Praying in the Dark — A retreat with Brother James Koester, SSJE
An invitation to rediscover prayer
Not every season of life offers clear answers or easy words for prayer. Praying in the Dark invites us to discover that uncertainty, silence and longing can also be places of encounter with God.
Led by Brother James Koester of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE), this three-day Anglican retreat offers time to step away from everyday demands and attend to the life of prayer. Through teaching, silence, shared worship, and conversation, participants will be invited to explore prayer as a source of light, peace and hope.
Meet our retreat conductor
Brother James Koester, SSJE, is a member of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, an Anglican monastic community based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, he entered the Society in 1989 and made his life profession in 1995. He has served as Superior of the community and has led retreats, preached, taught, and offered spiritual direction in Canada and internationally. His ministry is shaped by the rhythms of monastic prayer and the Christian contemplative tradition.
Who is welcome?
The retreat is open to clergy, people discerning a vocation, theological students, members of religious communities, and anyone interested in deepening their practice of Christian prayer.
Whether prayer is a familiar practice or something you are seeking to rediscover, you are welcome.
What to expect
The programme includes four teaching sessions with Brother James, opportunities for personal reflection and silence, Anglican daily prayer and Eucharist, devotion before the Blessed Sacrament, and time for conversation and hospitality with fellow participants. Private concession time will also be available.
Retreat programme
The programme below is tentative and may be adjusted before the retreat.
Thursday 4 February | Arrival and welcome
3:00 pm Registration and welcome
4:00 pm Evening Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, with Benediction and a meditation by Brother James
5:00 pm Welcome reception
Evening Dinner on your own
Friday 5 February | Prayer, teaching and community
8:30 am Late registration
9:30 am Morning Prayer
10:15 am Welcome and first plenary session
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
12:45 pm Lunch (provided)
1:30 pm Second plenary session
2:45 pm Break
3:15 pm Third plenary session
4:45 pm Evening Prayer
Saturday 6 February | Closing gathering
9:30 am Morning Prayer
10:00 am Fourth plenary session
11:30 am Holy Eucharist, commemorating the Martyrs of Japan
Archbishop John Stephens, presider and preacher
12:30 pm Closing remarks and conclusion
Registration and payment
Registration is $125 CAD per person. To take part, please complete the online Google registration form using the link below.
Payment may be made by Interac e-Transfer.
Full instructions for sending payment are included in the registration form. Preference is for payment to be made by e-transfer; however, you may pay by cheque in person at the retreat.
Meals and hospitality
A welcome reception is planned for Thursday afternoon, and lunch will be provided on Friday. Participants are responsible for their own Thursday and Friday evening meal. Please share any dietary needs when you register.
Accommodation | Details coming soon
Information about accommodation options for participants travelling to Vancouver will be added here as arrangements are confirmed.
Overnight accommodation is not included in the registration fee. Participants will be responsible for making and paying for their own accommodation arrangements.
Accessibility
We want participants to be able to take part as fully as possible. Please use the registration form to let the organizers know about any accessibility or participation requirements, so that we can follow up with you as needed.
Paid parking is available along Davie Street, however, you are encouraged to use public transit. A parkade is available underground off Davie Street at 1237 Davie Street.
Location
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
1130 Jervis Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2C7
Please note: this event is being promoted by various Diocesan parishes, but the retreat takes place at St. Paul’s in Vancouver’s West End.
Questions?
For questions about attending or registering, please contact Fr. Douglas Fenton at [email protected].