A Retreat with the Angels
The Retreat with the Angels is filled to capacity. Please contact info@catholicconference.org if you would like to be added to a waiting list, or would like to know about future offerings.
A Unique One-Night Retreat
November 18-19, 2022
Our world is filled with the presence and activity of angels, whose mission is to “light and guard” us on our way. Come to this retreat and deepen your appreciation of these invisible allies and learn how to let them bring peace and purpose into your life. The retreat will be a unique blend of retreat talks, hands-on pottery making, and prayer, plus plenty of time to reflect on the angels in your life.
“For the LORD commands his angels with regard to you,to guard you wherever you go.”
PS 91:11
Three Ways to
Retreat with the Angels
1st Way: Learn About the Angels
How much do you really know about the angels? To begin a retreat with angels, it would be proper to first reflect upon exactly who or what the angels are. Based on Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, you’ll learn when they were created and why; how they move and how they communicate; what they know and what they don’t know. You’ll also learn some other fascinating facts about the ‘choir of angels’, fallen angels, and why you should not name your guardian angel. Most importantly, you’ll come to a deeper appreciation of how they are guiding you here and now and want nothing more than for you to join them in the eternal presence of God. How many angels are there? And how active are they in your life? The answer to the first question is more than you can possibly imagine. And to the second, more than you realize. Come to the retreat and learn more about God’s messengers.
2nd Way: Shape Your Own Angel Luminary out of Clay
Our favorite potters are back to guide you through the process of making your own angel. Dale and Debra Zimmerman will guide you through the process of making an angel luminary to ‘light and guard’ you for months and years beyond the retreat. The kiln-fired treasure will be a great memento for your retreat, or maybe a great gift for someone special this Christmas. In a prayerful setting, you’ll be able to tap into the creative power of the Holy Spirit as you mold the clay of the earth. Debra and Dale have helped many create beautiful items (see photos from past retreats). This promises to be one of their best efforts.
3rd Way: Invite Angels into your Life
Many often pray to their guardian angel. Some when under a spiritual attack will pray to Saint Michael the ArchAngel. That’s two, yet the Catechism states that “from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by watchful care and intercession of the angels.” (CCC 336). In this session, you’ll have some time to reflect upon how you can receive this help and let their voice motivate you to do good (cf. CCC 350), alert you to dangers, illumine your mind to understand God’s holy will for you, and see the presence of these invisible allies everywhere.
“I am sending an angelj before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”
Ex 23:20
Retreat Schedule
| Friday, November 18 | |
| 2:00 PM | Arrive, explore the grounds, visit the chapel |
| 5:00 PM | Evening Prayer |
| 5:30 PM | Drop-in Reception – Lounge |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | 1st Session Get to know your Invisible allies |
| 8:30 PM | Eucharistic Adoration and Night Prayer |
| Saturday, November 19 | |
| 7:00 AM | Adoration and Morning Prayer |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | 2nd Session: Make your own Angel Luminary |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | 3rd Session: Invite the angels to be part of your life |
| 2:00 PM | Eucharistic Adoration |
| 3:30 PM | Resolutions |
| 4:00 PM | Blessing and dismissal |
Exceptional Retreat Atmosphere
“Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Heb 13:2
Indoor and outdoor reflection areas
In addition to the thoughtful meditation, there will be plenty of time to pray and reflect upon the words and upon God’s plan for you. For those who prefer doing this in a sacred space, there is a beautiful chapel and several indoor and outdoor reflection places. For those who are more active, there are trails cut through our 180 acres. The more ambitious can take a short drive or a long hike to Baker Mountain Park. Added to the outdoor space, there is a horseshoe pit, a bonfire, and even some corn-hole boards.
Nicely appointed rooms and fine dining
The lodging rooms were fully renovated in 2015. Each room has two full-sized beds and a private bath. Our dining area has an exceptionally qualified full-time chef with a wide range of culinary expertise. The dining room has also been recently renovated and has a 100% sanitation rating. The meeting room has cathedral ceilings and spectacular views.
Grace-filled encounters
For those who want to immerse themselves in the retreat, there will be several scheduled hours of Adoration. The chapel is open all night for those who want to have a more intimate encounter with the Lord. Some delight in the thought of sleeping under the same roof as the Blessed Sacrament, and many are known to make late-night visits to the chapel.
Meet your Retreat Guides
Deacon Scott Gilfillan
The meditations and discussions will be led by Deacon Scott D. Gilfillan. Ordained as a Catholic deacon in 2001, he has a wide range of experience facilitating groups and leading retreats for parishes, RCIA programs, and deacon candidates. For many years, he was the director of the deacon formation for the diocese of Charlotte, assisting and guiding deacon candidates and their wives in discernment and formation. Most recently he has become the director of the Catholic conference and retreat center in Hickory and has devoted much of his time leading workshops and retreats (see comments on past retreats)
Debra and Dale Zimmerman
Shortly after moving to the area in 2012, Debra and her husband Dale began their journey into this age-old craft and haven’t looked back. Their art is displayed throughout the Hickory area and at regional pottery and craft shows and Debra teaches classes in their home studio and at local community colleges. She operates Groovy Girl Art Studio which specializes in mosaics, stained glass, pottery, and crafts. She and her husband have been highly praised as presenters for past retreats at the Catholic Conference Center.
Registration
The Retreat with the Angels is filled to capacity. Please contact info@catholicconference.org if you would like to be added to a waiting list, or would like to know about future offerings.
The registration for the retreat includes one overnight stay, all pottery materials and supplies, retreat fees, and three full-course meals on Friday and Saturday, The retreat price is as follows:
- Shared room (two persons per room): $165 per person.
- Single, one person per room: $195.
- Extend your stay into Sunday: Add $75 for an additional night
Note: Registrations will be limited to a maximum of 20 people to give each person time for quality instruction by our potters.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be granted with two week’s notice
Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.
Saint Francis De Sales