Embracing the Gift of Silence
Embracing the Gift of Silence
A retreat at The Cloisters on the Platte is different from many other retreat experiences. Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola it is an invitation into silence and contemplation. Because silence is essential to the retreat, each retreatant helps preserve this sacred atmosphere — both for themselves and for others. The
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First Prayer, Then Fireworks: Join us in Praying for our Country
By James Jenkins O Lord God Almighty,on this Fourth of July, we thank You for the gift of freedomand for the many blessings You have poured upon our nation. We praise You as the source of all liberty,for true freedom is found not in worldly power,but in living according to Your holy will.Lord Jesus Christ,bless
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Introducing the Caring for the Cloisters Annual Operating Appeal
Sustaining a sacred space for silence, prayer, discernment, and deeper relationship with God This year, we are grateful to introduce the Caring for the Cloisters Annual Operating Appeal, a new annual fund created to sustain the day-to-day mission and long-term care of this sacred place. Through this appeal, our community is invited to help preserve
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Why I Give: A Cloisters Testimonial
Jeff and Maria have been connected to the Cloisters from the very beginning. Their journey began by attending retreats in the early years, and their involvement soon grew into volunteer commitments that continue today. When reflecting on what The Cloisters on the Platte has brought to their lives, longtime Cloisters community members, Maria and Jeff
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Marriage Retreat Recap 2026
From Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, we were blessed to welcome nearly 160 people to The Cloisters on the Platte for our 3rd Annual Marriage Retreat — a weekend filled with faith, laughter, meaningful conversation, and time set apart for couples to grow closer to Christ and one another. The weekend featured inspiring
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A Marian Path into the Heart of Christ
During the month of May, we are invited to rediscover not only our devotion to Mary, but also her essential place in how we come to know and follow Jesus. St. Ignatius of Loyola understood this deeply. In the Spiritual Exercises, especially during the Second Week—where we contemplate the life of Christ—Mary is not simply
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Daily Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
By the Priests of the Sacred Heart O most holy heart of Jesus,fountain of every blessing,I adore You,I love You,And, with lively sorrow for my sins,I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble,patient,pure,and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus,that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in
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Litany of the Tired Heart
Author Unknown Lord, I’m tired of providing for myself. Lord, I’m tired of trying to be seen. Lord, I’m tired of worrying how I’m seen. Lord, I’m tired of being self-reliant. Lord, I’m tired of being hypervigilant. Lord, I’m tired of being distrustful and suspicious. Lord, I’m tired of protecting myself. Lord, I’m tired of
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Just Say Yes: Sam Cooper & John Lingo Bring Joyful Welcome to The Cloisters
If you’ve ever arrived to check-in at the Cloisters carrying a little nervousness—or a lot of life—you may have been met by Sam Cooper and John Lingo. As longtime volunteers at check-in, these close friends have a gift for making Cloisters community members feel instantly welcomed, settled, and cared for. Their approach is simple: show up, be joyful, and let the Holy
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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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Three days of silence,
a lifetime of transformation
Experience a weekend at
The Cloisters on the Platte.