Encountering Jesus Again
Retreat for Deacons
October 13-15, 2023
Extra Day - October 12, 2023
Fr. Francis Reilly
Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his Encyclical letter "Deus Caritas Est": "Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction." Our retreat will focus on encountering Jesus in a more intimate, personal way and reflecting on how he sees us. And how, as a result of this ongoing encounter and formation, Jesus sends us out to make him known in our parishes and in our work. We will be guided by the prayer and meditation method of St. Ignatius of Loyola and make reference to key images from the Ordination Rite of Deacons, especially the prostration, or self-offering, to renew, deepen and strengthen our response to our call to serve with Jesus as deacons.
This retreat begins with dinner Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. and concludes with Mass and brunch on Sunday morning. You’re also invited to arrive Thursday morning for an extra day that includes lunch and dinner.
Offering: $475 for assigned Deacons,
$350 for retired Deacons,
$100 for extra day (arrive Thursday morning, includes lunch and dinner)
Presenter Profile
Fr. Francis Reilly
Fr. Francis Reilly is pastor of St. Jerome Parish in Holyoke, MA. He studied for the priesthood at the University of Louvain in Belgium and holds a master’s in Religious Studies and a graduate degree in Sacred Theology from Louvain. He also holds a master’s in Christian Spirituality and a certificate in Retreat Direction from Creighton University. He has worked in Hispanic ministry and served as a spiritual director for seminary students, priests, and deacons.