Contemplating Christ
The Gospels and the Interior Life
A Book Retreat with
The Rev. Vincent Pizzuto, Ph.D,
Vicar of St. Columba's
September 20-22, 2019
Retreat Theme The incarnation has made mystics of us all. What if we read the gospels as if that were true? Join Fr. Vincent Pizzuto for an in-depth exploration of his book, Contemplating Christ: The Gospels and the Interior Life (Liturgical Press, 2018). Throughout this retreat participants will explore ancient mystical themes and meditative practices in new and surprising ways. Without sentimentality or over-simplification, this retreat equips us spiritually to confront the global crises we face with the love, beauty, and unquenchable optimism of the Gospel. Through a combination of presentations, contemplative listening, and opportunities for deep personal reflection, participants will be invited to gradually unfold the Christian mystery of deification to which the whole of the Christian spiritual life is ordered: through the incarnation, we have all be made ‘other Christs’ in the world. This, indeed, is the meaning of deification: that each of us are incarnations of Love itself. All participants are encouraged, but not required, to have read Contemplating Christ, in advance of the retreat. Alternatively, copies of the book will be made available at the Retreat House for an additional $20.00.
Director's Bio Fr. Vincent Pizzuto, founded New Skellig Contemplative Christian Community in 2006 and serves as a Professor of New Testament and Christian Mysticism at the University of San Francisco. As Vicar of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church and Retreat House, Fr. Pizzuto works for the advancement of contemplative Christianity through his many workshops, lectures, sermons, and retreats. Drawing upon his rich academic and theological background, his most recent book, Contemplating Christ, was published in April 2018 by Liturgical Press. The doctrine of deification explored in his book articulates the theological conviction that underlies his mission and ministry at St. Columba’s.
Accommodation & Cost St. Columba’s Retreat House is renowned for its rustic beauty and charm. Two of our shared rooms host 6 or 12 guests respectively, while other rooms accommodate up to two guests. Couples will be given priority in double rooms whenever possible. We host only two single rooms which are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a supplemental fee. This is a residential retreat, including Friday and Saturday night lodging and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast. The standard cost for the retreat is $350 (with a $100 supplement for a single room depending on availability). Commuters are welcome for a rate $300, which includes retreat supplies and meals.