Sabbatical Information
“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace, and love.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Nature of Sabbatical Time
Rooted and growing in the light of God’s love, the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality (WVIS) provides a quiet, four-season setting where individuals can find peace in solitude; savor God’s presence in prayer; delight in the gifts of creation; experience new ways of being in relationship with God, with self, with others, and with the world.
This time is a grace-filled opportunity for rest, prayer, and studies designed for those in ministry or in a life-changing transition, open to United States and international men and women, clergy and laity of all denominations, and members of religious communities. Included are opportunities for spiritual growth, personal prayer, and community experiences, Healing Touch Massage Therapy, hermit experience, counseling, music therapy, and spiritual direction.
Nature of Sabbatical Time
Rooted and growing in the light of God’s love, the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality (WVIS) provides a quiet, four season setting where individuals can find peace in solitude; savor God’s presence in prayer; delight in the gifts of creation; experience new ways of being in relationship with God, with self, with others and with the world.
This time is a grace-filled opportunity for rest, prayer, and studies designed for those in ministry or in a life changing transition, open to United States and International men and women, clergy and laity of all denominations, and members of religious communities. Included are opportunities for spiritual growth, personal prayer, and community experiences, Healing Touch Massage Therapy, hermit experience, counseling, music therapy and spiritual direction.
Spiritual Growth
A staff member will be appointed to assist the participant in arranging a daily and weekly schedule that meets the stated needs of your sabbatical. Some of the offerings that are part of the rhythm of WVIS* include:
- journaling as a method of spiritual self-direction;
- soul collage using art as a method of integration;
- the Rules for Eating Novena that incorporates St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Rules for Eating;
- Spiritual, emotional, and psychological growth offerings including feeling your feelings, discerning as a way of life, growth in prayer during dark times, decision making, as well as music and inner healing.
*Please note that all offerings may not be available at all times.
Opportunities for Personal Prayer
During your sabbatical, there are a variety of daily opportunities for personal prayer including the chance to celebrate a liturgy in one of our local churches to experience “the church” in West Virginia, occasional desert days of silence, week-long silent, directed retreat as well as the 30-day Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
Community Experience
During your sabbatical time there are opportunities for community through small group sharing and activities, informal social gatherings at meals when not in retreat, a minimal amount of light housework to foster a sense of belonging, recreational activities of an historical nature at the beautiful State Capitol and grounds, the scenic beauty of the West Virginia mountains, walks along the picturesque Kanawha River, and other sight-seeing opportunities, as well as personal dialogues and sharing with others at the Institute.
Scheduling Your Sabbatical
The sabbatical is offered and scheduled at the convenience of the individual participant. This can be 1 to 3 months: shorter or longer experience as discerned with the WVIS Executive Director.
Please note: applications (see link below) are due two (2) months prior to the chosen sabbatical start date. Also, please be aware that WVIS has limited handicapped accessibility.
Those who come to WVIS for their sabbatical can choose to stay in the retreat house ($100/night) which offers a private room and shared bath. Or you may choose to stay at the Hermitage which is a private suite located on the retreat house property ($132/night). All currency is USD.
This offering includes the program donation and basic living expenses such as:
- All meals and linens (You are asked to inform the staff of food allergies.)
- Art supplies including watercolor, acrylic paints, colored pencils, clay molding, cutting, pasting, drawing, etc.
- Wi-Fi Access
Not included in this offering are personal expenses such as medication, food or snacks not provided by the Institute, laundry, postage, personal phone calls, transportation, recreational fees, entrance fees to museums and places of interest, gas for trips, and overnight stays on trips.
WVIS is a 501 (c)(3).
Contact
1601 Virginia Street East
Charleston, West Virginia 25311
304.345.0926 (main)
304.345.8206 (fax)
Information contained on this site is for the sole use of members of The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality community and may not be used for commercial purposes. All content, unless otherwise specified, is the property of The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and may only be used with permission. © 2025 The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality.