Creating contemplative communities
who practice the presence of God
for personal transformation
and compassionate service
with the world
What's New in 2026?
The Redwood Circle
–a Spiritual Support Group
A Spiritual Support Group to Nurture Conscious People Through Challenging Times
Spiritual people are more sensitive and attuned to what’s happening in the world – and we know a whole lot is going on. We need a sanctuary for spiritual inspiration, finding the light in the darkness. A place where we can also share compassion for each other’s challenges, lifting each other up.
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This is the purpose of The Redwood Circle.
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Redwood trees model this kind of support. They often grow in family “circles” and their roots interweave with each other, so that they all hold one another up through minimal effort. We will be this Redwood Circle for each other.
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Each 1.5 hour gathering includes:
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Meditation
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Ecotherapy (healing connection with nature)
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Spiritual inspiration
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Time for open-hearted sharing and connecting in community
Online via Zoom
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Schedule:
Bi-weekly (twice per month) on Mondays, 5:05-6:35pm Pacific Time / 8:05pm Eastern
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Winter Session 2026 – 6 meetings, every other week, starting January 12th through March 23rd
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Limited to 15 people. Open to all genders.
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Investment on a sliding scale from $25/session to $45/session
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About your facilitator, Rev. Connie L. Habash:
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Rev. Connie L. Habash, MA, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Ecotherapist, yoga & meditation teacher, interfaith minister, and author of Awakening from Anxiety: A Spiritual Guide to Living a More Calm, Confident, and Courageous Life.
The Contemplative Way of Mary Magdalene:
A Journey of Silence, Soul & Creative Awakening
Thursday, April 23 to
Sunday, April 26, 2026
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Solomon Episcopal Conference Center Loranger, LA
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene has ignited a fire for the Divine Feminine. She was the first to witness the risen Christ and the only disciple who truly understood Jesus’ mystical teaching in the depths of her soul. Her lineage of courage, spiritual authority, and embodied wisdom is alive in us today.
This experiential 3-night retreat is an invitation to remember that truth.
Not by knowing more about Mary — but by knowing her presence within yourself more deeply. Through contemplative silence and sacred creative practice, you’ll open to the personal
invitation she is waiting to reveal to you.
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Retreat Elements Include:
• Meditation on Mary Magdalene’s life
• Visio Divina with original icons
• Guided creative practice to anchor spiritual insight
• 24 hours of intentional silence
• Fire Ceremony for release and renewal
Come receive what Mary has been holding for you: clarity, healing, and the courage to live your sacred calling.
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About your facilitator, Laura Neal:
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Laura Neal, CSD, is an artist, contemplative spiritual companion, silent retreat leader, Reiki healer and retired executive coach. She specializes in writing icons of Mary Magdalene and companioning people on their spiritual journeys through one-on-one sessions and silent retreats. Currently, she works with the Spiritual Guidance Program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and has previously served on the Shalem Board and other long-term Shalem programs.
Registration details
coming soon!
