Diocesan Retreat Committee

About the Diocesan Retreat Committee...

In 1967, Bishop Paul Moore, the Suffragen Bishop of Washington, established the Diocesan Retreat Committee (DRC). For nearly forty years, this volunteer group has served as a resource for persons who desire to grow in awareness and strengthen their relationship with God.

Through our silent retreats, the DRC fulfills its mission to foster spiritual growth and formation in members of the Diocese and any who wish to join us for a time of reflection and rest. We invite you to join us on one of our retreats -- to come away and pray, worship, read, rest, and listen for the voice of God.

About the Retreats

DRC retreats are held at retreat centers in or near the greater DC area. Retreats begin with a fellowship hour on Friday afternoon and end after lunch on Sunday. Registration fees include private accommodations and all meals as well as an annual membership in the DRC. Retreat prices vary depending upon the venue and program. DRC retreats are open to any who wish to grow in their relationship with God. We invite you to join us on one of our retreats -- to come away and pray, worship, read, rest, and listen for the voice of God.

The Diocesan Retreat Committee (DRC) invites you to take time to be still and know God at one of our silent Lenten or Advent retreats.

• Attune yourself to the gentle rhythm of personal prayer as we pray the daily offices in community
• Enrich your spirit with a series of mediations offered by one of our guest retreat directors
• Enjoy time and space for private reflection and prayer
• Nourish your body and soul as we break bread together in silence
• Cultivate your sense of communion with God with opportunities for Holy Eucharist and confession.

What is silence?

• The absence of noise or other distractions
• The depth of listening
• The hope of hearing God’s voice
• Silence is restful
• Silence brings peace

Why silence?

In many monastic traditions silence is the basis for meditation and getting closer to God. Away from all chitchat, in silence one prays or keeps still and listens. Silence is an opportunity to slough off the daily busy-ness or weariness. Communal silence helps us focus on God.

What to Expect at Our Silent Retreats

• Experience has taught us that not talking, not trying to interact, dropping everything, just to be quiet, brings refreshment to one’s soul.
• We ask you to observe silence, both for yourself and your fellow retreatants.
• In order to say YES to God, we commit to NO cell phones, NO radios, NO work, and NO talking. An answering machine will receive urgent phone messages and retreat volunteers will post them on a message board.
• Walls are not as thick as they seem, and radios and talk can be easily overheard. If you must use a cell phone, please go outside the building to make calls.
• Silence does not require you to avoid or ignore people. You may acknowledge someone passing by with a smile, point to what you need at meals, but please keep everything to a minimum so as not to disturb your own or the other person’s quiet time.
• Meals are silent, except for Friday dinner and Sunday lunch.
• Meditations are a time to reflect in silence.
• At our worship services, we respond out loud. We encourage you to sign up to lead a service or the prayers of the people, or read a psalm or lesson.
• If you have a conference with the Retreat Director, of course you will talk to her/him, but otherwise just soak up the peace.
• There is no part of the retreat program that you must do, except keep the silence! We encourage you to read. We have a sizeable library for your use. If you are tired, use the time to rest or sleep.