Friday October 9, through Sunday October 11, 2026

Retreat Theme

Surrender and Catch - Lessons from the Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi

Retreat Presenter

The presenter for this retreat is Mary K. Matestic, MTS

A graduate of St. Francis Seminary, Mary served as Pastoral Associate at St. Mary Parish for 20 years. She is a recipient of the Archbishop’s Vatican II Award for her work with families, especially in the areas of grief and loss. Though she is retired, she continues to serve as a Spiritual Director, assist as a Pastoral Care minister, and serve as an assistant sacristan.

Mary continues to direct retreats and days of Reflection and presides over a Word and Communion service at Clement Manor monthly. She also writes a monthly scripture reflection for the Catholic Herald.

On the personal side, Mary is married to Fred. Together they raised four children and now enjoy 11 grandchildren. She enjoys biking, reading, theater and spending quality time with her husband.

Join us!

We invite you to step out of the turbulence of the everyday world to rest, reflect and renew, while drawing closer to God during this transformative weekend for women.

Join us for a silent retreat with the theme “Surrender and Catch," a term Fr. Michael Crosby uses in his book on St. Francis called, Finding Francis, Following Christ.

The spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi has borne the test of time. Born in Assisi, Italy in 1182 one would hardly think that this man of antiquity would have anything to offer spiritual seekers of today! Yet, Francis' life has much to offer the modern woman who finds herself in the heart of transition and transformation. St. Francis was not just about wolves, birds and flowers, he was about listening to God's voice in the midst of turmoil and in the midst of a religious world more defined by wealth than by Lady Poverty.

Francis learned the power of "surrender and catch;" he learned the power of listening to God in all the cosmos; and he learned the power of letting God find him along the path of his life. He learned the privilege of serving all of God's people.

This retreat will focus upon St. Francis' gift to the spiritual life marked by surrendering what is false within each of us in order to catch what is true wrapped within God's divine purpose for us.

For this retreat, please bring your Bibles and a journal to capture your thoughts and insights.

During this retreat we’ll celebrate daily Mass in addition to taking part in presentations, discussions, prayer, reconciliation and communion. Participants will also have ample time for rest, reflection, and quiet time with each other.

Please note, quiet will be observed throughout this retreat.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is for women who wish to deepen their religious practice and their relationship with God.

What’s Included?

Your retreat includes simple but comfortable accommodations including a private room with a bed and an ensuite bathroom (shower included), three meals on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday, refreshments, and all retreat materials.

There is a $50 nonrefundable fee for any cancellations.

Retreat Schedule

You’ll arrive by 6:15 pm on Friday, check in, and join the retreat staff for a talk at 7:30 pm. Refreshments will be served, but there is no Friday evening meal.

On Saturday, we’ll have a full day of activities and three delicious meals. The evening is reserved for free time to rest, reflect, journal, and pray.

On Sunday, we’ll have breakfast, a presentation, mass, communion and some final thoughts from our presenters. Lunch will be served and then you’re free to check out and leave anytime afterwards.

Comments from our guests:

“The Retreat Center is where I strive to ground myself in our merciful and grace-filled Faith. There is peace in the quiet where I can escape for the weekend from the demands and pressures of the world. My mind is joyously emptied from those burdens. I emerge reenergized at the conclusion of the retreat. Thank you for providing these opportunities!”