About
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality (WVIS) Retreat and Training Center provides a place for men and women to nurture their spirits. Saint Marie Victoire Therese Couderc, the namesake of this beautiful facility, dedicated her life to retreat ministry. In the same way, the men and women associated with WVIS are committed to the ministry of spiritual direction through the work they do each day.
Our Mission
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality is dedicated to providing space and opportunities for deepening mindfulness, prayer practice, interior peace, and for integrating moral and ethical values.
WVIS in the news…
How might “low and slow” make a difference in your life?
Thank you to our own Sr. Mary Irene Sorber, SCC for sharing this post by Sr. Chris. The title of the post is Simmering as a Spiritual Practice. Enjoy Recently I was reading about the Slow Food movement, a philosophy that invites us to move from cooking as a rushed...
Creation – A Retreat Reflection
This reflection from one of WVIS’ 30-day retreatants embraces the wonder of God’s creation.
From Our Executive Director
These cold winter days provide a wonderful opportunity to recall our WVIS theme for the year—RENEWAL. Yes, the ground in many places is frozen and the trees and shrubs apparently are dead; yet we know that spring is coming, new life will spring forth again, and...
Programs
WVIS offers workshops and programs throughout the year. These programs, many of which are available via Zoom, are aligned with our mission of providing opportunities for deepening mindfulness, prayer practice, interior peace, and for integrating moral and ethical values. In addition to these programs, WVIS also offers programs for continuing education for spiritual directors.
Associate Ministry Directors
WVIS continues to expand its mission into new regions as its Associate Ministry Directors bring the spirit and mission of WVIS to those they serve beyond the borders of West Virginia. These individuals have chosen to deepen their relationship with WVIS and offer programs and spiritual direction using their individual gifts and talents in support of the WVIS mission. These offerings are provided either face-to-face and/or via Zoom.
Board of Directors
WVIS Board of Directors and Officers are elected to serve beginning in October each year. To view the Board of Directors, Members, Mission, Constitution and Bylaws as well as the WVIS Strategic Plan, click below.
Faculty
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality is home to a diverse and deeply committed faculty, each bringing unique gifts, professional expertise, and lived wisdom to their ministry. Our team includes spiritual directors, retreat leaders, authors, educators, counselors, and practitioners from a variety of backgrounds. Currently all of WVIS training is available online via Zoom.
History of WVIS
The Cenacle Retreat House (1114 Virginia Street, East) came to be when The Most Reverend Joseph H. Hodges, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston requested the religious sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle to develop a retreat house in downtown Charleston.
Initially, three volunteers came to staff the Cenacle: Sister Dorothy O’Brien, Sister Anna Carulli, and Sister Mary Pellicane from the Sisters of Eastern Province. Sister Carole Riley, a Sister of Divine Providence, offered to be an adjunct member.
The Cenacle was: a living prayer, in the heart of the city; a sacred space, in constant ministry, training disciples, among the faiths. For twenty-two years many activities were provided, including directed retreats, seminars, spiritual direction, training of spiritual directors, contemplative prayer, retreats for youth, programs, workshops, 30-day retreats, women’s retreats, as well as community and international programs.
WVIS is a 501 (c)(3).
Contact
1601 Virginia Street East
Charleston, West Virginia 25311
304.345.0926 (main)
304.345.8206 (fax)
Information contained on this site is for the sole use of members of The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality community and may not be used for commercial purposes. All content, unless otherwise specified, is the property of The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and may only be used with permission. © 2026 The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality.