Retreat Among the Trees

With Sister Catherine Anne Soley, ra and Janira Bremner

September 20, 2026

Date and Time Details: Sep. 20, 1-4pm

  • $35.00 – Program Price

A Journey of Encounter: Trees Divine Intertwined

In this walking retreat participants will engage with the trees that inhabit St. Raphaela Center’s grounds. Moving slowly, we will listen, observe, reflect, and respond in a growing mutual intimacy with these magnificent beings that bless us daily with their presence.

We will facilitate a space of learning and encounter via a journey with trees and expressive art modalities: visual, poetry and movement. Each art modality will be used as a tool for noticing & response to a divine encounter.

The day will include time devoted to:
– Slowing down in order to notice what can be seen, heard, smelled, and felt while being present in nature
– Responding creatively by making simple prints using leaves and acrylic paint, as well as sketching
– Learning and practicing the simple and beautiful art of erasure poetry
– Time for personal reflection and opportunities for sharing and connecting with others in ways that nourish the soul

The afternoon will begin and end with prayer.

September 20, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Cost to attend is $35

Please register by September 16

About the Spiritual Directors

Sister Catherine Anne Soley, ra

Catherine Soley is a Religious of the Assumption who has been involved in the ministry of spiritual direction for about 10 years.  She has a certificate from the Jesuit Retreat Center in Guelph, Ontario and in 2023 completed the Spiritual Director Internship Initiative program. Catherine has also directed members of her congregation on retreat. Catherine […]

Learn more about Sister Catherine Anne Soley, ra

Janira Bremner

Janira Bremner is a daughter of the Caribbean, shaped by the multi-cultural influences of small island identity – Jamaican & Guyanese ancestry: its food, music and sways of being. Since childhood, formal dance training, performance and engagement has been a formative part of her being.  And, for thepast two decades she’s pursued an invitation to […]

Learn more about Janira Bremner

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