I've attended three gatherings so far, and each time I've come away encouraged and better educated…read moreby the message. This is a newly formed church, and it's exciting to see what God is doing through this ministry. Pastor Neal teaches directly from Scripture, and the messages are clearly rooted in God's Word. I look forward to hearing more of what the Lord has to teach through him as the church continues to grow. The church currently meets in a hotel meeting room, creating a casual and comfortable setting. What stands out most, however, are the welcoming hearts and smiling faces. From the moment you arrive, you feel genuinely welcomed. If you're looking for a church that is committed to biblical teaching and fostering a warm, friendly atmosphere, this is a wonderful place to visit.

I was in the area this week for work and I came across St Matthew's church during my drive. I told…read moremyself that I'd turn around once work was completed and step inside. As I walked inside the church, I was greeted with kindness and was allowed to step inside for a prayer. It's a very beautiful church. Once I was done with my prayer, and as I was leaving, I was given a booklet on Meditations. I was not expecting the booklet. But once I started reading on it throughout the day, it definitely made me feel like I needed it.

This place was the first Cardinal Stritch University and I think was called Lord's first! It was…read morealso home to St. Mary's Academy, some girls high school and now it houses great little non-profits and independents. The buildings are nice with lots of character and the convent grounds are beautiful. Make sure you give yourself extra time for finding places as you tour the grounds!

I'm a huge fan of what they're doing with this space. I've been several times for various things,…read moremost notably the MilTown Trebelmakers do their concerts here. They have a wonderful auditorium space and the buildings are home to a number of nonprofits, they host winter markets and craft fairs. Located right on the lake in Bay View, it's a wonderful location.

Not sure about the church itself, as far as worshiping goes. I do know the building is a seriously…read morehistoric landmark in Riverwest. It's one of those places you walk by and think "man that's old". To be exact it was built in the late 1800's and has stood there ever since. This church was built on by Polish immigrants who settled in the neighborhood west of the Milwaukee River so long ago. It is a monument to old school construction with its massive towers and green roof. I hear the bells daily and that sound let's all know the time. This is the church that is in the background on Lakefront Beers Riverwest Stein. Riverwest Stein has not been around as long as this church but being the Stein was founded and made in Riverwest, being featured as a symbol of all things Riverwest puts this place on the map and sets this neighborhood up with its famous street cred. Truly another Milwaukee gem!

It's been over 10 years since I've been to this temple, last time was for a memorial service of a…read morelate relative. This temple has added more monuments to their grounds. I remembered only 2 buildings, main one with the grand entrance and the house on the side. Now there's an additional building for prayer and water fountain in the back. My friends from Milwaukee comes to this temple often. A relative was here, so we decided to come visit. They offered us home made beef pho and told us about their daily meditation classes and future events they're hosting. Beautiful temple.

Extremely beautiful church. Probably the most beautiful…read morechurch in lake country. It is a modern twist of an old gothic church you would find in Europe.

Make yourself a private retreat or attend one of their programmed events and retreats…read more Easy communication and clear responses to what I was planning and how I wanted to engage onsite Silent or not Single room all with private bathrooms - one I stayed in was ADA bathroom/shower (but not arrangement of furniture - be sure to note your accessibility needs of any) Bring eye mask, earplugs, house shoes/slipper and cozy clothes Walking paths outside are short but you can do a good loop around the property - in warm weather there is prairie planting which I'm sure are lovely and a labyrinth to walk and 2 paths down to the lake - people go in the water from here in the warm weather. It's winter now and if you have steady footing it's a beautiful view watching the ice form on the rocks and edges of trees. Fantastic art room and main library as well as sitting/ reading nooks with books on every floor of the dorm. They serve 3 meals a day and you can take them with the retired nuns and other retreatants. Meal times are only 30min and by 20mins in they start to put things away so make a note if you are a slow eater or a late runner. If you have a specific diet I would recommend bringing your own food- they will try and accommodate you but there is a separate kitchen you can use and that way you can stick to your needs. Fruit and coffee and juice are available all day. The bookstore is great and there are Siena postcards - buy a stamp and drop it at the entry desk and it will get mailed. Art by Sr. Monica (St. Catherine in the chapel entry and on the exterior of the building) Plants inside are beautiful - retreatants are free to wander building as chose Can get spiritual guidance sessions or massage/ Reiki for a fee if you schedule it ahead of time.

Siena Retreat Center…read more We just took 35 people to the retreat center. We found the Center to be very welcoming, clean, and comfortable and excellent for our Transcendental Meditation retreat. We needed to bring our own food and chefs because we serve vegetarian cuisine. The Center staff were helpful and accommodating. While we found the Center much more expensive than other facilities, it is notable that one participant noted that she slept better over 4 nights than over the past 20 years. Many others had similar experiences.

Unless I'm being paid to play, I only go to mass when dragged kicking and screaming by my Catholic…read moreChief of Staff. I'm not what you would call a "good Catholic." I'm not even a good Buddhist for that matter. But I do like good music, a good homily (it's so much like a good lecture, so it's a career skill that I learn from good podium speakers, and don't you think priests should use background Powerpoints and pause for questions?), and historic places. The church is beautiful Romanesque Revival style with some NeoGothic touches, majestic stained glass, and wonderful acoustics. Interestingly there's little of the history of the parish on their website but it's well described in the National Registry of Historic Places. The oldest part is the convent, tracing back to the start of the parish by German immigrants in the late 19th century. I highly recommend the chapters on German immigration in "The Making of Milwaukee" by John Gurda, it's a PBS documentary. The best aspect of this parish is that while other Catholic masses are relaxing COVID19 precautions in another surge, this parish has a dedicated mask required mass for those of us who truly value all human life. Also in the plus column, the priest giving the homily was passionate, articulate, with good timing. Of course this is based on Christmas Mass when they all give it their best, but I suspect this padre is always delivering well. The music was exceptional, organ and two sopranos. Or maybe a soprano and a tenor. Yes, now that I think about it, my Chief of Staff was the other soprano and not part of the choir above us. Ushers are attentive and spry, the area parking isn't bad.