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:
- Welcomed 3,757 retreatants from 38 states.
- Hosted 47 retreats, which were blessed with guidance from 34 retreat directors—including 6 who joined us for the first time—alongside 23 spiritual directors and 10 confessors who helped deepen the retreat experience for every participant.
- Welcomed over 6,000 visitors to the Stations of the Cross.
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 these efforts lies our unwavering mission: To provide a spiritual space of silence and prayer where one can strengthen their relationship with God, deepen discernment, and gain perspective through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
Our mission thrives thanks to the dedication of our volunteers:
- 135 ambassadors
- 376 lodge captains
- 53 additional Cloisters community members who faithfully assist with retreat prep, retreat check-in, retreat management, administrative support, event support, ground maintenance, and cleaning.
Each volunteer has played a vital role in shaping the welcoming environment that makes the Cloisters a spiritual haven and allows us to operate with a lean team of just 16 full-time and 10 part-time staff members.
Equally vital is the generous financial support we receive from you – our faithful Cloisters community members. Your commitment sustains our mission and allows us to maintain a space of silence and contemplation for years to come.
In 2024, operating expenses were roughly $3.3 million ($871 per retreatant), and we ended with our first operating surplus, though capital expenditures were not included. The 2025 budget increased to $3.6 million ($958 per retreatant), with final numbers coming soon. For 2026, we project an operating budget of $3.7 million to support ongoing growth and sustainability. As our facility ages there will be additional need for capital expenditures to ensure we maintain this truly beautiful place for years to come.
Although I have discussed a lot of numbers in this letter, please remember: you are not just a number. You are the lifeblood of The Cloisters on the Platte. We are profoundly grateful for your membership and steadfast support.
Thank you for making 2025 a year of transformation, community, and spiritual enrichment. We look forward to serving you and welcoming even more retreatants in the years ahead.
Blessings,
Laura Shupe
Executive Director