Oasis 2025-2026
With Paz Vital, OSB, PhD, Monika Ellis, OSB, MA, Education, Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB, Sonja Weber, OSB, Laura Swan, OSB and Julian Cleary OSB
September 18, 2025 - March 20, 2026
Do you yearn for rest, prayer and nurturing in your busy schedule? What would your life look like if you gave yourself or/& to a beloved one two retreat opportunities at the Center, plus six quiet afternoons during the year? Silence, spiritual direction and Lectio Divina are available to aid your reflection.
Every Third Thursday of the month, 1:30 pm- 7:15 pm –at the Spirituality Center or Zoom
- Sep 18: Ch.1 The Gift of Winter and Darkness —Sr. Laura
Retreat: Oct 15-17 Wednesday, 7:15pm – Friday, 1:00pm @ Spirituality Center
- Oct 16: Ch.2: Spiritual Bypassing and Shadow Work —Sr Paz
- Nov 20: Ch. 3 Grief as Holy Path —Sr. Sonja
- Jan 15: Ch. 4 The Apophatic Path or Way of Understanding —Sr Anna Camille
- Feb 19: Ch. 5 The Compassionate, Fierce, Dark Feminine —Sr. Julian
Retreat: Mar 19-21: Wednesday, 7:15pm—Friday, 1:00pm @ Spirituality Center
- Mar 19: Ch. 6: The Transformative Mythic Journey —Sr. Monika
View and/or print the BROCHURE.
About the Facilitator

Paz Vital, OSB, PhD
Sister Paz has a MA Theology and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union. She is Spiritual Director, Retreat and Workshop presenter. Sister Paz loves to share her Mexican traditions, especially her experiences on the Day of the Dead. She is a Oasis & Pray Practice Facilitator.
Learn more about Paz Vital, OSB, PhD
Monika Ellis, OSB, MA, Education
Sister Monika, OSB, MA Education, is a member of St. Placid Priory since 1971, is a retreat and spiritual director, musician and artist. She is an enthusiastic teacher who loves to pass on what she knows about craft.
Learn more about Monika Ellis, OSB, MA, Education
Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB
Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB is a Benedictine sister in the St. Placid community where she is the sub-prioress, Oblate Director, program presenter, and part of the care team 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 […]
Learn more about Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB
Sonja Weber, OSB
Sr Sonja Weber, OSB, enjoyed art throughout her life, and later focused mostly on iconography, combining her desires for contemplation and creativity. She is a Prayer Practices, Oasis, and Retreat Leader.
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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, OSB
Julian Cleary OSB
Sr Julian Cleary, OSB, has practiced disability law for about 25 years. More recently she has engaged in immigration work. To Sr. Julian the Reverend Howard Thurman has been a model and a mentor in absentia of inner transformation, peaceful advocacy, and a purveyor of dignity and respect to all.
Learn more about Julian Cleary OSBCategories : Long-term Program, Oasis, Program Listing Page, Retreat, Spiritual Direction, Weekend Program, Zoom Program