Siena Retreat Center, a sponsored ministry of the Racine Dominicans, announced today that Claire Anderson has taken over leadership as the Director of Retreat Programs.  Anderson replaces Sister Rita Lui, OP, who retired after 20 years as the Center’s director.

“I was impressed with how she expressed her desires and hopes for this ministry along with the respect she has for Rita and the foundation that Rita built,” said Racine Dominican Vice President Sister Kathy Slesar.  “Claire brings a wide range of skills and lots of educational experiences.  She also has a great ability to work with a wide range of personalities. I am excited to have her with us.”

Prior to joining the Siena Retreat Center, Anderson served as a pastoral associate at St. Robert Parish in Shorewood, WI.  There she oversaw the congregation's social justice and outreach ministries including senior ministry, a partnership with a school in Uganda, referrals to emergency services, and assisted with the coordination of liturgies and Christian formation.

She also served as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry with St. Robert’s and looks forward to engaging this population in programs at the Retreat Center.  “I have spent a lot of time considering how to integrate [youth and young adults] into the program,” states Anderson.  She lists ideas from contracting younger speakers to boosting the Center’s online presence.  Her ambitions do not end with youth however; Anderson expects to discover and find means to satisfying spiritual hungers among various demographics.

Anderson holds Masters Degrees in both Divinity Studies and European History, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.  She is currently completing the Ecumenical Doctorate of Ministry Program at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, IL.

Siena Retreat Center, located at 5635 Erie St., Racine, WI, has been serving individuals and groups for over 40 years.  The Center offers a variety of programs for spiritual growth, reflection, and enrichment.  In addition, Siena Retreat Center offers spiritual direction and training, private time away, directed retreats, and an extensive, contemporary bookstore. The Retreat Center also hosts the gatherings and retreats of other organizations and groups focused on spiritual wholeness.

The Racine Dominicans have a 149 year history of serving Wisconsin and other communities. They are a religious community of sisters and lay associates who live by the mission “committed to truth, compelled to justice.”