I like to think of a retreat as a vacation with God. A time set aside to reconnect, learn something new, and rest in his love. It is a gift you give to yourself and to God.
Retreat Basics
The are many different types of retreats; Ignatian, silent, weekend, day, parish, for women only, for men only, marriage enrichment, writers, study on a topic, Charismatic, and healing, to name some. Whatever type of retreat, though, there are some aspects that are similar: you will have opportunities to pray, both in community and privately; there will be talks, possibly with discussion in small groups; time for eating, possibily socializing, being outdoors, and simply being with God.
I like retreats that build in quiet time to process the talks, as I find my good intentions of going back to the thoughts I had or ideas presented do not always happen after I return home. This time we set apart is a good way to remember who you are in relation to the Father, rather than being a person with a certain career or particular position, or in relation to others as spouse or parent.
It is a time to be you.
Where To Go On Retreat
In the best case, you are able to leave your home for a few days and go somewhere that holds retreats on a regular basis. Sometimes, parishes hold weekend retreats where people go home to sleep but spend the rest of the time at the parish. Other places rent spaces in hotels. Or you may have a local retreat center.
If none of those are happening near you, you can still go on a retreat. Maybe you want to rent a place with a few close friends and decide that you will focus on your spiritual life for the weekend. Or you might do this on your own.
You can even go on retreat without going anywhere special. And sometimes, those are the best ones, because you tailor them to your needs and likes.
How to DIY a Retreat
It is good to have a plan in place for your retreat. Saying to yourself, “I’ll take a day off to pray,” or “I’ll retreat while the kids are at school,” and not having a plan will not give you what you need. A retreat is a way to recharge our spiritual self, but also our physical self. We are embodied beings, and our body and soul are connected. How do you plan your own retreat, then?
First, if you have a spiritual director, ask for help and suggestions. If you do not have a director, fear not; a retreat can still happen.
The first part of planning is logistics. What is the best day and time to put aside for a retreat? A small window of time, three or four hours, can be helpful if well planned. If you are going somewhere, make reservations. If you are staying home, have your meals ready ahead of time so you do not need to cook. Or maybe you will go out for your meals.
Then think about what you need right now. Some very focused prayer time to make some decisions? Comfort after a loss? Quality time with the Lord? There is no one right answer.
Consider what you want to include in your retreat. Is there an Adoration chapel nearby? Can you go to Mass, confession? Is there a place in nature you can walk while praying the rosary or listening to praise music? Reading scripture and mental prayer are always included in my retreat days. Journaling is also helpful. Reading a spiritual book for part of the time is good. Be sure to choose a book that leads to reflection and prayer. And then, allow time to simply be with God in prayer. Spend some time doing nothing.
A Retreat Sample
As we are in the Year of Hope, I would like to offer a DIY retreat on the virtue of hope:
Begin your day with Mass. If that is not possible, find a Mass to live stream or read the daily Mass readings. You can do that here.
Then take a short walk and think about what the scripture has to do with hope.
Prayer Time: Spend time praising and thanking God for all he has done for you. If it helps, make a list of all the gifts you have in your life –everything from a roof over your head to family and your unique gifts and talents. Play your favorite praise music and join in loudly. No one else will hear, go ahead!
Scripture and Mental Prayer: Focusing on the virtue of hope, recall Julian of Norwich’s phrase, “All will be well, all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.” Read one of these passages:
Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Isaiah 35: God comes with vindication.
John 14:1-14: I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Mark 8:22-26: Healing of the Blind Man
Read the passage slowly and sit quietly. What does the passage say to you about hope in your own life? How can you trust God more fully? How does focusing on God or Jesus in the scripture give you hope?
Meditate on the passage in your usual way. Try to sit for 30 minutes to an hour with the scripture. When you are done praying, journal about your thoughts and prayers.
It is probably time for a break now, so have your lunch and then go either to a quiet place for a walk or to a chapel. Again, spend time in quiet, perhaps pray for those who need your prayers. This might be the time you pray the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. Or it could be confession time.
If you have more time or are doing this over a weekend, read your spiritual book, the letter from Pope Francis on this Jubilee Year of Hope, Hope Does Not Disappoint, or another scripture passage on hope.
Concluding Your Retreat
When you have ended your time of prayer and reflection, take the time to process the day. Write a letter to yourself, noting what you learned from the day, what was most helpful, and how your soul feels after this time with the Lord. (Maybe even look ahead and plan another retreat day for yourself!)
No matter if you walk to your local church or fly across the country, a retreat is an excellent opportunity to recharge and refresh your soul. Do not let a lack of a place or a leader deter you. If you plan and put yourself in God’s presence, you will have a spirit-filled retreat even if you do not leave your house. Say yes to God, and he will honor that movement towards him.
Always.
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