Welcome to Your Retreat Journey at St. Mary on the Lake
Taking time for a retreat can be a deeply enriching experience, but for many of us, the question, "What do I actually do?" can feel overwhelming. St. Mary on the Lake and the Peace and Spirituality Center offer breathtaking grounds and spaces designed to nurture peace and reflection—but it’s natural to feel unsure about where to start once you arrive.
That’s why we’re delighted to offer a collection of self-guided retreats. These itineraries are designed to inspire and support you, providing a framework for your time here. Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of nature, the richness of poetry, the wisdom of history, or the grounding practices of faith, we have thoughtfully curated retreats to help you center yourself and find peace.
How to Use these Retreats Guides
Each retreat is designed to guide you through a full day of reflection and exploration. However, these plans are not meant to be followed rigidly. Think of them as a starting point—adjust them as you feel inspired, skip activities that don’t resonate with you, or combine elements from different retreats to create your own unique experience.
If you’re staying with us overnight, you might choose to expand a single retreat across two days or mix and match activities from multiple retreats to make the most of your stay.
Our Hope for You
No matter how you choose to engage with these retreats, our hope is that your time here at St. Mary on the Lake and the Peace and Spirituality Center will be restorative, meaningful, and filled with peace. Let this be a space where you can breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself, others, and the sacred in your life.
May the beauty and stillness of this place inspire clarity, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose as you continue your journey. Know that you are always welcome to return whenever your heart seeks rest and renewal.
Explore the Retreat Guides
Below, you’ll find a variety of self-guided retreat itineraries, each based on a different theme. We regularly add new retreat guides, so be sure to check back for fresh inspirations. If you have an idea for a retreat theme or topic you’d love to see, we invite you to reach out to us. Your suggestions help us grow and serve you better.
Discover Inspiring Retreat Themes Rooted in Peace and Tradition
Explore additional self-guided retreat itineraries inspired by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and their rich legacy of spiritual wisdom.