Evangelization Outreach / Sandi Patel

Like lessons of Lent, allow retreats to transform you, year-round

When I was a young child, my Lenten sacrifice was most often imposed by my parents. No candy or sweets was the main theme. And in a family of eight, it was a sensible sacrifice, taking a little pressure off the family budget. However, the sacrifice didn’t leave a lasting impression on my faith life because Easter Sunday dawned with sweet-filled baskets, and our Lenten journeys were quickly forgotten.

Now, my goal is to discern a Lenten fast that will have an impact on my relationship with Jesus Christ that can be carried into the joy of the Easter season. Perhaps giving up candy and sweets can do that when done correctly, but I have yet to find that path. Lent shouldn’t be a 40-day challenge, but an opportunity for spiritual growth and strength.

This year, I wanted to find a better balance in my life. I’m always on the go, always thinking about what comes next, so I’m often neglecting the things that matter most: my relationships. To be honest, I am my own worst enemy because I put unreasonable expectations upon myself. “Balance” is my word of the year, and I am finding many ways to lean into that word.

Perhaps you are seeking balance, too. We are reminded to make time for prayer every day, just as Jesus does, but the demands of everyday life and picture-perfect social media posts have us running in unforgiving circles. Not that this is all bad—we may be doing some very good things. But it’s so easy to let our faith shift from the center of our lives to the edges.

To retreat is to move away or withdraw to quiet and seclusion, like Jesus did in Mark 1:35. A retreat allows you to get rid of the distractions of daily living, to clear your mind and simply rest in our Lord’s embrace.

When your phone is turned off and the laundry is miles away, you are ready to listen with your heart to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Retreat time creates a stillness that helps us prioritize our Catholic faith and we become mindful of our risen Savior.

We can trust that Jesus will meet us where we are on a retreat, gently leading us to deeper communion with him as the retreat unfolds. Because retreats can take many forms, Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis offers evenings and mornings of reflection, days of silence, days of reflection with a presenter, or a weekend experience with different presentations, reflection time and activities. You can also craft your own private retreat on our beautiful campus. Whatever you choose, you will find peace that puts you more attuned to God’s call in your life.

You are invited to join us for our upcoming programs, including monthly days of silence; an evening of reflection on Our Lady of Fatima’s feast day, May 13, featuring Jesuit Father James Kubicki; a “Seasons of Surrender” retreat on May 30-31; and a “Treasure of Friendship” women’s retreat on June 5-6.

A retreat transforms your heart, not just your routine. Like the lessons of Lent, you begin to live with more intentionality and share your love of Jesus in word and example. This is what evangelization is.
 

(Sandi Patel is the director of the archdiocese’s Office of Retreat and Renewal Ministry and Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis. E-mail her at spatel@archindy.org.) †