Themed Retreats
Themed retreats allow us to withdraw from the busyness of life and to reflect and pray. A themed retreat is grounded in a prayerful, listening atmosphere. It features an inspiring presenter and subject of interest.
The Mercy For All Scholarship provides support for those experiencing financial challenges.
➔ Learn more and apply here.
April 16-20 Triduum Retreat -- $500 -- Fr. Joe Donnelly and the Mercy by the Sea Staff
The Triduum: Three Days, One Journey
From the evening of Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday, the Triduum marks the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery through the liturgical celebration of the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we gather this year the world faces darkness, fear and chaos. In a world fraught with division, we come seeking unity. In the face of indifference, we seek compassion. In moments of despair, we look for signs of hope. We wait for the light of Christ to reveals the hope of the resurrection for all. Journey together through these days as part of the contemplative Triduum Retreat at Mercy by the Sea.
The retreat begins with check in at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. We will gather at 5 p.m. for introductory remarks in Lyons Chapel followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the McAuley Dining Room.
Holy Thursday begins with prayer and reflection in Lyons Chapel at 10 a.m. Holy Thursday Liturgy will be at 7 p.m. in Lyon’s Chapel.
Good Friday will begin with prayer and reflection in Lyons Chapel at 10 a.m. Good Friday Liturgy will begin at 3 p.m. in Lyons Chapel.
Holy Saturday will begin with prayer and reflection in Lyons Chapel at 10 a.m. We will gather at the front entry of the Retreat Center at 7:35 p.m. to light the Easter fire and begin our celebration of the Easter Vigil. Social gathering to follow in the McAuley dining room.
Easter Sunday for those who are able, we will gather for sunrise at 5:55 a.m. on the beach (weather permitting). A simple prayer will follow in Lyons Chapel at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast at 8 a.m. in the McAuley dining room.
July 27-August 3 Summer Sabbath -- $880---Andrea Minelli and Megan Shepherd
What is Summer Sabbath at Mercy by the Sea?
Sabbath means to rest!
Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is permission to rest.
Summer Sabbath at Mercy by the Sea offers a space where you can intentionally put aside your day-to-day work and concerns, take time to rest, renew, reenergize, and reconnect with your God, while enjoying the healing beauty of these sacred grounds and the gentle sea breezes of Long Island Sound.
Participants are invited to gather once daily for communal prayer, and reflection. The rest of your day is open to spend as you need and choose, walking the beautiful grounds or our newly restored Labyrinth, sitting on the beach with a good book, enjoying the magnificent sunrises and sunsets, and maybe treating yourself to a massage.
Eucharistic Liturgy is available close by at several local parishes and Spiritual Direction is available as requested. Summer Sabbath is NOT a Directed Retreat, Preached Retreat, Guided Retreat or Silent Retreat. Price includes overnight accommodation, private bathroom, and meals.
August 15-21 Zen Interfaith Retreat--Single $750 Double $600 Commuter $150/day
(Commuters must call 203-245-0401 to register)
Registration will open on Thursday, January 23rd at 9:30 a.m. No registrations will be accepted before then.
This is a week-long silent retreat (Zen sesshin) during which participants practice seated meditation (zazen) together—about twelve 25-minute periods per day—as a supportive community, or sangha. Roshi Kennedy and other Zen teachers will provide daily talks (teishos) to share Zen insights and to encourage sitting practice, as well as opportunities to meet privately with them (daisan) throughout the days.
Silence is observed throughout the day, at all times in order to deepen the experience. Following the final sitting each evening, liturgy will be offered for all who wish to participate. This is a warm, wholehearted practice of being with ourselves as we are, with things as they occur. The support of devoted teachers and one another encourages the quieting of our minds, the lessening of struggle, and the movement from self-centeredness to life-centeredness. Through this process we taste the richness of human life and become of true benefit to others and the world.
For those staying onsite, check-in is at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 15 with dinner served at 5:30 p.m.
Check out and departure on Thursday, August 21st is at 10 a.m.
Roshi Robert E. Kennedy, SJ is a Jesuit priest and Zen teacher in the White Plum lineage. He studied with Yamada Roshi in Kamakura, Japan, Maezumi Roshi in Los Angeles, and Glassman Roshi in New York. Glassman Roshi installed Father Robert as Sensei in 1991 and conferred Inka (his final seal of approval) in 1997, making him a Roshi (master). Kennedy Roshi is the author of “Zen Gifts to Christians” and “Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit.”
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Full payment is required at registration for all programs.
- A cancellation made up to 14 days before the program will result in a 50% refund of the payment that has been received.
- A cancellation made less than 14 days before the start of the program will not be refunded.
- A full refund would be given in the unlikely event that MBTS would need to cancel the program. Any payments made cannot be held by MBTS as “credit on account” toward a future date.