Why Retreat?
We're a couple of weeks out for the Young Adult Retreat: Flourish and I am reflecting on what it means to retreat. I'm closing in on leading/executing over 100 retreats in my time at St. Greg's, if I haven't crossed that yet. We're always going on retreat around here in the ministry and it's easy to get caught up in the plan and execution of the event to lose sight of the purpose in the first place.
The purpose is easy. We're stepping back, we're retreating from life for a moment to breathe and be with Jesus. What's not easy, is deciding to do so.
Life happens. We get busy. We get distracted. We move on and plow through the thing we do, the life we lead. And time flies by, seemingly faster and faster. Sometimes we invite Jesus along for the ride but sometimes we don't or we lose Him along the way.
A retreat is an excellent time to take that break. To set everything aside and reconnect with the Lord. Life moves fast. Once in a while it's good to just stop for a moment and breathe. Hear Jesus. He wants to get your attention and spend the time with you. Maybe the questions you keep asking like "What do You want me to do?" or "Where do I go from here?" start getting answered when you tune in and are ready to listen for them.
Retreats take many forms and styles and none of them are perfect. What's perfect, is Jesus and He works through our imperfect plans. Take some time and ask the Lord when would be a good time to take that break. We have two retreats coming up for young adults (18-30somethings), Flourish June 14-15 on the shore of Lake Erie and Brave II November 8-10 in Allegany State Park. Great opportunities for sure but you could do it other ways too. Take it to prayer. If you need help, just ask.
Adam Jarosz is the Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry at St. Gregory the Great. His vocation involves loving his wife Ani and two babies, Isabella and Wyatt.
He also enjoys being active outdoors, getting gym time in, and writing. Questions? Shoot him a message ajarosz@stgregs.org.
