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.
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.
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 still meet daily with a spiritual director for a personalized retreat experience.
Our next stay-at-home directed retreat is Sept. 16-18, 2022, 9 a.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Sunday
There will be a couple of retreat directors available to you, including me. You can make a reservation — there is a $10 registration fee
Read the other parts of this series here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and 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.]
An Encounters of the Fourth Kind Video
By Fr. Ron Will, CPPS
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures earth taken from outer space. Or gazed yourself upon a full moon. As you admire the beauty of the night sky, allow gratitude to the creator to rise in your heart. This 10-minute meditation invites to experience the awesome beauty of God’s creation.
Immersed in Mass, Encountering God
Each eucharistic celebration is an encounter with Jesus. Attending Mass week after week, year after year, one is tempted to turn on automatic pilot and become numb to that encounter. Awaken your senses and learn how what we do at Sunday Mass relates to the bigger picture of your life.