What is a Silent Directed Retreat? Part 2

By Fr. Ron Will, CPPS

This is the second part of a series of short articles looking at silent directed retreats. In Part 1, we talked about what a silent directed retreat is. In short, at such a retreat, there is only one’s conversation with God. The retreat director helps you listen to God.

Now that we have a better idea of what a silent directed retreat is, let’s look at some expectations you may have. We’ll be looking at more questions over the next several days.

Second question: Do I do anything else but pray?

This is your time with God, so whatever truly deepens that relationship is worth your time. Walks, naps, silent meals, art work, journaling, doing nothing, singing — anything that will help you be free or to be with God can be used on retreat. Fishing, knitting or other activities that engage your hands without unduly challenging your mind can foster a reflective, gentle use of time.

While this may sound nice, in truth it can be difficult. We are used to being productive, used to getting things done. The work of a retreat is a different kind of productivity, with results hard to see. This is another case where the retreat director can help you see in a new way.

Our New Stay-at-Home Directed Retreat Format

We have adapted our retreat format so that you can make the retreat from your own home. We will use this format for those who cannot attend in-person events. You will meet daily by phone or Zoom with a spiritual director for a personalized retreat experience.

Our directed retreats for 2026 are:

• February 19-22
• May 28-31
• September 24-27

The retreats begin on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and conclude on Sundays no later than 4 p.m.

There are a couple of retreat directors available to you, including me. You can make a reservation — there is a $10 registration fee

• by visiting this page or
• by emailing info@pbrenewalcenter.org or
• calling 816-415-3745.

Read the other parts of this series here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Coming Soon: Part 4.

[Fr. Ron Will, a Precious Blood priest and spiritual director, is a graduate of Catholic Theological Union and Creighton University’s School of Christian Spirituality. He has a special interest in helping form intentional disciples of Jesus, encouraging others to go spiritually deep-sea diving to explore a deeper relationship with God, and walking with people as they dive into the ocean of God’s mystery actually experiencing God rather than simply dipping one’s toe into the water.]