Greetings! We are gearing up for our second Spring Retreat and Community Garden Planting at the Ave Maria Farm. If you are interested in attending please reach out by email: Father Kavanaugh@gmail.com
This will be an opportunity for prayer, fellowship, and hard work as we plant our community garden — putting St. Benedict’s philosophy to practice: Ora et Labora! Please feel welcome to participate in whatever manner you are comfortable and reach out if you have questions. Here is the itinerary and a few matters to help you prepare and have a great time.
Itinerary
Sunday:
Matins and Mass will be at St. Benedict Orthodox Church (9:30 / 10:00), followed by Coffee Hour and our Spiritual Life Class
Check in at the Farm Camp Site – 3:00-4:30pm
6:00pm – Vespers at the Chapel of the Multiplier of Wheat (at the Farm)
7:30pm – Dinner and Campfire
Daily Schedule:
6:00am Lauds
7:00am Mass
8:00am Break — Please prepare to bring your own morning snacks if desired.
9:00am-12:00pm GARDEN
12:00pm Rosary
1:00-3:00pm Lunch and Siesta
3:00-5:00pm GARDEN
5:30pm Vespers
7:00pm Dinner & Campfire
Friday **
6:00am Lauds
7:00am Mass
9:00am Breakfast in celebration of St. Brigid
11:00pm Akathist to St. Brigid & Blessing of Gardens and Livestock
12:00pm Departure
What to Bring:
Tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear
Water bottles
Sunscreen
Hygeine supplies / Toilettries
Towels
Hats, garden gloves, boots, etc.
Please Be Mindful of the Following:
No pictures of the chapel
Keep gates shut (farm animals are on site and eagerly seeking greener grass)
Do not flush toilet paper or paper products in the toilets (place in trash bin)
Do not touch pigs or step behind the donkey (you’d find out why quickly)
Please take brief showers and use sparingly
If you can bring your own spades, rakes, or shovels, it would help immensely
$100 fee for campers to help cover the cost of food and utilities / children are free
Extra Guidelines:
Plan on wearing long sleeves and pants
Be prepared not to shower every day as there are only two showers
You are expected to attend all services (mothers and young children excepting)
Please pick up all trash and leave no trace at your campsite
People of the opposite sex (family members excepting) are not permitted to visit alone in tents or buildings.
Contact Information:
Fr. Peter’s landline: 940-613-9630
St. Benedict Orthodox Church: 940-692-3392
FatherKavanaugh@gmail.com