2024 Student Retreats
Every summer, Bishop Kemper School hosts spiritual retreats for students. Why begin or continue your studies with a retreat?
There are three different student retreat weekends, depending on your cohort and program. All three retreats will be facilitated by Brother James Dowd, OSB, of the Benedictine Way in Omaha, Nebraska. Brother James also teaches Christian Spirituality at BKSM.
Throughout the weekend, you will:
For the first time, participating in the retreat is mandatory for those on an ordination track, rather than highly encouraged, because of how important it is for your spiritual and community formation. You will need to contact the Very Rev. Casey Rohleder if you cannot attend.
For students on a lay license or PMA track, you are encouraged to attend the retreat, but it is not required.
- Your spiritual formation is the bedrock of your theological formation at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry.
- Your spiritual practices will nurture and fuel your life as a student, and they are essential for you life as a faithful leader in the church, whether lay or ordained.
- Participating a collaborative, mutually supportive and encouraging community is central to your BKSM experience.
There are three different student retreat weekends, depending on your cohort and program. All three retreats will be facilitated by Brother James Dowd, OSB, of the Benedictine Way in Omaha, Nebraska. Brother James also teaches Christian Spirituality at BKSM.
- July 12-14: First-year students on a deacon or priest track
Location: BKSM in Topeka - July 19-21: Second-year students on a deacon or priest track, all lay track students & all PMA students
Location: Christ's Peace House of Prayer near Leavenworth, KS - July 26-28: Third-year & Anglican Studies students
Location: Christ's Peace House of Prayer near Leavenworth, KS
Throughout the weekend, you will:
- form and strengthen relationships with fellow students, staff and colloquium leaders
- learn essential prayer practices
- spend time in prayer, alone and in community
- worship together
- enjoy fellowship during meals and reception times
For the first time, participating in the retreat is mandatory for those on an ordination track, rather than highly encouraged, because of how important it is for your spiritual and community formation. You will need to contact the Very Rev. Casey Rohleder if you cannot attend.
For students on a lay license or PMA track, you are encouraged to attend the retreat, but it is not required.
General Information
Location for the Retreat for First-Year Priests and Deacons
BKSM is located in the lower level of Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave. Overnight accommodations are available onsite at Upton Hall and are included in the cost of registration. Check in begins at 3:00 on Friday afternoon. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, there are several in the downtown area and many others throughout Topeka.
Location for the Other Retreats
The two other retreats will take place at the beautiful Christ's Peace House of Prayer in Easton, Kansas.
Schedule
You will receive a detailed schedule upon arrival. However, the retreat weekend will begin on Friday evening with an opening session at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner and then a second session at 7:00. The retreat weekend will wrap up around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Cost
The registration fee is $240. You may bring a check with you to the retreat or mail it to the address below. At this time, we do not accept electronic payment.
As always, scholarships are available for students who needs one. Please email the Very Rev. Don Compier, dean, if you need financial assistance.
Other Questions?
If you have questions that aren't answered here, please feel free to reach out to the Very Rev. Casey Rohleder ('16), director of communications, at (785) 259-4672 or bksmoutreach@gmail.com.
BKSM is located in the lower level of Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave. Overnight accommodations are available onsite at Upton Hall and are included in the cost of registration. Check in begins at 3:00 on Friday afternoon. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, there are several in the downtown area and many others throughout Topeka.
Location for the Other Retreats
The two other retreats will take place at the beautiful Christ's Peace House of Prayer in Easton, Kansas.
Schedule
You will receive a detailed schedule upon arrival. However, the retreat weekend will begin on Friday evening with an opening session at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner and then a second session at 7:00. The retreat weekend will wrap up around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Cost
The registration fee is $240. You may bring a check with you to the retreat or mail it to the address below. At this time, we do not accept electronic payment.
As always, scholarships are available for students who needs one. Please email the Very Rev. Don Compier, dean, if you need financial assistance.
Other Questions?
If you have questions that aren't answered here, please feel free to reach out to the Very Rev. Casey Rohleder ('16), director of communications, at (785) 259-4672 or bksmoutreach@gmail.com.