Hybrid --Waiting with Hope: An Advent Journey
With Monika Ellis, OSB, Paz Vital, OSB, Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB and Laura Swan, OSB
November 28 - December 19, 2026
Waiting with Hope: An Advent Journey to the Incarnation
Week 1: – Listen With Sr. Laura Swan
- “Listen with the ear of your heart.” (Prologue)
- Theme of vigilance and waiting / Trust in God’s promises
- Practice: interior stillness / watchfulness
Week 2: – Conversion of Life: “Prepare” With Sr. Sr. Anna Camille
- Daily turning toward Christ through humility and obedience
- Theme of humility and repentance / preparing the way
- Practice: letting go
Week 3: Joy – “Rejoice” Joyful Service With Sr. Paz Vital
- Theme of quiet joy / Rejoicing (Gaudete) in God
- Practice: gratitude in simplicity / celebration
- Receiving each day as a gift and welcoming Christ in one another
Week 4: Love – “Receive” With Sr. Monika Ellis
- Hospitality to God: As St. Benedict teaches us to welcome every guest as Christ, Mary models welcoming Christ into her very life
- Theme of nearness of Christ
- Practice: openness of heart / incarnation and charity
About the Facilitator
Monika Ellis, OSB
Sister Monika is a spiritual director, retreat facilitator, musician and artist. She recently became a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) and is interested in helping people explore the world of art and its connection to the spiritual life. She has experienced how a Zentangle practice brings relief from pain, worry, and stress. It is a healing […]
Learn more about Monika Ellis, OSB
Paz Vital, OSB
Sister Paz has a MA Theology and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union. She is a Spiritual Director and a Retreat and Workshop presenter. She is an Oasis & Prayer Practices Facilitator.
Learn more about Paz Vital, OSB
Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB
Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB is St. Placid Priory's sub-prioress, Oblate Director, a program presenter, and helps care for the monastery cat. She has a long time Centering Prayer practice, is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer, an experienced retreat leader, and is on the Contemplative Outreach Northwest Leadership team.
Learn more about Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB
Laura Swan, OSB
Sr. Laura Swan, OSB, is a writer and spiritual director, who also serves St Placid community as Formation Director. She is the author of numerous books, including The Forgotten Desert Mothers and The Wisdom of the Beguines. Sister Laura holds many different hats she is a "YouTube star” too.
Learn more about Laura Swan, OSBCategories : Meeting, Program, Retreat, Weekend Program, Zoom Program