Retreat for Gay Priests, Brothers, and Deacons
Monday to Thursday, November 1-4, 2021
Please note Change of Venue
To register, please fill the form below or call (301) 277-5674
Retreat Description
Why am I afraid to tell you who I am?
Gay men are disproportionately present in the Catholic clergy. The overwhelming majority serve the Church with care and compassion. However, some Catholics blame the sexual abuse of minors on the presence of gay men in ministry.
In this atmosphere of blame and shame, gay priests are afraid to speak the truth of who they are. They are afraid of rejection and retaliation. But if the Church is really faithful to Christ, we would be a community of love, not fear.
During this retreat, we will be discussing questions asked by gay men in church ministry:
How can we speak the truth about ourselves?
How can we find acceptance and love?
How can we respond fully and honestly to the call of Christ to feed his flock?
The retreat is intended to assist gay priests, brothers, and deacons in developing better self-understanding, spirituality, friendships, and a more honest relationship with the institutional Church.
Retreat Leader
FATHER PETER DALY is a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. He was ordained in 1986. He holds his STB degree from the Gregorian University and his STL from the Lateran University. His pastoral work included campus ministry, and 23 years as a parish pastor.
For 20 years he was a syndicated columnist for Catholic News Service, and he currently writes for the National Catholic Reporter. In 2016 , he co-authored Strange Gods, a murder mystery which examines the crisis in the church, especially the sin of clericalism.
Registration and Logistics
Location: Mid-Atlantic Retreat Center
Registration Fee: $595 (Registration fee includes accommodations and all meals from Monday dinner to Thursday lunch)
Starting and Ending Times: The retreat begins on Monday, November 1, with dinner at 5.30 p.m. and the program beginning at 7:00 p.m. The retreat ends on Thursday, November 4, with luncheon at 12 noon.
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 October 15th, all but $25 is refundable. No refunds after October 15th.
For further information, please call (301) 277-5674.
Schedule
Monday, November 1, 2021
4:30 pm Arrival and check-in to room
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Matt 14:27 Q&A
8:30 pm Evening Prayer
9:00 pm Social
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Prayer
9:30 am “Aren’t you worth more than many sparrows?” Matt. 6:26 Q&A
10:30 am Break
11:00 am Small group discussion
11:30 am Large group discussion
12:00 pm Lunch
2:30 pm “My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Mark 5:34 Q&A
3:30 pm Small group discussion
4:15 pm Large group discussion
5:00 pm Break
5:30 pm Dinner
6:30 pm Evening Prayer
7:00 pm Film and Discussion
8:30 pm Social
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Prayer
9:30 am “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 Q&A
10:30 am Break
11:00 am Small group discussion
11:30 am Large group discussion
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Open Space: Options include quiet time, private conference with retreat leader, educational workshops, self-organized groups
5:00 pm Break
5:30 pm Dinner
6:30 pm Evening Prayer
7:30 pm Social
Thursday, November 4, 2021
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68 Q&A
10:00 am Evaluation
10:15 am Break
10:45 am Eucharist
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Departure