We are so pleased to introduce our new Retreat Center leadership team – Sister Mary McGehee, Sister Edith Bogue, and Sister Michelle St. Marie. These three sisters are taking the helm this June and July and are looking forward to moving the Retreat Center into the future. They will take over from Sister Elisabeth Meadows who has served as Director for the past seven years, and as Associate Director for seven years prior to that. Sister Elisabeth was recently called forth from the monastic community at Sacred Heart to serve as Prioress. What a blessing it is to have such gifted sisters to step straight into Retreat Center leadership roles following the departure of Sister Elisabeth.
Leading the way will be Sister Mary McGehee who will serve as Director. Sister Mary was one of the key sisters who helped bring our retreat ministry to birth over forty years ago and has remained involved with the Retreat Center ministry over these years. She has a wealth of experience and insights to share as well as years of experience in leading retreat groups and providing Spiritual Direction to retreatants. Sister Edith Bogue, a Benedictine Sister from Duluth, MN, currently in residence at Sacred Heart, is taking on the role of Associate Director. Sister Edith’s varied background in social work, retreat and spiritual direction ministry, higher education, English Country Dance, and life-long learning forms a rich tapestry that will benefit her Retreat Center ministry. Sister Michelle St. Marie has an attentive heart that notices and cares for all. Her background as an Occupational Therapist with its combination of attention to the individual along with collegial teamwork will serve her well as she ministers in the Retreat Center. Her wide range of abilities from gardening to decorating will be a real gift to our ministry.
A key immediate goal of the new team will be the careful and gradual transition of the Retreat Center out of the adaptations that were made in response to the pandemic. They will be working closely with Sister Elisabeth to ensure a smooth transition. If you would like to contact Retreat Center staff, please call (256) 734-8302 or email retreats@shmon.org.