Litany of the Tired Heart
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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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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What I Seek and What I Find
Every year, when I make my annual retreat at The Cloisters on the Platte, I arrive with great anticipation. I look forward to the quiet, to putting my phone away, and to giving myself permission to get lost in my own thoughts. It is time set apart to reflect on how I live my life
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Reflecting on 2025: Year-End Review at The Cloisters on the Platte
As the calendar turns to a new year, we pause to reflect on the remarkable journey of 2025 at The Cloisters on the Platte. This year, our community: 2025 was also filled with meaningful events including our second annual marriage retreat, grounds clean-up, two waitlist retreat sneak peeks, our inaugural Shop and Sing Christmas event, and the upcoming Christmas at the Cloisters celebrations. At the heart of
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The Power of People
The Cloisters on the Platte campus is known for its beauty. Our lodges, each unique and welcoming, are celebrated for their comfort. The Stations of the Cross sculptures that line our grounds offer moments of reflection and awe. The landscaping, architecture, and trails. Truly, it would be easy to go on and on about the physical beauty found at Cloisters on
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Stewardship in Every Season – Managing the Cloisters Campus
Few people understand how much work goes into keeping the Cloisters campus looking beautiful year-round. From snowstorms to summer mowing marathons, our dedicated grounds crew manages it all. We sat down with our head groundskeeper – Heath Albright to learn what it really takes to care for a campus of this size and beauty. Q: How long have you
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From Indianapolis to Gretna: A Small World Connection
The Cloisters community is not only strong – it’s far-reaching! Just ask Melissa and John Joerger and staff member Holly Ortmeier, who experienced this firsthand over the past year. Their story began in Indianapolis at 2024 National Eucharistic Congress. That event included thousands of attendees and three of them – Holly, John, and Melissa –
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Three days of silence,
a lifetime of transformation
Experience a weekend at
The Cloisters on the Platte.