Dear Friend,

In reviewing the responses we have received regarding options for our second retreat, A Leader's Journey into Solitude and Silence, we have found an increasing number of people (including members of our team) feeling it's wisest to stay home. We are also watching the national trajectory of the pandemic and acknowledge that the idea of traveling and gathering next month feels different than it did in November.

As we prepare for this retreat, we are also aware that solitude and silence is one of the most grounding and formative experiences in the Transforming Community — it serves as the foundation for so much of what is to come over the next two years.

With this retreat in particular, our desire is to invite you into an experience of solitude and silence that is substantive and unhindered. When we are able to be together in person, there is so much we can do to support you in this experience beyond just the teaching. Private rooms, sacred spaces and beautiful grounds where we all hold silence together, plus praying together in community help to hold the structure and integrity of this set-apart time. Contrast that with the reality many of you would experience at home or in your office — with the demands of your life on the other side of the door—and it is simply not what we know you most need.

In light of these things, we are making the difficult decision to postpone your February retreat. There are several changes that flow out of that which are noted below. We pray this will be the best way for us to move forward as a community at this time. 

Blessings,
The TC17 Team

Revised Retreat Schedule


Zoom Call | Monday, February 8, 2020 (10am-11am CST)
Even though we are postponing the next retreat, we want to stay connected as a community. We are setting aside one hour on the Monday we would have been on retreat to gather and connect as a community. More specific information about this coming soon.

Retreat #2 | Prayer: Deepening Our Intimacy with God
April 25-27, 2021 (Hybrid—in-person and virtual)
We are changing the order of retreats so we can present solitude and silence on your third retreat in July when we hope to be together in person. It will be good to move fully past the winter months for this retreat. 

Retreat #3 | A Leader's Journey into Solitude and Silence
July 11-13, 2021 (in person) 
Starting with our July retreat, it is our intention to return to our best offering — and that is leading in-person retreats at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. 

Participation Going Forward


It is extemely difficult to predict where our nation will be relative to COVID-19 in July and how individuals will be feeling about traveling and gathering at that time. Be assured that we will do everything in our power we to strictly adhere to the guidelines given by the CDC and the retrictions set forth by the state of Illinois.

In light of our decision to return to in-person retreats in July, we also want you to feel free to make the decision that is right for you in terms of your ongoing participation. If this schedule doesn't feel comfortable to you and you would like to defer your participation to Transforming Community 18, you are welcome to reply to this email and/or request a conversation.
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