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Guided Retreats - Are They For You? What is a Guided Retreat and how is it different from other kinds? Let’s begin with how it is similar to the Spiritual Center’s themed weekend retreats. Like these, the Guided Retreat focuses on a particular topic, field of scripture or life and faith issues. In this sense, both styles of retreats are the same. Like a Directed Retreat, there is some opportunity for individual spiritual companioning, but not necessarily on a daily basis. Like a Silent Retreat, there are times of day and perhaps meal times that are silent, but not necessarily every meal or all day. Like a Preached Retreat, there are conferences or talks, but not as many each day. A Guided Retreat can last for a couple of days, like a weekend retreat, or for much longer. It is meant to provide a quieter atmosphere for prayer and contemplation. It is a retreat that a group makes together with the leader(s) providing input based on a theme. The conferences or talks provide direction and opportunity for further reflection, but most of each day is unscheduled. Why? In our busy lives, retreats have as one goal or opportunity the offering to slow down our bodies, minds and spirits enabling us to listen more deeply to the movement of God’s Spirit in our lives.Sr. Roberta Popara, O.P.
This year, Sr. Roberta, will offer one of her guided retreats for
women. Each retreat will begin on
Sunday evening and end on Friday afternoon.
The
cost for the retreat is: $425.00.
Your
Spiritual Autobiography —
God’s
Story of Salvation in Each Life Every life is a great story.
Do you believe this? Each
of us, created in God’s image, is truly a reflection of the Creator.
What is the great story of God that is your life? Each
of us has some understanding of our beginning, but life if full of beginnings.
Into our lives come family, loves and friendships.
These may also become the places of loss and grief. What
experiences have you had of healing and hope?
What struggles to be a person faithful to commitments and choices?
How has the many facets of your life reflected an understanding of being
a child of God, as St Paul encouraged the earliest believers? How
have you been able to live the Beatitudes of Jesus as one striving to live the
life of discipleship? What
are the ways you have understood God’s place in all aspects of your life? The
days of this guided retreat will include presentations on aspects of living a
fully human life; suggested guides to ponder and even writing your
autobiography; evening gatherings for shared reflection and prayer; and most
importantly, generous times for retreatants own space for personal prayer.
This
retreat experience is sure to engage your spirit as you ponder the ways of
God’s Holy Spirit actively present in your daily life.
Women In Scripture (Watch for Future Announcements of this Retreat Theme)
If you have any questions about the guided retreat or the theme, please call Sister Roberta at the Center. You may use the registration form here to print and fax or mail to the Center.
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Last Updated: July 31, 2008 |
