Hi, my name is DonnaMarie and I am new to this forum.   I have registered for a silent retreat  (Ignation) at OLOS in JAnuary.  I registered over the phone and was hoping for more information or a brochure but basiclally I was just asked a few questions............ and am registered.

Can you give me an idea of what the retreat is like?
 What should I bring?
  Should I bring snacks to share?
 I have chosen January because I don't think I could take the summer heat in Arizona.  I read online that typical January temps there are 75 to 80.  That is doable!!

Are there stores nearby to walk to?  I am not a coffee or tea drinker but am afraid I am addicted to my daily can of Coke Zero!   LOL!!

thanks,
DM

January can be cold so watch the weather forecast.  We only have about 5 weeks of "winter" in Phoenix and it generally starts around Christmas.

You will need to bring your own bedding and towels unless they have some "loaner" bedding available, ask them.  They should actually send you a list of things to bring and leave at home.  The rooms do not have bathrooms, the loo and the showers are centrally located so bring shower shoes.  Halls are exterior so no running around in a robe, be prepared to dress right after showering.  Bring an alarm clock because they only ring the bells about 30 minutes before Prime.

Ignatian retreats are structured as far as your time goes and are meant to be penitential so the meals are on the light side except for Wednesday after you make your general confession.  There is tea and coffee available between meals along with small snacks like granola bars.

You would not be allowed to leave the property during the retreat, although there is a grocery store and drug store w/in a block or so.  

When I went we were told not to do "outside" reading, only what was provided for us.

If you have a copy bring The Imitation of Christ and Christian Warfare along with the Scriptures, also bring a notepad and pens/pencils.

Be sure you turn off your cell phone and keep it in your suitcase, they ask that you not call home unless it is urgent (say checking in on a seriously ill relative) and then they might expect you to go through the office, not really sure about that.

I would definitely call them and ask for the list though as I'm sure I'm forgetting something!

Marsha

Actually, I would disagree with Aleah, as long as you walk to the store prior to the retreat and during daylight hours you do not need a buddy, it's not dangerous.

If you bring in your own food do not "advertise" it, when I went on the Virtues retreat we were told not to have food in our rooms because of the constant battle against ants, cockroaches and scorpions.  We have huge roaches in AZ, 3-4", no I am NOT kidding, they are big.  There are sinks in every room so rinse out your cans really well or you may find your trash can over run with ants in the morning.  There is a dumpster out in the parking lot so you can dispose of your private supplies and avoid the bug problem.

I never did see a roach or scorpion my room though so I think they do a good job keeping them out of the dormitory.

Marsha

I think a word of caution is warranted.

Please no more PMs because I am not allowed to open them until I am an "established member."  I have two of them now.

thanks, DM

I am learning my way around here and so much to read and learn.  I should tell a ltittle about myself.

I was raised moving around quite a bit.  I was born in Baltimore in 1960 and baptized at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  We moved to Milwaukee when I was 4.  I attended St. Hedwigs chuch and school where I made my first communion.

Lots more moving over the years and I now live in Bakersfield CA.   I have attended St. Francis church  but am now seeking tl maybe go back to my roots.  Just seeking and wanting to learn at this point.  I will admit that most the language on this forum is foreign to me but I am trying to learn.
There is a chapel here of the SSPX, St. Michaels that I have been to a few times.

I did go to Los GAtos this summer but got sick and came home.  I only went to a couple talks, sat outside and prayed otherwise.  It was very peaceful there and Fr. Emily VERY friendly and hospitable.  I am afraid the couple talks I did go to thought were totally over my head.
I do have learning disabilities and bipolar disorder.

I am married for 22 years and my husband is Protestant.  


Is it OK for me to be on this forum and try to learn?

DM

Ignatian retreats are supposed to be penitential, hence the discouragement of "snacks", and the restrictions about leaving the property.  Time on retreat is meant to be spent in prayer and spiritual direction and we should not be distracted by things "outside" that environment.

I have never seen any bugs in the dorm in Phx, they are very clean.  Just keep any of your own provisions in your car.

A retreat is a very worthwhile experience, it can be very intense though, especially the first 3 days when you are preparing for your general confession.  It is not pleasant, though instructive, to go over all the sins of our life.  There are also times when you can schedule a private meeting with the priests.  When I did mine in Los Gatos they actually had an attendance sheet to made sure that everyone had their three meetings - no escaping spiritual direction :wink:

30 years ago I used to go to St. Clare's retreat house in Soquel CA (just a few miles from the SSPX house) and it was very different, it was a more relaxed "weekend away" atmosphere, it is Novus Ordo however.

Marsha

I am learning my way around here and so much to read and learn.  I should tell a ltittle about myself.

I was raised moving around quite a bit.  I was born in Baltimore in 1960 and baptized at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  We moved to Milwaukee when I was 4.  I attended St. Hedwigs chuch and school where I made my first communion.

Lots more moving over the years and I now live in Bakersfield CA.   I have attended St. Francis church  but am now seeking tl maybe go back to my roots.  Just seeking and wanting to learn at this point.  I will admit that most the language on this forum is foreign to me but I am trying to learn.
There is a chapel here of the SSPX, St. Michaels that I have been to a few times.

I did go to Los GAtos this summer but got sick and came home.  I only went to a couple talks, sat outside and prayed otherwise.  It was very peaceful there and Fr. Emily VERY friendly and hospitable.  I am afraid the couple talks I did go to thought were totally over my head.
I do have learning disabilities and bipolar disorder.

I am married for 22 years and my husband is Protestant.  


Is it OK for me to be on this forum and try to learn?

DM

They let me be on the forum. I am sure you will do quite well.

Novus Ordo is Latin for New Order, we use it not just in reference to the current Mass that was instituted by Paul VI, but to the whole post-conciliar church, the church after Vatican II.  Sedevacantist refers to those who believe that none of the popes after V2 are valid and that the chair of St. Peter is empty.

I think you would do well to delay your Ignatian retreat until you learn more about tradition,you will get more out of it when you understand the true Mass and have a better understanding of traditional spirituality.

Marsha