For any of you near the Abbey of St. Walburga in northern Colorado (just about to the Wyoming line), you have got to check out this list of amazing retreats the Abbey has scheduled for this May. Hanging with the ladies at the Abbey is a blessing, but to be able to do a retreat day or days is even better.

Back in 2007, I was fortunate to be able to lead a three-day retreat on knitting … and have been blessed ever since! I’ve also attended a few of their retreats as well as a silent, on-my-own weekend. What a great gift these ladies are to those who avail themselves of the Abbey in Virginia Dale! Check out the descriptions below and try and carve some time out to attend one or another of these. A great bargain that will bless you beyond your imaginings!

Abbey Day Programs begin at about 9:30 am and conclude at about 3:45 pm. Admission of $35 per person per day includes lunch. Pre-registration and $10 deposit are requested to secure your reservation. Please call the Abbey at 970-472-0612. Space permitting, program participants may also stay overnight. Supper, private room and breakfast are provided for an additional cost. Join the nuns for evening prayer and morning Mass.

Thursday, May 12 — The Power and The Glory:
Living the Paschal Mystery
Leader: Sr. Maria Walburga Schortemeyer, OSB
Cost: $35 including $10 deposit
Catholics commonly focus intensely on Lenten resolutions and preparation for Easter, but then consider the effort over with the day after Easter Sunday. But there is a wonderful continuum between the 40 days of Lent, the Easter Triduum, and the 50 days of Easter. During this day we will reflect on the power and the glory of this unity and on how our lives can be a response to abundant grace.
Sr. Maria Walburga. Entered our Abbey in 1990 and made her monastic profession in 1993. She is currently the formation director for novices and our community’s farm manager.

May 14 — Afternoon Nature Hikes
11:30 a.m. – about 3 p.m.
Cost: $25 adults; $10 children under 12
Preregistration is required.
Leader: Sr. Maria-Josepha Hombrebueno, OSB
Come and spend an afternoon of hiking and reflection on our beautiful property to experience God’s marvelous gift of creation. Please wear comfortable hiking shoes, hat, pants, and bring water and a walking stick . Moderate hiking required on rocky, uphill terrain.
Sr. Maria Josepha entered our monastery in February 2003 and made her monastic profession in 2007. She is our community’s infirmarian and has a small carpentry practice.

May 20 – 22 — Contemplative Art Retreat: Seeds of Inspiration
Leader: Suzanne Frazier
Cost: $200 including $60 deposit
“What does the seed of your spirituality look like? What is the grounding of your spiritual journey? During the weekend you will have time to reflect and look at your spiritual journey through the non-verbal process of contemplative art. You will have the opportunity to express your heart-centered perspective and explore ways to access your creativity while supporting your artistic style. For participants who have not taken a workshop with Suzanne, this is a time to enjoy being at the Abbey and discovering your creativity in a safe, supportive environment. For returning students, you will be able to build upon your previous creative expression of your Spiritual Journey.
Suzanne Frazier has been teaching the “Art as a Contemplative Experience” art workshops at the Abbey of St. Walburga since 1996. She has a B.F.A. degree in Studio Arts and a B.A. degree in Philosophy. Learn more at www.suzannefrazier.com

May 27-29 — Women’s Vocation Retreat
Leaders: Sr. Immaculata Bertolli, OSB and Sr. Maria Gertrude Read, OSB
Cost: $5/day
Are you discerning? Spend 1, 2, or 3 days of retreat with us experiencing our rhythm of prayer and work and attending conferences on discernment by the nuns. Opportunities for praying the Divine Office, working outdoors with the nuns, and talking one-on-one with the vocations director.
Sr. Immaculata, a Denver native, entered our Abbey in 2004 and made her monastic profession in 2007. She is currently the vocations director for our community.
Sr. Maria Gertrude is a native of Boulder, Colorado and made her first profession in 2008.