PEACE IN MIND; RETREAT GIVES SANCTUARY FROM MODERN LIFE'S BUSTLE.

Byline: Holly J. Andres Daily News Staff Writer

What present would most moms want for Mother's Day? Near the top of most lists would be some well deserved peace and quiet.

The Holy Spirit Retreat Center in the hills of Encino is just the spot for stressed-out moms, and others, to take a break from modern life.

``It's a place where people can come and be away from the world,'' said Lis Stewart, office manager at the retreat.

``People can be at peace here. They get away from the phone calls, pagers, the electronic intrusions. It's a place where people can pray. They can be alone with God and also, with themselves.''

The retreat is situated on land acquired from the Hay family estate by the Sisters of Social Service of Los Angeles in 1949. The 11-acre property retains the original house for the sisters' residence but a chapel and other buildings were added in 1959. It became a retreat center in 1969.

One of only two retreats in the San Fernando Valley, both owned by Catholic entities, Holy Spirit offers its grounds to individuals and organized group events.

``We are an interfaith center,'' Stewart said. ``We've had World Vision here, an eastern meditation group, Methodists and, of course, Catholic groups come to spend the day or overnight here. College faculties, lots of Jewish groups and children from Catholic schools plan their retreats here.''

The individual profile is more likely to be women older than 30 who come for the day to take advantage of the serenity and the programs that the center has to offer.

``They come to get away from the world. They're trying to get away from the regular routine, the business of the world. Some people are on a spiritual journey. They can come here and experience a peacefulness. They can experience the holy spirit, the spirit is here,'' said Stewart, one of the 16 employees who work at the retreat.

Holy Spirit's mission statement declares that it is committed to ``providing an environment of hospitality and peace'' and that they ``seek to nourish the personal, spiritual and professional lives'' of the people who seek out the center.

The center has a variety of one-day programs open to the public. Seminar topics include prayer and dream workshops, historical lectures, labyrinth walking and meditation.

Sister Linda Snow, one of the resident Sisters of Social Service, offers a unique class in enneagram, a system of discovering personality types and how that knowledge can provide a direction for spiritual growth.

Snow is also one of three individuals at the center who offer ``individual spiritual direction.''

``People call up, they set up a meeting with one of us. We meet with them usually for one hour, once a month, and we provide spiritual guidance. We're not counseling them about their personal problems. What we can offer is a direction in their spiritual search. We help them to listen to what God is saying in their everyday life,'' Snow said.

The woodsy retreat is open from 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donations from daytime visitors are appreciated.

Individuals who come to walk the pathways will come across the pond, often a home for ducks. Stewart reported that people who come for the day usually bring their lunch and sit enjoying the peace and quiet of the flowering grounds.

``People hear about us by word of mouth, by articles and our own marketing,'' Stewart said.

Is she worried the retreat might grow too popular? ``No. People don't have the time to come here. Or rather they don't make the time,'' she said.

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PHOTO The pond at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino offers a tranquil environment for ducks and people alike.

David Sprague/Daily News