Lindenwood Retreat Center offers sanctuary rooted in simplicity

As daily life grows more fast-paced and digitally driven, retreat centers are seeing renewed interest as spaces that encourage rest and reflection. Lindenwood Retreat Conference Center in Donaldson, Indiana provides a range of retreat experiences focused on rest, spiritual reflection, and personal renewal. 

“I think retreat is intentional,” said Dionne Lovstad-Jones, Retreat Development Manager at Lindenwood Retreat Center. “In a busy, digitally connected world, it creates space for health and wholeness—not just our physical needs, but our spiritual, psychological, emotional, relational, and vocational needs.” 

Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center operates as a vital extension of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, an international congregation of Roman Catholic sisters with deep roots in Northern Indiana. The center’s operational philosophy derives from the congregation’s four foundational pillars: openness to the spirit, community, simplicity, and a commitment to dignity and respect for all individuals. 

“We at Lindenwood consider ourselves to be one of the ministries of the Poor Handmaids,” Lovstad-Jones said. “We believe the Spirit’s wisdom is revealed in the context of our relationships and experiences, so we engage our guests in teamwork. They are in communion with one another and a part of the community of creation.” 

Lovstad-Jones brings experiences in tourism, hospitality, and Christian fundraising to the role and holds a master’s degree in theology and mission. She felt led by the Holy Spirit into the position, which combines her current professional background with a desire for a role that fuels her spiritually and personally. 

“I expected I would love the people in the place, but I’ve really fallen in love with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ,” Lovstad-Jones said. “Their intentional effort to live out their values is apparent in everything we do.”

Lindenwood grounds its approach to retreat in the values of simplicity and “enoughness,” with an emphasis on abundance through mindful living rather than excess. Drawing on the teachings found in Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’,” the center integrates sustainability into daily operations by reducing waste, eliminating plastic use on campus, and watching its ecological footprint. These practices, which are also embraced by the Poor Handmaids, reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship, equity, and care for vulnerable communities. This ensures that retreat experiences are accessible to people of all backgrounds. 

“We really try to figure out what it looks like to live those core beliefs,” Lovstad-Jones said. “How do we be open to the Spirit, how do we foster community, how do we live simply, and how do we hold dignity and respect for all as people come to us?” 

Lindenwood offers three main types of retreats: group retreats, personal retreats, and center-sponsored programs. Groups may bring their own leaders and use Lindenwood’s meeting and overnight spaces, while individuals can schedule personal retreats ranging from a single day to longer stays, including options for silence and spiritual guidance. The center also hosts sponsored retreats such as recharge weekends, silent retreats, and seasonal programs focused on rest, reflection, and renewal. 

“Retreat is not just withdrawing; it is stepping back, re-grounding yourself, disconnecting from distractions and reconnecting with what matters,” Lovstad-Jones said. “It creates space to be present with God, yourself, and the moment you’re in. For some, we’ve forgotten how to do that, and for others, we’ve never learned it. At Lindenwood, we hope to help people both learn and relearn.” 

Lindenwood sits on a peaceful campus near Lake Galbraith and integrates natural elements into its retreat environment. The center features a prayer garden and a meditative labyrinth among walking paths that encourage quiet reflection and contemplative prayer. Guests can explore outdoor spaces, walk scenic trails, and enjoy gardens designed for meditation and renewal while engaging in their personal or guided retreat experiences. 

“There’s a little bit of retreat flavor for anyone, whether you’re seasoned in retreat or trying something for the first time,” Lovstad-Jones said. “We want people to feel welcome to enter through whatever door makes sense for them.”

Upcoming or recurring retreats at Lindenwood Retreat Center include: a recharge weekend, retreats based on the Spanish Mystics, silent retreats, Holy Week Retreat, and a World Labyrinth Day Retreat. For more information or to schedule a retreat getaway, visit lindenwood.org.