Retreats Nourish the Soul

Last week we looked at some study opportunities for Women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Study is one way to enrich our lives as women. Learning about the work and word of God gives us new insight into our own lives.

Another important way to nourish our spirit is taking the opportunity to go on a retreat. There are many retreat centers around New Mexico that are wonderful places to go on a personal retreat. Getting away from the day-to-day busy-ness is more important than we may realize until we take time for a retreat.

Some retreat centers are: the Canossian Center & Norbertine Center in Albuquerque, Christ in the Desert Monastery near Chama and the Pecos Monastery east of Santa Fe. In the southern part of the Diocese you can visit the Holy Cross Center in Mesilla Park. Of course, you can take a personal retreat by finding a favorite place in nature and being still with God there. There are also other retreat centers around the state and in TX. Comment with your own favorite retreat locale.

Quiet and private retreats are certainly important. Equally important is taking the time to go on a retreat with other women (and men). There are retreats around the Diocese at various times that appeal to a variety of interests. Earlier in June there was a retreat in Santa Fe, sponsored by the Frederick B. Howden Chapter of the Daughters of the King.

Coming up in July is a week-long Icon Painting retreat in Santa Fe. You can get information about that here.

Mark your calendar for the “Crazy Quilt Conversation” retreat at the Bosque Center on Nov. 9-10. This will be an opportunity for women around the Diocese to share our stories and gifts with each other. Watch your mail and Together for more information.

Next spring, watch for a Lenten Retreat and a ‘Mind, Body, Spirit’ retreat in the summer of 2013 in Taos!

Some groups have special retreats, like the upcoming Back to the Mountain retreat for people who have attended Cursillo. Next year we hope to have a Cursillo weekend. The Daughters of the King will be holding their annual Assembly and Retreat in early August, too.

One goal of this blog is to help all Women of the DRG keep track of retreat opportunities, so send me information about retreats your churches or groups are sponsoring! Check the “What’s Happening” link regularly for new opportunities for retreats and studies.