“The time is NOW. We are in the midst of the transformation we have been waiting for. What is needed is Earth-making at the deepest level of soul: rejuvenation, restoration and evolution in the midst of cultural upheaval and the sixth planetary extinction.
Held in a community committed to spiritual deepening for global transformation, change happens one person at a time, responding with depth and compassion. This is the invitation now: to a fully soul-present, earth-centered emergence. Welcome to an uprising of hope and creative becoming. ”
Gabriele Uhlein, PhD is a Wheaton Franciscan sister deeply inspired by the spirit of Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi and Teilhard de Chardin. She holds a doctorate in depth psychology and process theology from the Chicago Theological Seminary. As Franciscan scholar and artist-in-residence at the Christine Center, Gabe continues to promote the profound connection between planetary consciousness, contemplation, and compassion in everyday life. Gabriele’s creativity workshops concentrate on the cultivation of intuition, and her spiritual deepening workshops focus on heart-centered, integral Earth presence. Incarnational art and personal ritual making complement her spiritual guidance and spiritual deepening offerings.

At ease with a variety of faith and spiritual traditions, Sharon maintains a daily practice of meditation, and prioritizes restorative time in her garden or studio to balance her work life and responsibilities as a caregiver. Sharon is attracted to the integration or interplay of nature and creative exploration on the spiritual path, both in her personal practice and in her work with individuals, groups and day retreatants as a facilitator and Spiritual Companion.

Sharon was present in the first SDGT cohort, completing the program in 2010 and is currently Director at Tau Center, a ministry of the Wheaton Franciscans.  In addition to time spent in extended retreat and attending art workshops, Sharon studied Spiritual Direction at Hesychia, Tucson AZ; SoulCollage Facilitation, Madison WI; and Expressive Arts Facilitation at Abbey of the Arts, Mt Hood WA. She holds a BA in Human Resources, with graduate coursework in Training & Development and various professional certificates.

Her intention is to be fully present with you in community, staying open and curious to allow space for our personal and collective inner wisdom to emerge and be heard.

Called to the life of Spirit well over 40 years ago, Ron has devoted his life to deepening his own spirituality and to a vocation of service. A tour in Vietnam shook his beliefs in “The American Way”. An MBA and ten years in corporate America convinced him there had to be a better way. In his questing he has been fortunate to be personally mentored by Joseph Campbell, Carl Rogers, Manly P. Hall, Rosalyn Bruyere, Mary Elizabeth Thunder, Hyemeyohsts and Swan Storm, Roger Weir and Robert Sardello. 

Called to sacred ministry, in 1984 he received ordination after completing a four-year program through The Healing Light Center Seminary in Sierra Madre, California.  He has been ministerial guide to three spiritual communities in California and Minnesota.  As a part of his ministry he has been a hands-on energy practitioner since ordination, currently with the Thiensville Health Alliance in Thiensville, Wisconsin.

He was a volunteer provider for 25 years at Pathways in Minneapolis facilitating classes and individual healing sessions. Pathways is a nationally recognized health crisis center offering free resources and alternative health care services for those with life threatening and chronic illness. He also served on their board for 17 years.

For three years he participated in an annual medical mission to the Mayan people of Guatemala. He has studied with indigenous North American and Mayan shamans in the US and Central America. 

He has facilitated classes and retreats on spiritual growth and bio-field energy healing in 6 states, including at The Christine Center. Through The Christine Center Ron hosts a weekly on-line Tao meditation and discussion circle.

Ron firmly believes we are at the threshold of an emerging, more humane and inclusive civilization embodying spirit and matter. The Call is being sent out. His participation as one of the core faculty of The Spiritual Deepening for Planetary Transformation Program is a major part of his commitment to contribute in this time of unprecedented challenge.

With an affinity for spiritual growth and connection, Elaine serves as a spiritual companion and guide for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their spiritual journey. Drawing from her educational background and personal experiences, Elaine specializes in soul care, believing that tending to the needs of individual souls contributes to the well-being of the collective soul of the world. In her own spiritual quest, professional work, and academic pursuits, Elaine explores the intricate dynamics of being a soul incarnate in this world. She delves into the depths of consciousness, purpose, divine connection, and the interconnectedness of all creation. Elaine is educated in the field Spiritual and Social Transformation with a focus on Spiritual Direction, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Bethany Theological Seminary. As a faculty member at Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development, Elaine co-leads students in their foundational year of the Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides program. Additionally, she facilitates workshops and retreats that integrate contemplative, creative, and intuitive practices to foster spiritual growth and exploration. With a deep reverence and gratitude for the sacred in everyday life, Elaine sees each moment as an opportunity for spiritual deepening, nurturing, and transformation and has come to understand that the practice of gratitude serves as a powerful pathway to opening the heart to the beauty of all existence.

Since 1971 Wade has called the beautiful Driftless region adjacent to the Mississippi River his home. He was the founder and for 28 years director, of Trempealeau County Community Television studio, working with a wide variety of people and institutions. He has done several major photo documentary projects and has served on several non-profit Boards and as a County Government Supervisor. Wade has practiced Vipassana meditation since 1988, and has been a student of the Diamond Approach since 1996. He has made an extensive study of Nonviolent, or Compassionate Communication since 2003, and currently works part time mediating custody and placement of children for the local Family Court. He leads workshops related to Nonviolent Communication, and loves to ride his bike over the hills, and canoe the riverways of his local region.

Roxanne Rawson serves as Program Manager and, along with others, she chooses to both live and work here on campus.

Wanting to live out her values of contemplation and community more fully, Roxanne transferred to retreat centers following her first career in university student and academic services.

She believes deeply in the value of retreat and spiritual deepening and loves sharing that with groups and individuals.

Roxanne’s journey with sacred spaces–inviting silence, reflection, and connection with all things–began as a child at Cedar Springs summer camp in NE Iowa. Her appreciation for solitude and exploration developed during several years in Japan and was reimagined through her participation in the 3-year Hidden Treasure program at her home retreat center in Upstate New York. Her love for intentional community grew out of her experiences with the International Living Center at Cornell University and serving six-months as a karma yoga intern at Kripalu in the Berkshires and three years with ARC Retreat Community in Minnesota.

Roxanne was drawn to The Christine Center’s invitation to support persons of all spiritual paths, its legacy of sisters and our values of contemplation, hospitality, compassion, simplicity, transformation and care for our Earth community.

She holds a BA with graduate work in education and servant leadership.