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Susan Classen CoL

Susan has been a Loretto Co-member since 1996. She is the director of Cedars of Peace, a retreat center on the grounds of the Loretto Motherhouse. A passion for transformation is the common thread that weaves its way through her varied interests which include gardening, woodworking, retreat leading and involvement in Loretto’s Farm and Land Management Committee. Previously, she lived and worked in Latin America.

Retreat Centers and Transformational Change

By Susan Classen CoL / September 1, 2019 /

How do retreat centers support transformational change? I was among the diverse group of retreat center directors and social movement leaders invited to discuss that question during a three-day meeting…

Motherhouse Entices Monarch Butterflies

By Susan Classen CoL / July 1, 2019 /

The food supply for monarch butterflies received a boost at the Motherhouse in May with the planting of 4 acres of milkweed and other plants favored by pollinators. Last fall,…

What is Emerging?/Emerging Mission

By Susan Classen CoL / November 1, 2018 /

(Editor’s Note: Part 1: A reflection at the one-year anniversary of the Nov. 4, 2017, vow celebration.) JoAnn Gates and I recently visited Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky where…

Beef and Climate Change: A Continuum

By Susan Classen CoL / April 1, 2018 /

Does eating beef harm the planet? Many are asking that important question and, like most good questions, there is no clear answer. Think of a continuum ranging from beef choices…

Mission: Motherhouse Land Contributes to Climate Solutions

By Susan Classen CoL / March 1, 2018 /

I am intrigued by what I am learning about the role of land in mitigating climate change. Actually, challenged would be more accurate. I have been actively involved in fighting…

Balcony View: A Discernment Practice

By Susan Classen CoL / December 1, 2016 /

The “balcony view” refers to a discernment practice that involves stepping back from the details to look at the broad view. Two personal memories highlight the importance of looking from…

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