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.