Deacons are required to make a retreat each year.  The diocesan bishop is responsible to see that all deacons are attending an annual retreat.   The Diocese of Gallup provides an annual retreat for deacons.  This year the retreat is March 23-25 at Sacred Heart Retreat Center.

Occasionally, deacons may request to be exused from this retreat due to personal reasons.  However, those who have missed one annual diaconate retreat should endeavor not to miss two in a row.  This is important in order to maintain fraternaty among the Order.