A retreat is a unique opportunity to answer a call.

Have I ever said to myself:
"Someday, when I have more time..."
"My life is busy and full, and yet something is missing"
"I don't pray that much, but sometimes I feel this stirring..."

Our lives are too fast, too busy and there's never enough time for prayer. How can Lent be an experience of renewal for us? Is there really time in our lives to add one more thing?  Is the Retreat for Busy People the answer? 

This is a unique experience, paying special attention to God's working in our lives.  It can make us aware of prayer times that already exist in our lives, from the drive to work in the morning, the walk across campus to a meeting or the time spent caring for our family.  It might help us look differently at the world around us, and see the person waiting outside our office door as an opportunity for caring rather than an interruption in our lives.

How does it work? On a weekly basis, each retreatant will receive an e-mail, to help focus our prayer and remind us to be aware of how God is already working in our lives.  In addition, there is a weekly meeting to talk about how this kind of "paying attention" has touched us.  We'll ask ourselves: "Where have we found unexpected times to pray? How have we noticed God's presence?"

Meetings are with individual Prayer Companions who will listen and guide or with a group of colleagues on this journey together.

May Our Lord grant us all the graces we need and desire.

Which is better for me:
to meet individually or in a group?
The decision depends on each person's desires, personality and schedule. 

Individual: An individual retreatant meets privately for 30 to 60 minutes with a Prayer Companion at a mutually agreeable time each week during Lent .  The retreatant will share his/her experience of prayer over the past week and the Prayer Companion will listen and encourage.  
Get more details about an individual retreat.

Options in choosing an Individual Retreat
No preference for a Prayer Companion.
Prefer a man for a Prayer Companion.
Prefer a woman for a Prayer Companion.
Prefer the Companion I had last year, if available.

Group: Some might prefer the companionship of a group. Groups of five or six other retreatants meet at a set time weekly for an hour. Led by a Group Companion, they talk about their prayer over the past week and how they have seen God working in their lives.  Camaraderie, friendship and mutual support can develop in a group.
Get more details about a group retreat.
 

Options for meeting with a group.
Available on both sides of campus, at a variety of times. The Group Times, Places and Facilitators:

 

Mon.	12:30 pm	Admin. Bldg.	Joan Howard
Tue.	7:00 am	CUMC Hosp.	Brigid Quinn-Laquer
Tue.	7:30 am	Admin. Bldg.	Tom Shanahan, S.J
Tue.	11:30 am	Hixson-Lied	Marcia Shadle-Cusic
Wed.	11:30 am	St. John’s	Larry Gillick, S.J.
Thu.	4:30 pm	Admin. Bldg.	Michele Millard