“…and God saw that it was good”

Be inspired by the figures of scripture, revisit your story, and respect the person and purpose God created in you

Retreat for Gay Priests, Brothers, and Deacons

Tuesday, May 23 to Friday, May 26, 2023

Siena Retreat Center

5637 Erie Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53402

(near Milwaukee Airport)

Registration Form Below

Retreat Description

In many biblical narratives, unlikely disciples on the edge of society become models of faith and ministry. Rather than undervalue them, God anoints these chosen ones to be the human precedent of what it means to live, love, and follow the Divine.

In this retreat, gay priests, brothers, and deacons are invited to draw inspiration from the figures of scripture, revisit their stories, and respect the person and purpose God created in them.

Participants can prepare for this retreat by reflecting on the following questions:

1. How does your status, as an outsider in church/society, assist you to “prepare the way” of God?
2. What strategies have you developed to endure repressive structures whilst waiting for the Reign of God to be realized in you? 
3. What has been your experience coping with the silence of God at times in your life?
4. Who has God appointed to support you in your life and ministry?

Retreat Leader

DWAYNE FERNANDES serves as Director of Spirituality for New Ways Ministry. He has a Master of Divinity from Newman Theological College, Canada, and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction Studies from Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C. He completed five units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and worked as a missionary in Peru and El Salvador. 

Dwayne’s pastoral work includes hospital and prison chaplaincy, parish ministry, spiritual direction, and writing and speaking on biblical topics.

Logistics

Location: Siena Retreat Center, 5637 Erie Street, Racine, WI 53402

Registration Fee: $595 (Registration fee includes accommodations and all meals from Tuesday dinner to Friday lunch).
Partial scholarships available before March 31, 2023

Starting and Ending Times:  The retreat begins on Tuesday, May 23, with dinner at 5.30 p.m. and the program beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The retreat ends on Friday, May 26, with luncheon at 12 noon.

When making flight plans: The Milwaukee Airport is about 30 minutes from Siena Retreat Center. Arrive at the airport by 4 pm on May 23rd; Depart after 3 pm on May 26th.

To Register by Mail: Make checks payable to “New Ways Ministry” and send with registration form to:
New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

Cancellation Policy: Prior to March 31st, all but $25 is refundable. No refunds after March 31st.

For further information, please call (301) 277-5674

Schedule

Tuesday, May 23, 2022

4:30 pm Arrival and check-in to room

5:30 pm Dinner

7:00 pm “You are to name him John”

8:30 pm Evening Prayer

9:00 pm Social

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Morning Prayer

9:30 am “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh”

12:00 pm Lunch

2:30 pm “If you be silent to me” 

5:00 pm Break

5:30 pm Dinner

6:30 pm Evening Prayer

7:00 pm Film and Social

Thursday, May 25, 2023

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Morning Prayer

9:30 am “As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker serving you”

12:00 pm Lunch, followed by quiet time

5:30 pm Dinner

6:30 pm Evening Prayer

7:00 pm Social

Friday, May 26, 2023

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am “I will add fifteen years to your life”

10:00 am Evaluation and Break

10:45 am Eucharist

12:00 pm Lunch and Departure

Registration Form