St. Hildegard’s
Cathedral of the Woods
a Restorative Immersion Retreat Experience
Our Mission
To awaken a transformation of health, happiness, and wholeness using St. Hildegard’s timeless restorative wisdom. Empowering individuals to dream without limits and live with new enthusiasm in a unique and unrepeatable way.
“O, You who are ever giving life to all life,
moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean,
wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds,
You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.”
—St. Hildegard
Who is St. Hildegard von Bingen?
+ St. Hildegard was a tenacious twelfth century mystical visionary Benedictine abbess, theologian, author, exorcist, doctor of holistic medicine, botanist, healer, musician, composer & traveling preacher whose timeless teachings not only impacted the culture of her time, but are still relevant today.
+ In 2012, on the Feast of The Holy Rosary, she was declared the 4th woman Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI.
+ Her life encompassed the beauty of the Benedictine charism of balance. She emphasized the importance of the integration of prayer, work, and proper nutrition.
+ She had a deep respect and love for God’s creation and enjoying time in the natural world around her.
+ Hildegard is a beautiful example of courage and strength in a time of heresy and corruption in the Church. Her holistic strategies for physical and spiritual health remain exceptional, effective & unrefuted.
“Viriditas”
God’s Vitality
Hildegard wrote extensively about the concept of Viriditas: a “greening” life force inherent in the beauty of creation which continually renews, restores and sustains wholeness for body, mind and soul.
Would you like to dive deeper into the beauty of
St. Hildegard’s life and teachings?
This Retreat is Your Moment
July 21-25th, 2027
and again on September 15th-19th.
at The Sycamore Tree Retreat Center
in the beautiful Swan Valley of Northwest Montana
The Benefits
St. Hildegard & Her Teachings
+ Learn about the person of St. Hildegard and how her holistic lifestyle teachings are still relevant and effective at healing physical and spiritual ailments.
+ Identify 35 spiritual vices and their counter measures with proper fasting, spiritual virtue identification, and scriptural tools.
+ Study St. Hildegard’s lifestyle strategies for optimal health
Refreshing Beverages
+ Cold-Pressed Juices
+ Restorative Teas
+ Wine with Dinner
Wholesome Food
+ Enjoy professional chef-prepared nutritiously delicious meals.
+ Participate in Hildegard-inspired cooking techniques.
Wellness Features
+ Detox Foot Soak
+ Massage
+ Hyperthermic (Heat) Therapy
+ Crafting Restorative Tinctures
Grace
+ Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
+ Liturgy of the Hours
+ Confession and Mass
Refuge
+ Enjoy nature’s therapy on a hike guided by Angela Schnieders to a breathtaking mountain waterfall.
+ Delight in the tranquil beauty of the mountainous woods while walking or praying within campus or its surroundings.
Special Feature
Hildegardening 101 presented by Bill Schnieders, expert practitioner in permaculture and regenerative organic farming.
All this and more for $1475
($295 per day)
$750 nonrefundable deposit reserves your spot (due March 1st).
$725 balance due by June 15th.
Also included in the 5-day Encounter…
Lodging
Favors
+ Welcome Basket
+ Retreat Guide including St. Hildegard-inspired recipes and resources.
Meet the Facilitators
Click on the plus sign (+) next to the names for more details.
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Jeanne O’Connell is wife to her husband, Kelly, mother of 5, and 5 beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys hiking in the mountains, watching her children’s collegiate and NFL-level athletic sports, cooking healthy & delicious dishes, gardening, facilitating workshops and retreats, traveling, and gathering with friends and family. She is a 23-year Pastoral Assistant at St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish, employed as Director of Marriage Ministries and Women’s Formation. She is a University of Minnesota-Crookston graduate, is also certified in JPII’s Theology of the Body Head and Heart Immersion from the Theology of the Body Institute, is a certified Matthew Kelly Dream Manager Coach, and is a certified AFPA Holistic Nutritionist. After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2017, Jeanne discovered how ancient forms of nutrition and healing merge with today’s nutritional science for optimal health and wellbeing primarily through the timeless teachings and wisdom of Hildegard von Bingen, Saint and Doctor of the Church. By consolidating her pastoral experience and certifications, she is passionate about teaching St. Hildegard’s strategic approaches to physical and spiritual vitality, wellbeing and wholeness.
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Tina Wambeke has been a massage therapist in Montana for 21 years. She has also been an instructor for massage therapy students at the former Healthworks Institute as well as for adult education program students. She is a Catholic convert, a member of a charismatic Catholic prayer group, and divides her parish life between Holy Family Catholic Church in Three Forks and the Butte Catholic Community North. She and her husband Chuck became parents through adoption and have three adult children and three grandchildren. Tina is passionate about sharing the benefits of touch therapy and loves to teach accessible self-care techniques that people can incorporate in their daily lives to enhance their well-being, wholeness and ability to live the life that Christ so dearly paid for us. She is a former environmental chemist and lifelong student who has received training in many alternative health modalities. However her best education was what she learned about herself and God through the journey of marriage and parenting adopted children.
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Kim D. Maes is a wife, mother, grandmother, musician, culinary specialist, and lifelong believer in the importance of serving and caring for others. She and her husband are the parents of two grown children and proud grandparents of four granddaughters—roles that remain at the heart of Kim’s life.
After a long career serving her community as a Senior Center Director in Wyoming, Kim retired and moved to Montana, where an unexpected second career led her to become Director of Liturgical Music at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Music and ministry became a deeply loved part of her life, and although she has now retired from that position as well, she continues to volunteer and serve whenever she can.
Kim is a Certified Plant-Based Culinary Specialist and co-author of Simply Spelt. She is also actively involved with nonprofit and community organizations, including Chatcolab and Black Hills Recreational Leadership Lab, reflecting her longstanding commitment to bringing people together, encouraging others, and strengthening communities.
Faith, family, music, food, nature, and service are threads that have woven their way through every season of Kim’s life. Through Cathedral of the Woods and the wisdom of St. Hildegard of Bingen, she hopes to share those threads with others—creating a place where people can slow down, be nourished in body and spirit, reconnect with what matters, and find a little more beauty, balance, and joy along the way.
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Angela and Bill Schnieders are the founders of Viriditas Living, a Catholic coaching and formation ministry focused on helping individuals and families live with greater wholeness, purpose, and integration. Together, they draw from backgrounds in theology, leadership, personal development, coaching, and holistic living to help others align faith, family, work, and daily life with God’s design.
Angela has more than 20 years of experience mentoring leaders, coaching professionals, and forming faith communities. She has studied theology extensively and is a Certified Master Coach through The Wholeness School. Bill brings experience in business, theology, high-performance coaching, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture, with a particular passion for helping others cultivate virtue, resilience, stewardship, and trust in God.
Through Viriditas Living, Angela and Bill help Catholics pursue greater peace, vitality, and fruitfulness by integrating spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and practical aspects of life.
Testimonials
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Description text goes here“I had the privilege of meeting Jeanne at a St. Hildegard workshop she put on for a small group of ladies at my house. It was such a rich and beautiful day for all of us. We learned so much nutritional and holistic information as we relaxed with our feet soaking in a detox foot bath all the while enjoying wonderful healthy snacks and meals that she made (and also taught us how to make with some fun hands-on)! Since then, she has continued to support me and has become one of my biggest companions in my own health journey as I tackle thyroid cancer through this natural and holistic lifestyle. She's shared with me many food recipes, nutritional advice, and got me started on these plant-based supplements that are changing many peoples lives for the better. My energy has certainly increased and I feel better now than I've probably felt for the last 10 years. I am blessed each time I get to speak with her--her faith and positivity are inspiring! Jeanne has truly been a gift from God for me!”
- Anita
The Saint Hildegard retreat is truly a divine gift! A cleanse that will transform the spirit, mind, and body! Jeanne offers the perfect balance of knowledge of this incredible saint, rest, contemplation, community, and prayer. I left feeling like a new person full of God’s Divine Love! The food prepared by Jeanne and Kim is a treat in of itself—incredibly nurturing, comforting, and healing. So good, I could cry—actually, I did cry!
After being gluten free for 13 years, I am able to eat spelt and feel great! It sustains me throughout my day. No more ‘hangry’ episodes!
My mom, who has Type 1 Diabetes, is eating spelt and using less insulin—amazing!
This retreat has been such a gift in my life!
—Katie Borges, Nurse Practitioner, Big Fork, MT
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The Church gave us St. Hildegard as a Doctor of the Church for this specific time and circumstances in our world. St. Hildegard encourages us that even in a world that is being ship-wrecked, we are to remain brave and strong. And her ancient teachings, now scientifically verified, give us the tools to fortify our bodies, renew our minds, and spiritually strengthen our selves and one another.
Prior to this retreat I knew Hildegard and had read her books and many others about her, but my Cathedral of the Woods experience invited me to dig so much deeper and learn how to truly incorporate her divine wisdom into my daily life. This was a profoundly life-changing experience! More than that, it has created a true community of “hildegardians” who continue to support, inspire, and encourage one another on a shared mission to spread Hildegard’s teachings and usher in new time for holiness and wholeness in our world!
This retreat is truly a spa for the soul and opportunity to dive into the depths of divine wisdom while praying, laughing, and walking in a natural beauty and enjoying delicious wholesome meals along with lively conversation.
I am so grateful to Jeanne, whose embrace of St. Hildegard not only healed her from cancer, but inspired her to become a certified holistic nutritionist and passionate ambassador for sharing Hildegard’s healing wisdom so others can experience viriditas in their own lives!
-Kristen Rau, Colorado
St. Hildegard called me to Montana! What an incredible experience at the Cathedral of the Woods! From the moment I arrived, I felt the warmth and connection within our small, intimate group, all passionate about our faith and health.
Jeanne is a remarkable hostess. Her personable nature and deep knowledge made each moment feel special. The food was a highlight, with every meal bursting with flavor and nourishment—perfectly embodying St. Hildegard’s philosophy on fueling our bodies. I loved discovering the unique ways she emphasized health through nature!
The retreat offered a perfect blend of community, inspiration, and personal reflection time. Surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of Montana, found peace and renewal.
Thank you for this wonderful retreat experience. I am already looking forward to St. Hildegard 2.0!
—Meredith Oman, Wisconsin
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Our Cathedral of the Woods Immersion Experience was one of the most powerfully transformative experiences of both of our lives! We truly believe that it’s the effective antidote to this cultural and health crisis we find ourselves in at this point in history.
The sacred and peaceful grounds of the Sycamore Tree Retreat Center enhanced the experience for our family to enter to the ‘school of silence’ and prepare our hearts to receive the timeless teachings and transforming wisdom divinely revealed to St. Hildegard of Bingen. Through Jeanne’s beautiful and inspiring meals and presentation we learned in just a matter of hours practical strategies on how to detoxify, nourish, and fortify our bodies, minds, and souls. Receiving and experiencing Hildegard’s vision for integrated wholeness and true human flourishing has left a powerful and lasting impact!
Jeanne is a phenomenal teacher and a living witness to the efficacy of Hildegard’s principles. After serious health crisis and dire prognosis in her own life, Jeanne absolutely transformed her own health to flourishing health, vitality, vibrancy by applying Hildegard’s wellness principles. She is living breathing proof they work. This experience is an absolute must for all who desire to live the words of Jesus, “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” (Jn 10:10)
- Bill & Angela Schnieders, Lakeside, MT
July 21-25, 2027
&
September 15-19, 2027
at The Sycamore Tree Retreat Center
Space is limited and fills quickly. Select your preferred retreat date to reserve your place online. You may pay in full or choose the deposit option at checkout.
Prefer to pay by check or arrange your reservation directly with Jeanne? Please use the Contact Us form below before sending payment so availability can be confirmed. Checks should be made payable to St. Hildegard’s COTW.
Upcoming Experiences
Come away for five restorative days at the beautiful Sycamore Tree Retreat Center in Northwest Montana and immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom of St. Hildegard of Bingen.
Through prayer, nourishing food, restorative wellness experiences, hands-on learning, fellowship, and time in the beauty of creation, discover St. Hildegard’s approach to greater health and wholeness of body, mind, and soul.
Your retreat experience includes lodging, wholesome chef-prepared meals and beverages, St. Hildegard teachings, wellness experiences, prayer and the Sacraments, a guided waterfall hike, Hildegardening, a welcome basket, retreat guide, and more.
Retreat Investment: $1,475
Pay in full or reserve your place with a $750 nonrefundable deposit. The remaining $725 balance will be charged according to the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Space is limited.
Come away for five restorative days at the beautiful Sycamore Tree Retreat Center in Northwest Montana and immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom of St. Hildegard of Bingen.
Through prayer, nourishing food, restorative wellness experiences, hands-on learning, fellowship, and time in the beauty of creation, discover St. Hildegard’s approach to greater health and wholeness of body, mind, and soul.
Your retreat experience includes lodging, wholesome chef-prepared meals and beverages, St. Hildegard teachings, wellness experiences, prayer and the Sacraments, a guided waterfall hike, Hildegardening, a welcome basket, retreat guide, and more.
Retreat Investment: $1,475
Pay in full or reserve your place with a $750 nonrefundable deposit. The remaining $725 balance will be charged according to the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Space is limited.
“Listen, Child of God, to your teacher’s wisdom.
Pay attention to what your heart desires.
Make sure you accept and live the directions of your loving Father…
Pray first before doing anything worthwhile, and never stop praying.
Persist in it…
We should always make the best use of the good things God gives us.”
—St. Hildegard of Bingen
Contact Us
Jeanne O’Connell
St.HildegardImmersion@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
Attn: Jeanne O’Connell,
St. Matthew's Parish
602 South Main Street,
Kalispell, Montana 59901