Journey Into Silence Retreat
(6-day retreat in Conway, MI)
Sunday, June 8 – Friday, June 13, 2025
Retreat begins with dinner at 5:30 pm on Sunday and concludes around 2:30 pm on Friday.
Cost: $615
“Silence is full of truth. It is healing. It fills our inner chaos with peace.”
~ Laurence Freeman, OSB, Benedictine Monk/Priest
Join us for Journey into Silence Retreat, a six-day silent, directed retreat. After our initial gathering Sunday night, we spend the days in silence and communion with God. You will meet with a Spiritual Director (included in cost of the retreat) each day to further cultivate and process your experience.
This retreat is held at the Augustine Center Retreat House. The center is a retreat house welcoming individuals and groups for ongoing formation, education, and spirituality. The Augustine Center is located in Conway, Michigan, on the northern border of Petoskey.
Silence the world around you. Silence the world within you. Silence the thoughts that shout out to you. In the stillness hear God’s voice. In the quiet, sense the Divine’s presence and the spiritual love that is waiting to embrace you.
In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen,
we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness,
courage to fear, hope to despair.
~Howard Thurman
Facilitator
Diane Zerfas, OP
Diane Zerfas OP is the Spirituality Program Coordinator for Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College, and is deeply involved in the center’s Spiritual Formation programs through the planning and teaching of Foundations in Spirituality and the Spiritual Direction Practicum. She holds bachelor’s degrees in math, chemistry, theology, and education from Aquinas College; master’s degrees in Arts in Religious Studies and in Pastoral Studies; a Specialized Certificate in Parish Life and Administration; and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Sister Diane Zerfas has ministered in many ways, including teaching high school as well as serving as formation director for Grand Rapids Dominicans, initiation and evangelization director at St. Mary Magdalen in Kentwood, Diocesan director of RCIA for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, co-director of Pastoral Life at Marywood, and leadership team member for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.
Sr. Diane will have a team of spiritual directors with her to provide spiritual accompaniment for everyone.
Retreat Details
Helpful Information
- Petoskey State Park, Cross in the Woods National Shrine, the scenic drive called The Tunnel of Trees on M-119, are all places nearby that retreatants have found to be supportive of their time with God. Some people have brought bikes or kayaks to the June retreat. We encourage you to consider what activities, if any, would ground and open your heart to God while on retreat, while also being aware that some activities might be a distraction rather than a support.
- There are some short trails with places for meditation and prayer in the woods on the grounds of the Augustine Center as well as an outdoor labyrinth. We provide an indoor labyrinth as well in March.
- Your room has its own private bathroom.
- If you need a first-floor room, please indicate this in your registration.
Registration Fee & Information
- Cost: $615
- Includes spiritual direction, meals, and room.
- Space is limited – please register at your earliest convenience.
- Financial scholarships are available – call to request information.
- View Dominican Center Marywood’s Refund Policy
- Questions? Reach us at 616-514-3325 or by emailing programs@dominicancenter.com
Catechist Certification
Many programs offered at Dominican Center Marywood may be taken for credit toward Catechist Certification for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. These programs are assigned a Content Formation Dimension (CFD). After attending the class in person, watching it live, or as a video on demand, go to the Catechist Certification Credit Form. Fill out the form and answer the reflection questions. The completed form needs to be printed and submitted to your religious education director in your parish.
