Are You Called to Holy Orders?
Annual Discernment Retreat at Prothro Center at Lake Texoma, August 4-6
Are you discerning whether you are called to ordained ministry or to a more focused lay ministry in your home parish?
Join the members of the Commission on Ministry for a two-night retreat where you will hear presentations on how to discern, learn about our discernment process, and spend quiet time in prayer.
Anyone may come to the retreat. Attendance is not a commitment to begin formal discernment; but, it is an essential step for those who wish to enter the ordination process.
We are all called to lives of Christian service. The diocesan discernment retreat is a wonderful opportunity for greater in-depth exploration of the Lord's call in your life.
Retreat Details:
Who attends this retreat?
Participants are those individuals who have already begun the discernment process and those who are discerning for lay or ordained orders in the Diocese of Dallas. There will be members of the Diocesan Staff and the Commission on Ministry present.
Overnight Accommodations
Registrants will be placed two to a room with another registrant or a member of the Commission on Ministry of the same gender, except in the case of married registrants; couples will be assigned together. Single rooms can be requested, with payment of a supplemental fee of $30.00.
Can my family attend?
Your spouse is encouraged to attend. Children are not invited as the retreat content requires prayerfulness and attentiveness.
Can I come to only part of the retreat?
No. You must be present for the whole time. The talks and reflections build on each other, so it’s important to get in at the beginning and stay throughout.
What if I miss this one?
Attendance is strongly encouraged. Rarely do we allow someone to begin formal discernment without attending one of these retreats. Please let us know as soon as possible if attendance on these dates is absolutely impossible.
What is the cost?
Your cost for the two-night, three-day retreat is $110.00 per person, based on double occupancy. The single supplement (for a private room, if desired) is an additional $30.00. The fee includes the following meals:
Sunday: Dinner and Hospitality
Monday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Hospitality Tuesday: Breakfast and Lunch
Are scholarships available?
Because the diocese heavily subsidizes this event, there is no financial assistance offered. If you need assistance, we recommend you contact your sponsoring congregation to see if they can assist you financially.
When does the first event start?
Please try to arrive to the retreat center and register between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. We start with orientation at 5:00 p.m. If you will be later than 5:00 p.m., please let us know.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress casually. Shorts and tennis shoes are the norm. Also bring your Bible and Book of Common Prayer. Other necessities are a flashlight with working batteries, insect repellant, and sun block. There is a swimming pool and lake swimming, and a few hours of free time, so bring swim gear if you’d like. Bed linens, pillow, and bath towels are provided. Please do not bring expensive or valuable equipment as Prothro Center assumes no responsibility for their safe keeping.