Retreats

Podcasts

Book Susan

Susan is an experienced retreat leader, offering inspiring and thought-provoking talks, supplemented by prayerful music. She conducts retreats both on her own, and with either co-presenter Deacon David McDowell (from the Diocese of Wilmington, DE) or Ann Wagstaff (from the Commission for Women of the Diocese of Worcester, MA.) Susan and Deacon Dave lead two different full day retreats focusing on Advent and Lent. Susan and Ann lead a weekend-long women's retreat focusing on Lent.

Deacon David McDowell of Mary, Mother of Peace Church in Millsboro, DE writes:
"As a retreat presenter she has co-presented with myself during our Advent and Lenten Retreats. She will speak from her heart with examples of her daily life. She often will incorporate a song as a method of transition from topic to topic, which is done masterfully and prayerfully. Susan’s repertoire of songs allows her to flow freely through subject or theme making her presentation all inclusive. "

LENT
"Loving God and Loving  Neighbor - A Lenten Transformation" (weekend long women's retreat)
Susan Bailey and Ann Wagstaff, co-presenters
Susan and Ann provide talks, small group activities, music and opportunities for quiet worship together in this weekend-long women's retreat focusing on the Two Great Commandments of Jesus, leading to transformation. While this retreat is geared towards Lent, it is appropriate for any time of the year when women are seeking a deeper relationship with our Lord, and looking for opportunities to serve Him through their love of neighbor.
Outline of retreat available upon request.

"The Power of Forgiveness and the Discovery of Your Gifts for the Glory of God" (one day retreat)
Deacon Dave McDowell and Susan Bailey, co-presenters
Susan and Deacon Dave provide talks, music, and an opportunity to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation while mediating on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary through Susan’s Sung Rosary.
Outline of retreat available upon request.

ADVENT
"Light One Candle"
This day-long retreat focuses on the rebirth of Jesus in our hearts and lighting the candle of faith. It begins with a prayer service based on the Stations of the Nativity by Patrick Kelley and Lawrence Boadt and includes songs and lessons; it culminates with the singing of Susan's Sung Rosary, focusing on the Joyful Mysteries, and a time of group sharing afterwards. Outline of retreat available upon request.

Here are comments from participants:

• “Loved Deacon Dave talks and Susan’s music and talk was beautiful.”
• “Deacon Dave was on fire with the Spirit and Susan was a wonderful addition and helped with her talk and beautiful music.”
• “Both speakers spoke from their hearts.”
• "Deacon Dave’s energy and honesty was awesome and Susan’s ‘Simon Son of John’ song made me understand the whole day better.”
• “I liked how Susan and Dave kept everything and everyone’s interest, made me want to make everyday of my life happy and to invite God into it.”
• “Susan Bailey was good and her music is beautiful. ‘Simon Son of John’ made me cry.”
  “Deacon Dave’s talks were inspirational and humorous and singing the rosary was the best event of the day. Susan has written a beautiful Rosary.”
• “The day was very helpful on our journey of life. You could feel the holiness.”
• “It was very emotional, lots of food for thought. Music and the stories told [were] very meaningful. [I was reminded] that God forgave me and I need to forgive myself. Susan’s song on forgiveness [‘As We Forgive’] summed up the day for me.”
• “Group prayer and singing the rosary made me feel everything was balance and led to a blessed reconciliation.”
• “I liked most singing the rosary.”

Write to Susan to find out more about this speaking and retreat ministry.