Contemplation, community, and connection: Partnership for Contemplative Discipleship hosts summer retreat

The daylong retreat gathered together attendees from Christian congregations across the Twin Cities to engage in reflective practices.

On August 1, St. Catherine University welcomed over 150 attendees from Twin Cities metro area Christian congregations to campus for a day centered on reflection, stillness, and spiritual grounding. Together, participants engaged in contemplative practices, turning the space into a sanctuary of shared silence and communal renewal.

The event was brought to life through St. Kate’s Partnership for Contemplative Discipleship, a Lilly Endowment–funded initiative dedicated to nurturing quiet reflection, intentional action, and transformative faith practices within the broader community.

One retreat participant and St. Kate’s alumna, Mary, said of her experience, “I am so very grateful — just an amazing day. I graduated 59 years ago from St. Kate’s. Where has my heart taken me? Where have my feet taken me? Full circle to come back to really be here.” 

A major highlight of the gathering was guest facilitator Christina Leaño, associate director of the global Laudato Si’ Movement. Leaño works at the intersection of spiritual depth and ecological justice. Her guidance brought both wisdom and authenticity leading to transformative personal experiences and deep discussions throughout the room.

The day was packed with impactful contemplative practices, including a walking meditation, sitting exercises, and a sensory mindful eating experience. Beyond the individual practices, participants forged connections across diverse Twin Cities congregations and ecumenical traditions, building bridges across differences and sharing stories throughout the day.

While the Partnership for Contemplative Discipleship has historically focused on collaboration between St. Kate’s and over 25 Twin Cities Christian congregational partners, it looks forward to expanding those opportunities for connection to the campus community. This upcoming academic year, the Partnership will begin crafting programming designed for St. Kate’s students, faculty, and staff.

"Our current Lilly Endowment Inc. grant is considered a scaling grant, giving us the opportunity to grow!” said Madeline Summers, Partnership for Contemplative Discipleship program coordinator. “We will welcome several new congregations to the Partnership each year and work with St. Kate’s students, faculty, and staff to build additional programs that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve right here on campus.”