Advent Mini-Retreat with Fr. Mark Mannion

Every year we begin again with a new season of Grace called Advent. It is a very special time to prepare for the graces of the coming of Christ that the Church offers to her children. This is truly one of the most important ways anyone can prepare for the holidays to be able to bolster our souls with a deeper presence of God and to prepare to bring that love of God to other souls starting with our family, friends and coworkers.

We invite you to join CIC Assistant Chaplain Fr. Mark Mannion for our upcoming Advent mini-retreat on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Mini-Retreat Schedule:

• 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 Incarnation: Waiting and Waiting and Waiting! What Are We Waiting for?”
• 9:30 am: Eucharistic Adoration and Silent Prayer
• 10:00 am: Meditation 2 — “Christmas: The Season of Manifold Manifestations!”
• 10:30 am: 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: Mini-Retreat concludes

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

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

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.