Name: The Art of Sacred Words: Writing as a Spiritual Practice (in-person)
Start: 2025-11-21T18:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-11-22T15:30:00-06:00
Location: Franciscan Spirituality Center

The Art of Sacred Words: Writing as a Spiritual Practice (in-person)

Meets Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Spiritual writing is writing that opens up possibilities, asks probing questions and challenges easy assumptions. It can take many forms, but it always honors process over product and probes the deep places in our lives – places ripe for exploration, confrontation, healing, celebration and lament. We will consider what it means to write as a practice of the soul. We’ll read and discuss masterful examples of spiritual writing and do a LOT of writing ourselves, guided by a variety of free-writing exercises and prompts. We will practice shaping our experiences of the numinous, the painful, the mysterious and the transcendent into writing that draws us closer to what is real, true and sacred.
At the conclusion of our time together, participants who wish to share a brief piece of their writing will be welcome to do so during an “open mic” reading.
This retreat is open to anyone interested in exploring spiritual writing. If you are brand new to the practice, the retreat will offer you gentle, accessible ways to begin. If you already have an established writing routine, you’ll have opportunities to deepen your practice and benefit from the company of fellow writers.
Presenter: Shannon K. Evans
Investment:
OVERNIGHT: $190, includes private room and lunch on Saturday
COMMUTER: $110, includes lunch on Saturday
www.FSCenter.org | 608-791-5295
Direct link to registration: https://fsc.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programcode=25SON09505
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Shannon K. Evans is the author of the books "The Mystics Would Like a Word," "Feminist Prayers for My Daughter" and "Rewilding Motherhood." In addition to her own writing, she serves as the spirituality and culture editor at the National Catholic Reporter. Shannon loves yoga, reading good fiction and cuddling with her pets. She and her family make their home in Ames, Iowa.