Retreats

Jan offers a variety of women’s retreat programs to parishes, churches, and community groups. Using wit, wisdom, and collaborative learning techniques, she invites participants to celebrate and deepen their faith by making theology both practical and accessible for every Christian. A degreed and published theologian, Jan draws on her own rich experience as a mother and teacher to craft a unique retreat that will have your group’s members laughing and praying as they grow closer to God and one another.

Retreat Options:

Patterns of Purpose and Passion

Christian vocation isn’t something you ‘find,’ because it’s what you are already doing! In this half-day retreat, participants learn how to name and claim their unique vocations by uncovering the patterns of purpose and passion with which God has gifted them. Scripture, prayer, interactive exercises and reflection all combine for a delightful morning of self-discovery and faith celebration.

The Anatomy of Christian Vocation: A Practical Model

Based on her original research of Scripture, historical tradition, and case studies of exemplary Christian lives, Jan shares a five-part model of vocation that brings meaning into every moment of the day. In this half-day retreat, participants explore their own experiences of call, transformation, gift, community, and passion as they chart their vocational development and envision new avenues of personal growth in faith. (Also can be presented as a five-part series of evening sessions.)

Women of Faith

Too often, our foremothers in faith have been relegated to the edges of our religious education and spiritual tradition by the patriarchal establishment. In this half-day retreat, rediscover the women who made significant contributions to shaping the practice of Christianity. Mystics, stateswomen, abbesses, and activists have laid down a legacy that not only celebrates women’s roles in the church, but empowers women today to continue to help create the church of our future.

Mary, Sister and Prophet

What happens when we look closely at the historical Mary of Nazareth, mother of Jesus? Using Scripture and historical research, contemporary theologians have found new ways that Mary speaks to women of faith in the 21st century. In this half-day retreat, participants will uncover the connections between themselves and Mary that will broaden their understanding of this young woman and deepen their spiritual relationship with her.

GodWalks

Take a few hours to praise God in the beauty of the natural world. Designed as meditation walks, these two-hour sessions feature introductory prayer followed by a brief instruction on specific techniques of active prayer and meditation that participants can practice as they walk a designated nature trail. Following personal reflection time, the group reconvenes for sharing and processing their experiences. Journaling is encouraged! Scheduling a walk for each season is especially fruitful for spiritual reflection and community building.

Need something special for your group?

Contact Jan to design a retreat to address your particular faith formation interests. Rates for all retreat options available upon request.

What retreat participants have to say:

“This women’s retreat was wonderful! The way that you integrated your message with the experiential activities was excellent. It’s helped me understand more about myself and about what God wants for us. Thank you so much!”

“I’m a young new mother and I signed up to attend because I needed some direction and focus. This retreat definitely helped me to begin thinking and focusing on my Christian purpose.”

“You do such a good job and involved us beautifully! I gained new insight into my vocation.”

“You were a source of inspiration for me! I can now reflect on my past experience and see that there truly is a ‘pattern’ in our lives. Thank you!”

“I liked that our gifts were acknowledged and that we looked at the ‘ordinary’ in a new way. Thank you for a wonderful Saturday morning!”

“There was a great feeling of community at the retreat, and the art activities made me think – and that’s a good thing! Your sense of humor was enjoyable and along with the flowers, tablecloths and candle centerpieces, it all made ME feel special!”

“I had no idea there were so many influential women saints. What an eye-opener!”

“The retreat was wonderful. It was perfect timing in my life, since I’ve been looking for that neon sign telling me what to do, too! Now my eyes are more open. Thank you!”

“This was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. I loved the topic, the activities and the conversations. Your presentation helped me see my vocation in a simpler way, rather than having to be out moving mountains. All of your points were so pertinent to my journey. Thanks, Jan!”

About Jan:

Jan holds a master’s degree in Theology from the University of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. As a free-lance writer for local and national Christian publications for more than twenty years, Jan has explored spirituality from both personal and institutional perspectives. Her book about Christian vocation, titled “Purpose, Passion and God: Awakening to the Deepest Meaning of Life,” was published in 2006 by Twenty-Third Publications of Mystic, Connecticut and distributed in the Philippines by the Society of the Divine Word. Through the years, Jan has served her parish community in a variety of volunteer roles, including faith formation and Confirmation catechist, parish school development specialist, Prepare facilitator for engaged couples, newsletter contributor, and kindergarten class mother. Currently an adjunct college writing instructor and novelist, Jan brings her teaching skills and theological background together by presenting retreats aimed at empowering Christian women in the 21st century. The mother of five children, Janice lives with her husband Tom in Chaska, Minnesota.