by Deanna Vansickel-Staudt
There are gifts that keep on giving, and then there are gifts that deeply change your experience of life. My time at the Cloisters on the Platte felt like that kind of gift—almost otherworldly.
I’m Protestant, and I had been on the waitlist for many years before finally being invited in February 2026. I expected a beautiful place where I would spend time in silence, maybe take walks, and step away from the distractions of the world. What I didn’t expect was the depth of the spiritual experience waiting there.
When I arrived, I realized that most of the retreatants were Catholic. At first, I felt a little unsure simply because I come from a Protestant background. But my relationship with God and Jesus is strong, and I’ve spent years attending leadership retreats, meditation retreats, and spiritual gatherings. Nothing about the experience felt off-putting. Instead, I quickly realized that the Catholic rhythm of the retreat created an incredibly rich spiritual structure.
There was a daily message that applied to current life realities, prayer in the chapel, and spiritual direction—things I had not anticipated but that became some of the greatest blessings of the experience. The retreat created a meaningful and grounded way to apply both heart and mind to following Jesus. It was a deeply reflective space to explore how the wisdom and teachings of Christ can be embodied in our lives today.
One of the most moving experiences for me was walking the Stations of the Cross. The statues are magnificent and deeply reverent. As you move from station to station, the story of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice comes vividly to life. It allows you to reflect on the burdens He carried with dignity so that He could die and rise again, offering each of us the gift of true love. Walking those stations becomes more than reflection—it becomes a reminder that we are never alone, that through the Holy Spirit He is still with us, guiding us and inviting us to live in peace.
The facilities themselves are breathtaking. Every detail is cared for with extraordinary thoughtfulness. The rooms are beautiful and peaceful, the grounds are stunning, and the meals are truly exceptional. Even the way the meals are served reflects the spirit of the retreat—you are cared for so completely that you are free to simply rest, reflect, and be present with God.
The atmosphere of the entire place genuinely feels filled with the presence of Jesus—loving, gentle, wise, and safe. In a world that is often loud and chaotic, the Cloisters offers something rare: a space where you can truly let go, listen deeply, and reconnect with God.