What type of retreat is right for you?

You've decided to explore a retreat, but which type and where should you go. Well, it all depends on you and how you prepare for the retreat.  I had once went on a weekend retreat with about 50 other women, it was my first weekend retreat and I had not done my homework. When I got there, I learned that it was a silent retreat and they handed me a note book for my writing. I had no idea what to do. Here I was with a lot of other women  and could not talk with anyone, even at meal times.  In addition I no clue what to write in the notebook. I am a social person -- it drove me nuts, to the point I stayed in my room for some of the time and read St. Faustina's diary. I did have  a very special moment with Jesus during the Holy Hour, but other than that this, the weekend was a wash to me. But the experience did give me some clues of what type of retreat is best for me.

Many parishes and Dioceses offer one day retreats, usually with a theme and a speaker.  These are wonderful ways to start your retreat journey.  They can give you topics, prayers, insights you might want to explore in greater depth.

I have found that I'm ok with being silent, just not with a room full of women (I would never have made it as a cloistered nun).  While doing some Google searches on retreat houses, I found a place just a couple hours away from me and in the direction of my hometown.  The Sisters of St. Francis in Sylvania Ohio.  They have two one room cabins you can rent.  Your retreat is on your own and unstructured. I felt this would be perfect. There is a catch though, no TV, phone or internet. Yikes! I would have to unplug. 

I arrived around noon on Friday, and boy did I struggle that first day without technology. Saturday was much better. I attended Saturday morning Mass and walked around the grounds. There are a few trails, several pieces of art, a Church and a Chapel that resembles the chapel St. Francis had built in Italy. Not sure of where God would lead me, I had brought several books with me. I ended up settling on a book on St. Monica. I found myself journaling over the weekend about what God was telling me at this retreat, through the artwork, my reading and time I spent in chapel.  I was sad to leave come Sunday.

 I have been back now for the last three years and already making plans for this year. I did add a day to my weekend, going down on Thursday to give me the time to decompress as I unplug from the world. I have found it to be easier each year. Last year one of my friends rented the other cabin. We attended morning Mass together, then went our separate was for the rest of the day. With coming together for dinner. I enjoyed sharing this experience with her.

My advise, is to try several different types of retreats, check with your parish and diocese to see what they offer and look on-line for retreat houses in your area.  Be open when you go on retreat - God will speak to you, you just need to be still and listen.

Yes!

Today we celebrate Mary's yes!  What a beautiful sight it must have been.  All of creation held its breath waiting for her answer.

I ponder on her yes, what does it mean, what am I to learn from it. It is more than just a story, as with all the Gospels, it is alive. Mary did not hesitate, she did not have to think on it. Would the same happen today? Today Mary would not be mocked for being pregnant without a husband , she would be mocked at her unflinching faith in God.

This is what Mary's yes should mean to me, the demonstration of deep, deep faith in God through our actions. She accepted God's plan and did not yell it from the roof top - she accepted it and quietly trusted God.

I have always marveled at her strength. I pray that I could live up to even a fracture of her faith. I pray that I can say yes to God no matter what he is asking of me.

A Little About Me

I am what is known as a "cradle Catholic" -- but I was not raised in a traditional Catholic home.  My mom was a convert and my father was a Christmas/Easter person.  We attended Mass regularly until I was about 9 or 10, and then it was hit and miss. They did have the good sense to send me to Catholic school. The school was full when they tried to register me in 1st grade, but by 7th there was a place for me.  I attended through graduation. It is there where I really began my relationship with God.

My faith has ebbed and flowed over the years, each time growing deeper and deeper. I have to say I am not the same Catholic I was 20-30-40 years ago. And yet, I feel like I am still an infant on my faith journey. And it is that journey I am excited to share with you.

I am by no way an expert, and definitely do not have all the answers.  I may struggle with today's social issues at times, but I am willing to learn and grow.  This I do know, God is at our side our whole life, no matter if we acknowledge him or not.  His Graces are always there for the receiving, we just need to open our hands.