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
We begin this new year with the following weekend retreats, and we welcome you to join us.
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
“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
“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
“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
“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
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.
IN JUBILATIONE: Celebrating the Ascension of Christ
This Spring, join us for a three-day Gregorian Chant retreat (Tuesday dinner through Friday Breakfast). Be refreshed by the beauty of the Community of Jesus monastery in late spring, overlooking Cape Cod bay! This retreat will focus on the chants surrounding the celebration of the Ascension of Christ, and will culminate with celebrating this feast on Thursday, May 29. Participants will join the members of the monastery singing the Liturgy of the Hours in celebration of the Feast 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.
The Extraordinary Colors of Ordinary Time! Explore the Riches of Tempus per Annum
This Fall, join us for a three-day Gregorian Chant retreat (Sunday dinner through Wednesday breakfast) focused around the many chants of Ordinary Time! Be refreshed by the beauty of the Community of Jesus monastery in the fall, 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.
Veni Emmanuel: Prepare for the Coming of Christ with the Chants of Advent
During the Season of Waiting, join us for a three-day Gregorian Chant retreat (Sunday dinner through Wednesday breakfast) focused on the Chants of Advent. Be nourished by the beauty of the monastery during the season of Advent. 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.
