Advent #2 Retreat

Advent #2 is a three-day silent retreat at Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island, British Columbia, held in the days of Advent. It is a guided silent retreat in a Christian contemplative spirit, made for anyone who wants to rest, pray, spend time in nature and listen more deeply. It is led by Kathi Bentall and Margaret McAvity, both spiritual directors and experienced retreat leaders.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for four days and three nights. It begins on the first evening with an introduction to silence. After that, you are invited to shape each day as you feel led, rather than following a fixed program.

Each retreatant is individually directed. Spiritual direction is offered daily, so you have time with a guide to talk through what is stirring in the silence. There is also one group gathering each day at 5pm. The themes for those gatherings are not set in advance. They emerge from the group itself.

Meals are shared in silence. The aim is the one Rivendell names for all its silent retreats: to step away from what distracts us, so we can see more clearly what matters and simply be in the presence of the Holy.

Your Retreat Leaders

Kathi Bentall is a spiritual director and an experienced retreat leader. She organizes the leadership of Rivendell's silent retreats together with Margaret McAvity.

Margaret McAvity is likewise a spiritual director and an experienced retreat leader. Together they hold the silent retreats at Rivendell, offering daily direction and the gathering at the end of the afternoon.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island. Each person has their own room with a private washroom, with either a shower or a tub. All linens are provided, along with healthy, simple meals. Arrival is after 3pm on the first day, and departure is by noon on the last day.

Before You Go

Rivendell is committed to keeping its retreats financially accessible. The fee covers food, basic costs and facilitation, at a set daily rate. On top of that, guests give what they can afford toward their room, with generosity encouraged. Payment is made on arrival by cheque, cash or e-transfer. A small non-refundable registration fee is taken when you register, and it can be paid by credit card, with no PayPal account needed.

Rivendell asks that people choose one retreat a year to attend, which helps make room for everyone who is interested. Registration generally opens about three months before the start date. If you have questions before registering, you can write to the Rivendell registration team.