Do more this holiday season than buy stuff
Pause amidst the rush and rediscover the stillness of Christ.
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This online retreat invites you to slow down and prepare your heart for Christmas. Over three weeks, Dr. Mario Sacasa and Dr. Tom Neal will explore the Christian understanding of peace—peace with God, with others, and within yourself.
 You’ll learn:
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How to develop interior peace in any situation.
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How to handle big emotions during the holidays.
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The surprising daily practice to calm anxiety.
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The significance of play, risk, and surrender.Â
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Why Advent calls us to stillness.
Why This Retreat Matters
While Advent is a joyful countdown to Christmas, the busy-ness and stress of the season can get in the way of spiritual growth. Are we too rushed to see Christ before us? Are the difficulties of family gatherings too much? Is there longing for some unanswered prayer?Â
Wherever you find yourself this year, peace begins where you are. This retreat offers a chance to catch your breath, to reflect on the past year, embrace hope for the next, and allow Christ’s peace to transform your heart.
What You'll Experience
Spiritual Renewal
Discover how to cultivate peace with God, others, and within yourself through video teachings and prayer exercises.
Flexible Learning
Access course content (videos, reflections, & live chats) around your busy holiday schedule.
Community Engagement
Interact with Dr. Mario and other participants in live video chats to reflect, share, and be encouraged.Â
Meet Your Guides
Dr. Mario Sacasa
Licensed therapist, speaker, and host of the Always Hope Podcast. Dr. Sacasa has dedicated his life to finding the integration between faith and sounds counseling science.Â
Dr. Tom Neal
Theologian and expert on the Catholic spiritual traditions. Dr. Neal serves as the Chief of Evangelization and Mission Engagement for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.Â
What to Expect
Endorsements
Fr Josh Johnson
Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Baton Rouge, LA
Dr. Mario Sacasa is a trusted friend and a gifted Catholic speaker whose insights into relationships, healing, and dating are truly transformative. I’ve referred countless priests, seminarians, and lay faithful to his counseling practice and co-led marriage retreats with him over the years. Every time he shares his gifts people are deeply impacted and always ask when he’s coming back.
Danielle Bean
Host, Girlfriends: A Catholic Podcast for Women
Dr. Mario Sacasa combines theological depth with practical wisdom, humor, and heart. Whether he’s speaking on relationships, discernment, or personal growth, he offers hope-filled insights rooted in Catholic teaching. I wholeheartedly recommend him for any event seeking an engaging, faithful, and inspiring voice.
Dr. Tom MacAlester
Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, Belmont Abbey College
Dr. Mario draws a straight line between the truth of the topic he’s presenting and the hearts of those in attendance. I have been to a number of Dr. Mario’s talks in multiple settings and one thing is consistent: his ability to connect with his audience in an engaging way that gets them moving in the direction of wholeness, gratitude, hope, and holiness.
Regina Boyd
Licensed Marriage Therapist and Founder, Heartspace Therapy Center
 I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Sacasa speak at two married couples retreats and during a live online event. Each time, he brought a combination of deep knowledge, genuine passion, and engaging energy. Rooted in faith and grounded in truth, his message is both inspiring and Christ-centered. His delivery is animated and encouraging, offering real hope to those seeking to grow in their relationships and in their walk with the Lord. I highly recommend him as a speaker for your next event.
Genevie Alejandro
Senior Business Development Coordinator, St John Paul II Foundation
I had the pleasure of working with Mario during one of our conferences. From the moment he took the stage, Mario brought an energy that was engaging and contagious! His ability to connect with every couple in the room, newly married or seasoned in their vocation, is what truly sets him apart. Mario is down to earth and relatable.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
