A directed or non-directed private retreat enables you to design your own format, participating in the Center’s daily schedule of meals and the celebration of the Eucharist as you wish. You may choose to eat your meals in private or in the Center’s Dining Room. You may come and go as you please. These types of retreats enable you to rest and pray according to your own inclinations. You may choose to spend a day, an overnight, a few days or even a week or longer, depending upon your individual needs.  For a directed retreat, you would have the guidance of a spiritual director.

Directed and Non-directed retreats are available.

Click here for a list of Spiritual Directors.

Click here for other directed retreat themes.

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Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, which has greatly impacted many people since the 16^th Century, Catholics are encouraged to take time to retreat in silence.  Whether for 8 days or two, a silent retreat can make a dramatic difference in your prayer life.

The following questions/answers might help you decide if this retreat is right for you.

You may also contact Mr. Paul Beyer or Fr. Ken Van Haverbeke at (316)744-0167 with questions.

Who may go on the retreat? Anyone!  Silence is the best way to hear God away from the distractions of normal life.  The Spiritual Life Center provides a cloistered area for such retreats.

Why should I go on such a retreat? There are many reasons a period of silence is of great benefit: the desire to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ; desiring to spend quality time in prayer and reflection; wanting to learn more about yourself (St. Teresa of Avila speaks strongly about the need of self-knowledge in the progression of the spiritual life).

What will I do on the retreat? The retreat is more about “being” than doing.  You will spend time each day in prayer and reflection (usually 3-4 set “prayer periods” of at least 30 minutes) and meeting with a spiritual director each day for an hour.  You will also be encouraged to enjoy leisure time of walking, exercising, reading, puzzles, etc.  Mass will be offered every day as well.

What does a spiritual director do? Although ultimately God is “directing” your retreat, each person is assigned a spiritual director.  A spiritual director will meet with you daily, listening to your reflections about how God is present in your life.  They will offer Scripture passages and other materials for your prayer and reflection.  We have spiritual directors who are priests or laity.

Total Silence? You will be speaking with your director daily and praying aloud at the Mass.  Silence is not the focus of the retreat, but it is a necessary component of a fruitful retreat.   God speaks to us in many ways, but a silent retreat helps us tune out the noise and distractions of our lives in order to be more intentional in hearing the voice of God.

How do I register? Contact Mr. Paul Beyer at 316-744-0167 to see what times are available.  Generally times are available year round.

How much does it cost? An offering of $40 per night is suggested, but because some are blessed with great financial abilities and others are not, we simply ask for a free will offering to help cover the costs of clean sheets, room, and comfortable atmosphere. Those who can give more, should; those who cannot, should give what they can.   Meals per day are $23.50.