Midwest region offers several options for vacationing green and with purpose

Article brought to you by Sisters United News

Two hundred acres of natural prairie grass and timber. An 1890’s granary and barn, and a silo made into three hermitage apartments. Simple one-room, earth-friendly hermitages providing such ecological features as straw bale construction and radiant floor heating. Where do you find these amenities? At retreat centers in Wisconsin and Iowa sponsored by the Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi Valley.

The Bridge-Between Retreat Center in Denmark, Wis., provides a contemplative atmosphere to deepen relationships with God, self, neighbor, and creation. It is a simple place that consists of an 1890s granary and barn, and a silo made into three hermitage apartments. Spiritual direction is offered at the Bridge-Between, but the land remains the great teacher. Offerings in the upcoming year include a book club that meets the fourth Tuesday of each month and a Circles of Prayer and Feasting group that meets for prayer, conversation and supper the first Thursday of each month.

"We invite guests of all faith traditions to pray, to share simple meals, to study, to enjoy recreation and a holistic lifestyle," said Sr. Caroline Sullivan, OP, a Sinsinawa Dominican who operates the retreat center.

Near Wheatland, Iowa, tranquility awaits. The Sisters of the Humility of Mary, whose mission includes caring for the earth itself, offer green getaways at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Spend a day, a weekend, or even a week, reflecting, meditating and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation in a very special place deep in the rural countryside of Iowa. Only 40 minutes from downtown Davenport yet far from the hectic pace of life, The Prairie offers individuals of all faiths an environment of quiet beauty conducive to personal prayer and reflection, inner growth and nurturing the soul. In addition to a surrounding of 200 acres of natural prairie grass and timber, the Prairie Retreat offers a labyrinth, an abundance of native wildlife and green features such as no bottled water and energy efficient light bulbs throughout.

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration sponsor three retreat centers. According to the sisters, the centers have been a response to people's desire to grow in relationship to God, creation, others and self. The centers are an expression of the FSPA call to balance contemplation, ministry and creative ways of living community. In Arbor Vitae, Wis., Marywood Franciscan Spirituality center provides a sacred space for inspiration, solitude, reflection and connections for persons seeking greater meaning in life and a deeper relationship with God, others, self and all creation. Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa, has staff members eager to share ideas on adopting alternative energy resources and creating a sustainable environment, living "more green,'' tours of Prairiewoods' ecological features, presentations and resources. And in La Crosse, Wis., the Franciscan Spirituality Center hosts a number of retreats including an upcoming “Green Spirituality” program.

For anyone considering greening up the 2009 vacation, consider the opportunities in the Midwest—your carbon footprint will thank you.

For more information, visit the Bridge Between, Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat Center or Franciscan Spirituality Centers sponsored by FSPA. For Sisters United News Sacred Spaces brochure, click here.

Sisters United News (SUN) comprises communicators of 12 religious congregations of the Upper Mississippi Valley including the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Collaborating for maximum impact and mutual support, SUN is dedicated to promoting and publicizing the values of Catholic Sisters living the Gospel in today's world. SUN represents sisters who live the gospel and whose values include: seeking God together in prayer and spirituality; embracing community; living in right relationship with all of creation; working for peace through justice