PRIESTS’ RETREAT: Healers in Christ 2017

Monday, November 27 – Friday, December 1, 2017

Retreat Description: This retreat for priests will highlight the ministry of priests as compassionate healers in Christ. The homilies and writings of Pope Francis will provide inspiration for our reflections on the mercy of Christ that works through us as sacrament-persons. Time will also be devoted to exploring pitfalls in our ministerial style with particular focus on compassion fatigue, a form of ministry burnout. (This retreat is also offered March 6-10.)

Presenter: Father Francis Benedict has been a monk of Valyermo since 1967. He earned an MA in Philosophy form Loyola-Marymount University and an MS in Theology from Mt. Angel in Oregon. He was ordained a priest in 1976. He served as the Abbey’s abbot for 16 years. His special areas of ministry include spiritual direction, preaching retreats, and working with 12-step recovery groups. In addition to many responsibilities at the Abbey, he now serves as the Director of Oblates.