Silent Retreats
St. Clare Retreats
A ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, St. Clare Retreats were founded in 2002 to provide silent retreats for women of all denominations and faiths. Participants follow the Psalmist’s invitation to come away for a time, to experience God’s presence in silent community. Half-day retreats are held monthly, and there is a weekend-long retreat every fall at beautiful St. Columba Camp and Retreat Center.
FRIDAY RETREATS (8:30 A.M.–1:00 P.M.)
On selected Fridays throughout the year, excluding summer, women of all faiths are invited to St. Columba Camp and Retreat Center for a half-day silent retreat. After greetings and coffee, a brief meditation and communion are offered, followed by a peaceful two-hour period of silence. During this time, retreatants may walk wooded paths, sit by the fire, relax on the patio, knit, read, write, pray or quietly commune with God. At the end of the silence, a short service precedes lunch and conversation.
Please complete the registration form for each registrant and each date. For questions, call Mary Fortin at 901-359-0894.
Registration closes Wednesday evening before each retreat.
2026 Silent Weekend Retreat
October 16–18, 2026, at St. Columba in Memphis
St. Clare Retreats, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, offers silent retreats for women of all faiths. A silent retreat creates space to listen more deeply while holding that same space for others.
This year’s fall retreat will be led by the Rev. Patricia Matthews, Executive Director of The Interfaith Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Patricia is an Episcopal priest, certified yoga instructor and lover of poetry. She plays guitar, piano and cello and practices dreamwork from a Jungian perspective.
An additional night on October 15 is also available. Registration is open.
Questions? Contact Heather at heartbrainbody@gmail.com.