Making a Good Retreat:  A Guide to a Transformative Experience

September 20, 2023

Retreat from the noise.  Hear God’s voice.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace, reflection, and spiritual growth have become increasingly difficult but all together more important. Catholic retreats offer a unique opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and immerse oneself in prayer, contemplation, and communion with God.

Malvern Retreat House, nestled in the serene surroundings of Chester County, Pennsylvania, is a cherished destination for those seeking a meaningful Catholic retreat. For over 100 years, Malvern has welcomed men and women to retreat from life’s hectic commitments and hear God’s voice.

Making a good retreat starts with just that… going on retreat!  But we have come to know that retreatants get the most out of their experience when they follow a few simple steps.

Choose the Right Retreat

Malvern Retreat House offers a diverse range of retreats serving different needs and interests. Whether you are seeking a silent retreat, a themed retreat, a marriage enrichment retreat, or a men’s/women’s retreat, selecting the one that resonates with your current spiritual journey is crucial.

Many long-standing retreats at Malvern Retreat House have taken on unique names that reflect some aspect of the retreat.  A retreat may be named for a particular saint, or a retreat may be named in memory of an important member of the retreat community. These names do not mean that the retreat is for a private group! 

When thinking about going on retreat ask yourself: What are you looking for in a Catholic retreat experience? 

Consider your preferences, goals, and the specific aspects of your faith that you would like to deepen or explore further.

Prepare Your Heart and Mind

As you prepare for your retreat, take some time to quiet your heart and mind. Engage in prayer, reflection, and self-examination to discern your intentions and goals for the retreat.  Quiet prayer, reflection, and contemplation are not typical experiences for most people.  But these activities are at the heart of a retreat.  Practicing with prayer and quiet reflection for a few minutes each day prior to your retreat will help you prepare for the experience.

Consider what areas of your spiritual life you wish to nurture, what questions you seek answers to, or what challenges you hope to overcome. This preparation will help you approach the retreat with an open and receptive heart, ready to embrace the grace and insights that await you.

Embrace Silence and Solitude

Silence and solitude are integral components of a Catholic retreat. They create a sacred space for fostering an inner stillness that will help deepen your connection with God and hear His voice.

At Malvern Retreat House, the tranquil surroundings provide an ideal setting for entering into silence and solitude. Embrace this opportunity to disconnect from the noise and distractions of daily life, allowing yourself to be fully present in the retreat experience.  Enjoy our grotto.  Take time with our outdoor Stations of the Cross.  Pray at our shrines.  Visit our oratories. 

Engage in Spiritual Practices

During your retreat, participate wholeheartedly in the spiritual practices offered. Attend Mass, receive the sacraments, and pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Say the Rosary. Walk the Stations of the Cross.  Take advantage of opportunities for spiritual direction, confession, and adoration. Malvern Retreat House provides a supportive and nurturing environment for these practices, enhancing your retreat experience and deepening your spiritual connection.

Connect with Others

While silence and solitude are essential, retreats also offer an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals on a similar spiritual journey. Engage in conversations, share experiences, and build relationships with fellow retreatants. Malvern Retreat House fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, providing opportunities for group activities, communal meals, and fellowship.

Carry the Retreat Experience Forward

As your retreat draws to a close, reflect upon the insights, graces, and spiritual growth you have experienced. Consider how you can integrate these newfound treasures into your everyday life. Create a plan for ongoing spiritual practices, such as regular prayer, reading Scripture, and engaging in acts of service. Malvern Retreat House offers resources and support to help you continue your spiritual journey long after the retreat concludes.

A Catholic retreat at Malvern Retreat House can be a transformative experience, offering a sacred space to deepen your relationship with God and nourish your spiritual life. By choosing the right retreat, preparing your heart and mind, embracing silence and solitude, engaging in spiritual practices, connecting with others, and carrying the retreat experience forward, you can ensure a meaningful and impactful retreat that will leave a lasting imprint on your spiritual journey.

May your time at Malvern Retreat House be a source of renewal, inspiration, and a deeper connection with God.