Already I was in love with the wide-open spaces. Space and the gigantic fir trees, the branches sweeping down to the ground, left in my heart an impression similar to the one I experience still today at the sight of nature.

JESUS DEIGNED TO teach me this mystery.
He set before me the book of nature;
-St. Therese

When we go on pilgrimage we are setting out on a journey of conversion and encounter. The Center for Spiritual Development offers a variety of pilgrimages through natural grasses, rolling countryside, bird song and tree-lined vistas found on the 90 acre Saint James campus.

"The Book of Nature" aids us in understanding the Book of Scripture.

The relationship between the two moves in and out of our ordinary lives and enhances what we might call our spiritual lives.

At the Center for Spiritual Development we are dedicated to giving the journey some guidance, like channel markers in the bay, which help us steer a course which is free to move into the deepest pathways of God's vision for our lives, in solitude and in community.

The Center began offering programs and workshops across Maryland in 1996 with funding from a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. Over time our director developed and delivered programs, pilgrimages and retreats at parishes, diocesan events, provincial meetings and in seminary settings in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Tennessee.

2008 marks our first year of having a fixed space out of which to work. By partnering with Saint James Episcopal Parish we are able to offer A place as well as programs, roots as well as wings. We have been the grateful beneficiaries of grants from a foundation and private donors who had experienced our earlier work and desired to fund our 2008 programs as well as help us build a labyrinth on the property.

Our on-going work will be funded by events, e-classes, grants and donations from people who feel called to support this work.

We meet regularly for spiritual counsel with our Council of Advise which includes people from the Presbyterian church, the Episcopal church and the missioner for Christian formation from the Episcopal diocesan staff in Maryland.

Join the pilgrimage into the heart of God's desires for your life.

© 2008-2010 The Center for Spiritual Development at Saint James Monkton