Sacred Self, Sacred Community

A Closer Look at the Journey.

Below you'll find the dates, monthly themes, time commitment, cost, scholarships, and answers to common questions. If you're still discerning whether this experience is right for you, we hope these details help.

Session Themes and Times*

- Meet your facilitators and fellow participants.
- Learn how to experience the program to the fullest.
- Pray and reflect through the group pledge.
- Recognize what influences your self-esteem and self-worth and the importance of self-acceptance.
- Reflect on God’s Grace as the source of help in balancing love of self and love of others.
- Recognize stressors in your life and ways to reduce them.
- Reflect on the need for self-care and boundaries as a way to honor the sacred within you.
- Recognize that your life is special and a unique call to wholeness in Christ.
- Begin or deepen your awareness of spirituality in all aspects of your life.
- Learn to name your feelings and find ways to express them in a healthy way to grow closer to God, yourself, and others.
- Recognize your values and how you want to express them in your friendships.
- Reflect on the role of Christ-centered community in living out a balanced life of being and doing.
- Name the elements of a sacred community that are most important to you.
- Discern the choices needed to grow into the person God calls you to be.
- Celebrate the gift of your growth and community with reflection and ritual.
- Receive a certificate of completion.

*All large group Saturday sessions are held: 9:00AM-1:00 PT | 11:00AM-3:00 CT | 12:00PM-4:00 ET

Additional mid-monthly sessions with your small group will be available as well. They are optional and not listed here.

Cultivating Community

Sacred community grows through presence, trust, and mutual care.

Because this isn't simply a course to watch on your own, each person's presence matters. To help the group become a safe and trusting community, we ask participants to make the following commitments…

Attend all sessions

One session can be missed, as long as it is not the first or second session.

Arrive on time.

We will begin and end on time out of respect for everyone’s time.

Uphold the Group Pledge.

Help create a confidential and nonjudgmental environment.

Participate with video and audio on while on Zoom.

To ensure trust, we ask that we can see you throughout the program. We are here to help with technical issues.

Arrive prepared to participate.

You are never forced to share, yet we ask that you read ahead of time and come ready to engage with the other participants.

Cost, Payment Plans, Scholarships

Cost: $800 ($700 with earlybird registration by November 16, 2026)

Payment Plan: You are free to pay all at once or make a deposit at time of registration and pay over the course of the five months.

Deadline to Register: December 14, 2026 (or when spaces are filled).

We are keeping the group small to allow for connection and community.

Scholarships: We do not want finances to prevent you from attending this special program. Thanks to a grant from the Sisters of Mercy, we have a scholarship fund dedicated to this program. If a discount will help you enroll, please apply by emailing Michelle@RetreatReflectRenew.org.

How to Register: First, attend an information meeting, which is required to register. At that time, you can learn more about the program, discern if it feels right for you, and find out about the registration process.

Scholarships and spots will be given first come, first serve and spaces are limited.

Materials Needed

The book, “Sacred Self, Sacred Community: A Personal Journal” ($24.99).
Any device with internet access.
A list of simple supplies, for example, a candle, paper, crayons, will be given well in advance.

Ready to Explore the Next Step?

Attend a Free Information Meeting

September 12, October 13, October 17, 2026

10:15AM-11:15 PT | 11:15AM-12:15PM CT | 12:15PM-1:15 ET

FAQ’s

Program Overview

- Expect about 2 hours of reading and journaling plus a 4-hour monthly Zoom session. Additional prayer and sharing time are flexible.
You may miss one, but not the first two— they’re essential for building trust and connection.

Technology & Access

No, we have a payment plan available.
Absolutely. Please send a paragraph explaining why you would like a scholarship to Michelle@RetreatReflectRenew.org

Financial Help

Just Zoom and our website-based platform (Ruzuku, which does not need to be downloaded.)
Yes. Any internet connected device works.
We’ve got you covered with tutorials and support. Most find the platform easy to use.

Community & Confidentiality

We intend to create an interactive time with music, movement, sharing, and breaks to keep you engaged.
Originally developed by Sr. Paula Hagen, the
“Sacred Self, Sacred Community” journal
has evolved over decades. Christine Jurisich has updated it for women and men of all Christian denominations, with a focus on intentional community.
Yes. It is rooted in the belief that a healthy faith life consists of a balance of loving God, self, and neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). The presence of God is within you (1 Corinthians 3:16) and all around you (Psalm 139:7-10). Growing into a deep awareness of these truths is a life-long process, dependent on God’s Grace. The reflections on the sacred self are offered with the awareness that we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and that all God created is good (Genesis 1:31).

Facilitation & Support

Small groups are led by trained facilitators who strive to create a welcoming and non-judgmental space. Sharing happens through writing and live sessions.
Confidentiality and safety are core values, and sharing is always optional. We ask people to not discuss politics.
Retreat, Reflect, Renew asks participants to agree to a pledge of confidentiality for the written and live portions. “Ruzuku,” which is the platform we use, says their platform is not a publicly indexed site, meaning your comments are private and not accessible to people using the internet who have not signed up for the retreat.

Content & Theology

Facilitators who are experienced in spiritual direction, psychology, or pastoral ministry. You’ll be placed in a small group with one of them.
Yes. Retreat, Reflect, Renew has offered online spiritual spaces for over a decade. Many call it their spiritual home.
You’re welcome here. This program meets you wherever you are in your faith journey.