Back to All Events

Advent: "Say Yes!"


  • Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center 229 East Litchfield Road Litchfield, CT, 06759 United States (map)

Presented by Br. Mark D’Alessio

Advent is a time of waiting for God, but it’s also a time of God waiting for us.  Waiting for us to say “Yes” – brave like Mary, kind like Joseph, daring like the shepherds, and generous like those Wise Ones bearing gifts.

Join us at the start of Advent for an on-line weekend retreat about embracing the Advent season as a time to say “Yes” to God. “Yes” to finding our place in the story, “Yes” to feasting at God’s table of hope, peace, joy, and love without end. 

In this retreat, you will be encouraged to draw deep into a season that shimmers with mystery and possibility.

Online via Zoom • Fri, Dec 8 at 7:00pm to 9:00pm and Sat, Dec 9 at 9:30am to 4:00pm

COST | $75 FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY VIA ZOOM

PLEASE NOTE: You are NOT registered for a ZOOM program until you receive a confirmation email. Call 860.567.3163 with questions.

We’re honored to offer scholarship opportunities to programs and retreats, creating opportunities for everyone. Please call (860) 567-3163 to find out more.

The health and safety of our guests and staff are of paramount importance to us. We follow the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut and the CDC. If Wisdom House is forced to close to comply with the guidelines issued by the State of Connecticut or the CDC, we will return all funds received to date.

The Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio is a Franciscan friar in the new religious society of the Companions of Francis and Clare. He’s also a interspiritual Christian bishop and priest, spiritual director, chaplain, retreat leader, author, and past President and Executive Director of the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute which draws together the inspiration of the church with the wisdom of psychological care.

As a Franciscan, he’s committed to serving those who are sidelined, most vulnerable and at risk. Last year, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless awarded him with their “Unsung Hero” Award for his ministry as a crisis counselor and program coordinator at a shelter for men and women who are homeless and as a chaplain at a residential treatment center and school for children with learning and emotional disabilities.

A long-time seeker and practitioner of spiritual wisdom, he’s initiated into multiple spiritual lineages, both East (Buddhist) and West (Christian); does his best to affirm the Christian Wisdom tradition within a wider inter-spiritual framework; and, looks to God’s science and spiritual heroes (such as Thích Nhat Hanh and Francis and Clare of Assisi) as sources of inspiration and hope.

Br. Mark is a graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, founded by Henri Nouwen and Madeline L’Engle, where he is currently a faculty member and community leader. He's also a faculty member at All Faiths Seminary International for the training of interfaith ministers.