A Time for Discernment
-- Directed Retreats focused on Discernment--
In 4 locations in 2010
Feb. 28 - March 6 John XXIII Retreat Center
Hartford City, Indiana
May 10-18 Campion Renewal Center
Weston, MassachusettsJuly 14-21 Jesuit Retreat House, Cleveland, OH
October 5-13 The Jesuit Center
Wernersville, PennsylvaniaThis stately retreat house is one of the great centers for the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. It is nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Pennsylvania Dutch region about 90 minutes west of Philadelphia. For more information about the Jesuit Center or to register for the retreat visit www.jesuitcenter.org.
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
Planning for 2011
I am beginning to contact retreat houses about scheduling me to direct a discernment retreat in 2011. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from you. Please send me an email at pclearyburns@gmail.com.
Please pray for me.
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
