Directed Retreats provide an opportunity for personal renewal, and allow time to focus on the Spirit's movement and presence in each retreatant. They take place at Loyola or another site, and can be as short as one day or as long as 30 days. The atmosphere is silent, relaxing, and conducive to prayer, inviting retreatants to follow their own rhythm. Guided Retreats create a balance between time spent alone, so that retreatants may hear God more clearly in silence, and time as part of a larger group, to attend presentations by the director. Conversation is usually limited to mealtimes.
Retreats vary in length and are typically held at a retreat house.
The Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life are an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, which was published in 1548 as a systematic way to help people listen to and discern what God is communicating to them. Those who undertake the Exercises pray with scripture every day for an hour, journal, and meet with a spiritual director weekly for approximately eight to ten months. In addition, we will develop themes and seminars based on specific needs and requests.