A Lenten Retreat

Toward the Empty Tomb

The Weekend that includes the 5th Sunday of Lent

 Friday

  5:00 p.m.   Arrival – Room Assignments

  6:00 p.m.   Dinner

  7:15 p.m.   Introductions

If you were to introduce someone to God, where would you take them or what would you show them?

  7:30 p.m.   Evening Prayer and Session One – A Voice Calls from Heaven

He had just been baptized, when he heard the voice, “You are my beloved.  My favor rests on you.”  As we prepare to renew our baptismal promises at Easter, the same voice speaks to us.  We are God’s beloved.  God’s favor rests on us.

  8:30 p.m.   Break

  9:00 p.m.   Group Sharing & Night Prayer

What did you see, feel, experience as we heard the voice from heaven call us “The Beloved of God – those on whom God’s favor rests?” 

  9:30 p.m.   Social

Saturday

  8:00 a.m.   Breakfast

  9:00 a.m.   Morning Prayer and Session Two – Led into the Desert

He was led into the desert by the Spirit to face the Evil One.  We, too, have had to face the Evil One.  We, too, are tempted to return home unaffected by the words of our God, unaffected by the grace of baptism.

10:00 a.m.   Desert Time – Silence before the Lord

11:30 a.m.   Group Sharing

What did you see, feel, experience as you were led into the desert, as you were tempted by the Evil One?

12:00 noon  Lunch

  1:00 p.m.   Session Three – Toward Jerusalem We Go

He knew what awaited him in Jerusalem, and he headed straight for it.  We know that the cross awaits us, too.  Are we willing to head toward Jerusalem?

  1:30 p.m.  Time Alone on the Road – Walking with the Lord

  5:00 p.m.  Group Sharing

What did you see, feel, experience as you walked with the Lord toward Jerusalem?

  6:00 p.m.   Dinner

  7:30 p.m.   Penance Service and Session Four – Stories of Forgiveness

Only a fool would leave ninety-nine sheep on the hillside while he went off to look for the lost one.  Only a fool would sweep, and search high and low until she found a lost dime.  Only a fool would rejoice that the son who had taken advantage of him had come back to do it again.  God is such a fool – foolish enough to forgive.

9:00 p.m.     Social

Sunday

  8:00 a.m.   Breakfast

  9:00 a.m.   Morning Prayer and Group Sharing

What did you experience as you met the foolish God who forgave you without you ever deserving to be forgiven?

10:00 a.m.   Break

10:30 a.m.   Eucharist and Session Five – Come out of the Tomb!

Jesus called Lazarus out of his stinking tomb.  He calls us out of the tombs that hold us, out of the fears that keep us from living our lives as the beloved sons and daughters of God.

12:00 noon  Lunch & Departure