Silence is God’s Language: A directed retreat

A silent, directed retreat is a three-day guided prayer experience. Retreatants meet one-on-one with an experienced spiritual director. “Nothing will make us discover God better than the silence God inscribed in the center of our being. If we do not cultivate this silence, how can we find God?” — From Cardinal Robert Sarah’s book, The Power of Silence A silent, directed retreat Sept. 24-27, 2026 | Feb. 25-28, 2027 | June 24-27, 2027 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday 4 p.m.In-person and Zoom options available. Do you struggle to hear the voice of God? God is always speaking with us, but God’s voice can be drowned out by the noise that permeates our lives. A silent directed retreat can provide the discipline and intention to remove distractions from our days, and our hearts will grow sensitive to the subtle voice of God. Why a silent, directed retreat? Step aside for some quiet time at Precious Blood Renewal Center. In that silence with God, under the guidance of a spiritual director, the static that disrupts us can become clear. This retreat might be what you need now. What to Expect Before the weekend begins, a spiritual director will contact you about how to prepare yourself for the weekend and what to expect. We begin Thursday evening at 7 p.m. for orientation, an opening prayer and to meet other retreatants. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are spent in silent contemplation. You will have a private room and can use the chapel, library or other rooms at the Center. You can also walk our grounds. Each day, each retreatant meets with a spiritual director for reflection and spiritual discernment. The retreat ends Sunday afternoon with Mass and sharing. Some retreatants may be joining the retreat via Zoom. What’s the Cost? • A $10 reservation fee is collected at time of registration. • In-person retreat: $350 a person. • Zoom retreat: $150 per person Retreat costs cover all the meals and snacks, a private room, linen and towels, and retreat director fee. Prices are set to cover these costs. Anyone unable to pay the suggested amounts may leave whatever offering they can afford. No one will be turned away. Not Sure This Is for You? Learn more about directed retreats here. Or contact the Renewal Center (by email [email protected] or calling 816-415-3745) and one of our directors will reach out to you with more information. Chair Message Fifteen-minute chair message sessions may be available on some retreat days. Massage sessions must be paid for in advance. Check our website for details. Our Spiritual Directors Before the weekend begins, our spiritual director will contact you about how to prepare yourself for the weekend and what to expect. Fr. Ron Will, a Precious Blood priest, is a graduate of Catholic Theological Union and Creighton University’s School of Christian Spirituality. Fr. Ron has a special interest in helping form intentional disciples of Jesus, encouraging others to go spiritually deep-sea diving to explore a deeper relationship with God, and walking with people as they dive into the ocean of God’s mystery actually experiencing God rather than simply dipping one’s toe into the water. Jamie Streett Baker has a background in social work with a BSW and a Master’s degree. She holds a certificate in spiritual direction from the Benedictine Peace Center in Yankton, South Dakota. Jamie feels the invitation of spiritual direction is to: “Be still and know that I am God.” By meeting with a spiritual director regularly, we become more aware of God’s presence and action in our lives. She has found spiritual direction can produce better life balance — in body, mind and spirit. Jamie also loves creating community through small groups for healing and growth.