WHAT IS A RETREAT?
He aha te wahi mārie?
Retreat: A time apart to pause, listen, soften, open to Presence.
A contemplative retreat offers intentional time out from the hustle and bustle of life in order to rest, listen deeply and attune to God. It can be an opportunity to explore silence or other contemplative practices with the guidance of a retreat facilitator and to experience the deep communion of being ‘alone, together’ with other people.
Many facilitated retreats and quiet days offer a balance of private time for prayer/reflection and group sessions offering input or contemplative practices around a particular theme. Some retreats will include meeting with a spiritual director each day.
Retreats offer nourishment and refreshment for your spiritual journey.
“Contemplative retreats and quiet days are special places for extended time for contemplative practices without the distractions and responsibilities of normal life. There’s time to pay attention to God. I withdraw, in order to return refreshed and perhaps more centered in what really matters.”
— Joanne Garton
“Retreats offer me a ‘re-set. They have allowed for a rest from, and an examination of, the incessant expectations that the world and I place on myself. They have provided space to discuss with God in an unhurried space whatever has been on top, or what has been put aside until there is space for a conversation at length.”
— Jo Anastasiadis
“My first seven day silent retreat was truly life giving. In a period of my life where I was deeply struggling on a personal level I experienced what I can only describe as a vision of love that surged through my body like molten lava cauterising all the hurts in my body. It was an incredible experience that transformed my life. Further retreats, while not as dramatic have continued to re-centre me.”
— Bruce Maden
“I do a seven day silent retreat every year. A silent retreat is one where you’re willing to let go the clamour of the outside world and nagging ‘to do’s’ and immerse yourself in what God might want. To enter the silence and allow God to do some deep work in me is truly valuable. This annual practice is one of the most amazing things in my life.”
— Diane Gilliam-Weeks