January 23-25, 2026
Diaconal Identity in Christ
Led by Deacon Matthew Newsome
This preached retreat will be an opportunity for deacons and their wives in the Diocese of Orlando to spend time in prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
**This retreat is only open to deacons and their wives serving in the Diocese of Orlando**
Deacon Matthew Newsome will explore the heart of diaconal ministry in the New Covenant as rooted in the servant ministry of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for deacons to foster a rich interior life and friendship with the Christ whom they serve.
All Retreat Fees Are Paid By The Diocese
Matthew Newsome is a deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, where he serves as the Catholic Campus Minister for Western Carolina University. He is a Catholic convert, writer and speaker, whose works have appeared in This Rock, The Deacon, Envoy, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, Dappled Things, and other publications. He is the author of The Devout Life: A Modern Guide to Practical Holiness with St. Francis de Sales (Sophia Institute Press, 2023). He holds an MA in Theology from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, where he is currently pursuing a second MA in Sacred Scripture. He and his wife, Joannie, have been married for 25 years and have seven children. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, hiking, watching bad sci-fi and drinking good coffee. Visit his website at matthewnewsome.com or teachingandpreaching.substack.com.
February 20-22, 2026
Draw Near to God, and He Will Draw Near to You
Led by the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family (MSF)
This preached retreat will be an opportunity for deacons and their wives in the Diocese of Orlando to spend time in prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
**This retreat is only open to deacons and their wives serving in the Diocese of Orlando**
The religious sisters of the Missionaries of the Holy Family (MSF) will lead a retreat to help deacons and their wives deep their personal and spousal prayer life. Topics will include “Encountering the God Who Loves First,” The Deacon and His Wife: Praying as One,” and “Interceding for the People of God.”
All Retreat Fees Are Paid By The Diocese
The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family are a religious Congregation rooted in the communion of the Holy Trinity and modeled on the unity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. By the gift of the consecrated life, they serve God through the twofold mission: To foster unity in the Body of Christ and To educate, evangelize, and care for the vulnerable. Three congregation members will lead the talks. Sr. Beata Fiedorczuk is originally from Poland and has been a religious sister for 26 years. She worked for a decade in healthcare before answer the call to education and currently teaches at St. Peter Catholic School in Deland. Sr. Magdalena Grymuza has been serving in the U.S. since 2001, assisting young families through the Holy Family Childcare Center in Wisconsin. She offers spiritual direction through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She currently teaches at Trinity Catholic High School. Sr. Rose Urbanczyk currently serves as the Director of Discipleship at Prince of Peace Parish in Ormond Beach. She loves hiking, baking, and gardening.
March 20-22, 2026
God Needs Storytellers!
Led by Deacon Rick Wagner
This preached retreat will be an opportunity for deacons and their wives in the Diocese of Orlando to spend time in prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
**This retreat is only open to deacons and their wives serving in the Diocese of Orlando**
God is constantly tapping us on the shoulder, letting us know he is actively engaged in our lives. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, many people do not recognize God’s presence.
That is where we come in – God needs storytellers! By virtue of our baptism, we - all Christians – have an obligation to proclaim the gospel.
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
This retreat experience will explore our role as storytellers, answering questions such as:
*What do we mean by ‘storytelling’?
*Why is it important – especially now?
*What types of stories should we be telling?
We must walk the walk and talk the talk.
All Retreat Fees Are Paid By The Diocese
Deacon Rick Wagner has worked in Catholic high schools and institutions for over 35 years. In Catholic schools he has served as a teacher, coach, Athletic Director, Principal, Vice President for Mission and Ministry, and President. He has also served as Director of Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House and as Director of the Permanent Deacon Formation Program for Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. He currently serves as President of Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, IN.
Deacon Rick was ordained in 2012 and is assigned to St. Pius X Parish in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He has been married to his wife Carol for 42 years. He and Carol have four children and ten grandchildren.
Abril 17-19, 2026
Tema y Orador por determinar!
Este retiro predicado será una oportunidad para que los diáconos y sus esposas en la Diócesis de Orlando pasen tiempo en oración, reflexión y compañerismo.
**Este retiro solo está abierto a diáconos y sus esposas que sirven en la Diócesis de Orlando.**
Tema por determinar!
Todas las tarifas del retiro son pagadas por la Diócesis.