Retreats
Retreats are for ESSD Members only. Join Today.
A Spiritual Director’s Retreat
A Spiritual Director’s Retreat
Step away. Be renewed. Draw deeply from the wellspring of God’s presence.
Join the Emmaus Society for Spiritual Directors for a sacred weekend set apart for rest, reflection, and renewal.
From June 5–7, 2026, gather with fellow spiritual directors in the quiet beauty of Puslinch, Ontario, and create space to listen again—to God, to your own soul, and to the deeper movements beneath your ministry.
The invitation
In the ongoing work of accompanying others, it is easy to pour out without returning to the Source.
This retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise and demands of everyday life…
and to be gently reoriented to the presence of God.
Come not to produce, but to receive.
Not to lead, but to be led.
Not to give, but to be restored.
What you can expect
Over the course of the weekend, you will be invited into a rhythm of:
Silence and spaciousness for rest and prayer
Personal reflection and attentive listening
Shared presence with a community of fellow directors
Gentle guidance to help you reconnect with God’s movement in your life
This is not a crowded schedule—but a carefully held space for deep renewal.
Who this retreat is for
This retreat is designed for spiritual directors and those engaged in the ministry of spiritual accompaniment who long to:
Be refreshed in their own relationship with God
Reconnect with the heart of their calling
Receive the same attentive presence they offer to others
Event details
Event: A Spiritual Director’s Retreat
Hosted by: Emmaus Society for Spiritual Directors
Dates: June 5–7, 2026
Location: Puslinch, Ontario, Canada
Why this retreat matters
You cannot give what you have not received.
This weekend offers you the space to return to the Source—so that your life and ministry may continue to flow from a place of depth, presence, and attentiveness to God.
Register today
Step away for a weekend that will gently restore your soul and renew your calling.
Credit/Debit
E-transfer
BC Retreat 2026
Join us this September on beautiful Vancouver Island for a restorative retreat designed especially for spiritual directors and those engaged in the ministry of spiritual accompaniment.
Guided by Ann McCallum, this retreat will focus on building community, caring for your soul, and creating space to encounter God through rest, reflection, prayer, and meaningful connection. Throughout the weekend, participants will be invited into a rhythm of renewal through guided experiences, quiet spaces, and opportunities for shared conversation.
Whether you are seeking refreshment for your own spiritual journey or encouragement for your ministry practice, this retreat offers space to slow down, listen deeply, and be renewed.
Event Details
Dates: September 18–20, 2026
Location: Honeymoon Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Retreat Guide: Ann McCallum
What to Expect
Guided prayer and reflection
Opportunities for solitude and rest
Community connection with fellow spiritual directors
Optional equipping sessions for spiritual direction practice
Time for walks and personal renewal in a beautiful natural setting
Accommodation & Pricing
Deposit
$50 non-refundable deposit due by July 31, 2026
Weekend Registration Options
$290 — Full weekend, double occupancy (includes meals)
$420 — Full weekend, single occupancy (includes meals)
Saturday Option
Saturday-only pricing available upon request.
Who Should Attend?
This retreat is designed for:
ESSD Spiritual Directors
Spiritual directors in training
Those longing for renewal, reflection, and contemplative community
Registration
Registration is now open. Space is limited, and accommodations will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have questions regarding accommodations, accessibility, or travel, please contact us directly.
Come Away and Rest
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” — Mark 6:31
We look forward to welcoming you for a peaceful and renewing weekend on Vancouver Island.
Exploring Group Spiritual Direction (Copy)
Exploring Group Spiritual Direction
Reflect on its benefits, essentials, and how it might fit your context
Join the Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors (ESSD) for a half-day workshop led by Kathy Gust on Saturday, May 2, 2026 8:00-12:00pm PT // 11:00am-3:00pm ET
Group Spiritual Direction meets a deep need by helping people attend to God's presence and grow in spiritual awareness within a supportive community. In this workshop, participants will explore the core benefits and essentials of Group Spiritual Direction, consider different ways it can be offered, and discern how it might fit their calling and ministry context.
Whether you are new to the practice or wondering how it could take shape in your setting, this workshop will offer both clarity and space for reflection.
What you’ll explore
In this workshop, participants will:
Explore how Group Spiritual Direction supports spiritual growth and awareness of God’s presence
Identify what is essential to Group Spiritual Direction
Learn different models for offering Group Spiritual Direction
Discern its place within their own calling and context
Who this workshop is for
This workshop is for spiritual directors, pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone interested in creating spaces where people can listen for God together with greater depth, care, and discernment.
Event details
Event: Exploring Group Spiritual Direction
Hosted by: Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors
Led by: Kathy Gust
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 8:00–12:00pm PT / 11:00am–3:00pm ET
Format: Half-day workshop
Why attend?
If you have sensed a growing hunger for deeper spiritual attentiveness in community, this workshop will help you consider how Group Spiritual Direction can become a meaningful and faithful expression of care, formation, and accompaniment in your context.
Register today
Come ready to reflect, learn, and discern how Group Spiritual Direction might take shape in the places where God has called you to serve.
Credit/Debit
E-transfer