An Eastertime Retreat
To print, download this activity as a Word document.

For a group of 5 to 25 people. If more, break into groups of 10 or so.

You'll need:

a room that can be darkened, even if you are gathering in the day time

a large pillar candle and matches

smaller candles-one for each person

a large glass bowl filled with water

some olive oil in a small, beautiful bowl. Try adding some essential balsam oil to the olive oil to give it a great scent.

a large loaf of fresh bread (not cut into slices) in basket

a large cup of wine (you could use grape juice) and a cloth napkin

a boom box

a CD with some cool instrumental music-about 45 minutes worth. Pick music that is peaceful. Choose someone to be the DJ.

a Bible with this reading marked: Romans 6: 3-11. Choose someone to do the reading.

Step by Step

1. Place all the items listed above in the center, and have everyone sit in a circle. Pass out a small candle to each person.
2. Explain that this is going to be a prayerful exercise without words-until the very end. Challenge each other to give it a try.
3. Close the window shades and turn off the lights. Explain that we'll sit in the dark for a minute. Yup, it seems goofy. Giggle if you must. But give it a chance.
4. After a minute of silence, light the candle.
5. When the candle is lit, start the music.
6. Pick up the bowl of water and put it down right in front of yourself. Dip your hand into the water and make the sign of the cross on yourself.
7. Hold the bowl for the person next to you to do the same. The bowl is passed from person to person. When it comes back to you, hold it up for all to see one more time, and then carefully set it down.
8. Pick up the basket of bread. Rip off a piece and give it to the person next to you. Motion-without saying any thing-for him or her to eat it. When he or she has eaten it, motion-no words!-for him or her to give a piece to the next person. When the bread comes back to you, after you have eaten your piece, hold up the basket for all to see one more time. Then gently put it down.
9. Pick up the cup. Slowly take a sip and wipe the cup with the napkin. Without words, give the cup to the person next to you. Motion for him or her to drink and then to share the cup with the next person. When the cup comes back to you, hold it up for a moment for all to see one more time. Put it down gently.
10. Pick up the bowl of oil. Dip your thumb in the oil. Make a small cross on the forehead of the person next to you. Motion for him or her to do the same. When the bowl comes back to you, lift it up for all to see one more time. Set it down gently. Rub any extra oil on your thumb into your palms.
11. Pick up your small candle. Light it from the larger candle. Pass the flame from person to person.
12. When everyone's candle is lit, the reader reads aloud slowly the passage from Romans 6.
13. When the reading is done, let the music play for a few seconds more. Slowly turn down the sound until the music can no longer be heard. Turn on the lights. Blow out the small candles.
14. Discuss: What action impressed you the most? Why?