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Retreats for Clergy & Diaconate Formation

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Maureen headshotDeacons and priests carry a unique weight. You're expected to lead your communities into mission – often without anyone walking alongside you. Formation programs prepare you theologically, but the practical work of evangelization, accompaniment, and leading culture change in a parish? That's where most clergy and diaconate candidates feel the gap.

We've led retreats and formation days for permanent deacons, diaconate candidates and their wives, and priest convocations across the country – from Louisiana to Alabama to Atlanta to Minnesota. Each one is shaped around the specific formation moment your group is in. We don't lecture. We model vulnerability, create space for honest reflection, and challenge participants to move beyond passive reception into active missionary leadership.

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What We Offer

  • Diaconate Formation Retreats
  • Full-day or multi-day retreats for deacon candidates and their wives during formation. We grow with your cohort over time – not a one-and-done.
  • Permanent Deacon Retreats
  • Retreats for ordained permanent deacons and their wives. Rooted in accompaniment, identity, and renewing your sense of mission in parish life.
  • Priest Convocations & Clergy Days
  • Formation days and keynotes for priests and diocesan clergy, focused on pastoral renewal, evangelization, and leading parishes from maintenance to mission.

What Makes These Retreats Different

Most formation retreats fall into one of two categories: heavy content delivery that feels like another class, or spiritual direction that's meaningful but doesn't equip you to lead. We do something different.

We bring the same accompaniment-first approach we use with parish leaders – honest storytelling, practical tools, real vulnerability – and shape it for the unique pressures clergy and deacons face. Spouses aren't sidelined; they're integrated. And every retreat is built around your group's specific formation moment, not a template pulled off the shelf.

  • The retreat was excellent and well-presented

    "The retreat was really excellent and well presented. I took a lot from it, as did many others based on our post-retreat discussions, and I think Burning Hearts will be a great resource for all of us going forward. I also wanted to thank you, and my intercessor for that weekend, for the wonderful note that was passed to me on Sunday morning. It really struck my heart and something I still meditate upon. There are a few collectibles from my formation already, and that is certainly one I will treasure and reflect on regularly."

    Deacon • Archdiocese of Atlanta

  • God used you to touch the hearts of many priests

    "Thank you for your outstanding presentations.  The evalulations from our convocation were very positive, and I continue to hear many comments from the preists that your presentations were refreshing, meaningful, and energized them regarding evnagelization...God used you to touch the hearts of many priests, and I am very grateful to you."

    Bishop Gregory Aymond, Archdiocese of New Orleans

  • You challenge our deacon candidates to break out of their comfort zones.

    "Burning Hearts Disciples has been able to meet every goal for our diaconate formation retreats.  You challenge our deacon candidates and wives to break out of their comfort zones and assist them to be able to lead when they become deacons in their own parishes."

    Deacon Jim Kincel, Diaconate Formation, Diocese of Lafayette

  • On Fire with the Holy Spirit

    "The presenter, Kristin, is “on fire” with the Holy Spirit! I am so thankful for her knowledge and stepping out of the way to let the Holy Spirit do his work."

    Deacon’s wife • Diocese of Lafayette, LA

  • I received so much more than I could have imagined.

    "This retreat helped me see parish life through a different filter. Those of us who work in ministry think we have dynamic parishes, but so much of what we do is ineffective, dead or dying. I received so much more on how to better serve my parish than I could have ever imagined."

    Deacon • Diocese of Lafayette, LA

  • The wealth of information will benefit my ministry.

    "I was worried that this was going to be similar to the many “classes” we had already been through - many of which felt like passive reception of content. That was definitely not the case. The wealth of info you gave us - especially the exposure to so many different resources - will be beneficial to me in my ministry. You encouraged me to open up myself and be a little vulnerable - something you modeled so well."

    Candidate for the Diaconate • Diocese of Lafayette, LA

Where We've Served 

Let's Shape a Retreat for Your Group

Whether you're planning a formation retreat for diaconate candidates, a renewal day for permanent deacons, or a convocation for your presbyterate – it starts with a conversation about your group and what they need right now.

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Or call us directly at (920) 267-7747

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