Sacred Self, Sacred Community
A Closer Look at the Journey
Below you'll find the dates, monthly themes, time commitment, cost, financial assistance, 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*
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Meet your facilitators and fellow participants.
Learn how to experience the program to the fullest.
Pray and reflect through the group pledge.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 and optional mid-monthly sessions with your small group will be available as well.
Christine Jurisich explains why this journey is foundational for those wanting a holistic faith life.
I wondered what it would be like to spend four hours on Zoom for Sacred Self, Sacred Community. I worried I would be exhausted and wondered if it was possible to really get to know other people. I was amazed at just how connected I felt with the virtual format. It was a wonderful experience that created a sacred space in my own home. The program was beautifully paced and balanced screen time with reflecting, sharing, spiritual practices, and well-timed breaks. - Michelle H.
Cultivating Community with Commitment
Sacred community grows through presence, trust, and mutual care. 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.
I was very nervous to sign up for Sacred Self, Sacred Community for two reasons. Would I be able to commit to a five-month-long retreat and most important would I feel safe enough to allow myself to open up and be vulnerable in order to connect with others and become part of a Sacred Community? I’m so thankful that I decided to make the commitment to myself. It has personally been life-changing for me. - Brittany H
Cost, Payment Plans, Scholarships
Cost: $150 deposit + $130 a month for five months ($800)
Early Bird Cost: $125 deposit + $115 a month for five months ($700)
Register for early bird pricing 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. Payments begin January 15 - May 15, 2027.
Financial Assistance: 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.
We will explain how to ask for financial assistance at the information meeting.
Please note, 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.
Registration Deadlines and Process
Deadline to Register: December 14, 2026 (or when spaces are filled).
Process to Register: To help the group become a safe and trusting community, before registering, we ask that you:
1. Attend an information meeting. Register here.
2. Check the dates to ensure you can commit. See dates above.
3. Submit a discernment form (which includes financial assistance request). You will receive a discernment form when you attend the information meeting.
Please Note: Space and scholarship availability will be given on a first come basis.
Free Information Meetings
Upcoming: October 13, October 17, 2026
10:15AM-11:15 PT | 11:15AM-12:15PM CT | 12:15PM-1:15 ET
FAQ’s
Program Overview
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Expect about 2 hours of reading and journaling plus a 4-hour monthly Zoom session. Additional prayer and sharing time are flexible.
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You may miss one, but not the first two— they’re essential for building trust and connection.
Technology & Access
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No, we have a payment plan available.
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Absolutely. We will explain the process on financial assistance at the information meetings.
Financial Help
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Just Zoom and our website-based platform (Ruzuku, which does not need to be downloaded.)
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Yes. Any internet connected device works.
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We’ve got you covered with tutorials and support. Most find the platform easy to use.
Community & Confidentiality
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Yes, every hour we will take a break. We also intend to create an interactive time with music, movement, sharing to keep you engaged.
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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.
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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).
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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.
Facilitation & Support
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Small groups are led by trained facilitators who strive to create a welcoming and non-judgmental space. Sharing happens through writing and live sessions.
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Confidentiality and safety are core values, and sharing is always optional. We ask people to not discuss politics.
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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.
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Yes, after you complete the five months, you will be invited (not pressured or expected) to join a closed Sacred Circle group once a month. We also will hold one in-person retreat every year for all past participants of Sacred Self, Sacred Community.
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Yes, once a year we will have an in-person retreat for all past Sacred Self, Sacred Community participants.
Content & Theology
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Facilitators who are experienced in spiritual direction, psychology, or pastoral ministry. You’ll be placed in a small group with one of them.
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Yes. Retreat, Reflect, Renew has offered online spiritual spaces for over a decade. Many call it their spiritual home.
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You’re welcome here. This program meets you wherever you are in your faith journey.
Your Journey Begins here
Discover who you are in God—and experience the gift of a community here to support your journey of becoming.
Sign up for a free information meeting today.