Anna-Camille Wooden, OSB is St. Placid Priory's sub-prioress, Oblate Director, a program presenter, and helps care for the monastery cat. She has a long time Centering Prayer practice, is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer, an experienced retreat leader, and is on the Contemplative Outreach Northwest Leadership team.
Details of this retreat
Have you been longing for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God?
Sourced from the depths of the Christian contemplative tradition,
Centering Prayer has emerged as a life-changing practice for those who embrace it.
The method of Centering Prayer, a traditional form of Christian contemplative prayer, gives you a way to say “yes” to God’s presence and action in your life.
Christian monastics and mystics through the ages have described and practiced a contemplative relationship with God that takes place in silence deeper than words. In the 1970s, three Trappist monks, Fathers William Meninger, Basil Pennington and Thomas Keating, looked to the ancient practices and sources of the Christian contemplative heritage to develop a simple method of silent prayer for contemporary people. The prayer came to be known as Centering Prayer in reference to Thomas Merton’s description of contemplative prayer as prayer that is “centered entirely on the presence of God.”
Come to learn the method or to renew your practice and go deeper. The half-day format offers a relaxed way to hear the basics, practice, and ask questions. Following the workshop, there will be an opportunity to attend a 4-week series of 1-hour evening sessions, which will go deeper into the method and include a 20-minute Centering Prayer sit as well as time for questions and discussion.
Traveling north from Portland, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn left onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at second light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)
Traveling south from Seattle, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn right onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at the light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)
Accommodation
We have ten retreat bedrooms, most of which are equipped with two twin beds. The rooms may be shared if you are coming with a friend or partner, but generally there is just one person per room. Our building is set back among the trees so the rooms stay fairly cool. There is heat in each room for the colder nights. Each room has a sink, mirror, chair, desk, and small closet area. Towels and linens are provided, but please bring your own toiletries. Bathrooms are shared and showers are available.
Retreatants are welcome to join the Sisters for Mass, Praise, and meals. There is wi-fi available in the Priory Library from 8:30am-8:00pm everyday. The Priory Store is also open on Fridays and Saturdays. Plenty of walking trails wind around the Priory's property and are open to retreatants.
Spiritual Direction is available upon request at an additional charge.
Includes Program,
Includes program & lunch
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
The Priory Spirituality Center is an ecumenical Christian ministry that encourages those of all faiths to discern the voice of God in their lives and in the world. A ministry of St. Placid Priory we reflect Benedictine values: peace, hospitality, community, learning and prayerful discernment.
We offer a peaceful and contemplative setting for personal reflection. We encourage and challenge people to know the presence of God in their lives through classes, workshops, retreats and individual spir
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
On-your-own breakfast: Center Kitchen. Eggs, milk, bread, cereal, fruit provided. Your own food welcome, may be cooked in Kitchen. Lunch/Dinner served, main dish+salad bar. Sun coffee hour after Mass
Customer Reviews
4.85 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
What a blessed day!
This was indeed a blessed day for me. I loved how Sr Angela started our time with Lectio. Working outside with the group felt like prayer in action. We came back pink cheeked, glowing from exertion, and rejoicing in God's nature, community, and life. Thank you, Sr Angela.
3.0
Verified
Zentanles
The workshop offered a calming and meditative introduction to Zentangle art, with slow pace instruction that made the experience feel restorative. However, given the length of the session—from 10 AM to 3 PM—I had hoped for a bit more depth. We only explored five basic shapes to build patterns, which felt limiting considering the time investment and the vast variety of shapes used in this artform. A broader range of techniques or more complex designs would have added richness to the learning.
It’s possible that the hybrid format, with the instructor needing to move between rooms, impacted the flow and reduced opportunities for extended practice and sharing. A more centralized setup might help future sessions feel more cohesive. Additionally, providing handouts with shape variations and space for guided practice could support different learning styles and enhance engagement.
Lunch was a bit of a letdown this time. Having previously enjoyed a delicious salmon meal at the monastery, I was surprised to find the only protein option was cold cuts. The contrast made the meal feel less satisfying than expected.
That said, I’m truly grateful for the presenter, who was the heart of the experience—kind and knowledgeable. Their gentle guidance created a welcoming, stress-free environment, and their passion for Zentangle was evident throughout.
5.0
Verified
A Potent Retreat
My time at St. Placid's did not disappoint. The Sisters' hospitality was wonderful and palpable. The place is simple, quiet, beautiful. I was able to "unplug" more than I expected would be possible and was "met" in my quiet and solitude in a profound way. I shall return.
5.0
Verified
Peaceful and Restorative Place I Cherish Most in the Seattle Area
I truly love this place. The staff at the spiritual center—especially Janice—are warm, attentive, and genuinely caring toward those participating in the retreat. The presence and deep spirituality of the sisters here gently guide participants into a richer, more intimate walk with God. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, and I especially enjoy the walking path that circles the center—it’s perfect for unhurried reflection and prayer.
5.0
Verified
Beautiful & Serene Experience
This is the perfect place to escape to for a few days when you need rest and quiet time. There are no distractions and the rooms are very comfortable, clean, simple and quiet. I love the opportunity to have meals with the Sisters - as well as to worship with them daily. I am grateful they make rooms available for this type of individual time away - as I was not a part of an organized retreat.