Men’s Fall Alumni Retreat
Rev. John Koelle will lead this year’s fall retreat. The retreat is sponsored jointly by the Archdiocese of Boston and Guest House.
Fr. John Koelle, OFM Cap., was born and raised in Queens, NY. Fr. John went to public school and attended Queensboro Community College. He began working in banking and ended as Senior Accounts Receivable representative for Thomas Publishing Company, New York, NY.
From the age of 18-31, Fr. John began drinking and through failed attempts to stop on his own, he encountered two men who brought him to the sobering up station where the miracle of Alcoholics Anonymous was brought to him. The journey brought him closer to Christ and he began to discern where God was calling him. Fr. John worshiped at Saint John the Baptist church in New York City and began his discernment into the Capuchin Franciscan Order.
Fr. John entered initial formation in 2004 and professed final vows in 2009. He returned to formation to study for the priesthood at Saint John Seminary, Brighton, MA and was ordained in 2019 at Sacred Heart Monastery Church in Yonkers, NY. Fr. John previously held the position of Parochial Vicar for Saint Joseph, New Paltz, NY from 2019-2023 and currently is the co-director of post novitiate formation and the director of priestly formation in Jamaica Plain, MA. Fr. John gives 11th Step Retreats to both men and women on Enders Island, CT.
About the Location
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center
Mercy by the Sea is located six miles from the charming town of Madison, Connecticut. Situated on 33 acres on Long Island Sound, it offers beautiful grounds and a peaceful ambience. The retreat will consist of presentations, daily Mass, 12-Step meetings, small group discussions, healthy meals, and free time. All retreatants will have a private room with a private bathroom.
Mercy By the Sea
167 Neck Road
Madison, CT 06443-0191
203-245-0401
Mercybythesea.org
