Programs
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality (WVIS) offers programs throughout the year. These programs, which are currently offered via Zoom, are aligned with our mission of providing opportunities for deepening mindfulness, prayer practice, interior peace, and for integrating moral and ethical values.
QUESTIONS: Do you have a question? Please either email the individual listed with the program or retreat for additional information or click HERE to submit a contact form.
All times indicated for all programs are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Getting Ready for Lent:
Praying with the Four Teresas
In-Person at the WVIS Retreat House
Saturday, February 7, 2026 (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Would you like to get a “jump start” on Lent this year. Traditionally, Lent is a time when Catholic Christians (and others) recommit themselves to more serious prayer, along with fasting and almsgiving. On Saturday, February 7, 2026 – about 10 days before Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday – all are invited to WVIS for a Day of Prayer and Reflection entitled “Deepening Our Prayer Life: Advice from the Four St. Teresas.” Sr. Cheryl Clemons, OSU, Ph.D., Executive Director of WVIS, will offer insights on prayer from St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), and St. Teresa of Calcutta. The day will also include times of quiet prayer and reflection and opportunities for small group sharing. Lunch will be provided.
Date: February 7, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
Location: WVIS Cenacle Hall (entrance on Elizabeth St., parking in Trinity Lutheran parking lot or on the street)
Donation: $50.00 (includes lunch). Donations can be made by check payable to WVIS (1601 Virginia Street E, Charleston, WV 25311) or by credit card by going to www.wvis.org/donate, click the GIVE button and select this retreat from the dropdown menu.
Registration: Click the button below and use the dropdown menu to select this retreat.
Recovering Our Soul Connections:
A Retreat for Women who have been sexually abused
Sexual abuse can reach every level of our being and leave us feeling distant from ourselves and from God. Knowing that some wounds can only be healed by an experience of the love of God, this retreat was created for women who suffer because of childhood abuse.
Honoring the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit, and beginning in March, each woman will meet with a spiritual director to build a supportive relationship. Starting the first week of April, retreatants will come together in a 6-week online group process to build community and prepare together for the retreat experience which will be held May 28-31 at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality in Charleston, WV.
The retreat weekend includes exploration of Sacred Scripture, music, movement, expressive arts, and liturgy to create a sanctuary of healing. “The presence of God permeated the room with song, prayer, sharing, visuals – pictures, ceremonies, sacred items and the holy presence of the leaders,” said one retreatant.
REGISTRATION: Space is limited to the first 8 participants. To begin the registration process, email soulconnection366@gmail.com.
DONATION: Contributions from donors keep the cost to retreatants at $200 (includes the 6-week online program and the weekend retreat).
QUESTIONS: If you have questions, please contact Liz Deal at soulconnection366@gmail.com.
To download the flyer for this retreat, click the link below.
WE’VE SAVED A CHAIR FOR YOU…
Would you describe yourself as open to knowing yourself, others, and the Mystery of Creation?
Do others find you to be a compassionate listener?
Do you find joy in supporting spiritual transformation in yourself and in others?
You might be being called to explore the ministry of spiritual direction.
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality is an ecumenical training center committed to the formation of competent spiritual directors. The Associate Training Program provides “hands-on” experiences of praying with scriptures, a holistic approach to spirituality, and the tools and skills to qualify spiritual directors for this ministry. The training is also a formational experience that leads to a deeper understanding of self, other, and the God of your understanding.
For more than 25 years, WVIS has trained men and women of various faith traditions in the ministry of spiritual direction. A new training cohort will be starting in September 2026.
Join us for a short, free, online presentation and roundtable discussion about the ministry of spiritual direction and WVIS’ Associate Spiritual Directors Training.
Come and See
DATES AND TIMES (All times are Eastern):
Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:30 – 7:15 PM OR
Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00 – 4:45 PM
LOCATION: Zoom
DONATION: The program is free but registration is required to receive the Zoom link
REGISTRATION: Click the link below and select the timeslot you desire from the dropdown menu
QUESTIONS: If you have questions, please contact Liz Deal at wvistraining@aol.com.
“Live a life worthy of your calling” Ephesians 4:1
Everyday Sacred: Engaging Spirituality through Scripture and the Christian Tradition
Eight (8) Module program begins Saturday, September 13, 2025 via Zoom
Do you ever wonder what all the hype around “spirituality” is about?
Are you someone who believes you are too ordinary to grow closer to God?
Have you wondered how to transition from the faith of your childhood to an adult faith that offers an anchor in life’s inevitable suffering?
Would you like to get more comfortable with the Bible?
How might an encounter with the core beliefs common to Christian traditions impact your spirituality?
Everyday Sacred provides an introduction to spirituality followed by modules that include theory, history, the practice of prayer, reading and praying with the Bible and much more. Each module includes informational and formational experiences. No text books required.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 10, 2025
DONATION:The donation for this program is $650 (Discount if you register by September 1, 2025 – $600). Partial scholarships are available by emailing exec.director@wvis.org.
QUESTIONS: If you have questions, please contact WVIS Executive Director Sr. Cheryl Clemons, OSU, PhD at exec.director@wvis.org.
Tuesday Merton Chapter Meetings
(Conference offered via Zoom)
3rd Tuesdays
7:00 am – 8:30 pm Eastern For more information and to be added to the monthly reminder email, contact Fr. Bill Petro at frbpetro42@gmail.com
Contemplative Prayer
(Weeknights offered via Zoom)
7:00 pm – 7:20 pm Eastern For more information and the weekly reminder email, contact WVIS Director of Operations, Sally Orcutt, O.P. at wvis_sally@aol.com
WVIS is a 501 (c)(3).
Contact
1601 Virginia Street East
Charleston, West Virginia 25311
304.345.0926 (main)
304.345.8206 (fax)
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