Men's Retreat  

October 21-23, 2022

Join Us at Black Diamonds Camps for this Exciting Retreat for Men!
This 3-day event (Friday evening through early Sunday afternoon) will explore the challenge men face of authentically living their faith in the world today.

Special Guest: Bishop Frank Schuster

Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle by Pope Francis on March 8, 2022.  Ordained Bishop on May 3, 2022.
Bishop Frank Schuster was born in Mount Vernon, Washington, to John and Virginia Schuster. At age 6 he, along with his parents and two siblings, Carolyn and John, moved to Maple Valley, where they lived along the Cedar River. He enjoyed his family-focused, Catholic upbringing and admits to being a bit of a rascal as a child and while attending Kennedy Catholic High School, where his father was the principal for more than 20 years.

At the University of Washington, Bishop Schuster earned his B.A. in psychology, but spent most of his time at the Newman Center in peer ministry. After college he  attended Mundelein Seminary where he received his Bachelor of Sacred Theology and his Master of Divinity. In addition to serving as auxiliary bishop, he will remain in parish life serving as a pastor.
 

Retreat Master & Pastor: Fr. Ed White
Fr. Ed White was born in Deer Lodge, Montana and grew up in the mid-west. He came to Seattle to study forestry, but soon discovered ministry as his primary interest. Becoming Catholic in 1980, Fr. Ed began a vocational search that took him through lay ministry, monastic life, and finally diocesan priesthood. He was ordained by Archbishop Brunett in 2005 and has served St. Stephens since 2006.  He loves hiking, fishing, and travel. 
 

Schedule
Our schedule begins Friday with men arriving between 7:00-8:00 PM, settling in, and enjoying pizza and fellowship.  The weekend will feature a mix of sessions, prayer, liturgy and free time.  Opportunities for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament will be available throughout the weekend, and priests will be on hand at various times to hear confessions. Our retreat will conclude on Sunday between 12:30-1:00 PM.


Our Facility
Black Diamond Camps (formerly Camp Berachah) is a retreat facility located just east of Auburn, Washington, which features more than 160 acres of beautiful forests, hiking trails, a chapel, meeting and dining rooms and sleeping quarters. Our sleeping quarters and common area, the Quad, has a large stone fireplace which will keep the atmosphere warm and inviting. The Quad features hot showers and easy paved walkways to all our meeting areas. Sleeping quarters provide standard bunks without bedding so participants will need to provide their own sleeping bag and pillow. Room assignment will take place upon arrival Friday evening.


What to Bring
Plan on spending time both indoors and outdoors. Walking shoes or boots are suggested, as well as a warm jacket or raincoat. A bible and notebook are also suggested. Bring your own sleeping bag pillow and normal toiletries. A full sized gymnasium is available, so bring your athletic shoes! Meals are provided.

Music, fellowship, adoration, sacraments, prayer were all fantastic! I needed this time away from our busy world.

This exceeded my expectations. This is my first retreat  and I really enjoyed it. Love the content, the morning, afternoon, and evening prayers.

Unbelievable! God adds specific elements for each man in attendance. I’ve mentally reserved by bunk for next year.   

It’s great to attend a retreat for men, about men and  with men.

Willing to help us spread the word about this year's retreat? Here are some downloadable files ready to print and share in your parish. (Click titles for flier and poster). Have questions or need more materials? Please contact Bill at [email protected]

Mens Retreat Flier and Registration Form (color, 2-sided - 8.5x11)

Men's Retreat Poster (color, 1-sided - 11x17)

Suggested Text for Bulletin:
Attention Men! Annual Catholic Men's Retreat Coming October 21-23! Join us for this exciting retreat designed specifically for men! This 3-day event (Friday evening through early Sunday afternoon) will explore the challenge men face of authentically living their faith in the world today. We are pleased to welcome as special guest, Bishop Frank Schuster! Our Retreat Master &  Pastor, Fr. Ed White, will guide us through a rich encounter with Christ. These along with engaging worship and fellowship will make this a weekend to remember! Join us October 21-23 at Black Diamond Camps! Cost is $125. Scholarships are available on a limited basis for those of special need. Student discount also available. Registration is now open at https://ststephenslife.com/mensretreat.