Retreats - Space to fan the Spark in the Soul

Retreats are a valuable way in which we can set aside some space to pay attention to the deeper things of our lives - to listen to God who is present within us and beyond us and can be heard through our praying, reflecting on our experiences, through our recreation and creativity. They give more personal space than is often possible in everyday life and provide structures that can support and help listening to God.

There are many different types of retreat, but some of the key ones are described below:

Individually Guided Retreat

These retreats, usually drawing upon Ignatian Spirituality, aim to let each individual’s journey unfold with the support of a retreat ‘companion’ or guide. Retreat participants would normally meet with their companion once a day to reflect on their retreat experience and through this recognise more deeply where the spark in their soul is being fanned into greater life, and so to find ways of letting this grow further. These retreats offer a great deal of individual space and would be held in silence. Generally there would be a daily act of worship and a time of silent prayer together.

Theme and Preached Retreats

These retreats would have a leader or leaders who would provide a series of talks through each day, offering retreatants food for reflection and prayer. There would be space for personal prayer between the addresses and the daily pattern of worship. These may be in total silence or have periods of silence.

Creativity and Activity Retreats

Some retreats take a particular creative activity, like painting to form the basis of the retreat, while others take an activity like walking or gardening. They would provide some input and invite reflection on this while engaged in the activity itself. There will also be a pattern of worship and there may be total silence or periods of silence

Do it yourself retreats

It is possible to arrange your own retreat. Many retreat houses offer the possibility of staying there without having to be part of an organised retreat. They may even have someone who you could talk to when you wish to reflect on your experience with or just to chat.

Silence on Retreat

Being silent for significant periods of time can seem a rather strange and fearful activity. Lots of questions may arise - can I do it, will I cope, won’t it feel very difficult and strange, what do I do if someone wants to talk to me... The reality is that it can be both difficult and wonderful. Many find it takes a bit of adjusting to, but discover the space it provides is creative and helpful and a welcome break from the busyness and demands of everyday life. The structure of a retreat breaks up the ‘emptiness’ and also provides particular ways of using your time - so that often it doesn’t seem that the silence is long and endless. Interestingly a deep fellowship develops between those on retreat - despite never sharing a word - but just through the sharing of space and silence together. If you do find it difficult it is always possible to talk to someone at the retreat house. Silence does not mean never saying a word - but is rather about giving each other space.

Finding a retreat

There are many thousands of retreats run each year around the country (and more around the world). The Retreat Association publishes annually ‘Retreats’ which lists the retreats being run by hundreds of retreat houses. Picking out the right one can be difficult, so it is worth talking to someone about what you are looking for and getting suggestions and recommendations.

Within the Sheffield Diocese, Whirlow Grange and Hexthorpe Manor provide some retreats through the year.

Nick Helm is very willing to offer suggestions.