Our Mission Statement

  Sacred Art of Living is a non profit educational institute for spiritual formation with programs that encourage people to discover the sacred in every aspect of life.

• Spirituality in Everyday Life: The importance of integrating spirituality into every dimension of human activity.
• Death and Life: The Sacred Art of Living and Dying as a compelling teacher of life's most important priorities.
• Deepening Vocation: By bringing into alignment our "soul and role."
• Common Ground: Working collaboratively to establish common ground with persons of all faith traditions.
• Wisdom Taproot: Reclaiming the wisdom inherited through our Judeo-Christian tradition.

Our History

A dream was inspired in the hearts of a group of Central Oregonians in 1997 following a dynamic community retreat conducted by Franciscan priest Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our mutual vision developed into a center that is a unique school of spiritual studies. Founders Richard and Mary Groves brought their extensive experience in hospice ministry as an essential element in the spiritual and educational focus of the of the center’s work, creating Sacred Art of Living and Dying, one of the nation's first comprehensive programs for spirituality in end-of-life care. Over time, the mission of Sacred Art of Living Center has expanded to include other programs and retreats, all based on a time-tested spiritual principle:

...Full and compassionate living is possible only when we are willing to 'die before we die.'

The soul of the Sacred Art of Living Center is its commitment to teach others about diagnosing and responding to spiritual pain, particularly at the end-of-life. The result of this mission is an inspiration to live lives of profound healing, compassion and peace.

Richard is the co-founder of the Sacred Art of Living Center. He is the program author of the renowned Sacred Art of Living and Dying series that is the fruit of his many years of experience as Executive Director and Chaplain for Hospice. Richard speaks nine languages, and has earned four masters’ degrees in theology, pastoral counseling, law, and bio-ethics. Research for his doctoral thesis focused on diagnosing and addressing spiritual pain from a variety of cultural and psycho-spiritual perspectives. An ordained Catholic priest of 15 years, Richard also served as chaplain in the Oregon Correctional System and the United States Air Force. He is a popular keynote speaker and workshop presenter whose work has been acclaimed for its practical and clinical applicability but also speaks to the heart and soul of the ‘sacred art of living.’

Mary is a grief educator trained at Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is the co-founder of the Sacred Art of Living Center and co-author of the Sacred Art of Dying National Certification Program. Her experience includes serving as the Bereavement Director of Hospice of Bend-La Pine, founder of Camp Sunrise, a children’s summer grief camp in Central Oregon, and serving on various community end-of-life task forces. A religious educator for 20 years, Mary co-authored several national film study programs integrating psychology and spirituality for adult audiences including churches, colleges, and health care systems.

Leslie Miller, Program Manager

Leslie arrived at the Sacred Art of Living Center with a diverse background encompassing healthcare, logistics management, professional speaking and consulting, sales, and community service. During the years prior to moving to Bend, she actively participated as a volunteer with Providence Hospice and Homecare in Everett, WA. Leslie’s participation in Palliative Care, Respite, Bereavement, and 11th Hour (the last 24 hours of life) involved assisting and comforting patients and families. Her strong spiritual foundation continues to support her professional work with the Sacred Art of Living Center and her personal life.

Joe Richter, Product Manager

Joe juggles multiple responsibilities for SALC in product research and development, inventory control, purchasing agent, and maintenance of our two facilities. His background includes four years in seminary with a liberal arts emphasis in behavioral science. Joe and his wife Kristi have a 6 year old son, Zack. Over the last 20+ years he has experience in the printing industry, video and product development and production. He uses many of his skills in his current position. As with all the staff at SALC, the mission and philosophy of the organization is embraced and lived in his daily life.

Sister Mary Assumpta, Regional Representative

Sister Mary Assumpta Zabas of Cleveland, Ohio is the new representative for Sacred Art of Living work east of the Mississippi River. She brings twenty years of experience in health care for aging adults. Her effervescent spirit and commitment to interfaith work are creating many new venues for the Sacred Art of Living and Dying throughout the Midwest and Eastern U.S.

Spiritual Mentor

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM is internationally known as a lecturer and retreat director as well as founder of the New Jerusalem Community and Center for Action and Contemplation. With passion he seeks to link the spiritual life with social transformation. His expertise is eagerly sought out as Spiritual Advisor for the Sacred Art of Living Center.