A Circle of Quiet:
The Madeleine L’Engle Writing Retreat
October 2-4, 2026

St. Francis Retreat Center
Dewitt, Michigan
In person & online

It’s our five-year reunion! And this year we’re bringing you the WHOLE PACKAGE. Beyond the usual thoughtful plenaries, curated prompts, solo writing stretches, cohort discussions, and optional prayer times (plus unlimited access to the recordings afterwards!), this year’s in-person registration also includes:

  • 2 nights’ lodging (single-occupancy) at Sarah’s favorite writing getaway, the St. Francis Retreat Center near Lansing, MI.

  • All meals on site, from dinner Friday through breakfast Sunday.

  • FREE pre-retreat option on Friday starting at 1 p.m.—an informal chance to connect, wander, write, or simply be.

  • Access to the Center’s gracious facilities, including library & lounges, plus all-day beverage service in the main dining room.

  • Access to the extensive grounds—95 acres of gardens, wooded trails, vineyard, disc golf course & more.

  • Walking access to Dewitt’s quaint downtown, including coffee shops, boutiques, & nationally-renowned bakery.

  • All within 15 minutes of Michigan’s state capitol, the Capital Region International Airport, & more!

Tentative schedule (ALL TIMES EASTERN & subject to change):

  • Friday, Oct. 2: Informal pre-retreat begins at 1 p.m. (optional); room check-in at 3 p.m.; welcome & dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the opening plenary, cohorts, and optional evening prayer.

  • Saturday, Oct. 3: Breakfast at 8 a.m.; followed by morning prayer, brief pep-talk & prompts, solo writing, & lunch. More solo writing follows after lunch, along with cohorts, & late afternoon prayer (optional), concluding with dinner. The rest of the evening is all yours!

  • Sunday, Oct. 4: Optional morning prayer; breakfast at 8 a.m.; closing pep talk, giveaways, & other fun; checkout at 11 AM.

Additional notes:

  • All retreat activities, lodging, & meals will take place in the fully accessible, single-story Retreat House—no stairs, elevators, or lifts needed, hooray!

  • Rooms are single occupancy with either an en-suite shared bathroom or dorm-style bathroom down the hall. 

  • A limited number of handicap-accessible rooms with en-suite bathrooms are available while supplies last. Please indicate any special needs when registering. 

  • Mealtimes are pre-set by the Center and will be posted as part of the retreat schedule. The dining area also includes a fridge and microwave if needed (please keep food storage to a minimum and label everything!). 

  • Please let us know of any dietary issues when registering.

  • If you wish to extend your stay by adding solo retreat dates at either end, please call the St. Francis Retreat Center directly to make arrangements: (517) 669-8321. NOTE: Dining service isn't available on off-retreat days, but a fridge and microwave are available in the dining room for solo retreatants. 

Other registration options:

  • Can’t attend in person? Our virtual cohort will run concurrently with the in-person event, as always.

  • Interested in attending as a commuter instead? We’ll post more details about that option, too.

Questions? Contact LEngleRetreat@gmail.com.

Click here to register
Click here to register