Living the Beatitudes
Retreat
Two Nights
ALL NEW DATES: January 26-28, 2024
The Secret to True Happiness
One day 2,000 years ago, Jesus climbed a mountain followed by “large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” (Mt 4:25) He looks at the multitude and utters one word that completely changed their lives: Blessed.
Known as the “Beatitudes” or blessings, Jesus offered the crowds and offers you today the secret to true and everlasting happiness. He began his Sermon on the Mount with eight simple yet paradoxical promises of hope. Contrary to the message of the world, the secret to true happiness can be found in hungering, thirsting, being persecuted, living meekly, mourning, and being merciful.
This retreat is an invitation to ponder this paradox in your own life and experience how you can use these beatitudes to receive God’s blessing, immerse your life in God’s blessing, and become a blessing to the world.
Thoughtful Meditations
The Beatitudes: A Journey through Scripture, the Church, and the Saints
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Setting the Foundation: Being Poor in Spirit and Mourning Our Sins
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A Deeper Way to View Meekness, Hunger, Thirst, and Mercy
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Purity of Heart, Real Peacemaking, and Persecution
Practical Applications
Living the Beatitudes Today
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Beatitudes and My Life Map
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Beatitudes as Life’s Building Blocks
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Practicing a Daily Examen Based on the Beatitudes
A Retreat Schedule Just for You *
| Friday, January 26 | |
| 2:00 PM | Arrive, explore the grounds, visit the chapel |
| 5:30 PM | Evening Prayer |
| 6:00 PM | Drop-in Reception |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | 1st Meditation: Introduction, journey, and blessed are the poor in spirit |
| 8:30 PM | Night Prayer |
| Saturday, January 27 | |
| 7:00 AM | Adoration and Morning Prayer |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | 2nd Meditation: Mourning and meekness |
| 10:00 AM | Private reflection and prayer time |
| 11:00 AM | 3rd Meditation: Hunger, thirst, and mercy |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 12:45 PM | 4th Meditation: Purity and peacemaking |
| 1:45 PM | Private reflection and discussion |
| 2:45 PM | 5th Meditation: Persecution and living the Beatitudes today |
| 3:45 PM | Private Reflection |
| 5:15 PM | Vigil Mass |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | 6th Meditation: Life Map based on the Beatitudes |
| 8:30 PM | Evening Prayer |
| Sunday, January 28 | |
| 7:00 AM | Adoration and Morning Prayer |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | An Examen based on the Beatitudes |
| 10:00 AM | Resolutions |
* schedule subject to change
Exceptional Retreat Atmosphere
Indoor and outdoor reflection areas
In addition to the thoughtful meditation, there will be plenty of time to pray and reflect upon the words and upon God’s plan for you. For those who prefer doing this in a sacred space, there is a beautiful chapel and several indoor and outdoor reflection places. For those who are more active, there are trails cut through our 180 acres. The more ambitious can take a short drive or a long hike to Baker Mountain Park. Added to the outdoor space are a horseshoe pit, a bonfire, and even some corn-hole boards.
Nicely appointed rooms and fine dining
The lodging rooms were fully renovated in 2015. Each room has two full-sized beds and a private bath. Our dining area has an exceptionally qualified full-time chef with a wide range of culinary expertise. The dining room has also been recently renovated and has a 100% sanitation rating. The meeting room has cathedral ceilings and spectacular views.
Grace-filled encounters
For those who want to immerse themselves in the retreat, there will be several hours of Adoration. The chapel is open all night for those who want to have a more intimate encounter with the Lord. Some delight in the thought of sleeping under the same roof as the Blessed Sacrament, and many are known to make late-night visits to the chapel.
Meet your Retreat Masters
Natalie and Cameron Jackson
Dr. Cameron Jackson, KM, is a Knight of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta, a 900-year-old Catholic lay religious order. He has an impressive career as an executive leadership coach, behavior analyst, master business practitioner, and author. Natalie Jackson, MA, DM, is a Dame of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta. Among her extensive experience with parishes and non-profits, Natalie was invited to participate in the Expanded Reason Congress sponsored by the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Foundation and the University of Francisco di Vitoria, in Rome. Natalie is a certified spiritual director and in 2023 was appointed to the Spirituality Committee of the Order of Malta Federal Association in Washington DC. Cameron and his wife, Natalie, founded The Eremos Group, blending their passion and diverse talents to help others grow as individuals, in their careers, and in their faith. (see full bios)
Deacon Scott Gilfillan
Ordained as a Catholic deacon in 2001, he has a wide range of experience facilitating groups and leading retreats for parishes, RCIA programs, and deacon candidates. For many years, he was the director of the deacon formation for the Diocese of Charlotte, assisting and guiding deacon candidates and their wives in discernment and formation. Most recently he has become the director of the Catholic Catholic Center in Hickory and has devoted much of his time to spiritual direction, facilitating workshops, and leading retreats (see comments on past retreats)
Registration
Registration for the retreat includes two nights, all retreat fees, and full-course meals from Friday through Sunday morning, The retreat price is as follows:
- Shared room (two persons per room): $275 per person ($250 with “Early Bird” discount).
- Single, one person per room: $345 ($295 with “Early Bird” discount).
The retreat is sold out. If you’d like to be added to a waiting list, please call 828.327.7441 or email info@catholicconference.org.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be granted up to two weeks before the retreat.