Diocesan Staff Retreat • Big Bay, MI September 30, 2026
Remain in Me: Finding Peace in the Midst of a Busy Life
For those who serve the Church, the demands of ministry can make it difficult to find space for the very relationship that gives our work meaning. When everything matters, how do we remain rooted in Christ without feeling that we must carry everything ourselves?
This day of recollection will explore the invitation to find peace in the midst of responsibility, rediscover prayer as relationship, and discern what God is asking us to carry – and what we can entrust to Him.
Through Scripture, reflection, personal prayer, and conversation, we will create space to step away from the demands of daily life and become more attentive to Christ’s presence and invitation.
The goal is not to leave with more to do, but to return to our lives and work more deeply rooted in Him.
Additional resources and downloads will be available after the event.
Additional Resources
Finding Peace in the Midst of Responsibility
These resources explore God's love, interior peace, and learning to receive our limits without treating weariness or imperfection as spiritual failure.
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.”
Luke 10:41
God the Father Loves Each of You
Fr. Angelus & Fr. Mark-Mary • Ascension Presents
A short reflection on God’s love and the freedom that comes from receiving our identity from Him rather than from our performance, productivity, or ability to hold everything together.
Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Fr. Jacques Philippe
A short and practical reflection on protecting interior peace when life remains demanding, uncertain, or outside our control.
Abiding Together Podcast
Season 2, Episode 2: Rest, Rhythm, & the Sabbath
A conversation that invites us to bring the realities of our lives before God with greater honesty, trust, and freedom rather than carrying everything through our own effort.
Remaining Rooted in Christ
These resources explore prayer as relationship, remaining rooted in Christ, and becoming more attentive to the Holy Spirit already at work in our lives.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.”
John 15:5
Time for God
Fr. Jacques Philippe
A simple and accessible reflection on prayer as relationship with God rather than performance, technique, or spiritual achievement.
Be Healed
Dr. Bob Schuchts
An exploration of healing and identity that invites us to receive our lives from the Father's love rather than from achievement, performance, or the roles we carry.
The Wild Goose
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR
A video series on the Holy Spirit that explores how God is already present and active in our lives, inviting us into deeper relationship and greater responsiveness to His grace.
Holy Spirit, Make Your Home in Me
Fr. George Montague • Discerning Hearts Podcast
A short conversation on becoming more attentive and receptive to the Holy Spirit through Scripture and prayer, and recognizing God's initiative in our relationship with Him.
Living and Working from a Place of Peace
These resources explore discernment, interior freedom, and learning to recognize what God is actually asking us to carry rather than allowing every need to become our responsibility.
“Everyone is looking for you.”
Mark 1:37
When the Need Is Bigger Than You (-WEB-)
Kristin Bird • Burning Hearts Disciples
A reflection on what happens when the need in front of us is greater than what one person can possibly meet—and why discernment begins by asking, “What is actually mine to do?”
Interior Freedom
Fr. Jacques Philippe
A reflection on discovering genuine freedom even when circumstances remain difficult, limited, or outside our control.
Start with Jesus
Julianne Stanz
A practical invitation to keep relationship with Jesus at the center of discipleship, leadership, and the work of renewing the Church.
Discernment for Alignment to Mission
Burning Hearts Disciples
A practical reflection guide for discerning whether our choices, priorities, and ministry are aligned with what God is actually asking rather than simply responding to urgency.
