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MONASTERY
OF THE RISEN CHRIST |
 WHAT
IS A RETREAT?
Copyright © 2007 Kay MurdyA retreat is a withdrawal
from ordinary activities for a period of time to commune with God in
prayer and reflection. Jesus spent forty days in the desert in prayer
and fasting before entering his public ministry. In the early
Christian era, the desert, mountains and other remote areas provided
places for prayer. Later, people sought solitude in monasteries and
convents. In the late 16th century, retreat houses were established and continue to operate today. The liturgical
season of Lent with its emphasis on prayer, fasting and almsgiving
prepares us for the celebration of Easter. Lent is regarded as a forty day retreat for the
whole church. A retreat might be designed around a theme of scripture or some spiritual writing that seems suited to the needs of the individuals involved. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola enable retreatants to consider creation, repentance for sin and redemption. They contemplate the life of Christ, his passion and resurrection. Through prayer and discernment they come to a realization of and surrender to God's great plan of salvation in Christ. This structure follows the three traditional ways of spiritual growth: the purgative, the illuminative, and the unitive way. Another form of retreat is based on the daily Scripture readings assigned in the Lectionary of the Roman Missal. Some make charismatic retreats opening themselves to the gifts of the Spirit. In Cursillos an overview of the Catholic way of life is given, and community is formed. There are three general formats for retreats: preached, directed, and private. In a preached retreat, there is a leader who offers conferences each day, leads prayer and is available for private counseling. In directed retreats, each person meets with a spiritual director who may suggest scripture passages for prayer and reflection. Private retreats are made without a leader or director. In most retreats, some
degree of silence is maintained and there is an emphasis on the
practice of a healthful lifestyle in regard to food, relaxation, and
exercise. Many enter a retreat in order to make a serious decision or
commitment, or to take the opportunity to examine the quality of their
spiritual lives. Retreatants hope for a deeper conversion,
purification, and spiritual growth. |
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CARDINAL NEWMAN RETREAT CENTER
CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT, Orange, CA
CLARETIAN RETREAT CENTER, Los Angeles, CA EL
CARMELO RETREAT HOUSE, Redlands, CA
HEART OF JESUS RETREAT CENTER, Santa Ana, CA 714-557-4538
IMMACULATE HEART RETREAT HOUSE
MERCY CENTER MISSION RENEWAL
CENTER For Web Page
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POVARELLO OF
ASSISI RETREAT HOUSE PRESENTATION CENTER PROSANCTITY SPIRITUALITY CENTER, Fullerton, CA, 714-956-1020
RETREATS INTERNATIONAL SACRED HEART RETREAT CAMP, Big Bear Lake, CA, 909-866-5696 SACRED HEART
RETREAT HOUSE SAN LORENZO SEMINARY PRAYER AND RETREAT CENTER, Santa Ynez, CA 805-688-5630 SERRA RETREAT
CENTER, Malibu, CA
SPIRITUAL MINISTRY CENTER
ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER ST. JOHN'S ABBEY, COLLEGEVILLE, MN ST. JOSEPH'S
CONFERENCE AND EVANGELIZATION CENTER, Alhambra, CA
626-289-0223 ST. MARY'S SEMINARY, Santa Barbara, CA 805-966-4829 ST. VINCENT'S RETREAT CAMP, Los Angeles 323-224-6213
VALLOMBROSA CENTER Whispering Winds Catholic Camp and
Conference Center |
