A Mini Retreat on Hope: Preparing for Advent and the Jubilee Year

“Cast all your anxieties on Him for He cares for You.”
1 Peter 5:7

The season of Advent and the Church’s Year of Jubilee will both soon begin. Both are times of hope with the Vatican declaring the Jubilee 2025’s theme as “Pilgrims of Hope.” However, many of us also have natural yearly anxieties from loved but stressful holiday preparations—and gatherings—throughout Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, and the New Year. The antidote is our hope in Christ.

The CIC invites you to our upcoming mini-retreat on Saturday morning, November 23rd. Prepare yourself for what is a guaranteed time of stress by knowing how to pivot back to hope throughout your holidays and throughout 2025.

Our leaders for this mini-retreat will be Fr. Paul Kais (Assistant Chaplain, CIC) and Fr. Ignacio González (Director of Oblates and Director of Campus Ministry at St. Anselm’s Abbey).

Attendance for the retreat is in-person only. It will not be livestreamed.

Nov. 23rd Schedule (Subject to Change):

• 8:30 am: Morning social with coffee and light refreshments
• 9:00 am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
• 9:00 am: Confessions offered through the end of the retreat
• 9:10 am:  Meditation 1 — The Jubilee Year: Why this Year of Favor Matters by Fr. Ignacio González
• 9:30 am: Eucharistic Adoration with a musical meditation led by Fr. Ignacio and then time for silent prayer
• 10:00 am: Meditation 2 — A Reflection on Hope & Practical Prayer Habits by Fr. Paul Kais
• 10:30 am: 15-minute coffee break
• 10:45 am: Rosary — Prayer of the Joyful Mysteries and final reflection time
• 11:15 am: Benediction and transition for Mass
• 11:30am: Daily Mass
• Noon: Retreat concludes

This retreat is free to the public, but please R.S.V.P. if you plan to attend.

The closest Metro stops near the CIC are McPherson Square (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines) and Farragut North (Red line). The CIC building’s garage is closed on Saturday mornings, but street parking is available.