CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A beautiful Charleston home will open its doors to visitors Dec. 7, and the residents say their arms are open as well.

The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality will celebrate 10 years of service to the community with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at its location at 1601 Virginia St. E.

During the Sunday open house, people can add a name to a paper star ornament that will decorate the Christmas tree, and staff at the institute will pray for that person over the holiday season.

The Institute had its roots in the Cenacle House that was also located on Virginia Street. When the residents of the Cenacle House moved and opened the Institute for Spirituality, they lost their main financial support. The Institute is ecumenical and relies solely on donations. Institute staff members hope that people who come to the open house will donate to their work.

The Institute has been growing, and last year 4,000 people came there seeking spiritual growth, according to executive director Sister Carole Riley. She said that was a record for the Institute, but she added that they had marked consistent growth each year.

Most people come for guided sessions with spiritual directors, but there is space for five adults to spend the night, if they want.

Supporters of the Institute recently built a small building on the grounds of the house near the banks of the Kanawha River. The small house is called The Ardath S. Francke Hermitage. As shown on the Institute's Web site, wvinstituteforspirituality.org, the snug house has a kitchen and sleeping area for people who want an overnight retreat.

Sister Riley said the growing numbers of people who turn to the Institute show "the need for a safe and quiet place to come and seek spiritual growth." In turn, Riley said, members of the Institute need Sunday's fundraiser to keep them going.

When people come to the Institute, they can speak with a staff member and seek prayer guidance. Riley said they "listen first to how their life journey has been so far. Then we are likely to suggest a scripture to meditate on like the verse from Isaiah, 'I have called you by name.' We might also suggest some other prayerful activity."

As the Web site states, "We warmly extend to you an invitation to join us in a safe, nurturing atmosphere of quiet where you can come and be companioned on your spiritual journey with dedicated Spiritual Directors."

 Reach Susan Williams at susanwilli...@wvgazette.com or 348-5112.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A beautiful Charleston home will open its doors to visitors Dec. 7, and the residents say their arms are open as well.

The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality will celebrate 10 years of service to the community with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at its location at 1601 Virginia St. E.

During the Sunday open house, people can add a name to a paper star ornament that will decorate the Christmas tree, and staff at the institute will pray for that person over the holiday season.

The Institute had its roots in the Cenacle House that was also located on Virginia Street. When the residents of the Cenacle House moved and opened the Institute for Spirituality, they lost their main financial support. The Institute is ecumenical and relies solely on donations. Institute staff members hope that people who come to the open house will donate to their work.

The Institute has been growing, and last year 4,000 people came there seeking spiritual growth, according to executive director Sister Carole Riley. She said that was a record for the Institute, but she added that they had marked consistent growth each year.

Most people come for guided sessions with spiritual directors, but there is space for five adults to spend the night, if they want.

Supporters of the Institute recently built a small building on the grounds of the house near the banks of the Kanawha River. The small house is called The Ardath S. Francke Hermitage. As shown on the Institute's Web site, wvinstituteforspirituality.org, the snug house has a kitchen and sleeping area for people who want an overnight retreat.

Sister Riley said the growing numbers of people who turn to the Institute show "the need for a safe and quiet place to come and seek spiritual growth." In turn, Riley said, members of the Institute need Sunday's fundraiser to keep them going.

When people come to the Institute, they can speak with a staff member and seek prayer guidance. Riley said they "listen first to how their life journey has been so far. Then we are likely to suggest a scripture to meditate on like the verse from Isaiah, 'I have called you by name.' We might also suggest some other prayerful activity."

As the Web site states, "We warmly extend to you an invitation to join us in a safe, nurturing atmosphere of quiet where you can come and be companioned on your spiritual journey with dedicated Spiritual Directors."

 Reach Susan Williams at susanwilli...@wvgazette.com or 348-5112.