We returned for our second silent retreat (click here for first one) at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat and Faith Formation Center at The Palisades, located above the shores of Puget Sound in Federal Way. The silent retreat is provided through the generosity of the Archdiocese of Seattle and Seattle University’s Jesuit mission, and is open to people of all faiths and spiritual direction who have a connection with the university.
The three day retreat begins Friday evening with communal dinner and conversation, followed by an introduction of participants and spiritual directors (who are like counselors). Then the silence commences, and only the spiritual directors occasionally speak at various optional half hour “movements” throughout the weekend. The topics vary, spanning from personal to religious to inspiring stories to guidance on how to heal or think or live fully. The spiritual directors also offer two optional half hour private one-on-one sessions for freeform talk about whatever a participant would like to discuss.
The grounds span a beautiful 39 acres of Puget Sound waterfront, with forested walking trails, courtyards, labyrinth, meditation benches, and gardens spread around the property. The main buildings also house a chapel, library, and multiple meeting rooms, all open 24 hours for anyone to visit and meditate in at any time. Breakfast, lunch, and dinners are served in a large dining room overlooking the Sound, though the only sounds in the room are from silverware clanking and people eating.
Participants come for many reasons, spanning from healing to thinking to planning to relaxing to re-forming. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and shared intent. The spiritual directors are there to provide a meaningful yet self-directed experience for everyone.
Archbishop Brunett Retreat and Faith Formation Center at The Palisades
One of several courtyards
Chapel
Statue by nature trail
Stations Of The Cross walking trail
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph statue near nature trail
Labyrinth for walking meditation
Puget Sound view from the main buildings
Nearby Dumas Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at sunrise
Links
Archbishop Brunett Retreat & Faith Formation Center at The Palisades
Hi there! I am the Marketing Coordinator for the Palisades Retreat Center, and I came across your blog today and found these beautiful images of our site! Would you happen to still have the original files of these photos? If so, would you be willing to share them with us?
You are welcome to email or call any time. My direct line is (206) 274-3123.
Thank you,
Margaret Shelton