Call and Word.
Breakfast was simple–a continental meal before our 9 am beginning our own Circle Times.
Circle Times involved singing, praying, movement, art, sharing reflections, and more.
At 11:45, we went back to the Oratory for Worship and Centering Prayer before having lunch in the monastery all together with staff and the nuns.
In the afternoon, Circle Times continued, with smaller groups and reflections on questions concerning faith, renewal, our calls and more. What are Circle Times–I am not sharing specifics since we considered them to be confidential in nature. I want to respect that. But I will share that I found being with a group of colleagues, sharing our faith journeys and concerns in a non-competitive way to be healing and renewing for my own ministry here at Bay Shore.
At 4:30 pm, we would gather again (the bells would be ringing us in!) to the Oratory for Worship and Centering Prayer, followed by Dinner in the monastery dining room. Our meals were delicious, but reflective of what was available in season–the head chef there uses produce and foods locally grown and available. We often saw our meals recycling much as you do at home if you make too much of something and need to re-serve it again! It was a stark reminder of our food consumption–having whatever fruit or vegetable we want, no matter how far it has to come for you to have it. The sisters eat with the seasons, and also live with the seasons. In Winter, it is a quiet, dark time of hibernation and reflection. I personally enjoyed it, and the freedom to just be without the call to be outside and “do something.” I also enjoyed the sense of “stuff.” What is needed is cherished and well cared for, and what is not is given away for someone else’s use.
During the day, I resisted having my phone with me–and so my pictures of the week are limited to what you see below. I found this “fasting” to be wonderful for my thought-process. I also, in my free time, worked with my hands on several things–painting, poetry, journaling, embroidery, and knitting. I had forgotten how this was good for my soul–this handiwork–and how it quiets the mind.
Pete survived in my absence, but he did remark on the boxes from the bookstore that kept coming. I was strongly influenced by my new friends and the sisters’ library. I purchased 6 new books and a few other tools to use–but in the spirit of the sisters, I bought used copies (and three of them, you cannot even tell they were previously owned). I also subscribed to two new periodicals, and caught up on my own subscriptions.
I do want to tell you more, and I am thinking it may be a good Second Series discussion. Depending on March’s plans, I may do it then, or April. But in the meantime, I wish to express my gratitude to Bay Shore for allowing me the time away for this spiritual renewal, and for encouraging me always to grow in my faith so that I can, in turn, lead you all on your journeys, too.
May God’s Blessings not only cover you, but fill you with a Spirit of Love and Grace for others.
Pastor Sarah
