My dear family in Christ:

It is my hope this musing finds you all preparing for a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving with family and friends. I will pray especially for the safety of all those traveling far and wide, and even locally. May we all reach our destinations safely and return home in peace and security.

It has become a bit of a personal tradition that I make my annual retreat sometime around Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. For me it seems to be the best time of year to take some time away from the regular routine of ministry to slow down and listen to what the Lord has to say to me. While I am actually canonically obligated to make a retreat each year, I can assure you this is an obligation I am very pleased to fulfill.
 

Some might wonder what happens on a retreat like this. Well, retreats can differ according to the preference of the retreatant. Some retreats are preached retreats, meaning that a retreat master holds conferences for those attending. This can be a great way to be introduced to a retreat experience, the schedule is set and the time is filled. Individuals do not have to worry as much about what to do or how to pray. Some retreats are silent, meaning that except for meeting with a retreat master or attending Mass, there is no speaking at all. I’ve attempted two 8 day silent retreats in my life and have to admit I cheated both times. I would go out to find people to talk to outside the retreat house. These can be a day, three days, five days or longer. Perhaps the best way to think about a retreat is a vacation or day off with the Lord.

My usual practice is to have a book or two on prayer or the spiritual life, the Bible and a non-religious book for reading. I do try to stay as silent as possible, with varying degrees of success. I usually spend 3-4 hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament over the course of each retreat day, along with offering Mass. I have to admit I try to get a little extra sleep and few naps over the course of the retreat just to recharge my “batteries.” I also hope to have some physical activity to perform, even if just a walk or two each day. I make sure that I keeping all of my loved ones and parishioners in my thoughts and prayers. Finally, I try to ask the Lord what it is He’s asking of me and my priesthood. This year I will be spending 5 days (November 22-27) at the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Motherhouse in Meriden, CT. I have grown to deeply appreciate this community of consecrated women and look forward to praying with and for them.

So be assured of my prayers and please pray for me. Fr. Gaudreau will cover the Masses next Sunday, 11/26.

In Christ,

Msgr. John J. McDermott