S. Jan Ginzkey, OSB
Sister Jan has been learning and teaching about the labyrinth and the culturally modified trees for 38 years. She gathered community to build the labyrinth in 2001 as a contemplative means to deepen one’s spirituality. She continues to discover and protect the sacred living artifacts of the Ute peoples.
From S. Jan: I come from a large Midwestern Catholic family that formed the foundation of my strong faith, sense of responsibility, hospitality, and work ethic. As a Benedictine sister of Benet Hill Monastery, I am privileged to have served in a variety of ministries and roles.
One of my most rewarding ministries was directing Benet Pines Retreat Center from 1996 – 2002 (now the home of Benet Hill Monastery). During this time, I began doing fire mitigation in the forest with volunteers and started to encourage retreatants to encounter their God through experiences in nature.
As I became more attuned to the beauty of nature and our forest, I envisioned creating meditative paths and welcoming prayer sites to encourage others to linger in God’s creation. Over time, these plans came to fruition through the work of many hands. As Benedictines, we welcome everyone, so our prayer sites include two Zen gardens in addition to a simple cross, a grotto to the Blessed Virgin, a labyrinth, Stations of the Cross, the St. Benedict Cemetery and Columbarium, and benches along the paths. The labyrinth was the last site we created, building it one day in 2001 with the help of thirty-five volunteers. Much later, a friend with knowledge of Native American spirituality added the Medicine Wheel that is located between Benet Lane and Reiden Road.
While working in the forest, I became aware of trees modified by human hands, known as Culturally Modified Trees (CMT). I began studying about the Ute tribes that are native to the Front Range region with Dr. James Jefferson, a southern Ute elder, and John Anderson, co-founder of NASTaP (Native American Sacred Trees and Places). I joined NASTaP and continue adding to my knowledge and respect of the spirituality of the Ute people. At Benet Hill, we consider it our responsibility and privilege to protect these living artifacts.
With these Seasonal pilgrimages, I am delighted to welcome pilgrims to journey with me on one or both paths. On the labyrinth path, you will learn about and experience how to deepen your relationship with our Creator by praying with the labyrinth. On the Culturally Modified Trees path, you will learn about the Native American people who created them, their spirituality, and how to recognize, identify, and protect these living artifacts.
I look forward to meeting you soon!
Events with S. Jan Ginzkey, OSB
Labyrinth Path - Themed Walk: Sacred Geometry IntroAugust 8, 2026
Please join us for this 3-hour morning labyrinth experience guided by Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB to learn how the beauty of mathematics is integrated into each labyrinth and how ancient people understood sacred numbers. This offering is both a standalone ‘mini’ pilgrimage experience and can also be part of a more complete seasonal pilgrimage with Benet Hill Monastery. As an offering in the Labyrinth Path of our seasonal pilgrimage experience, come receive your next 2026 passport stamp! The first half of this experience is in a learning circle in the monastery classroom. Centered around the scheduled theme, S. Jan will…
Culturally Modified Trees Path - Themed Walk: Gifts of the ForestAugust 22, 2026
Please join us for this 3-hour morning forest experience guided by Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB to gain skills to identify types and purposes of Culturally Modified Trees. Experience how the forest offers physical, emotional and psychological benefits and enjoy a forest bathing experience. This offering is both a standalone ‘mini’ pilgrimage experience and can also be part of a more complete seasonal pilgrimage with Benet Hill Monastery. As an offering in the Culturally Modified Trees Path of our seasonal pilgrimage experience, come receive your next 2026 passport stamp! The first part of this experience is in a learning circle in…
Labyrinth Path - Themed Walk: More Sacred GeometrySeptember 12, 2026
Please join us for this 3-hour morning labyrinth experience guided by Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB to discover the importance of sacred numbers found in the labyrinth and how the Chartres Labyrinth was possibly a Lunar calendar. This offering is both a standalone ‘mini’ pilgrimage experience and can also be part of a more complete seasonal pilgrimage with Benet Hill Monastery. As an offering in the Labyrinth Path of our seasonal pilgrimage experience, come receive your next 2026 passport stamp! The first half of this experience is in a learning circle in the monastery classroom. Centered around the scheduled theme, S.…
Labyrinth Path - Retreat: Awaken Joy! [OVERNIGHT PACKAGE]September 26 - 27, 2026
Led by our expert-in-residence, Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB, you will explore how the “Masters of the Compass” created the labyrinth and the Cathedral of Chartres, experience forest bathing, and have ample time for praying the labyrinth and journaling. This serves as either your culminating event of your seasonal labyrinth pilgrimage or as a stand-alone retreat. The overnight package invites a deeper experience alone or with friends, which can also be extended by adding a Friday lodging option and/or a Sunday 2 p.m. dinner with the Benet Hill Monastery community. If interested in commuting, please see this separate listing for commuters.…
Labyrinth Path - Retreat: Awaken Joy![COMMUTER]September 26 - 27, 2026
Led by our expert-in-residence, Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB, you will explore how the “Masters of the Compass” created the labyrinth and the Cathedral of Chartres, experience forest bathing, and have ample time for praying the labyrinth and journaling. This serves as either your culminating event of your seasonal labyrinth pilgrimage or as a stand-alone retreat. As a commuter, you may bring your own lunch for Saturday or purchase the midday meal within the registration process. You are also welcome to add on the Sunday 2 p.m. dinner with the Benet Hill Monastery community. If interested in retreating overnight, please see the…
Culturally Modified Trees Path - Retreat: Deepening Your Roots with Creation [COMMUTER]September 26 - 27, 2026
Led by our expert-in-residence, Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB, you will explore the history of the Ute people in the Pikes Peak Region, visit Fox Run Regional Park to identify Culturally Modified Trees, and spend time journaling and forest bathing. As a commuter, you may bring your own lunch for Saturday or purchase the midday meal within the registration process. You are also welcome to add on the Sunday 2 p.m. dinner with the Benet Hill Monastery community. If interested in retreating overnight, please see the separate program listing for lodgers. Cancellations: Up to 90 days before the retreat start date,…
Culturally Modified Trees Path - Retreat: Deepening Your Roots with Creation [OVERNIGHT PACKAGE]October 10 - 11, 2026
Led by our expert-in-residence, Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB, you will explore the history of the Ute people in the Pikes Peak Region, visit Fox Run Regional Park to identify Culturally Modified Trees, and spend time journaling and forest bathing. This serves as either your culminating event of your seasonal culturally modified trees pilgrimage or as a stand-alone retreat. The overnight package invites a deeper experience alone or with friends, which can also be extended by adding a Friday lodging option and/or a Sunday 2 p.m. dinner with the Benet Hill Monastery community. If interested in commuting, please see the separate…