What People are Saying…

I have learned so much from you and from your thoughtful retreats. My relationship with Christ has changed and I think that has contributed a lot to my ability to carry my cross. My prayer life is more intimate. My conversations with Jesus are more authentic. I feel less alone. I have learned to allow joy and sadness, hope and fear, peace and panic to co-exist in my life. I have given myself permission to not have life all figured out and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me with this.

— Debbie B., CT

I never feel alone in a retreat or Sacred Circle. Retreat, Reflect, Renew provides support and welcome to be just who I am, with no judgement and much compassion, which strengthened me and gave me hope. I developed trust in the retreat leader and the community, enough to take the risk of sharing my voice in the responses and developing more confidence in what I hear within me. I appreciated Christine’s voice in the retreat saying it's ok not to be perfect, it's ok if you’re scared to try silence. Her writing made me feel like she was “taking my hand.” And with that support, I walked into the depth of myself, of prayer, and of community.

— Karen B., CA

Retreat, Reflect, Renew is special to me personally because I was needing a spiritual family as I am not connected to a church right now. It became a home where I felt comfortable and accepted and a place to grow my faith and practice my spirituality in a supportive and non-judgmental place. It is a place where I feel I can be of service and offer my gifts to help grow the ministry so it can expand and serve more people. It enriches my life and expands my spiritual life, giving me more people to care about and more people who care about me.

— Maureen G., CA

Christine Jurisich is truly a unique gem, leading and inviting participants to experience God's love and presence with us. Using scripture, poetry, music, art, all steeped in prayer. The ministry is truly a safe, loving, non-judgemental, and accepting place. Christine’s honesty, gentleness, and skill in spiritual guidance and study are apparent. Her passion and dedication is inspiring. I am very grateful to have met her and her team members and encourage anyone who is seeking to grow closer to God to consider looking into and participating in this ministry.

— Nan M., CA

I am grateful for God's gentle "nudge" to take this retreat. It has helped me to find peace and comfort during this difficult time in our world. Each new session renewed my hope and purpose. I have also been touched by the input and comments from those I have been on this journey with. Thank you Christine for your faith, dedication and hard work to bring us these beautiful retreats.

— Joan M., CA

I appreciate your last reflection and questions on solitude. It was a very meaningful balance of nourishment for self-awareness so I can be more authentic and honest with myself. Your emphasis on listening-wow- intention to listen with compassion - what a mutual blessing! Thank you!!! I wanted you to know how much I appreciate and grow from your ministry, very grateful.

Blessings on you and your holy life-giving ministry.

— Kathy C., NC

Over the past five months: I’ve come to see more deeply in this journey the gift of taking time, space,  to honor my sacred self. In this opportunity, I learned to nurture this reality; while also allowing others to hold space for me in my authentic self as I heal and grow...and I for others as we each grew in Christs Holy name to his will, and way as we gently formed community, a sacred community.

Sacred community, has become a powerful vehicle for nurturing. In this space, we support each other in reaching toward our fuller potential, moving together toward greater wholeness. To do this in community transforms the experience into a sanctuary of care, guided by values such as respect, unconditional regard, and mutual support.

Within this sacred space, the Holy Spirit is free to move—through us, within us, and between us. This divine presence weaves a beautiful interconnectedness, one that is a pure gift. It’s a gift that unfolds gently over time, revealing itself as each person is ready, at a pace that is steady and true.

The time invested in sacred community feels small compared to what one receives in return. It is a grand expression of God's love, made real through the humble heart of a servant—Christine Jurisich—and through the hearts of others who have gone before me. This sacred connection multiplies outward, as Christ calls us, forming a sacred community that is ever-growing, ever-holy, and deeply life-giving.

- Laura O., CA

Before meeting with those who chose to participate in this years Sacred Self Sacred Community I was with another group and missing a deeper relatedness with those people. It was kind of an empty, hollow feeling. I was certain there had to be more that a faith based community had to offer.

All of the participants were from different backgrounds and yet this group of strangers seeking the Sacred were the perfect constellation.

As we each surrendered to the unknown journey that would unfold over the months, I began to open to a deeper sense of peace and discovery of my eternal nature: the Spirit of Christ in me (Sacred Self. By grace I began to notice that this community was no accident. Every member was a minister of God's Grace to one another that is beyond anything that I could of imagined.

As we each contemplatively examined the monthly topics and prayed for one another, my awareness of Grace-filled moments became more and more frequent. A deeр sense of fulfillment replaced longing and my experience of peace was now palpable in this Sacred experience of Self in Sacred Community. It is so dynamic to experience God's grace within and have the courage to enjoy it so effortlessly with others. It is not an earned experience. it is an effortless experience of Christ's Abundant Life inwhich I live and move and have my being.

Sacred Comunity, sharing with others opened my access to Christ's Spirit in unimaginable ways. I am truly grateful I followed Spirits prompt to participate. 

- Geoff M, CA

I wasn’t sure what the group would be like but the description of the program and Christine’s bio intrigued me enough to step out of my comfort zone and sign up. The time spent in the monthly groups has been transformational and I have met my tribe of fellow travelers homeward to sacred Self.  Michelle D., CA

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., CA