Reasons to Attend a Retreat
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Why Attend a Catholic Spiritual Retreat?
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Why take two days out of my crazy, busy schedule and attend a weekend retreat?
“I’m so busy; I feel like I’m chasing myself sometimes!” “I just don’t have time for this.” “If only I could carve out a few more minutes each day…” These comments, or similar ones, are on the lips of many people, young and old, in our society today. Many of us race from task to task, most of which are very good things but we find ourselves mentally, physically and spiritually exhausted. Yet, to be at our best we need to take time to take care of our self! By doing so we end up being the most joyful, relaxed and content person we can be for both ourselves and for those around us.
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Many businesses set aside time for ‘high level’ reflection – with yearly plans to guide them to fulfilling, successful years. Individuals benefit from a yearly time for ‘high level’ reflection once or twice a year as well. All meals are lovingly cooked on site. Enjoy the ample free time between retreat conferences by exploring our trails, journaling, attending confession in a relaxed, unhurried environment, experiencing ‘one on one’ spiritual direction or simply by relaxing in your own room.
Jesus thought retreating was important:
“He departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God” – Luke 6:12
“And after bidding them farewell, he departed to the mountain to pray” – Mark 6:45-46
and exhorted his disciples to do the same,
“Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” – Mark 6: 31Ten reasons you may want to consider attending a retreat:
1) Experience Christ’s love at unhurried pace
2) Step away from the busyness to think, relax and take care of self – nurture self
3) Experience provocative life stories based on a relevant yearly theme to help you grow
4) Seek guidance in life (from God and trained spiritual directors in a ‘one on one’ setting)
5) Rest
6) Work through a challenge in a space likely to produce favorable solutions
7) Hear God’s (Spirit’s) voice in your life
8) Put first things first – discover your priorities
9) To rest in the palm of God’s hand for the weekend
10) Renew your energy for and outlook on lifeBONUS! - Immerse yourself in your faith in a way that's challenging to do during normal life
Click to view our Calendar to see dates for our Christian Catholic Spiritual Retreats
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July 2025 - June 2026 - RETREAT THEME
Open The Door: I Make All Things New-
This will be developed through the following conferences:
1. Come as You Are: I Call You Friends
2. Forgive and Be Forgiven: The Door to Freedom
3. Embrace The Mystery: I AM
4. Go Forth: I Am with You Always
Besides the retreat conferences, the prayer experiences, liturgies and times for individual spiritual direction will help us savor this space of rest and renewal as we grow in faith. Our retreats begin with the Welcome and Orientation at 7:30 PM.
The four conference talks relate to the carefully developed, highly relevant yearly theme. These talks are likely to resonate at some level in your own life and when they do you are in the perfect place to hear and discern what they mean to you.
Would you like to know more? The following are articles from the Catholic Spirit. What’s it like to go on Retreat & Who goes on Retreat.
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Things Retreatants Say:
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The prayer services were excellent. I especially liked the first night’s service. It set the serene and
peaceful feeling for the whole retreat. – Susan T
A perfect mix of prayer services, liturgies, music, conferences and free time. – Jane T
Thank you for your openness. I have been away from the church for 15 years – you made it very welcoming and inviting to return. – Jess A
I cannot tell you enough what a superb job everyone does here. Housekeeping, cooks, staff and presenters. I can hardly wait until next year! – Jane D
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Although we are a Catholic Retreat center, we welcome spiritual seekers from all faith walks. Catholic in nature, we offer Christian Retreats that can be enjoyed by all.
Some tips on How to Make a Retreat.
Our Frequently Asked Questions page provides further information on our retreats, our facilities, and the typical offering we request for attending our retreats.
Click on How To Get Here and consult a road map for directions to Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center.
Should you have further questions, please call us at 952-447-2182, contact us via e-mail: [email protected] or via our website at Contact Us.
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