The Gospel of John: Academic Retreat Led by Fr. Stephen Gregg
This retreat will consider the Gospel of John. What is divine glory? Is it something hopelessly removed from humanity, or does it call out to heart of every person? Both a Christian sacred text and tremendously important document in the history of western civilization, the Gospel of John speaks across the centuries and responds to those deepest human desires for consolation and new creation.
Led by Cistercian monk and scholar of literature Fr. Stephen Gregg, participants will enter into the Gospel of John through lectures and seminars. Drawing on additional scriptural reflections from Saint Augustine, this retreat will foster a closer attentiveness to the texts as well as a the gift our humanity.
Retreat Details
Our multi-day academic retreats are small gatherings focused on great texts, thoughtful conversations, and intellectual friendship. Each retreat is led by a professor and centers on a specific thinker, theme, topic, or text.
The heart of the retreat is a robust academic program of twelve one-hour sessions—typically nine seminars and three lectures. Seminars are limited to 15 or fewer participants and emphasize close reading, intellectual humility, and the shared pursuit of truth. The professor's lectures synthesize themes and situate the readings within a broader whole.
The atmosphere is intentionally contemplative and relational—free from digital distraction and grounded in attentiveness, presence, and receptivity.
Location
Our academic retreats are held at our Kingfisher Center, which is located on the southwest side of Austin, Texas.
Cost
For accepted participants, the Valor Institute will cover the cost of the program fee, texts, lodging, and meals. We ask for participants to pay for their own travel to and from the retreat — though we do offer travel scholarships for those in need. We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone desiring to participate in our programs.
Schedule
A typical retreat day runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. including time for lunch, dinner, and breaks.
Preparation
Participants are expected to carefully read and annotate all texts before arriving at the retreat. Because of academic retreats involve a significant amount of time in seminar, preparation is essential.
Registration & Questions
Space in our retreats is limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. For any questions, please contact us.
About the Leader
Fr. Stephen Gregg is a monk of the Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Dallas and an Affiliate Assistant Professor of English at the University of Dallas. He earned his BA at The University of the South and entered the Cistercian Order in 2006, making his solemn profession in 2011 and being ordained to the priesthood in 2012. After earning an S.T.B. from the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm and S.T.L. from the Augustinian Patristic Institute in Rome, he earned his Ph.D. through the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas.
In addition to his service at the University of Dallas, Fr. Gregg has taught in the Cistercian Preparatory School. At both institutions, he has instructed students of varying levels in a wide range of subjects, including English Literature, Grammar, Music, Latin, Philosophy, Theology, Church History, and Fine Arts.