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RETREATS: AN AID TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Spending time apart in God's company is important. It is a time of rest and therefore healing and a time to know God as friend, encourager and sometimes disturber of life.
There are many ways of undertaking a retreat. Often people go away to a retreat, meditation or monastic centre to spend the time apart in a place away from one's busy life.
A retreat held in the parish encourages people to have time set with God in the midst of everyday lives by setting aside as much time as practical over six days to be silent and alone.
Each day, a reflection on the theme is offered to assist in spiritual development. This enables us to reflect while taking part in daily life. A journal is kept to record the journey. The reflections open avenues for conversations with God (prayer) and offer hints about possible redirection in the breadth and depth of ones life.
I weave a silence on to my lips
I weave a silence into my mind
I weave a silence within my heart
I close my ears to distraction
I
close my eyes to attractions
I close my heart to temptations
Calm me, O Lord, as you stilled the storm.
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all tumult within me cease
Enfold me Lord in your peace.
David Adams.
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