10 years ago I organized the first ever Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!
Since then we have had some beautiful, tremendous, and spectacular one day retreats.
This year, we will be doing an overnight retreat getaway in Cape May, New Jersey!
The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Overnight Retreat
Join us the weekend of November 13th through the 15th at Icona Resort, Cape May. Rooms at this resort can accommodate up to 4 people per room! Gather your friends and start planning!
**** BOOK YOUR ROOM BY NOVEMBER 8 AND GET 10% OFF! TELL THE ICONA (CAPE MAY) THAT YOU ARE WITH THE PRAYER WINE CHOCOLATE RETREAT AND ASK FOR THE 10% OFF DISCOUNT. ROOMS WITH TWO QUEEN BEDS ARE BLOCKED FOR OUR EVENT!!!**********
How do I sign up?
- Book your room at Icona Cape May, NJ
- Send your registration fee to Amy Brooks on Venmo (@AmyGouldBrooks) last 4 digits of phone number 0871 (or email me for an invoice)
- Send me an email with the subject line RETREAT REGISTRATION. Email me at catholicinfluencers@gmail.com
- More details below.
The official retreat will begin Saturday morning around 10:00 am.
If you would like to book only one night, book Saturday night into Sunday!
I will be there Friday night! Jessica Benfield and I will be there early so if you are checking in at 3:00 on Saturday, we will have a room until your check-in.
Retreat will begin with a gathering at the ICONA Cape May
Theme: Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Pray for us!
Keynote Speaker: Sarah Dickerson
Topic: Remaining Calm in Christ: Cultivating Serenity Come What May
About our Speaker, Sarah Dickerson:
A young adult convert to the faith, Sarah Dickerson views coming into full communion with the Catholic Church during her undergraduate years at DeSales University as the decisive step of her life.
Enamored of Christian anthropology and God’s plan for marriage and human flourishing, she went on for a graduate degree in theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, where she met her husband, Adam. The couple has seven children, and are among the founding crew of Martin Saints Classical High School.
Sarah has taught literature and theology on the secondary and post secondary level. She did a decade long stint of Theology of the Body based Archdiocesan marriage preparation presentations, and is certified in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd levels I & II.
For those of us who know Sarah personally, we often think of her as a model of calmness. As I thought about how Our Lady Star of the Sea is the perfect theme for our beach retreat, I picture Our Lady calming all the storms in our life.
When I think of who I know on earth who embodies calmness and prayerfulness, I think of Sarah.
I am not the only one.
Sarah Dickerson has attended a number of Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreats in the past and loves both our faith and a glass of wine and a good joke. I am so excited to listen to her talk!
In the above photo, Sarah Dickerson is to my left in the tan coat. I’m in the maroon sweater. This picture was taken at last year’s retreat!
She sent me this picture to assure us all she has a sense of humor as well as a dedication to live the way Jesus wants:
Here is the tentative retreat schedule:
**** BOOK YOUR ROOM BY NOVEMBER 8 AND GET 10% OFF! TELL THE ICONA (CAPE MAY) THAT YOU ARE WITH THE PRAYER WINE CHOCOLATE RETREAT AND ASK FOR THE 10% OFF DISCOUNT ROOMS WITH TWO QUEEN BEDS ARE BLOCKED FOR OUR EVENT!!!**********
Early arrival option: Friday, November 13, 2026
If you arrive on Friday, join Amy Brooks and Jess Benfield for a beverage and a dessert at the Washington Inn and Wine Bar at 6:30 pm!
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Saturday morning: 10:00 am Meet in Amy and Jess’s room for coffee and danish.
10:30: Rosary walk on the beach
11:00: Brunch at the Mad Batter (right down the street from the ICONA!)
12:30 PM: break/refresh
1:00 pm: Speaker: Sarah Dickerson
Remaining Calm in Christ: Cultivating Serenity Come What May
2:00 meet in lobby for shuttle to the Cape May Winery
2:15 leave Icona to go to Cape May Winery
2:30 – 4:00 pm Wine tasting and fun at the Cape May Winery
4:00 – 4:15 pm – Leave winery; shuttle back to ICONA
4:30 to 6 break, free time
6:30 dinner at Hemingway’s Steaks and Seafood
8:00 night time prayer and reflection
Sunday morning: Rosary and Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea
optional shopping and coffee in Cape May
Much of the planning that has been taking place for this year’s retreat has been with the help of Jessica Benfield. Jessica is currently running the second year of her parish’s Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry and creates a monthly magazine for Catholic Kids! You can see her magazine here!
What will take place at the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?
Here is what we plan on doing:
The official retreat will begin Saturday morning (Nov. 14th) around 10:00 am. We will meet at the ICONA, Cape May.
Praying the Rosary on the beach together.
Eating a delicious brunch together.
Listening to Sarah’s talk and meditating on how to be Calm in Christ.
Going to the Cape May Winery for wine tasting, snacks and fellowship. A table has already been reserved for us!
Enjoying quiet time for reflection and prayer.
Enjoying a dinner together at a restaurant in Cape May.
Going to Mass Sunday morning at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Cape May, NJ.
Admiring God’s creation and thanking the Lord for all He has given us.
Laughing together. Reflecting. Getting some Vitamin Sea 😉 Possibly Shopping in Cape May.
Would you like to attend the 2026 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat? If yes, here is how to register!
- SPACE IS LIMITED; BOOK ASAP – only 13 spots available! Once those spots are taken, registration will be closed!
Registration fee (before October 20th) $75.00
Registration fee (after October 20th) $100.00
- Book your room at the Cape May Icona for either Friday and Saturday night or just Saturday night. November 13th is Friday, November 14th is Saturday. (Book your own room or share a room with a friend or two!) If you are choosing one night only, be sure to book for Saturday, November 14, 2026. **** BOOK YOUR ROOM BY NOVEMBER 8 AND GET 10% OFF! TELL THE ICONA (CAPE MAY) THAT YOU ARE WITH THE PRAYER WINE CHOCOLATE RETREAT AND ASK FOR THE 10% OFF DISCOUNT. ROOMS WITH TWO QUEEN BEDS ARE BLOCKED FOR OUR EVENT!!!**********
- Send your registration fee to Prayer Wine Chocolate. The registration fee for this retreat BEFORE OCTOBER 20TH IS $75; AFTER OCTOBER 20TH is $100. You can send your registration payment via Venmo to @AmyGouldBrooks (last four digits of my phone number = 0871). You can also email me at catholicinfluencers@gmail.com to request an invoice.
- Send me an email (catholicinfluencers@gmail.com) and let me know you are attending. Sending me an email will allow me to communicate updates to you. Let me know if you would be interested in being in GroupMe chat with others attending. I will try to set that up if there is interest!
- Please note meals are not included. We will plan to eat together for brunch on Saturday and go to dinner together on Saturday night at a local restaurant. There is also a Tapas Restaurant at the Winery where you can purchase food and snacks. Plan to budget for your meals!
Can’t attend but love the idea?
Plan your own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat! Here is a digital guide that will help you!
How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat: a Guidebook (Digital ebook)
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