The Catholic Encyclopedia describes a retreat as - the name of a period of time varying in length from several days to a month during which the faithful, cleric and lay, may undertake prayer, meditation, devotions and spiritual exercises for the purpose of advancing in spiritual living or amendment of life. A retreat, especially one that is of the silent variety, is an excellent way to deepen one’s prayer life and personal spiritual development. Don’t assume that retreats are only suitable for the very devote. Almost everyone can benefit from some peace and quiet and the relaxed, meditative atmosphere of most retreat centers. In fact you don’t even have to pray if you don’t want to because your retreat time is yours to do with as you wish.

Where to go…
The first step is deciding on a place to go or make your retreat. There exists slightly more than 500 Catholic retreat centers and houses in the United States and Canada, thus one is generally located within, or in close proximity to almost every medium and large city. For the really adventurous there are thousands more throughout the world including remote 400-year-old monasteries and religious houses in Europe. If you enjoy the outdoors you should pick a location that offers plenty of grounds and perhaps gardens, hiking trails, and a lake. If these features are not important to you then there are many retreat houses sited in urban areas. Your Parish or Diocese office can probably suggest some nearby retreat centers. You can also check out Retreats International at www.retreatsintl.org for a list of their members.

Retreat Format…
You will need to decide what type of retreat you want to undertake as well as the duration of your retreat. First timers may want to consider a retreat of two or three days. This allows sufficient time to wind down on arrival and to settle into the retreat experience.

There are several systems or customary procedures for retreats, for example, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. However, the basic requirements are solitude with the keeping of silence, a schedule of prayer, and ample time to relax, meditate and reflect.

Many Parishes and Catholic organizations organize group retreats. If you go on this type of retreat your group will probably assemble once or twice on each day of the retreat for a series of spiritual talks given by a Priest or trained spiritual director. Other group activities may include daily Mass, morning and evening prayer and perhaps physical exercise such as Yoga. The remainder of your time will be free for private prayer and meditation.

Another retreat format is the private retreat. A private retreat is when you go to the retreat house alone, or perhaps with a friend or family member, rather than as part of an organized group. Your private retreat can be either directed or non-directed based on your choice. If you choose a directed retreat you will be assigned a spiritual director to work with during your retreat. Generally you will meet with your director once or twice each day for guidance on prayer and meditation. The director does not pray with you but gives you guidelines, ideas, and perhaps suggested scripture reading suggestions, which will help engender your contemplation process. They will also encourage you to enhance your retreat experience by getting sufficient rest and spending some time enjoying the evidence of God’s creation. All retreat centers want their visitors to have a positive retreat experience and will gladly answer any questions that you have and will assist you in choosing a retreat format that you are comfortable with.

What else should you expect…
Even if you make a private non-directed retreat other guests will probably be staying at the retreat house at the same time. It is important to recognize, however, that during a silent retreat the people that you encounter will not be talking to you. Thus do not feel odd if people pass you in the hall without even a nod. As you can expect cell phones, computers, Ipods and the like are discouraged and if you must should only be used in the privacy of your room. Remember, however, that the purpose of a retreat is to get away from our normal routine and to clear away the mental cobwebs. Therefore you should seriously consider leaving these devices at home.

Retreats are not expensive…
The accommodations range from bare bones monks’ quarters to quality hotel like. Nearly all are well lighted, clean and comfortable. Rates are generally modest ranging from $40 to $100 per day including a private room, three meals and snacks. Rates are often presented as a suggested donation or free will offering. Many retreat centers struggle to remain on a sound financial footing thus you can be assured that any extra donation that you choose to make will be greatly appreciated. It is also a nice gesture, but usually not required, to give your director a modest cash honorarium of $10 or so per day at the conclusion of your retreat. If your budget is modest don’t let that discourage you because some retreat houses will waive some or all of the fees.

Give it a try…
Anyone can benefit from a retreat. A spiritual retreat offers the chance to reflect in an unhurried way on your life, your relationships, and your experience with God; to ponder the meaning of what has happened to you, and to prepare for the future. Most retreat houses offer a warm and welcoming environment and good value and many are sited in settings of natural beauty, so even if you are not inspired to leaps of faith, you will at least be impressed with God’s handiwork of nature.