What is a Religious Retreat? |
A religious retreat is . . .
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A Pause from the “busyness” of everyday life.
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A Pause to be with the Lord to examine one’s spiritual life.
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A Pause for quiet prayer and reflection in a peaceful atmosphere.
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A retreat can be for a day, a weekend or up to 30 days … if you are ready.
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It is usually spent in silence, under the direction of one of our retreat directors.
A retreat at Jesuit Retreat House gives you a chance to . . .
- Practice seeing God in all things by strolling our 57 acres of forest and meadow.
- Enjoy homecooked meals prepared by our full-time food service staff.
- Pray at our grotto, outdoor shrines, and 3 indoor chapels.
- Read or listen to music in our library, and relax in our lounge.
- For overnight stays, sleep in your own private guestroom.
A religious retreat may be…
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Conference
Several times a day during this retreat, the spiritual director gives a talk to the retreatants. The director opens up for them the scriptures and encourages the retreatants to pray according to suggested and related passages of scripture. -
Directed
You will meet daily with your director. You will share your faith journey and prayerful reflections on the passages of scripture suggested by the director. -
Private
The retreatant spends time in solitude and prayer on their own.
The value of a religious retreat…
At the Jesuit Retreat House, each retreat draws on the Gospel-centered movements of conversion that are basic to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Retreatants are invited to open themselves to the love of God, to examine their personal spiritual life and to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A spirit of silence throughout the retreat is a practice that allows the retreatant to listen more attentively to the Lord speaking through the scriptures and within one’s own heart.
The presence of others who are in prayer provide special support and inspiration. At the Jesuit Retreat House, daily Eucharistic liturgy, and the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick deepen the personal, spiritual life of the retreatant in the Church community.