The Community of Jesus

2026 Monthly Retreats

Every year we offer an invitational weekend retreat with a scriptural theme each month, from January through December. The themes are inspired by the seasonal significant events. The retreats focus on our relationship with Jesus, for this is the key to everything else. When we are following, abiding in, communing with, and seeing Jesus, then that relationship becomes the source—HE becomes the source—for everything else that follows.

Please check back for the themes for each of the following retreats. We warmly welcome you!

The Quieted Mind: Thinking After the Ways of God

February 13-15

Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.
Isaiah 26:3

Like stormy winds, many forces come against us, causing us worry and anxiety. But what about those stormy winds inside of us? Most of these arise because of the anxious thoughts in our minds. What does the Bible teach us about the mind and its role in either helping or hindering our walk with God? On this retreat, we will discover those spiritual tools that can be applied to our thinking so that our minds can be stayed on God.

It is No Longer I Who Live: Who Am I and How Does God See Me?

March 27-29

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul describes his deepest identity as a Christian—crucified with Christ: Christ lives in me; living by faith; confident in God’s love. This is our deepest identity, too. But, how do we live that way? What does it mean in our daily lives? On this retreat—on Palm Sunday weekend—we will prepare for Holy Week, and the remembrance of Christ’s passion and death, by reclaiming the new life God has given us.

We Are God’s Handiwork: Made and Re-made in the Image of God

April 17-19

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18

Paul describes our life with Jesus as a journey of transformation. More and more, he says, we are being changed into the likeness of Christ. This is a bright and hope-filled promise, but what does it really mean and how does it happen? What is God doing in us, and what does he ask us to do? On this retreat–in the beauty of the Easter season—we will immerse ourselves into the wonder of this great mystery: we are bearers of divine glory!

Do Not Be Afraid: Standing Against the Lies Told by Fear

May 22-24

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
Psalm 27:1

The command, “Do not be afraid,” is recorded almost 70 times in the Bible. Why? Fear, though common to us all, is also a destructive force, often robbing us of joy and peace. It hinders our walk with God and clouds our vision of his love. How do we actually hear and obey the command, “do not be afraid?” On this retreat, we will take time to identify the fears that harass us and learn how to overcome them.

God Chose You: The Joy of Being Called

June 5-7

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.
John 15:16

Jesus spoke these words to the disciples as they were gathered in the Upper Room. What does God’s choice of us mean? What assurance does it bring? What weight does it place upon our shoulders? On this retreat, we will explore the meaning of God’s call on our lives—both its blessings and its demands.

Trust in the Lord: Living with True Confidence

July 24-26

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5–6

What does trusting in God mean? What does it not mean? What happens when our hearts and our minds are in “disagreement” with one another? What “understandings” do we rely on that may be hindering us in our walk with Jesus. On this retreat we will face these questions and more, in order to increase our trust in God and learn how to walk both humbly and confidently in His ways.

Growing Old with God: Bound Hands and Free Hearts

August 21-23

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.
John 21:18

What does the Bible have to say about aging? How do we age with grace and with confidence in God? How do we deal with both the limitations and the liberties of growing older? In a culture that elevates youthfulness, what divine significance can be seen in the value of age? On this retreat, as we stand at the doorway to autumn, we will look at some of the Biblical examples and principles of growing older with God.

September 25-27

October 23-25

November 13-15

December 4-6

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 non-refundable deposit and $300 before or at registration. (* Due to the number of applications, your $100 non-refundable deposit will secure your spot on the retreat. $300 payment due in full before or at the time of registration) Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance of the retreat date.
  • 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