Retreats

kleine_katerine · #1 Aug 20, '09, 7:35 am

Wasn't really sure where to post this, so I stuck it in here.

I have never been on a retreat before, how have people found them to be? I start my RCIA this September and may (God willing) be received into the Church next year. I was thinking that going on a retreat before my reception might be a good idea, but I don't know.

ttfn and God bless

Katherine

Barzillai · #2 Aug 20, '09, 7:45 am

My wife and I love our spiritual retreats at a Catholic Benedictine monastery. Here are our experiences and thoughts about retreats.

Lancer · #3 Aug 20, '09, 9:05 am

1. First, I think you will always find retreats most beneficial...the time being away with God and letting him not only reveal himself to you...but letting Him reveal yourself...to yourself in a deeper and more profound way...will always be uplifting. My overall sense after each retreat is one of gratitude...and wanting to be more grateful in thought, word and deed(s)...doing the will of God as best as I possibly can out of love...in every moment of my life...in every circumstance.

2. The only retreat type considerations for me are...(1) silent or participatory/engagement with others...(2) length (weekend or week-long/longer)...and...(3) spirituality of the retreat house (Benedictine, Ignatian, Franciscan, Carmelite etc...this can be a big factor depending on where you are in your spiritual journey). I recommend that you discuss it with a priest/religious person who knows you or discuss it with someone else you respect because of their holiness and dedication to their faith and vocation...who can serve as a spiritual director...and then contact the retreat houses to talk about their venues...you can do some of this online...but talking to them is best.

3. Here is a website of a RCIA retreat master...what he does and focuses on for a RCIA group...it is by Dr.Marcellino D’Ambrosio http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/talk_info/14.html

4. Lastly, most RCIA programs have a scheduled retreat in their program...usually very near the end of the program. You might want to double check with your RCIA leaders...and if they have one...I suggest you hold off for that one...one specifically designed for you. If not, you can get their advice and help or set one up for your self...maybe a few of your RCIA brothers and sisters might want to join you.

God bless you on your journey to Him!
Pax Christi

sweetpeace · #4 Sep 1, '09, 5:07 am

Hi - it is really beautiful and spiritually rejuvenating to attend Catholic retreats.
It is time with God and yourself - there are motivating talks, confessions, Masses being celebrated and a lot of spiritual material available at the retreat centre. You feel totally at peace.

YESSENIA1 · #5 Sep 2, '09, 8:11 pm

I have never been on a retreat, but i hear they are beautiful, To be quite honest they are a little expensive. Maybe someday i'll make it to one...Does anybody have retreat stories to share? bye...

Emil · #6 Mar 30, '10, 7:47 am

I have never been on a retreat, and have been looking for one without much to choose from. I don't mind traveling to another state and spending a week. I am tired, stressed, and need spiritual guidance. I keep seeing the Benedictine ones, but having heart disease, I couln't work. I'm disabled, but don't need special treatement. I just have to stay away from heat and severe cold. Any ideas?

God bless,

YESSENIA1 · #7 Mar 30, '10, 8:14 am

They have some good retreats in arizona but they are very expensive.I would like to one day go to one. They sound like a lot of

fun

Emil · #8 Apr 12, '10, 12:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by YESSENIA1

They have some good retreats in arizona but they are very expensive.I would like to one day go to one. They sound like a lot of

fun

Although a bit late (I'm sorry), I would like to let you know that I am going to the Franciscan Renewal Center (La Casa) in Scottsdale, AZ, to get away for the reflection and rest I need. Thank you very much for your recommendation. Getting there is one thing, but once there the rates are not that bad. I chose a self-guided retreat, and it's $110 a day with three meals. I'm staying eight nights. They ask that you give your spiritual director a $50 gift, and I might see him three or four times.