Retreats
Following the Benedictine tradition of ‘welcoming all as Christ’, we invite you to take time away from the busyness of everyday life and consider a retreat at the Community of Jesus, on the shores of Cape Cod Bay. We are privileged to share with our fellow pilgrims the beauty of Bethany and Paraclete Retreat Houses, and the Church of the Transfiguration, as hallowed spaces in which to find direction and renewal. In the setting of this monastic community, surrounded by simple beauty, and lovingly prepared meals, many have experienced God’s healing presence, peace, and strengthening Word.
Weekend Invitational 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. The retreats include accommodations and all meals, teaching and discussion times, quiet times for meditation, journaling, resting, and enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. Please check back for the specific monthly themes. See the registration page for specific details (link below). We warmly welcome you to join us!
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.
Please Email: [email protected] or Call: 508-255-1094 X3501
Gregorian Chant Retreats
The eloquent expression of Gregorian Chant is a musical icon of the Word of God. It conveys holiness and lifts the heart, mind, and soul in prayer.
Each year we offer two Gregorian Chant Retreats, and all are very welcome – beginners as well as those already proficient in Gregorian Chant.
March 9-12, 2026
Spring Chant Retreat: The Voice of Love – Explore the Beauty of Lenten Chants
Join us for a three-day Gregorian Chant retreat (Monday dinner through Thursday breakfast). Be refreshed by the beauty of the Community of Jesus monastery, overlooking Cape Cod bay! Participants will join the members of the community singing the Liturgy of the Hours in the “acoustical marvel” of the Church of the Transfiguration. All experience levels are welcome – beginners as well as those already proficient in Gregorian chant. Accommodations and all meals included.
September 27-30, 2026
Fall Chant Retreat: The Noble Chants of St. Michael & All Angels
Join us for a three-day Gregorian Chant retreat (Sunday dinner through Wednesday breakfast) focused on the Chants for Michael and All Angels. Be nourished by the beauty of the monastery. Participants will join the Community of Jesus for singing the Liturgy of the Hours in the “acoustical marvel” of the Church of the Transfiguration. All experience levels are welcome – beginners as well as those already proficient in Gregorian chant. Accommodations and all meals included.
Personal Retreats
We welcome you to join us for two or three days of personal retreat. You can choose to have a quiet, private time, or a directed retreat using materials provided at the Guest House. There are daily liturgies in the church in which you are invited to participate if you would like. Meals are prepared and served by the Sisters in the Guest House. If desired, spiritual direction is available.
Group Retreats
Paraclete Retreat House is a wonderful setting for a group retreat, with accommodation for overnights and meals, and spaces for teaching and conversation. Spiritual direction can be made available for individuals, and retreats can be designed according to particular goals and needs. All retreatants are invited to participate in the daily liturgies in the church. We look forward to welcoming you, and we pray that this opportunity to “come away” will bless and refresh you.
Rates
Personal Retreat: One overnight and three meals
Suggested donation ranges from $215 per person to $265 per couple
Group Retreat rates, please call the Guest Mistress.
All prices are suggested donations; scholarship possibilities are available.
Family House Retreat: Suggested Donation is $4,000 per week. Meals available at additional cost.
Please contact the Scribes Office at 508-255-1094 or email for more information.
The Community of Jesus is a member of the Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers, an organization of approximately 40 member centers working together to foster the Benedictine charism in retreat ministry. You can learn more about these centers who wish to “welcome all as Christ” by visiting this website.
