Catholic Life regularly receives requests for donations from Catholic retreat centers throughout our area of operations. The Circle Lake Family Retreat Center in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the Eagles Wings Retreat Center in the Diocese of Austin are just two centers who have received financial support this year.
We support these Centers because we believe that spending time on a spiritual retreat is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself. Here’s why you should say “yes” the next time the opportunity arises:
- Get Away From it All. Let’s face it; we lead busy lives trying to balance work and family. On top of that, we are connected 24/7 to our phones. Taking the time to unplug and unwind can help you become a better spouse, a better parent and potentially a better Catholic. Even more important, a retreat can strengthen your relationship with God.
- Be Quiet and Listen to God. Sometimes God speaks loudest when we are quiet. Quiet reflection at a retreat can provide the opportunity for you to talk to God without any interruptions. Retreats can also offer a safe place for you to listen to God.
Director Felix Skarpa and his wife, Marie, present a $1,000 check on behalf of Catholic Life. - Be around other Catholics. We might nod at our fellow parishioners as we hurry into Mass every Sunday, but how much time do we really spend with other Catholics. These people share our desire to deepen their prayer life and live out their faith. Retreats are places where you can join others in celebrating the Mass or in adoration. Even better, retreats can expose you to people from different walks-of-life and with different points of view. How refreshing!
- Be alone. Sometimes quiet contemplation is the only way to refresh your soul. Taking a private retreat at a monastery is one of the great ways to do this. A private retreat affords you time for silence, prayer, holy reading, and reflection. Many places will also make the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confession available to those on a private retreat.
- Jesus did it. Maybe you don’t have 40 days and 40 nights to spend in the desert, but most people can squeeze two or three days into their busy schedule. We are called to emulate Christ. Here’s our chance.