RETREAT FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions on Retreats

What is a retreat in daily life?

There is a variety of formats; this one is over four weeks. You will set aside 20-30 minutes private time each day, or at least 4-5 times each week, for personal prayer and meditation; and you will meet a prayer-guide once a week at a mutually convenient time.

But I don’t know how to pray or meditate!

St Ignatius of Loyola always said that the only qualification you need for joining a retreat is generosity – not a lot of knowledge about Scripture or theology or spirituality, or even great personal holiness.  The retreat in daily life offers you some straightforward helps in prayer, always in plain, jargon-free English, and there will be some guidance on prayer in the optional weekly meetings.  For all participants, there is an individual meeting of half-an-hour or so each week. When you first meet your retreat guide, you arrange when and where to meet. That is a completely confidential conversation, not an exam!

Who is it for?

Anyone who is already Christian and who wants to deepen their prayer life, or someone who is not so sure what they believe but willing to take a risk and seriously explore the reality of God in prayer. Either way, it is for any generous soul willing to commit to the elements of the retreat. You’ll need to be able to commit to the whole retreat.

Why do it?

St Ignatius of Loyola noticed that God is never outdone in generosity. When we are generous, God is always more so. We do this because it is possible to encounter, personally, the risen Christ who loves and calls us and who sends us the Holy Spirit. It can also be a great help in making or confirming decisions in life, big or small.

But I don’t know what I should say a retreat guide!

The retreat guides are Christian men and women who have received special training in guiding others in how to pray. First and foremost, they will listen to you. They are not counsellors or life-coaches. They will make gentle suggestions about how you might pray, offering you small bits of materials, e.g. a gospel story or a psalm, to pray with.

They are not there to counsel you or give you advice (except about praying and responding to God’s presence). They are not trying to recruit you for anything and you do not need to speak about anything sensitive or personal, if you do not want to. Each guide is committed to confidentiality and individual retreatants, or their experience in prayer, are never talked about to others. Safeguarding protocols are in place throughout. Above all, the prayer-guides do not want you to worry that you ever need to give the right answer!

What is the programme?

At the heart of the retreat are those quiet personal times for prayer, in your time and place. Then there is the one-to-one confidential meeting, usually at Edinburgh Jesuit Church, with your retreat guide once a week. You can also make use of the optional weekly gatherings with all the other retreatants and the retreat leaders. Opening and closing meetings begin and end the retreat and you should attend those two meetings.

How much does it cost?

There is no charge as such for this retreat in daily life. But we do invite a donation to cover costs, both of the Centre and of the retreat guides. We suggest a donation of around £55. Anyone who cannot afford this should still take part. You are most welcome to join and cost should never be an obstacle.

How will this retreat fit in with the rest of my life?

The retreat takes place within your normal life. You will have to find extra time for your prayer periods and for the weekly meetings.  

Who is organising and leading this retreat?

This retreat is led by team of experienced retreat guides, organised by Edinburgh Jesuit Church in partnership with the Epiphany Group.