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First Small Group Clergy Retreat of 2026

September 9, 2026 · 1 min read

RIVES JUNCTION, MI – The Department of Clergy Health and Family Life recently held its first small-group Clergy Retreat of 2026. Eight priests coming from four deaneries met September 1-3 at Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Junction, MI. They enjoyed beautiful services, generous hospitality, and edifying conversation. Discussions centered on the practice of pastoral care, taking inspiration from the writings of St. John of Kronstadt.

Highlights included: – Serving a panikhida at the grave of His Eminence Archbishop Paul of blessed memory. – Doing some outdoor work for the monastery. – An interview with Mother Gabriella about her experience growing up in Communist Romania, coming to America with Mother Benedicta and Fr Roman Braga, and establishing the monastery.

Space is still available at our next retreat at Holy Archangel Michael Skete in Weatherby, MO, October 20-22. Interested clergy should email clergylife@domoca.org . A third retreat, which is already full, will be held November 10-12 at St. Gregory Palamas Monastery in Perrysville, OH. These retreats are offered at no cost to the clergy of our diocese.

Source: Site: Diocese of the Midwest · Read the full story →

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Xenia Walker

Sounds like a really good few days. I like that they worked outdoors for the monastery and did the panikhida at Archbishop Paul’s grave—those kinds of things stick with you. Mother Gabriella’s interview must have been fascinating; I’d love to hear what she said about coming over from Romania.