Oratory Retreat: Halcyon Days

Halcyon Days is the first annual Oratory retreat. It is an opportunity to explore spirituality and practice, enjoy good food and fellowship, and rest and renew for the time ahead.

The Oratory is the online spiritual community of Halcyon Arts. Together, we explore world spirituality and practice the contemplative arts. It is a virtual chapel, a society of seekers after truth, and a team ministry. We are a lay community leading lives in the world and offering a diversity of spiritual programs to those interested.

​Oratory members have decided to more intentionally pursue their spiritual life in community. They also contribute their time and talent by becoming involved in some form of leadership in Oratory programs. Beau and Margaret, the two current Oratory members, will be leading this retreat for all who wish to attend. There are eight additional spaces available in the retreat, four in single rooms and four more in two shared rooms. Five of the total eight rooms are on the first floor and therefore accessible.

Schedule (subject to change):

Friday

4 pm Arrive & Settle In

6 pm Dinner

7:30 pm Session 1

9 pm Evening Prayer / Meditation

Saturday

7:30 am Morning Prayer / Meditation

8 am Breakfast

10 am: Session 2

11:30 am Free Time / read, journal, walk, enjoy nature, beach time

12:30 pm Lunch

2 pm Session 3

3:30 am Free Time / read, journal, walk, enjoy nature, beach time

4 - 6 pm One-to-one Spiritual Companioning available

6 pm Dinner

7:30 pm Social singing, talking, sharing, etc.

9 pm Evening Prayer / Meditation

Sunday

8 am Communion Service

9 am Breakfast

10 am Departures

Location: Mercy by the Sea, 167 Neck Rd., Madison, CT 06443-0191

Mercy by the Sea's campus comprises 33 beautiful acres of waterfront property along Long Island Sound in Madison, Connecticut. The grounds include five different natural and man-made areas:

• A sandy beach ideal for quiet reflection, strolling or seashell gathering.
• Landscaped areas, consisting of lawns, shrubbery, flower and vegetable gardens, and a labyrinth.
• Woodlands with a host of native and non-native trees, hardy underbrush, wild plants and seedlings, and a short trail.
• A small forested wetlands area.
• Several buildings which include: guest rooms; meeting rooms for groups; a chapel; art gallery; dining room; and silent sitting areas where one can read, relax, pray, meditate or simply gaze at the water.

The grounds are also home to a variety of wildlife including groundhogs, woodpeckers, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, fox, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels and other small woodland creatures.