FINDING GOD AWAY FROM THE GRIND
FIND THE PEACE
Life is busy, and sometimes the noise of daily life seems impossible to escape. Creating time and space to find stillness and focus on God is a healthy and important effort to make in your faith life!
We offer men’s, women’s, young adult and youth parish retreats, as well as pilgrimages and conferences throughout each year. Seek that profound peace by stepping away from the hustle and bustle; take a breath and find stillness in Christ.
THE MISSION
Focus your gaze on the Lord. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Many people find renewal and growth when they can take a radical retreat from the usual. This might take the form of a single-day silent reflection, a weekend prayer retreat, a formation conference, or a pilgrimage to another country.
Our aim is to provide or connect you with a number of opportunities to step away from everyday life, so each person can experience what it means to “find God away from the grind.”
“Try to keep your soul always in peace and quiet, always ready for whatever our Lord may wish to work in you. It is certainly a higher virtue of the soul, and a greater grace, to be able to enjoy the Lord in different times and different places than in only one.”
— St. Ignatius
HOW FINDING GOD AWAY FROM THE GRIND WORKS:
MEET WITH CLERGY OR PASTORAL STAFF
Discuss your individual faith needs and available upcoming options for a getaway that meets God’s call for you.
CONFIRM DATES AND DEADLINES
Verify that the dates of a desired retreat or pilgrimage match with your availability. Reach out to the main contact to inform them of your interest, and educate yourself on any costs, as well as registration and payment due dates.
ATTEND INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
Your chosen event may require you to attend one or more meetings in preparation, especially if it involves travel logistics or offers associated fundraising opportunities.
PRAYERFULLY PREPARE
Allow God space to work in your heart before your departure date arrives. This will help you to be in a state of openness and acceptance to take in all that the Lord has in store for your time away. Make appropriate arrangements for work and family life so you can effectively take that step back from day-to-day demands.
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
The complexity of getting away can often feel like a big hill to climb, so it’s helpful to enter into your chosen getaway with a “go with the flow” mindset. Try to let go of any obstacles that are keeping you from relinquishing your cares to the Lord. Remember that he will take care of everything - we just need to surrender to his plan - and for that, we can be deeply grateful! Consider keeping a journal of your experience to help you remember what God reveals to you, and then share what you’ve gained with your family, friends, and community. See where that next step in faith takes you.
TESTIMONIAL
VINCENT EVERARD (RIGHT) WITH FRIENDS AT WORLD YOUTH DAY
“Traveling to World Youth Day in Portugal was a huge inspiration for my faith life. Being able to interact with amazing people from our parish and around the world influenced me and created an incredible experience. The passion from the chaperones and my friends, as well as the youth I met from around the world and the popular Catholic speakers, inspired me to grow in my own faith life.
We had the opportunity to visit many holy sites. My favorite sitewas Fatima. Being able to physically see where Mary appeared to the three children helped me to apply these stories I have heard my whole life into something tangible and real.
I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering going on a pilgrimage to do it. It can be a profound experience where you learn about the Church’s history and see it in person. World Youth Day is a great way to do this because it takes you to places you may never have considered going. It broadens your horizons, and you may learn things about the Catholic faith you never would have otherwise.”
CONTACT FOR GETTING AWAY FROM THE GRIND
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
sarah@akseas.net
907-345-4466
GO TO REACH MORE >
