'The Surprise of God' - an Advent Retreat

About this event

The Living Tradition Project creates opportunities for us to encounter the theology, beauty, and wisdom of the Church more deeply. This Advent, founder Laura Brand and collaborator Sara Sophia Haynes lead The Surprise of God , a retreat centered on the astonishing mystery of the Incarnation.

This Advent retreat offers a chance to slow down and reflect on the beauty and gift we have been given in this extraordinary mystery.

Participants will engage in contemplation, guided meditations, and communal prayer to reconnect with their faith. The retreat provides a sacred space for spiritual rejuvenation, whether attending for a day or the entire weekend. Activities include fellowship, thought-provoking talks, personal reflection, and generous room for silence.

Join us as we prepare for Christmas, rekindling the awe and reverence the Incarnation deserves, and allowing this realization to transform our lives.

Choose the Retreat Experience That Fits

Come away for a day — or stay for the weekend — and rediscover the wonder of God.

OPTIONS EXPLAINED BELOW

FULL WEEKEND | Friday–Sunday

For the person who wants to truly get away

Arrive Friday afternoon, settle in, and let the retreat unfold without watching the clock. Begin with Evening Prayer, dinner, and a special opening reflection, The Interior Frontier — on the North American Martyrs, Ignatian spirituality, and learning to carry the interior posture of retreat with us wherever God leads. Conclude with night prayer and a restful sleep.

Spend Saturday immersed in the full retreat experience. The day unfolds through four movements: Expectation, Astonishment, Wonder, and Communion — leading from Advent longing into the mystery of the Incarnation and finally into the love of God that draws us into communion with Him. Along the way, there will be time for silence, personal prayer, Adoration and Confession, Mass, shared meals, and reflection. After Mass, Saturday moves into a quieter evening — a beautiful, shared dinner, unhurried time to recollect after the day, and Night Prayer together before rest.

Sunday morning begins with Morning Prayer, followed by a final reflection over breakfast: The Mystery Takes Flesh Within Us — how the Incarnation is lived in the saints, and how it can take flesh in our own lives. We will have time after this reflection for silence and prayer before our conclusion and dismissal.

2 nights · 5 meals

Single Occupancy $360 · Double Occupancy $260/person · Triple Occupancy $235/person

FRIDAY–SATURDAY

For the person who wants Saturday to feel like retreat from the very beginning

Come Friday afternoon and leave the week behind. Begin with Evening Prayer, dinner, and a special opening reflection, The Interior Frontier — on the North American Martyrs, Ignatian spirituality, and learning to carry the interior posture of retreat with us wherever God leads. Conclude with night prayer and a restful sleep.

Wake up at the retreat center Saturday morning rather than rushing out the door, driving in, and the rush of the day beginning your retreat. Spend Saturday immersed in the full retreat experience. The day unfolds through four movements: Expectation, Astonishment, Wonder, and Communion — leading from Advent longing into the mystery of the Incarnation and finally into the love of God that draws us into communion with Him. Along the way, there will be time for silence, personal prayer, Adoration and Confession, Mass, shared meals, and reflection. And plan to stay through dinner. Saturday evening is intentionally designed as part of the retreat experience — a beautiful Advent conclusion to the day that you won’t want to miss.

You’ll enter the main retreat day already settled, rested, and ready.

1 night · 4 meals

Single $235 · Double $185/person · Triple $170/person

SATURDAY–SUNDAY

For the person who doesn’t want to rush home when Saturday ends

Come Saturday morning for the full day of conferences, prayer, silence, Adoration and Confession, Mass, and shared meals. Then stay- it’s a chance to remain with what God has stirred in your heart during the day, rather than immediately returning to the noise of ordinary life.

Spend Saturday immersed in the full retreat experience. The day unfolds through four movements: Expectation, Astonishment, Wonder, and Communion — leading from Advent longing into the mystery of the Incarnation and finally into the love of God that draws us into communion with Him. Along the way, there will be time for silence, personal prayer, Adoration and Confession, Mass, shared meals, and reflection. Saturday evening offers a slower transition into Night Prayer and rest.

On Sunday morning, continue your retreat with Morning Prayer, followed by a final reflection over breakfast: The Mystery Takes Flesh Within Us — how the Incarnation is lived in the saints, and how it can take flesh in our own lives. We will have time after this reflection for silence and prayer before our conclusion and dismissal.

1 night · 4 meals

Single $235 · Double $185/person · Triple $170/person

SATURDAY ONLY

For the person who needs retreat but can only give one day

Step away for a full Saturday of prayer, beauty, silence, and theological reflection. The day unfolds through four movements: Expectation, Astonishment, Wonder, and Communion — leading from Advent longing into the mystery of the Incarnation and finally into the love of God that draws us into communion with Him.

Along the way, there will be time for silence, personal prayer, Adoration and Confession, Mass, shared meals, and reflection. And plan to stay through dinner. Saturday evening is intentionally designed as part of the retreat experience — a beautiful Advent conclusion to the day that you won’t want to miss.

3 meals · No overnight stay

$105/person

A Note About Saturday Evening

All participants should plan to remain through dinner on Saturday

The evening is being prepared as a special Advent moment and is intentionally part of the retreat experience. We’ll keep the details a surprise.

Overnight rooms are limited. Saturday retreat capacity is up to 100 participants.

Meet Your Retreat Leaders:

Laura Brand - Founder of The Living Tradition Project, Catholic speaker and retreat leader, and co-host of the Living Tradition Podcast, Laura serves in parish catechetical leadership and is an M.Div. candidate at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.

Sara Sophia Haynes - Collaborator with The Living Tradition Project and co-host of The Living Tradition Podcast.

Find them at livingtraditionproject.com