We are organizing a Lenten work retreat to head to St. John Monastery in Manton, CA, the weekend of March 2-4. This is a great opportunity to serve the monastics who keep us in prayer every day and to experience a taste of the beauty of being focused on God and neighbor among the towering redwoods. Contact: Fr. Protodeacon Brendan Doss.
We will most likely try to leave together, if possible, at 1:00 PM from San Francisco. It’s about a 4 hour drive to the Monastery. We can be flexible and pilgrims can arrive at alternate times. It is possible to arrive first thing Saturday and/or to depart Saturday night if necessary. Fr. Brendan will coordinate travel plans and schedule with those going.
Approximate Schedule:
Friday March 2
5 pm Vespers
6:30 Supper
7:30 Introduction to the monastery and orientation to the work Projects
Saturday March 3
7 am Matins
8:30 Breakfast
9-1 Work projects
1 lunch
2 break
3-5 Work projects
5:30 Supper
7:00 Vigil
Sunday March 4
8AM Hours and Liturgy followed by breakfast
Possible work projects:
Candle making
Yard work (weed whacking, tree trimming, chain sawing dead trees, brush clearing and slash burning)
Cleaning (dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, polishing church furniture, floor cleaning and polishing, etc)
Prosphora baking
Beekeeping (woodenware work, feeding, tending, etc)
Dump runs
Clothes mending
Firewood cutting and splitting
Gardening (weeding, planting veggies, etc)
The monastics have a beautiful and spacious facility but not as many hands for work as needed, right now, so our efforts will surely be helpful. There is something for everyone. Overnight accommodations are simple but appropriate. Meals will be provided by the monastery.
