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Find Rest in the Lord
Ministry is both a joy and a responsibility, and those who serve also need time to be revitalized. For over 50 years, this retreat has given priests, deacons, and seminarians a quiet space to pray, reflect, and be renewed in Christ’s presence.
Partnership
Strengthened Together in Christ
Here you’ll discover the gift of fraternity and renewal through time set apart to rest, pray, and be encouraged alongside your vocational brothers.
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Rest and reflect: Step back from the rhythm of ministry and listen to the Spirit in stillness.
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Share fraternity: Build lasting brotherhood through mealtimes, evening socials, and shared prayer.
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Pray deeply: Encounter Christ in the Eucharist, reconciliation, and extended time for prayer.
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Be renewed for mission: Leave with deeper peace and strengthened for the mission God has entrusted to you.
Here you will find the rest you need to continue your vocation with clarity, courage, and renewed zeal.
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Conference Ministry Team
Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN
Sister Josephine Garrett is a native Texan, a convert to the Catholic faith, a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, living and serving in Tyler, TX as a licensed professional counselor. She also loves traveling around to share the love of God with the young Church.
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. A member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Franciscan Third Order Regular, he was ordained a priest in 1996. Fr. Dave is the creator of The Wild Goose video series on the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi, and Metanoia, a video series on conversion. The well-known Catholic speaker and author has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021), hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN, and cohosts the popular podcast, They That Hope.
Pete Burak
Pete Burak is Vice-President of Renewal Ministries. He is a 2010 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and has a master’s degree in theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. Pete is a frequent speaker on discipleship and evangelization, and he is the co-director of Pine Hills Boys Camp. He is a monthly columnist for Faith Magazine, and the host of The Hour and Spirit-filled Leadership podcasts. Pete and his wife Cait have four children.
Jake Khym
Jake, a Catholic leader with 25+ years of ministry experience, is the Dean of Human and Spiritual Formation at Franciscan University, works with Church leaders, and co-hosts Restore the Glory podcast. He lives in Steubenville, OH with his wife, Heather, and their three young adult children.
Bishop Scott McCraig
Testimonials
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“I was tired and empty in many ways when I came on Monday. Upon leaving on Friday, I was refreshed and energized. I experienced Jesus’ love again.”
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“Every year this retreat provides me with much needed inspiration and healing for my life and ministry. The fellowship with brother priests and deacons alone would make it worth it. Yet, we get so much more!”
FAQs
When does registration open?
The date for registration for 2026 is coming soon.
Can diaconate candidates—men currently in the formation program who have not yet been ordained as deacons—attend the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Retreat before ordination?
Yes, diaconate candidates—men currently in the formation program who have not yet been ordained as deacons—are welcome to attend the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Retreat at any stage of their formation. After registration, they must provide a letter from their diocese confirming their enrollment in the program, a letter of good standing, and their anticipated ordination date. This can be emailed to conferences@franciscan.edu with the registrant’s name, phone number, and email after registration.