By the time you read this, I will be in the third or fourth day of a six day retreat, a six day silent retreat. "What on earth is that?" And "Why would you do that?" I hear you ask.

First, you need to know that going on retreat is a privilege. It is something that I have to plan well in advance for. It is a rare opportunity and it is a gift of grace amid a very busy life. BUT…It is not a vacation or a holiday. There is no beach, no indoor swimming pool or spa. No private ensuite bath with a whirlpool tub, just a simple room with a single bed, a comfy chair, a lamp and a desk. Simple nutritious meals are provided, (I won't have to wash any dishes). In other words, my basic needs will be met, simply and without luxury.

I am going on retreat. The retreat house is located amid 500 acres of farm land with many walking trails, a pond and forested areas too. It is a place of solitude where one is surrounded by natural beauty. It is a place where it is easier to become aware of God's creation and God's presence in it.

I am going on a silent retreat. There is no television, no telephone and no radio. And no talking. It is a place where the atmosphere encourages peace. It is a place where quietness comes not just in the absence of sound in the ears but in the heart and in the mind as well. It is a place where one can hear the songs of creation in the absence of the noise of man.

Taking time for retreat is very important to me. It is a time set apart to be apart. It is sacred time, holy time.

When I am on retreat there is freedom - freedom from and freedom to. I have freedom from my day to day responsibilities at home and in the parish.

This gives me freedom to rest and pray in ways that I cannot at home or even at work. I have freedom from telephones, fax machines and pagers. This gives me freedom to be attentive to another Voice that calls to me.

I will spend much of my day reading scripture, praying, attending worship or walking on the many trails. I will have a daily conversation with a spiritual guide who will help me to listen carefully to what my experiences may be revealing about God's presence and activity in my life. I suppose it sounds kind of boring, and to be honest, at times it is, but there are moments of grace to be f o u n d even in the midst of boredom. My retreat experience helps me to be more attentive to such things when I return home.

The 'purpose' of a retreat is to provide a place and an experience that enables us to live more wholly in the heart of God when we are in the midst of the world.

Going on retreat helps me to be a more attentive and compassionate pastor and priest.

Going on retreat enables me to be a more faithful and c a r i n g wife and mother.

Going on retreat i n s p i r e s me to take better care of our environment.

Going on retreat stirs up my desire for justice and peace. Taking this kind of time apart with God in prayer helps me to fulfill the promises of my baptism.

It is not about escaping from the world, but rather holding open a space that actually allows me to engage more deeply with the world.

When I am on retreat I can rest more fully in the heart of the One who loved me into being, who holds me, guides me and protects me and who sends me out to be his hands and feet and voice in the world.

Sound interesting? Retreats aren't just for clergy or pious religious people. All people of faith can benefit by taking time apart to rest and pray. There are many retreat houses in Ontario, several within a couple hours drive of Shelburne. I'd be happy to discuss it further, just give me a call, or send an email, and I'll get back to you … next week.