Awakening to the Threads of Spirituality in the Steps: Beyond Mechanics into the Spiritual Essence
This retreat will look beyond the mechanics of the steps and explore the spiritual thread that weaves through the step process. It will also apply quotes and themes from theologians, psychologists, and mystics to bridge our prayer life with the essences of Twelve-Step recovery. The main objective is to illuminate the broader spiritual growth potential with the integration of the steps and our own spirituality/prayer life.
Retreat Leader
Kathleen McCauley has been an active retreat leader for over twenty-five years. She is a professionally trained retreat leader and chaplain, with a specific ministry to those seeking and in recovery. Her passion, energy, and her own lived recovery make her retreats engaging, meaningful, and growth filled. During these years she has served as a Retreat Master for Serenity Retreats, church groups, AA, and Al-Anon recovery groups and is registered as a Matt Talbot Retreat Leader.
Kathleen enjoys working with adults in their cultivation of spirituality and personal growth. She is keenly aware of the inner workings of the soul and enjoys finding ways to invite people to listen and journey into the quiet sanctuary of their hearts. Kathleen brings a richness and fullness to retreats by weaving the joys and brokenness of her own journey into the themes and handy work of God.
About the Location
Villa Maria del Mar is owned and operated by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. The Villa is a strikingly beautiful retreat center located on the bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on the Pacific Ocean. A stunning view of the bay and easy access to the beach make The Villa an ideal place for quiet reflection and retreat. The Villa offers private or double rooms with a bath, healthy meals, gardens for walking or sitting, on-site parking, and free WIFI.
Villa Maria del Mar
21918 East Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-475-1236
Registration Fee
The registration fee of $599 will cover all presentations, four nights lodging (March 2, 3, 4, & 5) and meals beginning Monday evening through lunch on Friday. We are grateful to the Guest House benefactors and the ICAP organization, whose generosity helps underwrite a large portion of the retreat costs for each participant.
Closest Airport
The closest airport is San Jose International airport, but Monterey, Oakland and San Francisco airports are viable options.
Shuttle Availability from Airports
Several airport shuttle services are available. Check the Villa Maria del Mar website, under frequently asked questions, for a listing of shuttle companies.
To secure a room, registration must be received by January 15, 2026.
Sponsoring Organizations
The Inter-Congregational Addictions Program, ICAP, is the network of sisters recovering by working programs based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. The purpose of ICAP is to enhance the recovery program of sisters by helping them to network, connect, access, and affiliate with other sisters using 12-Step recovery.
For questions regarding ICAP or to request retreat financial assistance, contact Sr. Mary Gene Kinney at 773-852-3608 or Sr. Luann Brown at 630-660-0051.
Guest House offers retreats periodically throughout the year as support for clergy and women and men religious in recovery from a variety of addictive disorders. This retreat is offered for our alumnae women religious as well as sisters who came to recovery through other treatment centers or entered recovery on their own.