Encountering Pierre Teillard de Chardin and St. Mother Teresa
Art & Soul is sacred time set aside for you to do your own creative work. This year we will take our inspiration from the spirit and passion of Blessed Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Saint Mother Teresa. Facilitators Mimi Johnson and Alynn Allison Brutsman each bring a rich background in leadership, spirituality, ministry, scripture, contemplative prayer, retreat facilitation, and the arts.
Who Should Attend
This retreat is for anyone seeking time and space to practice their art. Your process can be anything from watercolor, to acrylics, photography, journaling, block printing, or photography. (We are not able to accommodate oil painting.)
What to Expect
In addition to plenty of time for you to independently explore your creative expression, the day offers several opportunities for structured reflection and community: You can participate as much or as little as you want.
For those who are early risers, we start the morning with a gentle body movement session.
The grounds are also beautiful for an opportunity to have an early morning walk. The outdoor labyrinth and Stations of the Cross offer opportunities for reflection on the beautiful grounds at Mercy Center Auburn.
We set aside an hour for a para-liturgy in the Sierra Chapel which includes readings, music, and time for contemplation and meditation.
After lunch, we have a short period of Tai Chi/Chi Gong for those who are interested.
Each afternoon includes an art demonstration and an invitation to try something new (materials provided).
After dinner, you will have more independent time to do your art, along with an opportunity to share both your art and reflections on the day with fellow retreatants.
Alynn also sets aside time to provide Spiritual Direction for anyone who wishes.
What Past Participants Say
“Thank you, Alynn and Mimi for all the love and hard work and planning you put into this retreat each year. Your choices for meditation and study, along with worship at para-liturgy creates space and encourages each of us to let go, become vulnerable and grow spiritually and emotionally. “
“It is with deep gratitude that I write this. This retreat Is five days of living into an experiencing the love of God through all that we are and all that we create. The two of you do a beautiful job of creating an environment in which God meets us, surprises us, blesses us. I can just feel the Holy Spirit moving among us.”
Event Details
The retreat begins on Friday, September 18th. You can choose between a 3-night retreat, concluding on Monday, September 21st, or a 5-night retreat, concluding on Wednesday, September 23rd.
Cost: Includes program, meals, and lodging
$480 (3 nights)
$795 (5 nights)
A $100 non-refundable & non-transferrable deposit is required to reserve your space.
If your financial situation prevents you from attending, we encourage you to apply for financial assistance. Learn more.
Registration Deadline: September 4, 2026
About the Facilitators:
After raising a family of six children, Alynn Brutsman departed from the corporate world and is currently a full-time Spiritual Director. She has been certified under Abbott David Geraet’s Monastery of the Risen Christ in San Luis Obispo, California. She is currently the Director of the Holy Spirit House of Prayer, a nonprofit organization.
Mimi Johnson is a parish co-coordinator in religious education, Peace and Justice group founder, member of a guitar group at St. Thomas More over 35 yrs. and co-facilitator for Spiritual Retreats. Member of the Paradise Center for Tolerance and Non-Violence.
Traveling to Mercy Center Auburn
We are nestled in the Sierra foothills of Northern California, just minutes from historic downtown Auburn and easily accessible from Sacramento, the Bay Area, and the surrounding region.
BY CAR:
Driving Directions are on our website.
BY TRAIN:
People coming from the Bay Area can take the Capital Corridor AMTRAK train to Sacramento's Valley Station or the Auburn station. From there, you can an Uber/Lift to the retreat center.
BY PLANE:
The Sacramento International Airport is the closest. From there, you can take an Uber/Lift to the retreat center.
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