The Gift that Changes Everything
The Gift that Changes Everything
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.
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A Holy Week Prayer
by James Jenkins Lord Jesus Christ, On this Tuesday of Holy Week, I walk with You toward Jerusalem, toward the Cross, toward the great mystery of our salvation. You taught in the temple with courage and truth, even as You knew suffering was near. Teach me, Lord, to remain faithful when life is difficult, to speak truth with love, and to trust in God’s
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First Timer: A Fictional Vignette Based on Real Retreat Experiences
I’ve heard about this place from loved ones. My sister, brother-in-law, even my boss has been on one of these silent retreats. So here I am on the road leading out to Cloisters on the Platte. The road twists and turns and isn’t that kind of fitting, given how I’m feeling inside? But yeah, it’s pretty out here in the country, they were right about that. Good view, so far so good. I’m really doing this. They told me
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Three days of silence,
a lifetime of transformation
Experience a weekend at
The Cloisters on the Platte.