The Community of Jesus

April 25-27

An Easter Up-Rising

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Easter proclamation is the greatest news the world has ever heard! The New Testament describes Jesus’ rising from the dead as an always-living and always-active power at work in the life of every Christian. The aim of this retreat is to find our promised share in what St. Paul calls, “the power of Christ’s resurrection,”—a life-giving power in every way and for every day.

May 16-18

New Mercies for New Days

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22–23
The Bible is replete with stories of God’s never-failing mercy, known especially by those who seem most to offend it or least to deserve it. Again and again, new beginnings are born of new mercies, and thankfully, we may find our own faces reflected in some of these stories. Knowing God’s mercy for ourselves and for others—receiving the forgiving mercy of God and freely passing it on to others—are among the themes for this springtime retreat.

June 27-29

Believing in What is Beyond Imagining:
What does your heart expect?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory.
Ephesians 3:20

July 25-27

Striving for What Lies Ahead:
Who does your soul pursue?

But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.
Philippians 3:13–14

August 15–17

Looking to What is Above:
Where does your mind make its home?

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God..
Colossians 3:1

September 19–21

“I AM the Good Shepherd”
Knowing and Being Known: Following the Shepherd

I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me.
John 10:14

October 17–19

“I AM the True Vine”
Bearing and Pruning: Abiding in the Vine

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

November 14-16

“I AM the Bread of Life”
Spending and Being Spent: Eating the Bread of Heaven

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
John 6:51

December 12-14

“I AM the Light of the World”
Walking and Working: Living in the Light

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 9:4–5
Retreats include:

  • Teaching and discussion sessions as we explore these rich and promising themes
  • Lovely meals and accommodations on the shores of Cape Cod Bay
  • Morning and afternoon breaks with refreshments
  • Liturgies in the Church of the Transfiguration, including Sunday Eucharist and the ​​​Divine Offices sung in Gregorian Chant
  • Personal time for prayer and meditation in the church and in the beauty of these ​​​​surroundings
  • The retreat fee is $400 ($100 down and $300 upon arrival)
  • The fee includes lodging and meals beginning with dinner on Friday and ending after lunch on Sunday
  • For the Registration Fee, please call the Guest Mistress at 508-255-1094, or send a check to Community of Jesus, 5 Bay View Drive, Orleans, MA – 02653, Attention -Guest Mistress.
Schedule

  • Registration begins at 4pm (If you arriver earlier, we can meet you.)
  • Vespers at 5:30 (optional)
  • Retreat begins with dinner (following Vespers)

Retreat Leaders

Mary French is known as a strong and well-studied Scripture teacher and advocate for learning to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Over more than six decades her love of the Bible, and her ability to convey that love to others, has taken her to countless churches, women’s groups and conferences in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. She has been hostess to a network television talk show in Canada (Let’s Face It), and a Christian program in the U.S. (What Makes You Tick?). Among her various ministries at the Community of Jesus, Mary serves as the Ecumenical Visitor, which has led her to build new relationships throughout the wider church, a task for which her energy and natural curiosity make her well suited.
Fr. Martin Shannon is an Episcopal priest and author of several books and articles on scripture and spirituality. During his time as a parish pastor (M. Div, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary), he pursued further graduate work in the areas of monastic studies, church history and Eastern Orthodox spirituality. He also holds a PhD in liturgical studies from the Catholic University of America. Fr. Martin and his wife, Mary, are long-time members of the Community of Jesus, where he has worked in the areas of liturgy and formation.

Register for Retreats Below:

If you have any questions about the retreats or accommodations, etc.
Please Email: [email protected] or Call: 508-255-1094 X3501
Tea at Bethany Retreat House
Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans, Massachusetts