sILENT Directed retreat

January 4-9, 2008

Open to:

All Undergraduate, Graduate, Faculty, Administrators, and Staff of the Marquette University Community.

Registration begins:

Monday, November 10, 2008

Registration ends:

December 5, 2008

(or when the retreat is full)

Brief Description:

Don't let the daunting "silence" of this retreat intimidate you. The silence is what enables you to focus on yourself and your individual needs, despite arriving with 15 other people! The solitude of quiet is refreshing and helpful in setting the tone for prayer and reflection. You will find the setting of St. Joseph's Retreat Center as a perfect place to quiet yourself. The many cozy corners in the building or the acres of walking trails with occasional benches to rest provide an inspiring backdrop for reflection.

A typical day on retreat consists of optional communal prayer, liturgy, shared but silent meals and a scheduled meeting with your personal spiritual director. What you choose to do with the times "in-between" is how you tailor your retreat. Reading personal books, scripture, centering prayer, walks, snow shoeing or cross country skiing (bring your own!), running, or napping are all options for self care and methods for reflection. All that is asked is that you focus your self on emptying your schedule rather than filling up the time with things to do. Trust is required that your time will be well spent and the quiet of the retreat will prove to be blessed.

A tentative time for departure on Sunday, January 4 is Noon. Retreatants and cars will be organized in SchAMU (the service drive between the Union and Schroeder Residence Hall). The group will return to campus around 5 pm on Friday, January 9.

Retreat Location:

Jesuit Retreat House

4800 Fahrnwald Road

Oshkosh, WI  54902-7598

920-231-9060

http://jesuitretreathouse.org

Retreat Cost:

$150 (Covers transportation, food and lodging for the 5 day retreat)

We are asking for people to volunteer to drive their own personal car for transportation of retreatants. All gas for travel will be reimbursed.

**If financing the retreat is a problem, please contact the Retreat Coordinator in University Ministry at 288-6873.

What to pack for this retreat :

Comfortable clothes for leisure is a must. Please bring warm coats, gloves and hats for outdoor walking. Your basic overnight needs will be necessary. All bedding is provided by the center. During your interview, items to bring for prayer and reflection will be discussed but generally, bring your bible, your journal or materials to journal with, some inspirational reading, visuals or symbols for prayer, and possibly some other reading you have been meaning to focus some of your time on that isn't work related!

What to NOT pack for this retreat :

Though these things are not banned, we offer a challenge for you to pack simply and pack with the intention of freeing you from those things which distract you from pausing. These items include: iPods, MP3 players, CD players, homework or business work, books that have no inspirational focus, cell phones, and computers. Packing with purpose is the key. Asking the questions on what is your need is the challenge!

More questions answered by the Spiritual Director :

Click here (Microsoft Word file)

Visit the retreat center online: www.stjosephretreat.org