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The Jonah Silent Retreat

Location icon
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Date
September 17 - 20, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Immerse yourself in the ancient practice of sacred silence, inspired by the story of Jonah. Together we will explore creative, prayerful, and playful ways to nurture a life of faith that is both deeply contemplative and compassionately active. Every morning and afternoon, we will gather briefly for reflections on Jonah and to engage in spiritual practices inspired by his story. These sessions are drawn from Sharon’s soon-to-be-released book, Praying with Jonah: Practices for Imperfect Pilgrims, and each participant will receive a complimentary signed copy. In the evenings, we will share quiet Vespers together.

The rest of the time will be held in deep, shared silence. You are invited to immerse yourself in the silence in whatever way feels most life-giving to you – whether through exploring creative expression (painting, drawing, pray-dough, origami, collage, mandala coloring, and more), reading, journaling, sleeping (napsio divina!), walking the labyrinth or sauntering through the serene grounds of Genesis. All meals will be held in silence (with quiet background music).

If you are new to silent retreats, this is a beautiful way to ease into the practice within a supportive community. If you have already experienced the blessing of silent retreats, this offers space to deepen your practice guided by the reluctant yet relatable prophet, Jonah.

Join us for 3 days & 3 nights of spacious, sacred silence to slow down, breathe deeply and explore what it means to be still enough to know and bold enough to go wherever God is calling.

 

Thursday
3:00 Check-in begins
4:30 Welcome and Opening Session
6:00 Dinner (sharing during the meal is invited)
7:00 Session I
(All meals from this point on will be held in silence.)

Friday
8:00 Breakfast (in sacred silence)
9:00-10:00 Session II
12:00 Lunch (in sacred silence)
1:00-2:00 Session III
6:00 Dinner (in sacred silence)
7:00 Quiet Vespers

Saturday
8:00 Breakfast (in sacred silence)
9:00-10:00 Session IV
12:00 Lunch (in sacred silence)
1:00-2:00 Session V
6:00 Dinner (in sacred silence)
7:00 Quiet Vespers

Sunday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00-9:30 Session VI
9:30-10:30 Room Check-out
10:30-11:30 Emerging from the Sacred Silence & Sending Forth
11:30 Departure

 

Getting Here

Location icon Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA

Accommodation

Program Price - Single Occupancy
Program Price - Double Occupancy (Requires Two People)

Customer Reviews

4.87 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Nature Companionship
As a frequent flyer in nature based retreats this was my second experience with "forest bathing". Jeannette and Simon were a powerful pair of facilitators and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Genesis as a retreat center was also very good. The staff were all very helpful and the facility exuded care and quality.

5.0
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Nature Immersion Experience
The Genesis Nature Immersion Experience with Simon de Voil and Jeanette Banashak was a deeply enriching and transformative offering. Rooted in both contemplative practice and ecological awareness, the experience gently guided participants into a renewed sense of connection; with themselves, one another, and the living world around them.

Simon and Jeanette bring a rare combination of wisdom, attentiveness, and reverence to their facilitation. They create a space where participants can slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the sacred rhythms of the natural world. Through their guidance, nature is not simply observed but encountered as a teacher, a companion, and a mirror.

A central gift of the experience is the invitation to rediscover our interconnectedness. Participants are reminded that we are not separate from the more-than-human world, but intimately woven into it. This awareness opens the door to a deeper sense of reciprocity, recognizing that just as we receive from the earth, we are also called to respond with care, presence, and gratitude.

The practices and reflections offered throughout the immersion reveal how profoundly the natural world can teach us. We begin to notice patterns of patience, resilience, and mutuality that illuminate our own lives. Relationships, both human and ecological, are seen in a new light, inviting greater compassion, balance, and attentiveness. Even our understanding of the Divine is expanded, as we encounter God not only within but also alive and active in the unfolding of creation.

This experience is both grounding and awakening. It offers participants not just a retreat from daily life, but a return to what is most essential; connection, presence, and sacred belonging. Anyone seeking a deeper relationship with the natural world and a more integrated spiritual life would find this program profoundly meaningful.

5.0
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Sacred Story of Birth and Rebirth
The weekend was excellent. Diarmuid O'Murchu was clear, engaging and gave much for reflection. I am glad that it was not cancelled due to a small number of participants.
It was a more intimate setting and allowed Diarmuid the opportunity to call us by name.

My only disappointment was that I was told when I registered that a recording would be made of the session and sent to the participants. That proved not to be the case.

5.0
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Wonderful retreat
I attended the yoga retreat as a commuter, and had an excellent experience! Sally is a phenomenal teacher, instructor, guide, and director. I enjoyed the grounds thoroughly, and all of the Genesis staff were friendly and welcoming. The communal experience was peaceful and restorative as well. I felt inspired, renewed, awakened, and refreshed by the end - and I am already looking forward to the next retreat!

5.0
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An Invitation to Journey with Christian Mystics
Mark Burrows was outstanding—his presentations were both inspiring and deeply engaging. He brings a profound understanding of the Mystics and skillfully weaves it together with poetry to create something truly beautiful. Genesis is a sacred place of peace and renewal, and I look forward to returning for future retreats.

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