Corpus Christi Retreat
“Source and Summit”
Two Nights
June 9-11, 2023
A Great Way to Celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi
“The Eucharist is “the source and summit” of the Christian life. All ministries are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself.” (see CCC 1324)
Come to this retreat and foster a deeper, more spiritual understanding of the Mass. Enrich your ministry by tapping into the “source and summit” of the Christian life.
Five Thoughtful Meditation
We Come Together
“Come let us climb the mountain of the Lord” (Is 2:3)
Jesus “came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom.” In the Entrance and Penitential Rites, we come together, acknowledging our sins, asking for God’s mercy, and glorifying his greatness. Why is it important to come together to worship? Why in a spirit of humility?
Nourished by the Word
“When I found your words, I devoured them” (Jer 15:16)
Like Jeremiah, learn how to enrich your life nourished by this word, especially the word proclaimed at Mass. Deepen your appreciation of the role of scripture in the life of the Church, the presence of Christ in the gospel, scripture as a source of divine wisdom, and the importance of being taught by God’s word.
A Bloodless Sacrifice
“God himself will provide the lamb” (Gen 22:8)
The Eucharist is a ‘bloodless sacrifice’ and the fulfillment of all the Old Testament sacrifices, specifically Passover and the bread and wine offered by Melchizedek. How are your own sacrifices and offerings to God united with the one sacrifice on the altar?
Nourished by the Word Made Flesh
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:56)
Being fed by the Word made flesh in Holy Communion, we enter the wedding feast of the lamb. The Eucharist has a nuptial component and a sign of the new covenant. How would you describe the covenant you have with God through the Eucharist and God with you?
We are Sent
“Go therefore and make disciples” (Mt 28:19)
The Holy Mass ends with the phrase, “Ite missa est”. What does this mean? How does this relate to the Mass? Our mission? Our lives as missionary disciples in the world?
A Retreat Schedule Just for You
(subject to change)
| Friday, June 9 | |
| 2:00 PM | Arrive, explore the grounds, visit the chapel |
| 5:00 PM | Evening Prayer |
| 5:30 PM | Drop-in Reception – Lounge |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30 PM | 1st Meditation: Coming Together |
| 9:00 PM | Eucharistic Adoration and Night Prayer |
| Saturday, June 10 | |
| 7:30 AM | Morning Prayer |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | 2nd Meditation: Nourished by the Word |
| 10:00 AM | Private Reflection / Spiritual Direction |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | 3rd Meditation: A Bloodless Sacrifice |
| 2:30 PM | Private Reflection / Spiritual Direction / Confession |
| 4:30 PM | Vigil Mass |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | 4th Meditation: Nourished by the Word Made Flesh |
| 9:00 PM | Adoration and Evening Prayer |
| Sunday, June 11 | |
| 7:30 AM | Morning Prayer |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 10:00 AM | 5th Meditation: Being Sent |
| 11:00 AM | Resolutions |
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 Master
The retreat master, Deacon Matthew Newsome, is a student of the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, especially the common-sense spiritual direction offered in the Introduction to the Devout Life. He entered the Church through the RCIA twenty-two years ago and has since helped guide many along the same journey deploying some of the same practical spiritual wisdom. He serves as a campus minister at Western Carolina University and holds a Master of Theology degree from Holy Apostles College & Seminary. He writes a monthly column for the Catholic News Herald and blogs at www.testeverythingblog.com. He and his wife Joannie live in the mountains of NC with their seven children, a small flock of sheep, a smattering of chickens, and one ornery donkey.
The last time Deacon Matt was at the conference center, the retreatants rated his presentations “Excellent”. One commented, “A very rewarding time! The group was wonderful and Deacon Matt was great with his presentations. I’m so glad I came!”
Registration is Closed
The registration for the retreat includes two nights, all retreat fees, full-course meals from Friday through Sunday, The retreat price is as follows:
- Shared room (two persons per room): $239 per person.
- Single, one person per room: $299.
- Commuter price (no lodging): $99 per person
Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be granted up to two weeks before the retreat.