Ink and Insight Mindful Writing Circle
2026-03-01 10:15 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, 53562, United States
Join us for a quarterly gathering that blends creative writing and mindfulness in a supportive, inclusive space. Whether you identify as a writer or simply enjoy exploring your inner voice, this group offers you a gentle rhythm of reflective writing (with optional prompts), sharing in community, and contemplative practices like guided meditation and mindful walking outdoors, weather permitting.
Come as you are. No experience needed — just a willingness to pause, listen, and write. You’ll leave with new words, insights, and connections.
Dates/Times – Sundays from 10:15 am-12:00 pm

Jan. 25
Mar. 1
Jun. 7
Nov. 1

Schedule

10:15 am – Welcome, housekeeping, and settling in
10:30 am – Guided meditation
10:45 am – Writing session #1
11:00 am – Contemplative walking/break
11:15 am – Writing session #2
11:30 am – Sharing
12:00 pm – Close

Leader – Rebecca Jamieson

Rebecca Jamieson is the author of The Body of All Things (Finishing Line Press, 2017). She is the recipient of a 2025 Wisconsin Writers Award, the 2024 Tupelo Press Prose Prize, and is a Pushcart Prize nominee. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Rattle, The Offing, Mid-American Review, and Entropy, and she’s currently at work on a collection of personal essays. Rebecca lives on Ho-Chunk land in Madison, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, baking, or cuddling her two cats.

Cost
$50/person
Registration
Limited to 30 people.

Sacred Thresholds
2026-03-02 13:00 - 14:30
Sacred Thresholds is a contemplative prayer gathering.
We are living through a unique chapter in American history when our most cherished values seem threatened, indeed, our whole way of life. Each of us, in our own way, is asking, What can I do?, and the answers, so far, seem woefully inadequate to the challenge. It is in that same spirit of humility that we are offering Sacred Thresholds as our answer to that question. Woefully inadequate, yes, small, but genuine, offered in a communal spirit, coming together to make a circle, to pray, in old ways and in new ways, to hold each other’s hearts and help one another to stay open. That is what Sacred Thresholds is all about. It’s a work in progress. Like all of us.

Please join us at 1:00 pm on the first Monday of the month in the Retreat and Guest House room 222 .

Upcoming dates

Nov. 3, 2025
Dec. 1, 2025
Jan. 5, 2026
Feb. 5, 2026
Mar. 2, 2026
Apr. 6, 2026
May 4, 2026
Jun. 1, 2026

Centering Prayer Groups
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:00
Centering Prayer Groups
All are welcome to join our two centering prayer groups which meet on alternating Wednesdays. Both incorporate a short reading and time for silent prayer or meditation.

1st and 3rd Wednesdays

7:00-8:00 pm
Retreat & Guest House Room 10
Includes a short walking meditation in between periods of seated meditation
For more information contact Barb Abbott, 608-284-7424

2nd and 4th Wednesdays

2:30-3:30 pm
Monastery Oratory –
Two, 20-minute periods of seated meditation with a 5-minute break
For more information contact Carole Kretschman, 608-233-7390

We feel the presence of the Holy One even more strongly than when we center by ourselves. … Our prayer has less outward distractions for that hour than if we center at home. … Having the group supports us in our prayer life.

Ancient Trails, Ancient Tales: The Archaeology of Madison
2026-03-06 12:00 - 14:00
This talk will provide a sweeping overview of the last 14,000 years of human history in and around Tee Jope (The Four Lakes area of Madison). From caribou to dugout canoes, effigy mounds to ancient trails, Wisconsin’s archaeological sites have much to tell us about the past. Program also includes lunch by the Holy Wisdom culinary team.
Schedule

11:45 am – Doors open
Noon – Lunch
12:45 pm – Presentation “Ancient Trails, Ancient Tales”
1:45 pm – Q&A and wrap up

Speaker – Dr. Amy Rosebrough
Dr. Amy Rosebrough is the Wisconsin State Archaeologist, in the State Historic Preservation Office of the Wisconsin Historical Society. In her current position at the Wisconsin Historical Society, she manages archaeological and burial sites data, assists Wisconsin’s citizens with archaeological questions, and serves as a subject matter expert.
Cost
$47/person (in-person)
OR
$15 (recording sent after event)
Register
Please register with the button below by Feb. 26, 2026.

Family Gathering
2026-03-07 15:00 - 18:00
All families with children are invited to a special Lenten Family Gathering, Saturday, March 7, 3:00-6:00 pm.
Join us for a Family Gathering to experience the joy of anticipation in community. At this event, school-age children will gather to learn and play together, and childcare for the littlest ones is provided. Parents and caregivers will have some free-choice time to enjoy all the Monastery has to offer. The gathering will conclude with a shared meal.
Children ages 6-9 are invited to join Sarah Wilkin Gibart for prayer and creative work time. We will explore the rich theme of Lent.
Parents, this is an opportunity to enjoy the monastery and catch a breath in this busy season! You may choose to join in the children’s program, or take in the art exhibit, relax in the library, bring a project of your own, or simply have time for coffee and conversation.
Registration cost includes a simple entree prepared by the culinary team using fresh, seasonal offerings (families may also wish to bring a side dish or dessert to share).
Schedule
3:00 pm – Gather
~3:30-5:15 pm – Programming/free time
5:15 pm – Dinner
6:00 pm – Adjourn
Leader
Sarah Wilkin Gibart is a teacher of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd who leads regular Children’s Prayer during Sunday Assembly worship. Nichole Rasmus (formerly Nichole Fromm), our Childcare and Support Specialist, will provide childcare for the younger children.
Cost
$25/family
Questions
Please contact Sarah: sjwilkin09@gmail.com or Nichole: nrasmus@holywisdommonastery.org with any questions.
