Our Contemplative Way
The Christine Center is a sanctuary for spiritual deepening and global transformation in the lineage of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. It is a retreat center rooted in a long-standing tradition of Catholic mystical spirituality and contemplative practice that reaches into antiquity and across cultures.
In Christianity, meditation and contemplation had its early beginnings in the life of Jesus, the Essenes and the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Later, it was embraced by mystics like St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich and Francis and Clare of Assisi. More recently it has been practiced and taught by Thomas Merton, William Johnston, and others. At the Christine Center many of our teachers and guides are grounded in this tradition.
Other great religions also have mystical traditions with a long history. Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Hasidic, Sufi, Native American, Celtic, and other indigenous contemplative traditions also inform the offerings of the Center. Here at the Christine Center the resonances between the cross-cultural spiritual practices are confirmed and the differences are honored. Franciscan theologians, Catholic contemplatives, meditation teachers from both eastern and western traditions, as well as other experienced guides offer many diverse and wide-ranging retreats and seminars.
At the present, humanity is experiencing an awakening of the mystical tradition in a search for deeper spiritual realization. The desire to live an awake, reflective life is world-wide and knows no geographic boundaries. In harmony with this awakening, the Christine Center also offers seminars and retreats on transformational change and personal growth.
Vision Statement
Grounded in the spiritual lineage of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, the Christine Center is a Spirituality Center firmly rooted in the Catholic mystical tradition. Its unique emphasis on meditation, the contemplative life and mystical spirituality inspires people of all faith traditions and spiritual paths to come for inner growth and spiritual development.
Guests are warmly welcomed by our staff all of whom possess an exceptional sense of hospitality and service and who are dedicated to the vision and mission of the Christine Center. Our staff is often assisted by work/study, work/exchange persons and volunteers who, together, make a concerted effort to be a welcoming community for all who come to the Center.
It is our hope and goal that all programs offered at the Center will inspire and enable seekers to move toward a deeper inner awareness and understanding of their spiritual journey. We make every effort to offer programs facilitated by highly qualified presenters whose desire is to meet the diverse and unique needs of participants.
Inspired and energized by the frequent and consistent flow of persons seeking services at the Center, we have been encouraged to initiate a Capital Campaign to improve our present facilities and to enlarge them in order to more adequately serve all who desire to come. With trust in our countless benefactors, we dare to believe that you and our God will provide abundantly for the vision, goals and mission of the Center.
In gratitude for all we have received, the Christine Center community of residents, staff and guests seek to honor the sacred land and resources of the Center with sustainable ecological practices as we strive daily to enflesh our mission.
Mission Statement
The Christine Center embraces persons of all spiritual paths in a natural sanctuary for spiritual deepening and global transformation.