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California, here we come!
Announcing the 2026 Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church Retreat at the beautiful St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California.
“Seeking Through Prayer and Meditation”
Retreat Leaders: Brian Nordwick and Steve Lane
July 15-17, 2026
St. Francis Retreat Center, San Juan Bautista, CA
Register here before June 15.
On behalf of the Recovery Ministries Board of the Episcopal Church (RMEC), we cordially invite you to register and attend this year’s RMEC Gathering Retreat 2026 to be held at St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California. This rural setting is in the foothills of the central coast of California about 30 miles from Monterey, 45 miles to San Jose, and 90 miles to San Francisco.
Plan to arrive the by 4pm on Wednesday, July 15, and we will end at noon on Friday, July 17. Our retreat will be grounded in prayer and meditation, and we explore tools to improve our conscious contact with God. We will explore the miracle of forgiveness and letting go things that we try to control – people, places and things. We will have a 12-Step Eucharist, and 12-step meetings. We will leave making a commitment to God for the next chapter of our journey in recovery.
No matter what 12-step program you associate with, or if you are just trying to get a deeper understanding of what recovery is all about, please prayerfully consider joining us for this special opportunity to fellowship and learn from one another. There will be opportunities for fellowship, spiritual walks/hikes, quiet reflection, and group sharing and caring for one another – including an ice cream social and smores. Come with an open heart and mind to receive whatever God has in store for you!
For air travel, you can fly into Monterey, San Jose or San Francisco. Please see ground transportation options to get from the airport to the retreat center. FYI, preferred options would be to rent a car or take a ride share like Uber or Lift.
The retreat center has a 4-star kitchen and can accommodate most dietary needs. Rooms are private or semi-private, and they all have private bathrooms. Pack layers of clothing as it may be hot or a little cool and foggy, and bring your special toiletries such as shampoo, soap, etc. Linens and towels are provided.
2-night stay – Wednesday (15th) & Thursday (16th), 6 meals: Single $445, Double $375
3-night stay – Tuesday (14th) –Thursday (16th ), 8 meals: Single $645, Double $540
(Board Members – Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning)
Please email info@episcopalrecovery.org with any dietary restrictions. We will try to accommodate as the conference center is able.
Retreat programming begins Wednesday evening, July 15.
Registration closes June 15, 2026.
Visit the St. Francis Retreat website to learn more about facilities, grounds, and guest rooms:
St Francis Retreat | retreat | 549 Mission Vineyard Road, San Juan Bautista, CA, USA
Set on a quiet hillside above the town, the St. Francis Retreat Center, offers space to step away from daily life and reconnect with God, with one another, and with ourselves. Grounded in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, the center’s comfortable accommodations, shared meals, and natural surroundings create a welcoming environment for reflection, conversation, and rest.
Just below, Mission San Juan Bautista and the historic plaza offer a glimpse of the area’s rich past, along with small shops and cafés. A short drive away, Pinnacles National Park provides striking scenery and opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Additional contact info is:
P.O. Box 970
549 Mission Vineyard Road
San Juan Bautista, California 95045
Info@stfrancisretreat.com
Phone: 831-623-4234 Fax: 831-623-9046
Travel:
The closest major airport to San Juan Bautista, California, is San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), located approximately 40–50 miles north. Other nearby, larger international options include San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK).
- San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Closest major airport, roughly a 45–50 minute drive. ~3 miles from downtown San Jose.
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY): A smaller, closer option, often convenient for regional flights, roughly 35-40 miles south. 60-minute drive.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Approximately 70-80 miles north, offering more international and domestic flights. 90-minute drive.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): Roughly 75-85 miles north, often used as an alternative to SFO. 1 to 1/12 hour drive.
Transportation from airport to retreat center by rental car, Uber or Lyft.
Pastor Steve Lane is the rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY. With over 44 years in AA, Steve also has over 20 years in Alanon. Having found that there is so much more to life by practicing the 12-step principles, Steve came to the Church well after recovery. Ever looking for how the church can enhance the spiritual life of those in recovery, Steve started a 12-step worship service that was totally 12-step and mostly Episcopal. As past president of the RMEC, Steve has also been actively engaged with the Church and its acknowledgement and acceptance of addiction issues.
Brian Nordwick is a person in long-term recovery for over 47 years in AA, NA, Alanon, and Alateen, and is a RMEC board member. He brings over 20 years of experience leading 12-step recovery retreats across the country. He resides 15 minutes from St. Francis with his daughter, Sarah, and 11-year-old granddaughter, Willow. He has led over 50 retreats at this center. He is the retired Canon to the Ordinary in the local diocese of El Camino Real, and has years of experience in vocational spiritual direction, and is a consultant for diocesan bishop searches.