What is a Retreat?

From the dictionary:

 “The act of withdrawing, as into seclusion or privacy….”

  “A place of seclusion or privacy….”

   “A period of retirement, as for meditation…..”.

Especially in today’s hectic pace of everyday life, we need to take time to re-evaluate our priorities and values. Even Jesus needed solitude:

“The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but He would withdraw to deserted places to pray.” (Luke 5:15,16)

To us, He extends his personal invitation: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

You are invited to come and spend a weekend at St. Lazare; forty hours of peace and solitude, gently focused on the spiritual needs of our lives. Come and spend quiet time with the Lord. Allow Him to talk to you. You will have the opportunity to experience Mass and The Eucharist on both Saturday and Sunday; to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation; to pray the Rosary; to pray the Stations of the Cross; to receive spiritual direction from Fr.’s Shea or Prior, from the scheduled inspirational talks, or in private consultation.

The leisure pace at St. Lazare provides an uncommon opportunity to get away from the stress of our daily lives. You will have access to appropriate reading material, to assist you on your quiet journey. Read or meditate in the solitude of your private room, in the beautiful chapel, or in the lounge (in the winter, enjoy the warm atmosphere in the lounge, when the wood fire is burning!)

As indicated on the “What to Expect” web page, the pace of your weekend is leisurely. Attendance at the various activities is, of course, optional.

So…Why not give it a try? Leave your cell phone, pager, radio, TV, and laptop at home. Check your stress at the door….and come on in to St. Lazare Retreat House!