RETREAT GUIDE
WHAT IS A RETREAT?
A retreat is an out-of-the-ordinary break we all need, like an annual medical check-up. We stop all activity to be alone with God, so we can calmly look at the single most important thing in our life: our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Since he wants to be our close friend, we will be spending time in conversation with him, asking for his light and help to convert our life—to begin again to live our Christian life to the full and so attain the greatest possible happiness that it brings.
Listen to Jesus’ advice to busy Martha: “You are anxious and troubled about many things. But only one thing is necessary”—loving Jesus: being with him and listening to him. He is the only Master—not mammon!—that we serve.
WHAT IS THE BEST APPROACH TO A RETREAT?
Do it as if it were your first retreat, your last retreat, and your only retreat. This means resolve to make it your best retreat. The Catechism teaches: “We live as we pray.” If you want to live the best life, then offer the best prayer during the retreat.
It is always good to begin with the end in mind: the ultimate aim of a retreat is the same singular aim of all formation and Christian life: to be one with Jesus through love.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A RETREAT?
Since a retreat is basically a time of prayer and examination of conscience, the activities guide you to engage in a heart-to-heart talk with God our loving Father and with Jesus Christ, God made man—like us! For this, retreats are held in silence that allows us to easily relate with Jesus: to listen to him and speak with him. All the activities help you encounter God: both the organized common activities and the free time you spend alone with him in silence.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON ACTIVITIES?
Meditation. Meditation is guided prayer. It is a traditional and widespread Catholic practice during which a priest reflects prayerfully on a Christian mystery to help you converse with Jesus Christ and examine your own life in his light.
Try to fix your eyes on Jesus who is alive and present in the Eucharist. Open your heart to him and show yourself as you are.
Spiritual Reading and Talk. This is led by a layman and covers different topics relevant to your life as an ordinary Christian: work, loving the world, family, social action, etc.
Holy Mass and Communion. This Holy Sacrifice is the most important activity because it is the greatest prayer and the greatest source of graces we need. Why? Because the Mass makes present the one center of history that brings salvation: Jesus’ fiercely agonizing sacrifice on the cross. Respond to this infinite love of God—and to his words of love in the readings and prayers—with utmost attention and devotion.
Around ten minutes are allotted for Holy Communion: the most precious time with Jesus, our only Savior. If you are not ready, go to Confession as soon as possible, so you will live in grace (divine life) and so benefit much more from the retreat.
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Given that Jesus visits us during Holy Communion, we in turn make a visit to our dear Friend. We pray the basic vocal prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be) and a Spiritual Communion, a desire to receive Jesus again.
Way of the Cross. Since the center of Jesus’ life is his redeeming suffering, it is ours too: we recall his love and passion often. St. Josemaria advised: Enter the event and feel each one of the pains Jesus felt due to our sins.
Holy Rosary and Angelus. St. Josemaria teaches: “To Jesus we always go, and to him we always return, through Mary.” Our mother Mary is “the shortcut to Jesus.”
Examination of Conscience. A series of questions are read to help you look at key aspects of your life. It is a time to be brave and honest with God, and also with yourself. The truth shall set you free, Jesus assures us. He also urges: Repent, and you will make the whole of heaven—and yourself—very happy. Trust in God's limitless Mercy, be sorry and decide to begin anew.
WHAT DO I DO DURING THE BREAKS?
Confession. Since a retreat is all about a new conversion and spiritual healing, receive God's mercy and grace in the Sacrament of Mercy. Prepare for it thoroughly, using Confession guides.
Prayerful reading of spiritual books. Choose well the readings that can help you know God more and inspire you to talk with Jesus. Don’t just read for information, learn to love God with all your heart, and serve others with deeds.
Personal prayer. The retreat is a privileged time to learn to “pray always” as Jesus commanded. Prayer is raising our hearts to God. Use your own words to talk with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And use the three “major” ways of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation (reflecting on the mysteries of Christ), and contemplation (a loving gaze at Jesus and his infinite love for you; a mutual look that transforms us deeply). The best place for prayer is being near Jesus in the Eucharist.
Spiritual direction with the priest and layperson. We all need guidance, so we open up about our key struggles and identify two or three resolutions to forge ahead in following Christ.
By Parents for Education Foundation (PAREF) and Dr. Raul Nidoy, author of Jesus-Centered: Guide to the Happiest Life, a guide to prayer centered on Christ, highly recommended by scholars such as Dr. Scott Hahn Fr. Mariano Fazio, Dr. Bernie Villegas, Dr. Jesus Estanislao, Hal Urban, Dr. Andrew Mullins, Fr. John Portavella, etc.
Dr. Thomas Lickona: “I know of no richer resource for growing in prayer at any age than Jesus-Centered.” Scott Hahn: "This book is life-changing and world-changing...Start praying this book today." Available online here at the Jesus-Centered Life website. URL: https://tinyurl.com/2deypauw
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