A Time for Discernment

-- Directed Retreats focused on Discernment--

I will be serving as a retreat director on the four retreats listed below. These retreats are only described as Discernment Retreats on this web site.  If you want to make a Discernment Retreat, please specify that desire and ask for me to be your director when you register for the retreat/


June 1-9, 2012  Campion Renewal Center
    Weston, Masachusetts

Weston is a small town about 30 minutes west of Boston.  It is not far from Walden Pond.  The grounds are extensive fields and woods.  It is lovely and steeped in the grace of a history of spiritual discernment and service.  Visit www.campioncenter.org to learn more about the Center or to register for the retreat.


June 26-July 3, 2012  Jesuit Retreat House
    Parma, Ohio

The Jesuit Retreat House is the oldest retreat house in the United States. This place of peace has 57 acres of woods and meadows.  JRH is about 10 minutes from the Cleveland airport and 15 minutes from downtown. Visit www.jrh-cleveland.org to learn more about the retreat houseor to register for the retreat.


July 13-15, 2012  Jesuit Retreat House
    Parma, Ohio

JRH offers an unusual option of a weekend directed retreat.  It works well as a discernement retreat if you have a clear issue to discern.  It can also work well in combination with an online retreat.  This place of peace has 57 acres of woods and meadows.  JRH is about 10 minutes from the Cleveland airport and 15 minutes from downtown. Visit www.jrh-cleveland.org to learn more about the retreat houseor to register for the retreat.

July 15-22, 2012  Loyola Retreat House
      Clinton, Ohio

Loyola Retreat House offers a peaceful setting to discern God's leading. 
LRH is set in rolling farmland and has room to walk and a pond to sit next to.  The house is handicapped accessible.  Originally a Jesuit house, LRH is now a ministry of the Benedictines. Visit www.loyolaretreathouse.com to learn more about the retreat house or to register for the retreat.

What is Discernment?

Discernment is the name given to our effort to watch and listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  There is so much noise in our lives that it takes a really focused effort to quiet ourselves and pay attention to the signs left by our God.

We particularly need to work at discernment anytime we are facing a major decision, but it is also valuable to develop a discerning heart for all of the little decisions we make each day.

A great deal of wisdom about discernment has been passed on by the holy women and men who came before us, including Saint Ignatius of Loyola.  A directed retreat is an ideal time to listen and watch and apply some of the wisdom they have given us.

What is a Directed Retreat?

A directed retreat is an opportunity to spend a little quiet time with yourself and your God.  You spend your day in a quiet, prayerful atmosphere.  Each day you get to see a spiritual director who will help guide your prayer. I will be the spiritual director for these retreats.
Is this the time for you to make
a Discernment Retreat?

Are you in a time of decision or transition in your life?  Are you hoping to discover how you can best follow our Loving God?  If so, you might benefit from a discernment retreat.  You may not come away from this retreat with a clear answer to your dilemma, but you will leave it confident in the love and guidance of the Holy Spirit and a clearer sense of the next steps you need to take.

About Discernment

"Our journey through life will take us to many strange and unexpected destinations.  Most of the time we will have to make the path by walking, doing most of the learning on our feet.  What should give us great confidence despite the precariousness of such a process is our faith that God will never leave us bereft of guidance.  Any situation assessed by the eye of faith will yield the guidance and encouragement necessary for us to continue our onward march with a lighter step."
   - From Fully Human, Fully Divine: An
     Interactive Christology
      by Michael Casey
Feedback from Two Retreatants:
As a retreatant who has never been on a silent retreat before, Pat knew what I needed, thanks to being in touch with the Holy Spirit.  Pat has a very sensitive spirit.  He assigned me various exercises which did not draw me closer to God, but brought out much anger.  Then, thanks to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I learned how to do contemplative prayer, which was my doorway to experiencing God's Love with my heart.
Lucie - a 2010 retreatant

A Time for Discernment Retreat was a wonderful experience. It provided a lot of time for quite reflection and meditation. Pat was an excellent spiritual director. He was very attentive to my needs and desires for the retreat and gave me excellent spiritual guidance. It was an amazing experience.
Roberta - 2009 retreatant

New in 2012: An Online Directed Discernment Retreat

I have been contacted by a number of people who are interested in making a directed retreat but cannot participate in one I scheuled to direct.  I have been offering ongoing spiritual direction online for several years.  This year I would like to offer the opportunity for folks to make a directed retreat focused on discernment by meeting with me on SKYPE.  Please contact me at 216-375-7510 or pclearyburns@gmail.com and we can discuss the best time and method for proceeding.