Preaching the Passion from the Roots

How might we preach from the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament in ways that are authentic to both Catholicism and Judaism? How can we avoid misunderstandings and anti-Jewish signaling in our interpretations of often difficult texts, written under circumstances very different from our own?

Join us at the College of the Holy Cross’s Joyce Contemplative Center, a serene refuge overlooking the beautiful Wachusett Reservoir, for an immersive retreat to prepare for Holy Week. Together, we will explore how to remain theologically authentic as Catholics while accurately portraying the historical events that underlie the Passion narrative, helping us understand the Hebrew Scriptures’ meaning and significance in both Judaism and Catholicism. The retreat is facilitated by Scripture scholars and experts in Judaism and Catholicism. The program includes shared meals, dialogue about the challenges and possibilities of preaching Scripture, conversations on how to read biblical texts, and time in prayer.

Participants are strongly encouraged to arrive on Sunday evening in time for dinner to properly set the context for Monday's sessions. The Joyce Contemplative Center includes overnight accommodation.
The retreat is open to Catholic priests from dioceses in Massachusetts or states adjacent to Massachusetts.

View the complete schedule.

Sponsored by the Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J. Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture with support from the & the .

$65 All meals, overnight stay, and workshop
$35 Monday meals and workshop only

Register online by February 24. Fees are non-refundable.

Please indicate on the form if you have any dietary restrictions and if you require accommodations for handicap accessibility. Single rooms and private baths will be assigned on a first-come basis.

Parking at the JCC is very limited. High-occupancy vehicles and those with handicap placards will receive priority parking privileges. Shuttle service from Holy Cross will be provided as necessary. Once we have final registration numbers, we will let you know what parking will be available.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Joyce Contemplative Center, 1000 Goodale Street, West Boylston, United States