Writing Retreat
Our Lady of Santa Clara offers a unique writing retreat experience. You will encounter a peaceful and prayerful environment to write in solitude but also draw inspiration from above and support from a faith community who share your creative dreams and daily labors.
This is not a workshop but a retreat with a very simple structure. Each day at breakfast the group facilitator will lead a discussion where writers state their goals, hopes, and intentions for the day. At the conclusion of dinner, we will regroup and share the highlights and challenges we encountered. Our hope is to provide the space and time you need to focus individually and at the same time overcome the loneliness that can stifle creative work. We will also offer the daily Celebration of the Eucharist at midday, and a chaplain will be available for confession or consultation throughout the retreat.
Retreatants are welcome to focus on writing at any level and in any genre, including nonfiction, fiction, memoir, songs, or poetry.
Facilitator
Our retreat facilitator is an accomplished writer, person of faith, and a good listener; who will foster a sense of community and encourage personal focus. ​
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,July 16-19, 2024: Mitali Perkins and Fr. Thomas Vendetti, LC
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Mitali Perkins
Mitali Perkins (mitaliperkins.com) has written many books for young readers, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for a National Book Award) and Rickshaw Girl (adapted into a film by Sleeperwave Productions), all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders. Her goal is to make readers laugh or cry, preferably both, as long as their hearts are widening. She lives and writes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Chaplain
Fr Thomas Vendetti LC ​​
Fr Thomas Vendetti is originally from Rockville, MD. He joined the novitiate of the Legion of Christ in Connecticut in 1995. He studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome and obtained a licentiate in philosophy and bachelors in theology. He recently completed his MA in Christian Spirituality at Fordham University in NY, focusing on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2009 he has served in the New York Tristate area for four years as vice rector and director of development for the Legionaries’ center of philosophy in Thornwood, NY, as well as chaplain for Regnum Christi in Manhattan. From 2013 to 2016 he was local director and chaplain for Regnum Christi in Chicago. He is currently serving in the Bay Area as director for Our Lady of Santa Clara Retreat Center and chaplain for Regnum Christi.
Practical Expectations
Meals
Healthy and balanced meals are provided and coffee, tea, fruit and snacks are available throughout the retreat. 
 
Schedule
The schedule is as follows:
8:00 am Breakfast and facilitated discussion about the day's intentions
9:00 am Writing time in silence and solitude
12:00 pm Celebration of the Eucharist followed by a silent lunch accompanied by classical music
1:30 pm Writing time in silence and solitude
6:00 pm Dinner and facilitated discussion about the day's work
7:30 pm Free time in solitude to keep writing or rest, pray, read, and dream
Arrival on the first day is at 5:00 pm and on the last day departure is by 8:00 am.  Feel free to take walks to think and pray in the peaceful neighborhood or on the hiking trails nearby.
 
What to bring
You will have a private bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.  Linens, towels, hair dryers, as well as basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer are provided.  You will want to bring other personal toiletries and medications, comfortable clothes, and footwear for walking if you desire.  
  
For more information on facilities and meals, see our facilities page.
Click on the dates to register:
Registration links coming soon!