👉 Here is the schedule for the Clergy Retreat 2026. Please click more to see the schedule and details.
Title: “Breathing Into the Resurrection”
In difficult times, we often turn to the Crucified One for comfort, strength, even wisdom. But the crucifixion is only the mid-point of the story, the Resurrection and Ascension and Coming of the Spirit is the future of the story. Let us join together in community and seek the Wisdom of new life, new hope, new joy – even with the scars of crucifixion still visible.
Tue 4/14
5:00 Welcome & Introductions
6:00 Dinner
7:00 First Talk – Breathing Again: Resurrection
8:00 Compline
Wed 4/15
Centering Prayer Sit
Breakfast
9:00 Morning Prayer
10:00 Second Talk – Breathing in a new way: Ascension
11:00 Silence: Reflection/Journaling time
12:00 Lunch into Sabbath
3:00 Third Talk – Breathing on the World: the Gift of the Holy Spirit
4:30 Silence: Reflection/Journaling time
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Compline
Thu 4/16
Centering Prayer Sit
Breakfast
9:00 Closing Talk
10:30 Eucharist and Renewal of Vows
12:00 Lunch
Depart
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Presented by Br. James Dowd, OSB
Brother James Dowd is a Benedictine monk and the founding Prior of The Benedictine Way and Spiritual Guide of the Contemplative Underground. He previously served at Holy Cross Monastery (New York), Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery (South Africa), and as Monk-in-Residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska. His work explores the intersection of Christian contemplation and social justice. Through international travels and teaching workshops on Centering Prayer, he encountered many people longing for a contemplative life within community. Recognizing this need, he founded the Contemplative Underground—an intergenerational network rooted in Benedictine spirituality that gathers seekers committed to prayer, community, and building a more peaceful world.
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Note that this year's Clergy Renewal of Vows has been combined with the Clergy Retreat. If you are unable to attend, please email the bishop, let him know any difficulties with attendance, and request to be excused (since attendance is required).
This year's clergy retreat suggested donation is: $225. This just covers the costs for the room and food.
If this is not within your budget, please let us know, and the diocese can supplement or cover the costs.
If you are booking your own hotel, let us know, and the diocese will reimburse you $150 for your hotel room or you can subtract that from the suggested donation ($150 is what we pay for two nights at the monastery).