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Vocations
A retreat is a time for God
A retreat is a time for God and a time for assessing our relationship with God. We spend time with the people we love, cherish, and respect and so we spend time with God. A retreat nurtures our spiritual life in an environment away from the ordinary distractions of life.
In the scriptures, we read that Jesus would simply go off and pray. Each of us needs time to be alone, to pause and discern where we are and where we are going; where we want to be and how we get there. A retreat provides us with this opportunity for any person, especially for those in discernment for religious life.
There are many kinds of retreats:
Guided Retreats - A group retreat with scripture-based presentations, offering guidance for prayer and discernment. It includes silence, solitude and ample time for individual and communal prayer and reflection. It allows time for a deepening of one’s connection with God and self. Small group faith-sharing provides a connection with others.
Preached Retreats – A traditional, silent, group retreat with conferences, offering instruction in a variety of faith-related topics. Time is provided for individual and communal prayer, spiritual reading, reflection, and devotions.
Faith Sharing Retreats – For those who do not want a silent retreat, but want a retreat focused on faith-sharing, this retreat includes large group presentations, small group discussion, opportunities for communal and individual prayer, and social interaction at meals and/or at other times of the day. These retreats are often focused on a special interest group that comes together to reflect on a specific topic or particular life issues.
Individually Directed Retreats – A retreat with spiritual direction which usually lasts five to eight days but may be as brief as one full day or as long as thirty days. A directed retreat is an opportunity for an individual to focus on his/her personal relationship with God, particularly one's prayer life, as well as one's relationship with others. This is done over a period of time in solitude and silence in communion with God. During this time the person meets daily with his/her director, who is usually a member of the staff of the retreat center. Normally, the director will allow a period of forty-five minutes for the person, but this can be shorter or longer according to the needs of the retreatant. During the opening session with the director, the retreatant shares with the director pertinent personal information about his/her relationship with God and prayer life. Such information helps the director in his or her role as spiritual companion. Each day the director will usually suggest several scripture passages from the Old and/or New Testament for the individual to pray over prior to their next meeting on the following day.
Where can I make a retreat?
Retreat Centers within the Diocese of Green Bay
Appleton Monte Alverno Retreat Center 920-733-8526
Bailey’s Harbor St. Joseph Retreat Center 920-839-2391
Chamber’s Island Holy Name Retreat House 920-437-7531
Denmark The Bridge Between 920-864-7230
De Pere Norbertine Center for Spirituality 920-337-4315
Menasha Mt. Tabor 920-722-8918
Oshkosh The Jesuit Retreat House 920-231-9060
St. Nazianz Maria House 920-773-2515
Many dioceses or religious congregations have retreat houses available to the public. To find a retreat house located in your area, contact your Diocesan Office.
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