Through a nomination, I was invited to attend a retreat that took place the first weekend in August near Chicago, IL. The retreat was called "Leaders in Discernment" and put on by the Forum for Theological Exploration. It was hosted at the Loyola University of Chicago's retreat center in Woodstock, IL. Over 70 individuals were invited to participate and I knew two people; other JVs from the East region. Other than knowing when I needed to be at the airport and that my travel costs were covered I really had no idea what I was getting myself into but I figured it would be a fun experience and I was in a go-with-the-flow mood.
When the retreat was over the best way I could describe it was that it was a space that brought people together to discuss with one another, ask questions, talk about faith and learn from one another. Of the 70+ people that attended (ages ranging from 18-30) about 7 people were Catholic. I believe that almost every other Christian denomination was represented and most young people there were in or had been in an intentional community with a service related mission. It was so wonderful to be with passionate young people who wanted to learn more about their own faith and different faith traditions. There were some talks given by facilitators, two moments of small group time, four sessions to explore new forms of prayer, a super fantastic open mic night [sooooo much talent in one space!!!], and workshops to attend. The days were busy and long but so very energizing and fulfilling. I met a few people the first day and the five of us gravitated towards one another at meal times and free time because we were having such engaging and though-provoking conversations. (Quote: What is up with the Incarnation? Why is it so terrifying and incredible at the same time?)
The grounds of the retreat center were lovely and I enjoyed the sunshine immensely. (Side note: the weekend I was away in Chicago I got a sunburn while back in Syracuse it snowed!) A few of us managed to create a bonfire on Saturday night and enjoyed stargazing and chatting until late in the evening. I had a wonderful time on my weekend away, a true retreat, although I was anxious to return to Syracuse and tell my community all about it!
At the beginning of May, I went on the Spring/Silent retreat sponsored by JVC. About half of the communities in the East region attended the retreat with me at the Campion Renewal Center in Weston, MA (the other half went to a different retreat center the next weekend). We were technically silent from Friday night until Monday morning...at least most people were. I had been on another silent retreat my senior year of college and was actually looking forward to the time for stillness, reflection, and rest. A silent retreat isn't a form of Catholic punishment, rather an opportunity for reflection and renewal. The first day of silence was really good for me; I was able to sleep, read, walk, sleep again, etc. I was actually recovering from being sick so a "quiet day" was just what I needed. We went to mass that evening and it was so wonderful to be in silence yet feel so connected to everyone at the same time.
The second day was actually rough for me in terms of being silent. I walked around, took another nap, took pictures, and was then b.o.r.e.d.! At that point I technically cheated, I sought out my community members and we chatted quietly together. I don't feel as though my cheat was bad though, rather the silence/stillness was encouraging and brought me to the realization of just how much I treasure my community and want to continue to get to know them with the time we have left together. So we talked (bonded over not being silent while on a silent retreat) and it was great, a prayer really.
I am grateful for both retreats that I have been on recently. I enjoy the freedom to "just be", not thinking or planning, or making sure to be in touch with people. Everyone should retreat every once in a while.
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| Oh hey St. Ignatius! |
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