What is a retreat?
A retreat is an opportunity to stop what one is doing in a normally busy life
and come away to a quiet place to be with God. This sacred place, called Mariandale,
offers retreatants a private room, three delicious meals, beautiful wooded areas,
trails and pathways for walking and magnificent views of the Hudson River to contemplate.
What is a silent retreat?
A silent retreat is an invitation to a contemplative experience, the opportunity
to quiet our minds, hearts and bodies so that we might better hear what God
is saying to us. Concretely this means there is thoughtful attention to avoiding
noise of any sort, no speaking or otherwise communication with others including
silence at meals (soft music provided) in order to maintain the contemplative
atmosphere.
What is a directed retreat?
A directed retreat gives participants the opportunity to meet one-on-one with
a qualified spiritual director for individually guided prayer. Except for meeting
with one’s director and liturgy, the time is spent in silence and prayer.
What is a guided retreat?
A guided retreat is the opportunity for retreatants to meet at least once, usually
twice a day, with the presenters for input on a particular theme. The presenters
make suggestions for the retreatants’ prayer during the course of the
day. Presenters decide whether or not the retreat will be silent.
What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a journey of three persons: God, a qualified spiritual
director, and a directee. The director explores with the directee where God
has been present in the various areas of the person’s life (work, home,
environment, etc.). The aim of spiritual direction is to deepen the directee’s
relationship with God. Generally, one meets with a spiritual director once a
month.
How can I find a spiritual director?
If you are interested in more information on spiritual direction, or to be connected
with a spiritual director you can contact Sr. Joan Fronc at 914-941-4455
ext. 104 or email jfronc@ophope.org.
Do we take private retreatants?
We welcome overnight private retreatants when there is another group already
in the house. We welcome individuals for a Sabbath Day of quiet on most days.
Meals can be provided.
Can health diets be accommodated?
Yes, health diets can be accommodated, but we ask that retreatants let us know
their needs at the time they send us their deposit.
How does one pay for wellness services offered for retreats and weekends?
These services are extra and are paid for, with cash or personal check, at the
time of one’s appointment. If you are interested in one of these services,
we invite you to call ahead to see if they will be available during your stay.
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