About Us
©MarysiaKowalchyk, Used with permission. www.madonnahouse.org
Welcome!
“…so he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him…” Lk 19:4
Two thousand years ago in the Palestinian town of Jericho, a sinner and a seeker named Zacchaeus did a risky thing: he broke from the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree because he wanted to see Jesus, who was passing by. And the unexpected happened! Jesus, looked up, called him down from the tree, and invited Himself to his house. In that brief encounter with Christ, Zacchaeus’ life was changed immediately and profoundly. A seasoned tax collector and extortioner, he unhesitatingly promised to give half of his wealth to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone whom he had defrauded. His heart was changed. We all have a lot to learn from Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:1-10)
Two thousand years later, modern-day seekers (and sinners) still want to see Jesus. They, too, risk breaking from the crowd to “climb a sycamore tree” to meet Him in a place of solitude, prayer and encounter. Jesus still sees and calls by name each one who seeks Him.
Michelle Jenkins, Director
Zacchaeus’ story should be the story of us all. Jesus enters the world as Savior for all, but he desires to commune personally with every son and daughter of God. He is always seeking us. As He says elsewhere, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20). We have to open the door of our heart…or to climb the tree…to see him.
The Sycamore Tree exists to provide a place of solitude and silence, where one enters into a deeper personal encounter with Christ. We invite you to come away from the crowd, from the noise and distractions of our frenetic world, and to be with Jesus. You may meet Him in the solitude of a private cabin, in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, or on a quiet walk in the “cathedral of the woods” that surround us. Come and see!
Our Setting
The Sycamore Tree is uniquely located in the magnificent Swan Valley of Northwest Montana. Known as the “Valley of the Hush,” the surrounding national forest lands provide a protected place of silence and contemplation.
The retreat center is tucked away in the remote foothills of the majestic Mission Mountains and faces east across the Swan Valley to the Swan Mountains. Both mountain ranges are home to expansive designated wilderness areas, a string of pristine glacial lakes and wetlands, and a unique array of western wildlife.
Our center is a 5-mile drive off US Hwy 83 on unpaved US Forest Service roads with directional signs along the way. In the winter months, the USFS roads may be difficult for driving; be sure to contact the center before traveling during these months.
Because there is very limited cell phone service in this area and satellite systems may not function well, be sure to download the destination address and navigation plan before you leave a service area. A map, Google directions, and printable driving directions are available on the LOCATION/CONTACT PAGE.
“Thanks for sharing this special place - It was like a glimpse of Heaven!”
Young wife retreatant and mother of two