Writing Retreat

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 shares 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.

Meet the Team

Retreat Facilitator

Mitali Perkins

Mitali Perkins 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.

As a retreat facilitator, Mitali brings the insignt of an accomplished writer, the heart of a woman of faith, and a good listener to those who attend the retreat. She cultivates a supportive environment that fosters community while helping each participant grow in clarity and focus in their writing.

Learn more about Mitali at mitaliperkins.com

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.

Practicals

Schedule

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

Meals

Healthy and balanced meals are provided and coffee, tea, fruit and snacks are available throughout the retreat. 

Amenities

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.  

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.

Upcoming Retreats

JULY

Thu-Sun

31-3

Writing Retreat