The Center provides a restful and peace-filled environment for an unstructured retreat. There are several Sisters of St. Joseph available by appointment to provide spiritual direction if desired. Opportunities for classes and workshops can be found locally at Wheeling Jesuit University, the Howard Long Wellness Center, and Oglebay Park. The Center's theme for the year 2002 was "Spiritual Health in Daily Life."

Sabbatical opportunity: The apartment at Saint Joseph Center is available for extended periods of time. It is a lovely setting consisting of a sitting room, bedroom, small kitchen and outside porch. The Center is located on 100 acres of woodland and rolling hills. It is within easy walking distance of Oglebay Park and close to the Stifle Center and Oglebay Institute for cultural opportunities and the local wellness center where one can take classes in yoga, tai chi etc. The Center is ecumenical in nature though we offer Roman catholic services for guests. We do rent out the space if the group is looking to have their own retreat or quiet time. Please fill out the form below for more information.

The St. Joseph Center now offers its visitors a unique prayer opportunity. Guests can pursue quiet thoughts while walking through the labyrinth. Walking meditation is a form of "body prayer," a way of using the whole body.

The labyrinth is an ancient, sacred tradition that is shared among many faiths. While patterns vary, each labyrinth features a winding pattern whose single path leads to a central core; the same path leads in and out. The path at Mount St. Joseph was constructed under the leadership of Sister Mary Clark during Volunteer Week in the summer of 2000. It is a classic design of seven cycles and seven 180-degree turns, symbolizing the seven stages of life that many traditions speak of.

"When walking the labyrinth, one is always certain of being on the right path," Clark offered. She continued, "It represents an opportunity to listen deeply, to walk deliberately," Richard Rohr, OFM, author, and speaker on the subject, points out one only has two decisions related to the labyrinth: the decision to enter the path and then to stay on the path.

Activities and Workshops

St. Joseph's has an extensive calendar of workshops and programs. Please visit our web site to see our current schedule. Click here.

For More Information

Sister Mary Clark, SSJ
St. Joseph Center
137 Mount St. Joseph Road
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-232-8160, extension 145