About the Retreat

As the season of Advent invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, ministry leaders are especially called to pause amid the busyness of service. This retreat offers a sacred space for rest, renewal, and spiritual deepening.

Through prayer, reflection, and shared faith, participants will be guided to rediscover the hope, peace, joy, and love that mark this holy season. Together, we will reflect on how to lead others toward Christ while remaining rooted in our own encounter with Him.

Whether you serve in faith formation, sacramental preparation, youth ministry, or another form of pastoral leadership, this time away offers an opportunity to step back from the demands of ministry, be refreshed in God’s presence, and enter Advent with renewed vision and peace. The day will include personal prayer time and lunch.

Speakers

Father Michael Costik

Father Michael Costik is the pastor of St. John of Rochester in Fairport. He was previously the pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Canandaigua. Father Costik is a 1994 graduate of Livonia High School. He studied at the American College in Louvain, Belgium and the Theological College at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Prior to becoming a priest, Father Costik was an operatic tenor, composer, iconographer and drama teacher. He has an affinity for piano and composition. When he has time off, he goes back to the other love he has had since growing up.

Additional Details

Check-in and morning hospitality will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the first talk beginning at 10:00 a.m.! 

Additional details including date, time, location, & directions can be found below!

Location Information

  • December 3rd 2026 from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM EST
  • St. John of Rochester
  • 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY, 14450 US
  • Google, Bing, MapQuest

Register

The registration fee can be paid in the following ways:

1. Credit card online
2. Check by mail
3. Pay at Door

NOTE: If paying by check or at the door, please select the "Pay by Check OR at Door" payment method option in the Billing Section below!

If paying by check, please make check payable to:

Diocese of Rochester- 2026 Advent Retreat
Attn: Mark Capellazzi
1150 Buffalo Road
Rochester, NY 14624

Those paying by check or at the door are not required to pay the convenience fee!

Personal Info

$0.00
$0.00
$0.00

Billing Information

Secure checkout PCI compliant
Safe & Secure Checkout PCI-compliant • 256-bit AES encryption
RegFox Event Registration Software
Event Registration Software by RegFox