History of Casa del Sol
On May 3, 2006 Ghost Ranch realized a dream — the dream to open Casa del Sol as a Spirituality and Retreat Center — a contemplative retreat space in the high desert. With its opening, Ghost Ranch has taken another major step in meeting its priority: “to provide resources for spiritual life, awakening to the call of God’s Spirit leading people to action, particularily in the areas of peace and justice”.
In July of 2005, Philip and Alison Newell joined the process of creating this contemplative retreat space, leading worship every day at the Ranch, and holding Thursday evening conversations around the fire at Casa del Sol. They were helping us all to listen to our own spiritual yearnings, and to envision how this retreat center could reach those desires. They continue to join us annually during the month of July. For a listing of courses led by the Newells and other Casa del Sol offerings, please visit our catalog.
Spirituality and Retreat Possibilities
The Casa del Sol Spirituality and Retreat Center is the perfect setting for individual, silent and/or guided retreats, and also for small groups up to ten people.
Group Retreats
Individual Retreats
- unguided retreats providing spectacular space and simple living facilities, leaving time for reflection
- personal retreat guides available for an additional fee
Groups and Individuals May Choose To:
- travel to the Ghost Ranch Dining Hall for meals
- bring their own food
- have Ghost Ranch provide ingredients for meals which will then be easily prepared and served by the participants
J. Philip Newell & the Casa del Sol Community
J. Philip Newell is a poet, a scholar and a teacher. Formerly Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles  of Scotland, he is currently Writer/Theologian for The Cathedral of the Isles on Cumbrae. He is internationally acclaimed for his work in the field of Celtic spirituality, including his best known titles Listening for the Hearbeat of God and his poetic book of prayer Sounds of the Eternal. He is an ordained Church of Scotland minister with a passion for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. Canadian by birth, he lives in Edinburgh with his family where he undertook his doctoral research in Celtic Christianity. Since then he has played a leading role on both sides of the Atlantic in the re-birthing of a creation spirituality for today. His call is for a future church to return to its basic heritage of finding Christ in Creation.
The Rev. Dr. J. Philip Newell is committed to being the resident Companion/Theologian for the Casa del Sol Spirituality and Retreat Center at Ghost Ranch. He will teach and hold seminars several times during 2006 and 2007, and be in residence with his family each year during the month of July. He continues to help guide Casa del Sol in listening to the deep spiritual longings of those who journey to the high desert. In this process he is helping to lay the foundation stones for a “community” in the high desert.
Ali Newell is a Church of Scotland minister who works as a spiritual advisor for the Ignatian Center of Spirituality in Glasgow. She and Philip have four children and live in Edinburgh.
You can read more about Philip Newell on his web site www.jphilipnewell.com
Mission Statement / Casa del Sol is Called to be:
A space in which to be still and listen
for the voice of God
that provides guidance to the spirit.
An open-hearted setting
where seekers find refreshment
and a heightened awareness of the landscape as teacher.
A spot of simplicity and beauty where the heartbeat of Ghost Ranch
is felt along with the presence
of God in all aspects of creation.
A community of all creation,
worshipping God as a prayerful center of Ghost Ranch;
an incubator
in the service of God’s creation.
Celebrating Christ and Creation
as one,
coming from the heart of God.
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Groups/Meetings 
