by Bob Sullivan
Are New Year’s resolutions Christian? The resolutions which bring you closer to Heaven are, and this resolution will do just that.
A lot of people haven’t made a retreat for a very long time. Regardless of the reason for that, I believe it is time to reconsider. If you want a superb New Year’s resolution, resolve to go on a retreat in 2024.
Retreats are very physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy, especially in the busy and noisy world in which we all live. On most retreats, all of your needs are taken care of for you. You have a comfortable private room; your meals, snacks, and coffee are all prepared for you; and you have plenty of time for physical rest, including one or two naps each day if you want them. Retreat centers are also set in quiet places so you can jog, take walks, and get out into God’s creation as you rest, ponder, think, pray, meditate, and contemplate.
You still may not think this sounds very inviting to you. After all, many of us can’t even check into an all-inclusive beach resort and relax. How are we to relax after a short drive from our home and work, and especially when there is no beach or fruity cocktail in sight?
Let me just say that thousands of years have proven the extensive value of retreats. For starters, Jesus Himself made retreats on a regular basis. We see this in Scripture. If Jesus went on retreats, we need to go on retreats.
Many people are still hesitant to make a retreat. The thought of a quiet weekend without any television, sports events, social gatherings, or work, can seem daunting to some. Don’t be concerned. You simply need to trust yourself and 20 centuries of Catholic tradition. Believe it or not, you can survive (actually thrive) without getting work done, and checking your smartphone, tablet, and all your other electronic devices every few minutes. And people can actually leave messages or call you back if they call you on a Friday night or over the weekend. If there really is a family emergency, your spouse or your other close relatives will know how to call the retreat house because you will have left the phone number with them.
Here are 10 helpful tips to help you make your 2024 retreat if you have never gone on a retreat, or if you have been away for a long time:
1. Find a retreat. There are numerous retreat centers and many different kinds of retreats, so picking one you might like is important. I suggest you start with Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House, which has a schedule of its upcoming retreats.
2. Once you register for your retreat, get it on your schedule. Write it in ink and protect it from all the reasons (which will suddenly come up) to cancel it. Satan doesn’t want you to make the retreat, and he’ll do everything he can to keep you from getting there.
3. Make your packing list, which should include the following: A Bible, a rosary, a good spiritual book such as “The Imitation of Christ,” a notebook, your favorite pillow, your walking shoes, and anything else you might need for your weekend away.
4. Let the retreat house know that you haven’t been on a retreat for a really long time, or that you have some reservations or hesitations, if that is the case. The staff will help you acclimate and will do all they can to make sure you have a good experience.
5. Dive in once you get there. This means that you participate in the retreat by going to the talks, and that you pray the prayers, read the handouts, and avail yourself of the sacraments and adoration.
6. Observe the others on retreat. You will probably notice some retreatants who seem to know what they are doing. Just observe them and after about 30 seconds, you will realize that it isn’t difficult, and there is no certain way to conduct yourself.
7. Follow along. This doesn’t mean you have to mimic anyone. It means that you generally do what the group is doing. There will be anywhere from 15 to 80 other people on retreat with you, many of whom know the schedule and what to do as the retreat goes along. There are also written materials with a schedule and further information.
8. Resist the urge to tune out. This is the companion of tip #5. Resist the urge to sleep in or skip talks or other things on the schedule. Above all, stay off of electronics. Your phone, computer, Apple watch, and other electronic devices are kryptonite to peace and rest.
9. Get your life ready for your retreat. This means that you should put an auto-reply on your email and change your voicemail message so people know not to expect to hear from you until the following week. You should also let your family members and your boss know that you will be out of touch for the weekend, but in case of a true emergency, they can contact the retreat house.
10. Develop a reason for your retreat. A simple reason is to rest with Christ for a few days.
One last tip: it never hurts to schedule a retreat with a friend or two, but I don’t recommend conditioning your retreat on their attendance. Invite them and encourage each other to go, but it is hard enough to get your own schedule in order, so be prepared to go on your own if your friends back out at some point. Most retreats are not set up for a lot of social time, anyway. Just go. You will be thankful you went. So will others in your life.
