In silence God speaks

It should not come as a surprise that priests need time away from their ministry to recharge from time to time. We see this even in the life of Jesus, who “went up on the mountain by himself to pray” (Mt 14:23) and who “spent the night in prayer to God” (Lk 6:12) after times of intense teaching and ministry. 

What might surprise some, however, is that this is not simply a personal preference or luxury for bishops, priests and deacons – it is a requirement of the Church.

There are two kinds of retreat the Church requires: a retreat of at least five-days prior to ordination for candidates to any degree of holy orders (deacon, priest or bishop, cf. CIC 1039) as well as annual spiritual retreats for all clerics “in order that they can pursue this perfection,” namely the holiness they are called to seek in their lives (cf. CIC 276).

For me, these times of retreat are indispensable and something I look forward to. I make an annual retreat with brother bishops, and often a personal retreat as well. 

Each year, I have the privilege of joining the priests of our archdiocese on retreat. We set aside time to be together in prayer and reflection in order to strengthen our fraternity and our relationship with the Lord. This week, we will be traveling to Wichita for the annual retreat, and I have been reflecting on what makes these days so fruitful. What are the essential elements of a good retreat?

First, a retreat means that we actually retreat – that we step away from our daily responsibilities so that we can be more attentive to the Lord and hear his voice. 

By leaving our parishes or places of ministry for a few days, we are freed from the tyranny of the urgent to be more attentive to what is truly important. In an age of instant communication and constant connectivity, this kind of separation requires intentionality, but it allows us to focus more fully on the Lord.

Second, a retreat requires silence. At Broom Tree Retreat Center in South Dakota, where I have made many retreats over the years, there is an altar cloth that carries the simple words: “In Silence, God Speaks.” Our lives are filled with noise – from news and social media to the constant hum of activity.

On our annual priest retreat, we spend many hours in silence: turning off devices, avoiding unnecessary conversation and listening for the “still small voice” of God as Elijah did on Mount Horeb.

Third, a retreat immerses us in the Church’s prayer and sacramental life. When we gather as a presbyterate, we celebrate the Eucharist, pray the Liturgy of the Hours and spend time in Eucharistic adoration together. Priests need to go to confession, too, and so on retreat, there are many opportunities to receive God’s mercy in that sacrament. 

One of the graces of these days is a renewed love for the sacraments. 

Priests are always in danger of becoming overly familiar with holy things – treating them as routine duties. On retreat, we ask the Lord to rekindle in us the awe and gratitude that first drew us to priesthood.

A final, indispensable element of a good retreat is good hospitality. Mundane questions and concerns like “what will I make for dinner?” can distract from our ability to focus on the Lord and his invitation to a deeper encounter with him. We are blessed to make our retreats at places of exemplary yet simple hospitality, where we know we will eat well and find a modest, yet comfortable room to rest.

Though an annual retreat is required for clergy, it can be a benefit for all who are serious about their faith. There are many kinds of retreats. I encourage all the faithful to consider taking time regularly for spiritual renewal. 

Jesus invites each of us: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). 

It does require planning, prioritizing and perhaps some sacrifice, but like an annual physical for the body, a spiritual retreat strengthens the soul for the long journey of faith. In the end, it draws us more deeply into the love of God and better equips us to love our neighbor.

Know of our prayers for you this week as we priests gather for our annual retreat, and please keep us in your prayers.