Some common questions about the retreat experience:
What is a retreat anyway?
A Passionist retreat is the gift of time and space to relax and refresh one’s spirit. A retreat provides opportunities for reflection, prayer, and renewal of heart in relationship with God. Retreats at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center are for a full weekend, beginning with dinner Friday evening and ending Sunday afternoon around 2:00.
What happens on a retreat?
The retreat team offers a balance of free, unscheduled time with scheduled presentations or conferences.
What if I don’t want to go to one of the conferences?
That’s ok. All we ask is that you arrive for the retreat on time and stay for the entire retreat weekend.
Who are the Passionists?
The Passionists are a religious group of Catholic priests and brothers and lay partners who have a special devotion to the love God shows humanity through the suffering, death, and resurrection (collectively known as the Passion) of Jesus Christ. Please take time to explore the entire Passionist website to learn more about us!
Do I have to be Catholic?
Retreats are open to Catholics and non-Catholics. The prayer and worship styles are Catholic, because that’s who we are, but all are welcome!
Do I have to be silent the whole time?
Not the whole time. The bedroom areas are designated "Quiet Zones,” and there may be times during the retreat when the retreat team calls the house to silence. Usually, retreatants spend time in conversation outdoors and during meals.
What is a 12 Step Retreat?
A spiritual program designed for those who are using the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to connect with their higher power. These retreats are presented by people involved with and dedicated to the tenets of the AA program.
Can I have my own program?
Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center is available mid-week to host meetings that are educational or devotional. A few weekends are also available for hosted programs. Click here to learn more.
Will it be like the retreats I attended as a youth?
The weekend retreats offered at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center are different than most youth retreats. There is less emphasis on group sharing and community building and more emphasis on fostering each individual’s relationship with God.
Clothing
Please dress comfortably but with a spirit of respect for the spiritual nature of our facility.
Prayer for Passionist Retreatants
Jesus, you invited the apostles to come away with you to a deserted place and rest a while. Like your apostles, enable me to experience You on retreat — your suffering love and tender compassion. May I come to better know myself, to draw closer to you, and to thus be of better service to my brothers and sisters in the Church. Help me to listen attentively, to ponder prayerfully, to respond generously, and to benefit from the solitude and peace. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Sorrows, may I and my fellow retreatants leave our retreat as deeply committed Christians, better able to follow Your footsteps in all the opportunities and challenges of life. Amen.
