Are retreats worthwhile?

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Retreats are like anything else. Sometimes they are relaxing and you gain a lot from them, and sometimes you don’t. I recommend going, you have nothing to lose.
 
I believe a retreat would be worthwhile, but the ACTs retreats seem to be a bit secretive. They will not give me many specifics about what actually transpires.
 
I’m a protestant minister and we’re wrongly encouraged to go at least on an annual retreat (I do so in Catholic monasteries).

To me, it’s always worthwhile, although it never turns out as I’d have expected (God has ways of surprising us when we’re really there for him and listening to him for once). I really like one-week silent retreats.
 
Retreats can be anywhere on the spectrum of “beyond incredibly good” to “what a disaster!” If it is a retreat where you simply attend prayers and Mass with the monks, and otherwise pray alone, then at least it is not harmful. If it is a guided or led retreat, it depends on the retreat leader, whether good or bad. Retreat leaders can be solid faithful and spiritually mature directors - or - “progressive” ideologues who teach harmful non-Catholic spiritualities - or anything in-between. Choose very carefully what you are signing up for, before you decide what and where you go.

The first retreat I ever went on, was a life-changing gift of God. The retreat leader became a life-long advisor and friend. I later discovered how blessed I had been in my complete ignorance of the dangers out there. The Lord was looking out for me!
 
Seems like God takes the opportunity to have more than one serious heart to heart talk with me when I am on retreat. And I agree that it is never in the way I expect it.
 
YourNameHere said:
The retreat offered at my parish…
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You aren’t limited to something sponsored by your parish if that’s not what you’re looking for. Check out retreat houses in your area. Jesuits offer retreats as do many monasteries.
 
These are more geared for those with a Charismatic sort of Spirituality. These retreats are very much about “not knowing what is going on” with a big love bomb at the end.

If this is your Spiritual cup of tea, then go. If not, find a retreat that fits your personality.
 
YourNameHere said:
The retreat being offered is a group retreat. I think I would prefer a private retreat. But as far as I know, they do not offer any at my parish.
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I always do group retreats. I don’t know the ACTS retreat but I know it is in some ways similar to Cursillo. I’ve made a Cursillo and it was life changing for me. I didn’t know what to expect but I kept an open mind and an open heart. God had led me to Cursillo and I put my trust in him.

You will hear from some on here how awful Cursillo & ACTS are due to the format of shared room and no public itinerary of what happens each day. For me it was a lesson in trust and somewhat in that we don’t know exactly what God has planned for our lives but if we trust in Him, everything will work out in the end.

I’m not telling you to do the ACTS retreat or not do it, I’m just saying don’t skip it due to the room sharing, lack of knowledge about what happens, and negative comments about it.

With these types of retreats the concept is to take you out of the world to let you connect with God. In my experience with Cursillo it is an extremely organized retreat with about 3 volunteers for every participant, and some times more. There are people in the parish praying for the retreat every hour of the retreat, with an onsite prayer team praying the whole 72 hours. Nothing strange, weird, or crazy goes on. Everything is well within Church teaching and is faithful to the Church.
 
A weekend retreat every year would be good.
It can be a good time to look back at your year and see how you prayed. It is a good time for examaning your prayer life
 
As I have said, Charismatic Spirituality is not pleasant nor edifying for me. Because of this, Cursillo is not something I would attend. Even if I did desire to attend Cursillo, my husband would never attend and as that is a pre-req for wives, it would be a second reason.

The same for ACTS retreats, the sort of emotionally geared spirituality is not something that is pleasant nor edifying for me. Going into a place where I do not have a schedule, because of my personality this would be extremely anxiety inducing for me. I would find the love bombing to be embarrassing.

Others simply revel in this sort of retreat, and that is their choice.

The retreats I attend are those with a schedule, with structure, or complete hermitage sort of retreats where I am alone and silent.
 
Are retreats worthwhile?

Based on my experience, I would say “yes”. Not only you’d feel refreshed, rejuvenated, recharged and peaceful, you also get to have a more intimate relationship with GOD. Shalom!

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ACTS retreats are powerful! I highly recommend. The reason you arn’t told much is everyone’s experience is different. They don’t want you expecting something and then be disappointed.
You have to trust the Holy Spirit. I’m answer specific questions if you private message me.
 
I take it if Jesus asked you to be a disciple you would say no. Because following Him you will not know where you will sleep each night. Throw caution to the wind!
 
Such a cute little saying.

I know that, if I live until tonight, and if my house does not burn in a fire, I will sleep in my bed tonight. If my house burns, I will sleep in a hotel.
 
The first Spirit filled retreat was Marriage Encounter. It was life changing! Only shared the room with my wife. That was a good thing to!
 
I am a chronic worrier. I do not like surprises. So, I doubt I could enjoy an ACTs retreat.
Though I do not have to have an itinerary, I would at least like to have some idea of what transpires, especially since it will be a three-day event at a venue located miles away.
 
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