After
the Brotherhood Chapter and or parish has decided that a retreat should be held,
a Committee should meet with the rector to discuss and agree upon details. Someone
should investigate possible retreat houses or centers. Groups such as the Episcopal
Order of Holy Cross provide places and leaders. Where no place like this is available
or practical, the rector might agree to a day time retreat at the parish. He
should also be able to suggest a Director if one is needed. It is very important
that the retreat Director be very capable, as his spirituality and ability are
the keys to success. The date should be set reasonably far ahead so that members
and others can plan to be present. Keep in mind that the first such event might
better be kept short with only some periods of silence. This could be what is
often called a ‘Quiet Day.’ As the group finds that it likes these,
the time period can be lengthened to a whole weekend of complete silence if so
desired. Give adequate publicity to this event to the parish
if it is to be an open event. Note that although general invitations are desirable,
direct personal invitations to selected men (and women) are needed to get participation.
Try to keep costs down, for the first one especially. Details
of a Retreat Program are not included here since many variables are possible and
the Retreat Director will usually have his preferences. | 
