Reading the Bible like a Mystic
CCE Overnight Retreat
November 21-23, 2025
Friday 3:00 p.m. to Sunday 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Carl McColman
Can the Bible still be used as a source of spiritual enrichment? Some consider the text as a sexist relic of the past or worse, as something weaponized in service of religious fundamentalism. However, mystics through the ages have read the Bible not as a “rule book” but as a love letter: inviting them into Divine Union. This retreat combines presentations with helpful exercises that explore the unique mystical approach to scripture so we can incorporate this wisdom into our spiritual practice today.
Offering: Private Room, Private Bath: $600
Private Room, Hall Bath: $475
Commuter: $375
Online: $250
Schedule
Friday
3:00 – 6:00pm Arrival
6:00 – 7:00pm Dinner
7:15 - 7:30pm Orientation
7:30 - 9:00pm Conference I & Centering Prayer
Saturday
7:00 am Centering Prayer
8:30 – 9:20 am Breakfast
9:30 am Conference II, Centering Prayer & Practice
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 pm Private Time
3:00 pm Conference III, Centering Prayer & Practice
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Conference IV & Practice
Sunday
7:30 am Centering Prayer
8:30 – 9:20 am Breakfast
9:30 am Conference V and Closing
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Checkout and Departure
Commuters are welcome to join in-person retreatants for all meals. Online participants are welcome to join us for all Centering Prayer and Conference sessions.
Presenter Profile
Carl McColman
Carl McColman is a spiritual director, retreat leader, blogger, podcaster, and teacher on mystical spirituality and contemplative living. His books include The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Read the Bible Like a Mystic, An Introduction to Celtic Wisdom and Eternal Heart: the Mystical Path to a Joyful Life. Carl is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer, a Lay Cistercian, and a dual practitioner of contemplative Christianity and Buddhism. Visit him online at www.anamchara.com.
Dietary restrictions? Holy Family is committed to making your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, and to that end, we can accommodate most dietary needs. Please email Marianne, our Dining Room Manager, at mbrady@holyfamilyretreat.org, if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, so that we may make preparations in advance of your retreat.