Teachers

Sister Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF

Sr. Judith Marie Blizzard is dedicated to the Maryville ministry as coordinator of spiritual direction and programming. She also serves as one of the vocation outreach ministers for the Felician Sisters of North America. Engaged in evangelization, retreat ministry, and parish missions, she holds a bachelor’s degree in education and religious studies from Felician University in Lodi, NJ and a master’s degree in spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Sr. Judith’s diverse past ministries include education, leadership, vocation ministry, formation, retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and mission leadership for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs.

Events with Sister Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF

Directed Retreat Week
September 27 - October 2, 2026

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 ~ 4:00 P.M. through FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 ~ 11:00 A.M. Accommodation rate includes 5 night stay, 14 meals and Spiritual Direction: $695 per person – call for Lodging Specifics Join others as you deepen your faith and gain greater clarity and direction on your spiritual journey. Sister Judy, Father Ron and Deb Buczkowski will work with you to create a personalized retreat experience tailored to meet your spiritual needs. Through half-hour spiritual direction sessions, you can progress at your own pace in a silent, prayerful setting. Spend your days in prayer, rest and reflection. Advance reservations…

Stations of the Cross
October 12, 2026

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. Free will offering Join us for a profound and reflective journey through the Stations of the Cross presented in a contemplative style. Using visual projections in San Damiano Chapel to guide the experience, this prayerful event is designed to deepen your meditation on Christ’s passion and love. Light refreshments will be provided.    

Fall Taizé Prayer
October 26, 2026

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026 7:00 P.M. Free will offering Experience peace and tranquility in this meditative prayer session featuring simple chants, short readings and silent reflection in the presence of the Eucharistic Christ. Light refreshments will be provided.    

Art and Healing Retreat
October 30 - November 1, 2026

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026 ~ 4:00 P.M. through SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2026 ~ 2:00 P.M. Accommodation rate includes 2 night stay, 6 meals and art supplies.  $350 per person (single occupancy) $325 per person (double occupancy) In difficult times where violence in our society is prevalent, the wounds we carry may be seen and unseen. This retreat offers a sacred pause for healing. Through guided art-making, quiet reflection and the gentle presence of community, you’ll be invited to process pain, reclaim hope and move forward in faith, love and trust in a brighter future. Bring an open heart and a readiness…

Advent Taizé Prayer
November 30, 2026

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2026 7:00 P.M. Free will offering Experience peace and tranquility in this meditative prayer session featuring simple chants, short readings and silent reflection in the presence of the Eucharistic Christ. Light refreshments will be provided.    

Centering Prayer Weekend
January 15 - 18, 2027

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2027 ~ 4:00 P.M. through MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2027 ~ 2:00 P.M. Accommodation rate includes 3 night stay and 9 meals. $495 per person (single occupancy) Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence … a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to deepen that relationship.    

Directed Retreat Week
January 24 - 29, 2027

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2027 ~ 4:00 P.M. through FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2027 ~ 12:00 P.M. Accommodation rate includes 5 night stay, 14 meals and Spiritual Direction. $695 per person (single occupancy) Join others as you deepen your faith and gain greater clarity and direction on your spiritual journey. Sister Judy, Father Ron and Deb Buczkowski will work with you to create a personalized retreat experience tailored to meet your spiritual needs. Through half-hour spiritual direction sessions you can progress at your own pace in a silent, prayerful setting. Spend your days in prayer, rest and reflection. Advance reservations are required; space…

Lenten Taizé Prayer
February 28, 2027

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2027 7:00 P.M. Free will offering Experience peace and tranquility in this meditative prayer session featuring simple chants, short readings and silent reflection in the presence of the Eucharistic Christ. Light refreshments will be provided.    

Discernment Retreat
March 5 - 7, 2027

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2027 ~ 4:00 P.M. through SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2027 ~ 2:00 P.M. Accommodation rate includes 2 night stay, 6 meals and Spiritual Direction. $325 per person (single occupancy) At life’s crossroads, discerning the best path can be challenging. This retreat offers time and guidance for prayerful reflection on life’s next steps, using the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. You will engage in group discussions, share experiences, and support one another while receiving individual guidance, readings and activities to aid in your discernment. The power of the group lies in sharing and listening as you journey together.    

Encountering God Through Art
June 11 - 13, 2027

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2027 ~ 4:00 P.M. through SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2027 ~ 2:00 P.M. Accommodation rate includes 2 night stay, 6 meals and art supplies. $350 per person (single occupancy) $325 per person (double occupancy) Explore prayer and Scripture through art, using mediums like clay, ink, and watercolors, as Sisters Judy and Jane guide you to connect with God and discover your inner artist in Maryville’s scenic setting. No artistic ability is required. All art supplies will be provided.    

Sunrise Rosary
August 14, 2027

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2027 6:30 A.M. Free will offering Begin your day in stillness and prayer as the sun rises over the grounds of Maryville Retreat Center. Come and pray the mysteries of the rosary that invites us to reflect on the life of Christ. This early morning rosary service offers a gentle invitation to pause before the demands of the day take hold—to breathe, reflect and greet the morning with intention and peace. Following the service, enjoy a delicious breakfast to nourish body and spirit. All are welcome, regardless of background or tradition. No prior experience with the rosary…