Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Dec 2023

Give Me a Word: An Advent and Christmas Retreat to Usher in a New Season of Life

Give Me a Word: An Advent and Christmas Retreat to Usher in a New Season of Life

Dec 3, 2023 - Jan 6, 2024    
3:00 pm GMT - 4:00 pm GMT
with Christine and John Valters Paintner and guest teachers Aisling Richmond, Betsey Beckman, Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Claudia Love Mair, Deirdre Ní Chinnéide, Dena Jennings, Jamie Marich, Jo-ed Tome, Melinda Thomas, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, and Simon de Voil

Join us for a 33-day retreat that takes us through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, a time to contemplate what holiness we are birthing within our souls. Each day there will be a different practice offered to inspire, challenge, and support you in listening for the word that wants to be spoken to your heart.
Contemplative Prayer Service

Contemplative Prayer Service

Dec 4, 2023    
6:00 pm GMT - 7:00 pm GMT
with Christine Valters Paintner, Simon de Voil and special guest Polly Paton-Brown

Join us on the first Monday of every month for an online contemplative prayer service. Simon de Voil will be leading music and Christine Valters Paintner will be leading reflection and lectio divina or other meditative practice. Special guest Polly Paton-Brown will share her gifts with us.
My Heart Feels Lean: Behold the Darkness, Cradle the Light

My Heart Feels Lean: Behold the Darkness, Cradle the Light

Dec 15, 2023    
4:00 pm GMT - 6:00 pm GMT
with Melissa Layer

Join Melissa Layer, a psychospiritual therapist and interfaith spiritual companion, in listening with the ears of our hearts as we explore how “… the dark, too, blooms and sings” (Wendell Berry). We will open ourselves gently to the graces that conscious grieving can bring through explorations in poetry, writing, and prayer.
Seeing the Light: A Poetry Reading with Kenneth Steven

Seeing the Light: A Poetry Reading with Kenneth Steven

Dec 18, 2023    
6:00 pm GMT - 7:00 pm GMT
with Kenneth Steven

Join us for a holy pause as we approach the solstice, with a reading from much-loved Scottish poet and dear friend of Abbey of the Arts, Kenneth Steven. Kenneth will be reading from his newest poetry collection, Seeing the Light.
Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer

Dec 20, 2023    
5:00 pm GMT - 6:00 pm GMT
with Therese Taylor-Stinson

Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation that places a strong emphasis on interior silence or stillness. Our time together will include checking in, teaching on a theme to inspire contemplation drawn from a wide variety of sources, time in silence together, and reflection.

Jan 2024

A Different Kind of Fast Book Launch

A Different Kind of Fast Book Launch

Jan 5, 2024    
3:00 pm GMT - 4:00 pm GMT
with Christine Valters Paintner and Richard Bruxvoort Colligan

During this free hour-long event, Christine will share the themes and invitations of her new book A Different Kind of Fast: Feeding Our True Hungers in Lent and lead us in a guided meditation experience. Richard will offer the gift of music. There will also be a chance to win a signed copy of the book or a place in the Lenten online companion retreat for those who are able to join us live.
Contemplative Prayer Service

Contemplative Prayer Service

Jan 8, 2024    
6:00 pm GMT - 7:00 pm GMT
with Christine Valters Paintner, Simon de Voil, and special guest Jamie Marich

Join us for an online contemplative prayer service. Simon de Voil will be leading music and Christine Valters Paintner will be leading reflection and lectio divina or other meditative practice. Special guest Jamie Marich will share their gifts with us.
The Love of Thousands: Honoring Angels, Saints, and Ancestors ~ An Online Companion Retreat to the Book

The Love of Thousands: Honoring Angels, Saints, and Ancestors ~ An Online Companion Retreat to the Book

Jan 15, 2024 - Apr 20, 2024    
3:00 pm GMT - 4:00 pm IST
with Christine & John Valters Paintner, Betsey Beckman, and guest teachers

We will be standing on the threshold between worlds, courting connection with all those well and wise ones who dwell beneath the surface of everyday awareness.
Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer

Jan 17, 2024    
5:00 pm GMT - 6:00 pm GMT
with Therese Taylor-Stinson

Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation that places a strong emphasis on interior silence or stillness. Our time together will include checking in, teaching on a theme to inspire contemplation drawn from a wide variety of sources, time in silence together, and reflection.
The Cave of Transformation, Shapeshifting, and the Medicine of Song:  A Mini-Retreat on Ireland’s Mermaid Saint

The Cave of Transformation, Shapeshifting, and the Medicine of Song: A Mini-Retreat on Ireland’s Mermaid Saint

Jan 26, 2024    
4:00 pm GMT - 6:00 pm GMT
with Christine Valters Paintner and guest musician Te Martin

Join us on the eve of the feast of St. Muirgen, the mermaid saint of Ireland, whose story was written down in the 6th century and is a map for transformation. Through teaching, meditation, reflection, writing, gentle movement, and song we will lean into our own mythical journeys and call on St. Muirgen to help bring us clarity and guidance for next steps.
The Seeds are Rumbling: Calling on Brigid as Midwife, Muse, and Transforming Fire

The Seeds are Rumbling: Calling on Brigid as Midwife, Muse, and Transforming Fire

Jan 29, 2024    
4:30 pm GMT - 6:00 pm GMT
with Christine Valters Paintner

Through teaching, meditation, poetry, song, and creative exploration, you will be invited to tend to the seeds rumbling within the dark fertile earth of your own spirit and call upon Brigid to help nurture them into new beginnings. (This retreat is hosted by Mercy by the Sea.)

Feb 2024

Contemplative Prayer Service

Contemplative Prayer Service

Feb 5, 2024    
6:00 pm GMT - 7:00 pm GMT
with Christine Valters Paintner, Simon de Voil, and special guest Therese Taylor-Stinson

Join us for an online contemplative prayer service. Simon de Voil will be leading music and Christine Valters Paintner will be leading reflection and lectio divina or other meditative practice. Special guest Therese Taylor-Stinson will share her gifts with us.
A Different Kind of Fast: Lent Retreat 2024 ~ An Online Companion Retreat to the Book

A Different Kind of Fast: Lent Retreat 2024 ~ An Online Companion Retreat to the Book

Feb 14, 2024 - Mar 30, 2024    
4:00 pm GMT - 5:00 pm GMT
with Christine & John Valters Paintner, Amanda Dillon, and Jamie Marich

These are fasts from certain ways of being in the world which can deplete us and increase our anxiety and suffering. We don’t just abstain from them, but also embrace their antidote which lead us to identify our true hungers. This Lent we will live more fully into a vibrant state of being so that we are resourced to bring our unique creative gifts into the world.
Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer

Feb 21, 2024    
5:00 pm GMT - 6:00 pm GMT
with Therese Taylor-Stinson

Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation that places a strong emphasis on interior silence or stillness. Our time together will include checking in, teaching on a theme to inspire contemplation drawn from a wide variety of sources, time in silence together, and reflection.
I Will Live Until I Die: Exploring Thea Bowman as Prophet and Mystic

I Will Live Until I Die: Exploring Thea Bowman as Prophet and Mystic

Feb 23, 2024    
4:00 pm GMT - 6:00 pm GMT
with ValLimar Jansen

Experience a two-hour retreat with ValLimar Jansen reflecting on the life, the work, the words, and the ministry of Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, Servant of God, Sr. Thea Bowman.

Mar 2024

Contemplative Prayer Service

Contemplative Prayer Service

Mar 4, 2024    
6:00 pm GMT - 7:00 pm GMT
with Christine Valters Paintner, Simon de Voil, and special guest Richard Bruxvoort Colligan

Join us for an online contemplative prayer service. Simon de Voil will be leading music and Christine Valters Paintner will be leading reflection and lectio divina or other meditative practice. Special guest Richard Bruxvoort Colligan will share his gift of music with us.
The Dance of Conflict Transformation

The Dance of Conflict Transformation

Mar 15, 2024    
3:00 pm GMT - 5:00 pm GMT
with Dr. Dena Jennings

In this retreat, explore the components of conflict in our daily lives as illuminated by the lives of mystics and saints. We will examine personal and communal aspects of conflict transformation as we observe how our desert elders and Celtic saints moved through opposition.
Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer

Mar 20, 2024    
4:00 pm GMT - 5:00 pm GMT
with Therese Taylor-Stinson

Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation that places a strong emphasis on interior silence or stillness. Our time together will include checking in, teaching on a theme to inspire contemplation drawn from a wide variety of sources, time in silence together, and reflection.

Apr 2024

Contemplative Prayer Service

Contemplative Prayer Service

Apr 1, 2024    
6:00 pm IST - 7:00 pm IST
with Christine Valters Paintner, Simon de Voil, and special guest Te Martin

Join us on the first Monday of every month for an online contemplative prayer service. Simon de Voil will be leading music and Christine Valters Paintner will be leading reflection and lectio divina or other meditative practice. Special guest Te Martin will share their gift of music with us.
Animist Christianity: Tending Your Wild Heart with Our Beloved Plant Kin

Animist Christianity: Tending Your Wild Heart with Our Beloved Plant Kin

Apr 12, 2024    
4:00 pm IST - 6:00 pm IST
with Lindsay Sudeikis

We will contemplate and connect with our beloved plant kin, as Jesus, Mary, and so many saints have done for centuries.
Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer

Apr 17, 2024    
5:00 pm IST - 6:00 pm IST
with Therese Taylor-Stinson

Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation that places a strong emphasis on interior silence or stillness. Our time together will include checking in, teaching on a theme to inspire contemplation drawn from a wide variety of sources, time in silence together, and reflection.
Awakening the Creative Spirit: Experiential Education in the Expressive Arts (Northwest)

Awakening the Creative Spirit: Experiential Education in the Expressive Arts (Northwest)

Apr 21, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024    
All Day
with Kayce Stevens Hughlett and Betsey Beckman

A five-day, in person, experiential intensive exploring tools for integrating the arts and imagination into spiritual direction and other healing ministries.
Virtual Celtic Pilgrimage: The Wisdom of Irish Saints Colman, Sourney, and Patrick

Virtual Celtic Pilgrimage: The Wisdom of Irish Saints Colman, Sourney, and Patrick

Apr 23, 2024 - May 1, 2024    
3:00 pm IST - 4:15 pm IST
with Christine Valters Paintner and guest teachers

This year’s pilgrimage celebrates the feast of Bealtaine (or sometimes spelled Beltane) which is the Celtic feast of blossoming and the start of the light half of the year in the northern hemisphere.

May 2024

Contemplative Prayer Service

Contemplative Prayer Service

May 6, 2024    
6:00 pm IST - 7:00 pm IST
with Christine Valters Paintner, Simon de Voil, and special guest Soyinka Rahim

Join us on the first Monday of every month for an online contemplative prayer service. Simon de Voil will be leading music and Christine Valters Paintner will be leading reflection and lectio divina or other meditative practice. Special guest Soyinka Rahim will share her gift of music with us.
Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer

May 15, 2024    
5:00 pm IST - 6:00 pm IST
with Therese Taylor-Stinson

Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation that places a strong emphasis on interior silence or stillness. Our time together will include checking in, teaching on a theme to inspire contemplation drawn from a wide variety of sources, time in silence together, and reflection.
Queering Contemplation: Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality

Queering Contemplation: Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality

May 24, 2024    
4:00 pm IST - 6:00 pm IST
with Cassidy Hall, MA, MDiv, MTS

Our time together in queering contemplation will examine what it means to queer the deserts of our lives, what it feels like to queer our inner sanctuary, and how letting go of the contemplative status quo and trusting our own inner experience can expand our lives into infinite possibility.

Jun 2024

Contemplative Prayer Service

Contemplative Prayer Service

Jun 3, 2024    
6:00 pm IST - 7:00 pm IST
with Christine Valters Paintner, Simon de Voil, and special guest Dena Jennings

Join us on the first Monday of every month for an online contemplative prayer service. Simon de Voil will be leading music and Christine Valters Paintner will be leading reflection and lectio divina or other meditative practice. Special guest Dena Jennings will share her gift of music with us.
Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer

Jun 19, 2024    
5:00 pm IST - 6:00 pm IST
with Therese Taylor-Stinson

Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation that places a strong emphasis on interior silence or stillness. Our time together will include checking in, teaching on a theme to inspire contemplation drawn from a wide variety of sources, time in silence together, and reflection.