Calendar of Retreats

WHAT IS FREEDOM FOR?
Lessons from Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Retreat Master: Fr. Stephen Rowan, Ph.D.

Shakespeare (1564-1616) was a keen observer of human behavior, whose plays continue to give wise insights into human motives, actions, and consequences. Shakespeare’s Macbeth concerns a man whose ambition to be king caused him and his wife to seek the prize of ultimate power above – and outside – the law. When they freely chose to achieve their purpose through crime and cover up, what happened to them? What did they discover about the reach and the limits of power? What can we learn from their story about the purposes of freedom?

In this retreat we will consider these and other questions through several talks and times for reflection, conversation, and prayer. Ideally, retreatants should read Macbeth before the retreat and bring a copy with them to consult between talks.

Retreat Master

Father Stephen Rowan, Ph.D., a priest of the Archdiocese of Seattle (incardinated in 1981) has served since 1970 as a teacher of English and college administrator: Dean of Arts and Sciences at Seattle University (1994-1998) and the University of Portland (2007-2012); interim Dean of Arts and Sciences at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington (2015-2016); and Interim President of Carroll College in Helena, Montana (2000-01 and 2017-18). Fr. Rowan has served the Archdiocese of Seattle as Vicar for Education and Superintendent for Catholic Schools (2001-04 and 2012-14); as Director of Deacon Formation and Continuing Formation of Clergy; and as Vicar General (2004-2006). In 2002, he assisted Archbishop Brunett in establishing the Fulcrum Foundation (2001-2008) for Catholic Schools. Fr. Rowan received his doctorate in English from the University of British Columbia and an honorary doctorate from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington, has authored several books and articles, and has presented at conferences, retreats, and convocations. He presently lives in Silverton, Oregon, and teaches at Mount Angel Seminary.

For registration, email the retreat master or call 503.845.3025.

$234 single occupancy / $406 double occupancy / $128 commuter

* The opportunity to extend your retreat experience may be available at $90 per night; please ask when registering for availability.

The Mystery of the Father’s Love: The Return of the Prodigal, Beloved Son

Thanksgiving silent retreat with Br. Louis de Montfort, O.S.B.

The greatest gift of all time and history is the revelation of God and his very being: a communion of three Persons in an endless, eternal dance of unfathomable love. As human persons, we are created for and called to participate in this Divine communion. Much has been written on the Second and Third Persons, the Son and the Holy Spirit respectively, who seem more tangible and perceptible to the human mind and senses. The First Person of the Trinity, the Father, however, is far more enigmatic even though he is the principle of all things and his presence is ever pervasive. In this retreat, we will delve into Sacred Scriptures to discover the mystery of the Father and encounter his boundless love and compassion. The retreat will encompass the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Genesis story of the Prodigal Adam, and the return of the Beloved Son on Calvary. From these stories, the depth of human misery is revealed; yet, even this is far surpassed by the greater revelation of the Father’s inexhaustible love. Encounter God through the Father’s Love.

Recommended reading: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen

For registration, email the retreat master or call 503.845.3025.

$235 single occupancy / $385 double occupancy

(Early registration on Wednesday and Thursday is available)

The Coming of the Lord in
Word and Sacrament

Given by Fr. Pius X Harding, O.S.B.

A day of prayer, teaching and good food offered at Mount Angel Abbey’s Saint Benedict Guesthouse & Retreat Center.

Please email to register  or call 503.845.3025.
Cost: $25.00 (includes morning pastries and coffee, conferences, and lunch)

Holy Mass and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Penance are available.
Bring your favorite Bible and Rosary.

The Advent of the Lord in Word and Sacrament is a day away at Mount Angel Abbey; a time to explore the coming of the Eternal Word into the world God so loves. This is the world in which we all live. Together we will listen to the Sacred Scriptures, pray the Advent liturgies with the monastic community, and prepare our hearts to more worthily receive the Lord this Christmas.

Busy with the Lord:
The Epiphany Season Liturgies that most of us miss

Reflections and meditations on Advent, with Br. Cyril Drnjevic, O.S.B.

This retreat will build on the graduate studies (in Rome and at Mount Angel Seminary) of the Advent and Christmas seasons, prepared by Fr. Joseph Nguyen, O.S.B., a monk of Mount Angel Abbey.

$194 single occupancy / $326 double / $88 commuter

For information on retreat registration, please email retreat@mtangel.edu.

The Mariology of St. John Henry Cardinal Newman

A Christmas season retreat with Fr. Jacob Stronach, O.S.B.

On October 13, 2019, the Church proclaimed John Henry Cardinal Newman a saint. Newman wrote beautifully on many topics, but this retreat will focus on his teachings about Mary, the Mother of God. In the Christmas season, we cannot think about the Incarnation of the Word without also pondering Mary’s unique role in this mystery. During the Octave of Christmas, this retreat will be an opportunity to prayerfully enter more deeply into the Christmas mystery.

For registration, email the retreat master or call 503.845.3025.

$235 single occupancy / $385 double occupancy

Tentative Schedule

Scripture Retreat

A silent retreat with Scripture scholar, Dr. Mark Nussberger, PhD

For registration, email the retreat master or call 503.845.3025.

$235 single occupancy / $385 double occupancy

(Early registration on Wednesday and Thursday is available)

Ignatian Silent Retreat

With Bill Zuelke, MDiv, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor

This is a silent retreat, with opportunities for one-on-one counseling available with Bill Zuelke.

For registration, email the retreat master or call 503.845.3025.

Cost: $560, single occupancy only

Tentative Schedule

Marriage Enrichment Retreat

A retreat with Fr. William Hammelman, O.S.B.

A pastor for many years, Fr. William Hammelman, O.S.B., is now director of Mount Angel’s postulancy program, confessor, and retreat director.

For registration, email the retreat master or call 503.845.3025.

$235 single occupancy / $385 double occupancy

Tentative Schedule:

Mary, Mother of Sorrows:
Standing at the Foot of the Cross
with Mary

With Br. Louis de Montfort, O.S.B.

Reflections on Sacred Scripture and Marian teachings.

Br. Louis de Montfort, O.S.B., is director of spiritual ministries at Saint Benedict Guesthouse and Retreat Center.

For registration, email the retreat master or call 503.845.3025.

Cost: $310 single occupancy