2026 Diocese of the West Clergy Wife Retreat (November 13-15, 2026)

The Diocese of the West invites clergy wives and widows of clergy to gather for the 2026 Clergy Wife Retreat, taking place November 13-15 at the Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco in Manton, California.

This annual retreat offers a quiet and relaxed weekend centered on prayer, fellowship, spiritual renewal, and mutual encouragement. A series of short talks and guided discussions will be led by Mother Melania, Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, California.

This year’s discussions will draw from Theology of the Ordinary: Finding God in the Turmoil of Everyday Life by Schemanun Siluana Vlad.

Financial assistance: A stipend is available for those who may need assistance in order to attend the retreat. Please contact Protinica Lela Powell for additional information.

Retreat Information

Dates: Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2026

Location:
Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
21770 Ponderosa Way
Manton, CA 96059-8631

Closest Airports

• Sacramento International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours from the monastery
• Redding Regional Airport, approximately 1 hour from the monastery

Clergy wives often travel and carpool together to the retreat. Those needing help connecting with others traveling from their region are encouraged to reach out.

Guest Speaker

Mother Melania
Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery
Calistoga, California

Book for Discussion

Theology of the Ordinary: Finding God in the Turmoil of Everyday Life
by Schemanun Siluana Vlad

General Retreat Schedule

Friday, November 13

• All day: Check-in with Fr. Innocent
• 5:00 PM: Vespers
• Dinner
• Introductions and first talk

Saturday, November 14

• 7:15-9:00 AM: Divine Liturgy
• Breakfast
• Second talk and discussion
• Light tasks and fellowship
• 1:00 PM: Lunch
• Afternoon tasks and fellowship
• 5:00 PM: Light dinner
• Wine and cheese social
• 7:00-9:00 PM: Vigil

For the Saturday evening social, participants are invited to bring a small treat or goodie from their region to share.

Sunday, November 15

• 8:00 AM: Divine Liturgy
• Brunch
• Final talk and discussion
• Fellowship

Registration

Please complete the registration form below to register for the 2026 Diocese of the West Clergy Wife Retreat.