Gwen Pickering

 Gwen received her training as a spiritual director from the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI.  She is a commissioned presenter of both centering prayer and the welcoming prayer through Contemplative Outreach.  She also received training in leading the Ignatian Exercises through Sacred Ground.   Gwen earned her undergraduate degree in secondary education from the University of Minnesota and MA in counseling from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Gwen is an oblate of St. Paul’s monastery.  Her approach to spiritual direction is based on the Benedictine value of listening with the ear of the heart.  She provides a safe space for you to reflect on your life while listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  She invites you to listen to the wisdom within your body and soul, as well as your mind.  It is her great joy and honor to walk with people like you as you grow closer to the God who adores you and come to know and embrace your True Self.

Gwen loves to facilitate and attend retreats, especially silent retreats.  This is quite surprising, since she is extremely extroverted, has ADHD and loves to be on the move.  She has been married for 40 years, has a daughter, a son-in-law from Argentina, and two grandchildren that she adores.