Hope in the Dark: An Advent Day Retreat

We welcome all clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania to come and enjoy a day of prayer and rest, amid the Advent motifs of endings and beginnings, judgment and repentance, longing in the midst of darkness — and the coming of Christ. Two addresses by veteran retreat leader and spiritual director, the Rev. Julia Gatta, will explore these richly interrelated themes, each talk followed by an hour for silent reflection and prayer. There will also be time for questions, checking in, and responses from the speaker, who will also provide optional guidance for prayer times after each session.

Silence will be encouraged throughout the day, except for quiet conversation during lunch.

The Living Church Foundation is proud to partner with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania to sponsor this retreat. The Living Church is a communications ministry that has been serving the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion since 1878, with a focus on encouragement, leadership development, and Christian unity. You can find out more about us at livingchurch.org.

The Reverend Julia Gatta is the Bishop Frank A. Juhan Professor of Pastoral Theology in the School of Theology in Sewanee. She holds a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies from Cornell University. Mother Gatta is the author of The Pastoral Art of the English Mystics (1987); The Nearness of God: Parish Ministry as Spiritual Practice (2010); with Martin Smith, Go in Peace: The Art of Hearing Confessions (2012); and Life in Christ: Practicing Christian Spirituality (2018). She has worked as a spiritual director and retreat leader for many years.

9:15 AM Arrive and settle in. Light refreshments available.

9:30 AM Welcome. Morning Prayer

10:00 AM Introduce Julia, Session 1

10:45 AM Private prayer time

11:45 AM Regather, reflect

12:00 PM Lunch and free time for quiet conversation, rest, or prayer

1:00 PM Session 2

1:45 PM Private prayer time

2:45 PM Regather, reflect

3:00 PM Blessing and Dismissal

Scholarships are available for those in need. Please indicate when registering and follow the instructions provided.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, 23 East Airy Street, Norristown, United States