Leader Contact Information Deacon Greg (859) 689-5010 ext. 223

Parish Retreats

“Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place,
where he prayed.”  (Mark 1:35)

A retreat is a gift of time.  The retreatant sets aside the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life for a period in order to strengthen our relationship with God.  Our parish participates in several retreat opportunities.

When did the concept of a retreat begin?
Retreats have their biblical basis in the model of Jesus going off in solitude to pray.  Two major examples are the Temptation in the Desert before he beings his public ministry and Jesus going off to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane before his passion and death.  The desert and mountainous regions provided remote areas for the early Christians.  Later, monasteries became established.  By the 16th century, retreat houses become established—a model that still operates today.

Are there different “types” of retreats?
Most retreats follow a similar model of a withdrawal from every day activities to spend time in prayer.  A retreat might have a theme of a particular scripture, a liturgical season such as Lent, or spiritual writings.  IHM participates in several types of retreats: the Men’s/Woman’s Parish Retreat at Marydale, Cursillo, Christ Renews His Parish, or various youth retreats such as Christian Awakening. A person new to a retreat might be best to choose an IHM parish retreat.  Speak to others who have attended retreats, or to the Pastor or Deacon to help discern which type might best fit your need. 

How do I find a retreat?
Use the links on this page, or talk to the Pastor or Deacon.