What is a Retreat?
For an Individual
It is a time away from your usual activities so that you may focus
on your relationship with God, creation, others, and yourself
in an atmosphere of silence, solitude, and prayer.
For a Group
It is a time away with your co-workers or people who share
a common interest in order to exchange and explore ideas and hopes
in an atmosphere of quiet reflection, sharing, and community.
There is a facilitator who oversees the content, process,
and tone of the retreat.
For an Individual
It is a time away from your usual activities so that you may focus
on your relationship with God, creation, others, and yourself
in an atmosphere of silence, solitude, and prayer.
For a Group
It is a time away with your co-workers or people who share
a common interest in order to exchange and explore ideas and hopes
in an atmosphere of quiet reflection, sharing, and community.
There is a facilitator who oversees the content, process,
and tone of the retreat.
What is a Directed Retreat?
A directed retreat may be one day or up to 40 days in length.
It is made either singly or with others in an atmosphere of silence
(including meals). Each day, for approximately half an hour,
you will met with a spiritual director who will listen as you share
your prayer experiences, help you to reflect on them, and encourage you
to discover how God is with you on your journey.
See 2023 Directed Retreats here.
A directed retreat may be one day or up to 40 days in length.
It is made either singly or with others in an atmosphere of silence
(including meals). Each day, for approximately half an hour,
you will met with a spiritual director who will listen as you share
your prayer experiences, help you to reflect on them, and encourage you
to discover how God is with you on your journey.
See 2023 Directed Retreats here.
What is a Guided Retreat?
A guided retreat may be one day, a weekend, or several days (including meals).
A facilitator will present a particular theme, offer some content,
and make suggestions for personal prayer and reflection.
There will be periods of silence as well as time for shared conversation. Facilitators may offer to meet retreatants individually to address insights and concerns that have arisen.
See 2023 Guided Retreats here.
A guided retreat may be one day, a weekend, or several days (including meals).
A facilitator will present a particular theme, offer some content,
and make suggestions for personal prayer and reflection.
There will be periods of silence as well as time for shared conversation. Facilitators may offer to meet retreatants individually to address insights and concerns that have arisen.
See 2023 Guided Retreats here.
What is a Private Retreat?
A private retreat may be booked, 2 nights minimum stay.
(You are responsible for your own meals.)
You will set your agenda and schedule and maintain an attitude of silence and prayer throughout your stay. If the experience of a private retreat
is new for you, we suggest that you meet with a spiritual director
at least once during your stay.
See perfect spots for private retreats here (Fensom Cottage, Dease, McMahon & Blackbird Cabins)
A private retreat may be booked, 2 nights minimum stay.
(You are responsible for your own meals.)
You will set your agenda and schedule and maintain an attitude of silence and prayer throughout your stay. If the experience of a private retreat
is new for you, we suggest that you meet with a spiritual director
at least once during your stay.
See perfect spots for private retreats here (Fensom Cottage, Dease, McMahon & Blackbird Cabins)
What is Spiritual Direction/
Accompaniment/Conversation?
Spiritual Direction comes out of an ancient tradition of holy listening
that helps an individual to explore their personal and spiritual life story
and their desire to know God and God's desire for them. Although personal difficulties, losses, hurts and joys may be part of the conversation
with the spiritual director, it is not psychotherapy or counselling. A spiritual director is someone whose wisdom is derived from their own deep relationship with the divine coupled with formal theological education.
Guest testimony: "This (spiritual direction) is the "diamond" of these (Silent Retreat) days. This was my first-ever experience, and it was so helpful. I'll be back for more!"
"Spiritual Directors... are not the chief agent, guide and mover of souls;... the principal guide is the Holy Spirit..." St. Ignatius
Accompaniment/Conversation?
Spiritual Direction comes out of an ancient tradition of holy listening
that helps an individual to explore their personal and spiritual life story
and their desire to know God and God's desire for them. Although personal difficulties, losses, hurts and joys may be part of the conversation
with the spiritual director, it is not psychotherapy or counselling. A spiritual director is someone whose wisdom is derived from their own deep relationship with the divine coupled with formal theological education.
Guest testimony: "This (spiritual direction) is the "diamond" of these (Silent Retreat) days. This was my first-ever experience, and it was so helpful. I'll be back for more!"
"Spiritual Directors... are not the chief agent, guide and mover of souls;... the principal guide is the Holy Spirit..." St. Ignatius
