CONFERENCE RETREATS

Conference Retreats are retreats in which a number of individuals are given talks at the same time over the course of three or four days, over a weekend or sometimes in midweek, to assist them in their reflection and prayer. Other common forms of prayer are available like rosary, benediction, stations of the cross, or Eucharistic devotions. They have also been called preached retreats because the conferences are somewhat like preaching, and group retreats because people listen to the talks in a group and also because they often come to these retreats as groups from parishes, associations, or families, returning annually at the same time of year. You can look at the list of parishes and other groups to see if your parish or group already has a set date. But you do not need not come at that time, nor are you excluded any weekend because you do not belong to any of the groups coming at that time.

What is a retreat and why make one?

A retreat is a time of quiet when one can get away from the ordinary demands of life, a time to get a better perspective on the deeper meaning of your life, a time to come into closer contact with God, a time of reconciliation and peace. It is a time to be good to yourself.

What time is involved?

A weekend retreat at Manresa begins on Friday evening with supper at 7:00 PM. This allows those who work to participate fully. People usually begin arriving around 5:00 PM. The weekend goes all day Saturday and closes with Mass at about noon on Sunday. Departure is a little before 1:00 PM. Manresa also has some four-day and midweek retreats.

What happens during a retreat?

Basically the retreat director gives seven talks or conferences, each about a half hour in length. These are based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. The conferences are not dry, academic lectures, but reflections on life's fundamental directions seen in the light of the Gospels and our Christian Faith.

What are the Spiritual Exercises?

The Spiritual Exercises are, in brief, a “pathway to God,” an experiential approach to personal faith and union with God. That is why, in the retreat schedule, there is a time for private reflection and personal prayer. In addition, the Eucharist is celebrated each day and devotions are offered for those who find them helpful. There is opportunity for individual discussion with Manresa's retreat staff.

What does the schedule look like?

The retreat director may adapt the schedule, but it usually follows this pattern:

This is time for private prayer and reflection on the subject matter of the conference or whatever else you wish to pray about. Frequently the retreat director will hand out notes and material for your reflection. You may also do some reading. Reading materials are offered at Manresa, some in the library for borrowing, others in the bookstore for purchase.

What should I bring with me?

In general whatever you would bring for a couple nights in a motel. Be comfortable; informal dress is usual and acceptable. Manresa provides such things as towels, soap, blankets, etc. Each retreatant has a private room with half-bath.

What about talking and silence?

Manresa has a tradition, common to all Jesuit retreat houses, of maintaining silence during the retreat. This is not a disciplinary measure or a penance, but a way of maintaining a prayerful atmosphere, a method of praying and opening ourselves up to God. Through silence we are ourselves alone with God and we allow every other person there to have the opportunity to be alone with God in a privileged way.

How much does a retreat cost (and can I use a credit card)?

At Manresa, there is no set amount charged for a conference retreat. We do ask people to make a freewill offering according to their means. The actual cost to Manresa for the weekend is $197 per person. Some people can and do offer this amount. Those who cannot are asked simply to give whatever their means allow. Lack of financial resources should never deter or discourage any one from making a retreat; in fact a time of financial difficulty may be the very time when some one needs a retreat the most. There are those who donate more than the cost to Manresa and those who contribute to our John A. McGrail Fund, and this generosity enables us to continue making retreats available to all. And yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Anything else I should know?

We serve very good meals at Manresa. Those who have special dietary needs will be accommodated. Our capacity for a weekend is 78. Sometimes we fill the house. At other times the number is less. You should not feel you have to know anyone else on the retreat. Just bring yourself. God will do the rest!

How do I make a reservation?

Use this On-line Registration Form.

How do I get to Manresa?

Follow these Directions.