Retreat! Retreat!
So this Lent I was hoping to make time for a one-day retreat or sorts, something with a lot of scripture and reflection and confession. I thought it would be nice change of pace to focus on Lent without distractions for a day.
LC found a program that is being held in her diocese that is focused on reading scripture, but I am already somewhat committed that day and neither of us were really that enthused about it. The description didn't grab me. And then two weeks ago I got in the mail an invitation to an Alumni-Student Retreat hosted at Seton Hill. At first I thought maybe this could be what I was seeking. However, looking at their schedule I noticed there were opportunities for group sharing (ick, ick--but this would be like a penance for me), a centering prayer event thing, and no occasion for confession. So they want me to pay $20 for a Lenten retreat that does not offer an opportunity for confession? If you aren't Catholic, you probably think I am silly. But Lent is a season for serious preparation and soulful cleansing. Confession is such a big part of that.
So I have just about given up on the idea of retreat, but maybe that is another penance in and of itself. I will just have to attend one of my parish's "family-friendly" penance services, with Myles in tow, which is probably better for him to be around anyway.
LC found a program that is being held in her diocese that is focused on reading scripture, but I am already somewhat committed that day and neither of us were really that enthused about it. The description didn't grab me. And then two weeks ago I got in the mail an invitation to an Alumni-Student Retreat hosted at Seton Hill. At first I thought maybe this could be what I was seeking. However, looking at their schedule I noticed there were opportunities for group sharing (ick, ick--but this would be like a penance for me), a centering prayer event thing, and no occasion for confession. So they want me to pay $20 for a Lenten retreat that does not offer an opportunity for confession? If you aren't Catholic, you probably think I am silly. But Lent is a season for serious preparation and soulful cleansing. Confession is such a big part of that.
So I have just about given up on the idea of retreat, but maybe that is another penance in and of itself. I will just have to attend one of my parish's "family-friendly" penance services, with Myles in tow, which is probably better for him to be around anyway.
Comments
Yeah, that description on that flyer from Seton Hill almost made me barf, too. "Group sharing" Yech! I thought to myself, "Retreat?! That sounds more like Freshman Seminar to me."
:D