Personal Retreat
A personal retreat is the perfect way to unplug and reconnect with God.
At our retreat center you may personalize your retreat according to your needs. Options include dates, directors, and content.
Dates
You can choose your retreat dates from the available dates listed at the top of the registration page for each month.
Directed or Non-Directed
If you would like to have a director for your retreat, you can choose one from the list of available directors. Directors are typically only available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the exception of the 30-day Spiritual Exercises timeframe (May/June) when they are available throughout for longer retreats. If you would prefer not to have a director or if you will be connecting with a spiritual director not provided by the retreat center, choose “non-directed.”
Spiritual Exercises or Custom Content
If your retreat is directed, you can choose the content of your retreat: either “Ignatian Spiritual Exercises” or “Custom Content.” If you choose “Custom Content” you will need to connect with your director once you have registered so he or she can prepare to best serve your needs. Contact us at info@olscretreat.org to get in touch with your director.
Practical Expectations
Daily Structure
The basic structure of the day consists of the three meals, plus the Celebration of the Eucharist before lunch and a couple hours of optional adoration in the evening after dinner. This offers a simple structure of community activities for the day and allows for plenty of personal time for prayer. In addition, you will meet with your director daily, during which time you can review the previous day’s experiences, and go over the content for the upcoming day.
Silence
Silence alone powerfully opens the soul to the movements of God. We ask that retreatants keep exterior silence for their own benefit and to respect others. We also encourage retreatants to keep interior silence by disconnecting from the noise of the world and unplugging from electronic devices for the duration of the retreat. Keeping silence may sound daunting, but you will be in an interior dialogue with the Lord. Note: complete silence cannot be guaranteed, especially during weekdays.
Meals
Healthy and balanced meals will be provided, and coffee, tea, fruit and snacks will be available throughout the retreat. Breakfast will be in silence and each one can come and go on their own. During lunch we listen to an audio book on themes of the spiritual life or on the life of a saint. At dinner we listen to appropriate classical music.
Schedule
The regular schedule is as follows: 8:00 breakfast, 11:30 Celebration of the Eucharist, followed by lunch, 6:00 dinner, 7:00 adoration, 9:00 night prayer and benediction. Arrivals are at 4:00 pm so you can get situated and have an introduction before dinner. Departures are by 10:00 am. For custom retreats different arrival and departure times can be accommodated; please inquire when you register.
What to bring
You will have a private bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Linens, towels, hair dryers, as well as basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer are provided. You will want to bring other personal toiletries and medications, comfortable clothes, and footwear for walking if you desire. Notebooks and pens will be provided; bring your bible and rosary.
For more information on facilities and meals, see our facilities page.