Into the Desert: Transforming Trials into Encounters with God
God’s vocation for us is to flourish, yet, like Jesus being sent into the desert by the Holy Spirit for temptation, God often uses trials and difficulties - or deserts - as opportunities to mature us as His beloved sons and daughters. In this retreat, we will delve into the biblical and spiritual significance of the desert, as a place of transformation and encounter with God and evil, and examples for triumph in the battle.
Details
The retreat will be held at the breathtaking lighthouse at HI Point Montara, which sits on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, including trails to their own on-site cove beach. It is the perfect place to retreat from the business of life and reconnect with God. Though it is not a Catholic venue, we will have the Blessed Sacrament reserved during the retreat. Expect chant, adoration, Mass, and free time to sit by the ocean to reflect. Talks will be about 30-40 min with time in your small group to discuss & unpack it after. Registration is $100 via Venmo “Stanford-Catholic” - however, we want everyone who wants to attend to be able to, so scholarships are available (just email cmijinke@stanford.edu).
Our accommodation will be mostly in two Lodges (The Surfside House, and Sea Lodge). Rooms are shared (including some bunk beds) or with some private sites available (reserved first for couples). Men/women will sleep in separate rooms. There are no venue staff for cooking/cleaning, so this is a self-run retreat. Each lodge has a fully stocked kitchen where we will be cooking and doing dishes together. Your small group will double as your chore group. Meals are still being finalized, but you can expect a vegetarian, yet hearty soup-and-bread dinner on Friday, simple but tasty breakfasts/lunches, and a deluxe Saturday night dinner followed by a social.