OPL Pastoral Retreat 2026 – Policies

“The Fields Are Ripe for Harvest”
September 29–October 2, 2026
University of Saint Mary of the Lake Retreat Center • Mundelein, Illinois

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.  John 4:35

Welcome. We are honored to receive you at the 2026 Clergy Retreat. This document is intended to help you prepare well, understand key deadlines, and know what to expect so that you can arrive ready for a peaceful, fruitful, and restorative experience.

RETREAT OVERVIEW

The 2026 Clergy Retreat, The Fields Are Ripe for Harvest, is designed as a time of prayer, fellowship, reflection, learning, and rest for bishops, priests, and retired priests of the Orthodox Church in America.

The retreat will include honored speakers, optional workshops, opportunities for quiet and conversation, a hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and a banquet. It is intended to provide clergy with a meaningful time away from daily parish responsibilities in order to receive encouragement, deepen brotherhood, and reflect together on the work of pastoral ministry in the life of the Church.

WHAT REGISTRATION INCLUDES

Retreat registration includes:

• Lodging at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Retreat Center
• Meals during the retreat
• Access to retreat presentations and optional workshops
• Participation in the retreat banquet
• Retreat materials and on-site hospitality

Registration does not include personal travel expenses, airfare, ground transportation to or from the retreat center, or incidental personal costs.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

Payment in full is due at registration.

REFUND POLICY

Because retreat planning requires advance commitments for lodging, meals, and participant materials, the following refund policy is recommended:

• Cancellations made from August 19–September 1, 2026: 50% refund of amounts paid beyond the deposit.
• Cancellations made after September 1, 2026: no refund.
• Exceptions may be considered in extreme cases.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel to and from the retreat, including airfare, mileage, rental cars, rideshare services, airport transfers, parking, and any lodging needed before or after the retreat.

Participants are encouraged to make travel plans that allow them to arrive in time for the opening of the retreat on Tuesday, September 29, and to remain through the conclusion of the retreat on Friday, October 2. Further arrival, check-in, and departure details will be provided closer to the retreat.