January 17-19
Always We Begin Again
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said,
“Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:5
A new year. A new beginning. A new opportunity. On the first weekend retreat of 2025 we will explore what the Bible tells us about God’s gift of new beginnings, and how the Holy Spirit equips us to embrace them. “Always we begin again” is one of the mottos of the Benedictine way of living. It reminds us that, for those who follow Jesus, every turn, every obstacle, and even every fall along the way can be followed by a fresh start.
February 21-23
The Freedom Of Forgiveness
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Ephesians 1:7
Forgiveness lies at the heart of the gospel, because it lies in the heart of God. From Genesis to Revelation we encounter the story of God’s never-failing love persistently making its way into the lives of those who “trespass against him.” Receiving God’s forgiveness, forgiving others, and (sometimes hardest of all) forgiving ourselves, are among the themes of this retreat.
March 14-16
A Holy Longing
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.
Psalm 63:1
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.
Psalm 63:1
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you,” famously wrote St. Augustine. Our lives are defined by the things we long for, and we spend ourselves—with body, soul, and spirit—to fulfill those longings. But the deepest longing of all is for the God who created us. On this retreat, we will look at what it means to seek for the one thing that will truly satisfy.
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.
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
Please Email: [email protected] or Call: 508-255-1094 X3501
