The Advent season invites us to put the world’s ways aside and sink into the slow goodness of a spiritual season be-decked — not in tinsel and bows, but in waiting and anticipation, in faint flickering lights against an inky winter sky, and the Light that we know will break open our world and overcome its darkness forever come Christmas morning.
But learning to wait joyfully is no easy task! We live in a world that is constantly moving, especially during the holiday season, and we’re all expected to keep up. Advent turns that notion on its head, however. If we’re willing to listen, Advent offers us good “medicine,” telling us to pause, to make some space for anticipation, to enjoy the slow step-by-step path through this sacred season rather than focus only on the main event. During this weekend retreat, we will reclaim the spirit of Advent — and perhaps a little of our sanity along with it. Daily talks will focus on the Scriptural themes of the season. In addition, this retreat will include journaling, dialogue, music, movement, and more. A period of silence will be observed in the early mornings and through breakfast. Optional yoga classes will be offered. There will be a limited number of spiritual direction appointments available for those interested. Guided by Mary DeTurris Poust.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief welcome session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The retreat begins after dinner at 7pm on Friday and concludes after lunch on Sunday. Mass will be available on Sunday morning for those who wish to attend.
Mary DeTurris Poust is a writer, retreat leader, yoga teacher, and spiritual director. She is the author of six books on Catholic spirituality and six books of seasonal reflections. Mary writes about the spiritual journey in her award-winning monthly column, Life Lines, and hosts a podcast by the same name. She is also a frequent contributor to Give Us This Day. She and her husband, Dennis, have three adult children and live in upstate New York. Visit her website at NotStrictlySpiritual.com.