Why Should I Go on a Retreat?

by Carmelite Sisters | March 6, 2018 12:04 am

Dear Sister,

Can you answer a question for me?  Why do people need or even want to make a retreat? I’ve never understood that, given the wonderful options I have right here at home through my parish, and, of course, the vast array of media opportunities we have now.

Sincerely,

Curious

Dear Curious,

I can think of TEN great reasons to make a retreat!

  1. A retreat is the perfect place to grow in union with Our Lord through the sacraments, Eucharist, silence, simplicity, solitude all in one weekend!  It is a great time to reflect on what the Lord is doing in your life and where He is leading you next in the great dance with Him, especially as we round out the Year of Mercy.
  2. Receive His Mercy, Healing, and Love in one concentrated weekend.
  3. Silence – get away from the world and the negative messages it bombards us with.  Come to the oasis of the retreat house!
  4. Relax and recuperate for your work for God.
  5. Enjoy and soak in the spiritual talks and readings that fill us and send us out, as we must do it regularly to keep ourselves growing and intellectually stimulated.
  6. Witness and experience the joy and tender care of the Carmelite sisters and the novices as they serve you and surround you in prayer.
  7. Be in the heart of Southern California, surrounded by beautiful gardens with mountains in the distance, witnessing to God’s love for us in all the world.
  8. Stock up on great Catholic materials and gifts in our beautiful and diverse gift shop.
  9. Rest in the arms of the Father AND in the beautiful, simple rooms that keep your eyes fixed on Christ.
  10. Be reassured and lifted up around others who are on the same journey as you.

I hope this helps, and we look forward to seeing you here soon on retreat and resting in His Sacred Heart!

Sister Laus Gloriae, O.C.D.

Click here for a list[1] of the many retreats offered at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, Califormia. We hope you will join us soon!

To learn more about the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, read their biography below and visit their website[2].

We encourage you to support the work of the sisters with your prayers and through donations and planned giving. Click here[3] to learn more..

If you hear God calling you to the religious life, I encourage you to visit their vocations page[4]. – Deacon Mike

Or for more information, please contact:
Sister Elizabeth Therese, O.C.D., Vocation Directress
920 East Alhambra Road
Alhambra, California 91801

[5]Please share on social media.

Endnotes:
  1. Click here for a list: https://www.sacredheartretreathouse.com/retreats-home/
  2. website: http://www.carmelitesistersocd.com/
  3. here: https://carmelitesistersocd.com/support/
  4. vocations page: http://www.carmelitesistersocd.com/vocation/
  5. [Image]: http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/donate/

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