A new retreatant was asking another retreatant and I over
lunch why we
return again and again. As we ran through a list out loud, it
was impossible to pick just one element or reason, such as the
compelling singing, the wonderful art lectures, or the fascinating
things that we learn about the chants. We agreed that it's
the integrated whole experience, the way everything that you present
over the course of the weekend exposes us to entirely new connections
of beauty, community, and harmony. Thank you for a
great retreat and the rich spiritual nourishment.
-Donna DiFiore, Seattle Symphony Finance Department
The Gregorian Chant Retreats are like an oasis of beauty. You
leave the stress of city life behind and enter sacred time and sacred
space. Learning and singing the psalms, chants, plus sharing times of
silence together, connects the participants on a spiritual plane. The
sacred chants, repeated many times over the weekend are nurturing and
comforting to the soul-like a gentle massage for your whole being. You
leave the retreat feeling refreshed and renewed.
- Jeri Howe, Harpist, Sacred Harmonies: Musical Medicine for Souls in
Transition
I really appreciate Joseph's passion, skill, articulation, and
generosity on all levels. The attention to both precision and detail
and also to the flow and feeling of Gregorian chant was extremely
balanced and enriching in the classes he taught.
- Daoud Miller, Interpretive Guide and Naturalist
I just want to say again how grateful I am for the
retreat. I am still praying the songs all day long, in my head and out
loud. Thank you for all the hard work and care you put into making it a
renewing and expanding experience of faith. The worship and great
silence were transformative. The lectures were fascinating.
- Sarah Campbell, Member UPC Gospel Choir
Thanks again for the wonderful Gregorian chant weekend. I loved every
minute of it. Everything was so well
organized, the chant music was heavenly, and the art
presentation was exquisite as always.
- Karin Wallner-Bickham, Staff, Saint Placid Benedictine Priory
The retreat was a wonderful experience. It enabled me to reconnect and
renew in a spiritual way. As a novice (having never sung any chant
material) the way you welcomed and encouraged me was very refreshing.
There is something renewing about chanting with a group of people, all
singing the same line. The group effort reconnects and is so rewarding
and refreshing; it's no longer about the individual. And what a
wonderful setting! To relax with the mountains, water, and trees
surrounding is inspiring!
- Daniel Sorenson, Geographer
Thank you again for a most wonderful chant retreat. I can't tell you
how much it meant to me. Learning
the chants, learning about St. Francis and St. Clare, experiencing the
ensemble singing in the chapel (and much more)--everything was so
"enlarging" spiritually for me. So many of your choices--the
books around the main room, the images on our music books, even the
careful placement of chairs in the chapel--all truly
nurtured the whole experience. Thank you, thank you! I'm so glad I
found you both.
- Maureen Jackson, Musician and Music Historian
Thank you both so much for a wonderful week-end. It
is always inspiring to be with people who so obviously have found their
passion in life and love sharing it. I look forward to the
next time.
- Pamela Earle, Amateur musician and chant lover, British
Columbia
My wife and I attended our first Chant Retreat Weekend in July
2007 and enjoyed it immensely. Although coming from different
ends of
the spectrum of familiarity with chant we both were very comfortable
due to Joe's gentle and patient instruction, and the organization of
the material, which maximized repetition of psalms and antiphons among
the eleven offices sung during the weekend. The special
presentations
by Joe and Victoria on Saints Francis and Clare were very informative,
adding depth to the weekend's theme. What a thrill to dwell
for even a
couple of days in "Sacred Time," to meet wonderful fellow chanters, and
to have quiet time--not to mention the wonderful meals and
hospitality provided by the St. Andrew's House staff.
- Kenneth Peterson, Member of St. Mark's Cathedral Compline Choir
I thoroughly enjoyed the chant retreat. It succeeded all my
expectations
and was truly restful and fulfilling. You and Joseph did a fantastic
job facilitating it. I'll be back for more!
- Linda Lu Cannon, Developer Editor and former gallery owner
I came home from this retreat and felt as if the singing we had done
together had given my internal organs a cleaning bath! Joseph and
Victoria's leadership gave us a wonderful palate of contemplative
experience. The rigors of the office chants were skillfully balanced
with silent time as well as personal and group reflection about
universal themes we were focusing on. Each of them bring a wealth of
knowledge and an unusual sensitivity to participants needs and
exploration. All this at St. Andrews' Retreat House, where your eyes
feast on beautiful
gardens and the breathtaking views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Range!
- Claudia Walker, Music Therapist
Thank you so much for an exquisite Gregorian Chant Retreat weekend.
There are no words to express my gratitude to you for what you give me
from your passion for spirit and art.
- Fanny Porter, Spiritual Seeker