Immaculate Conception Men's Retreat

Immaculate Conception Parish

Men’s Retreat

What is a Retreat?

It is a personal encounter with God through a balance of communal prayer, inspirational talks, silence and solitude, natural beauty and sacramental grace. This sacred time brings renewal for your body, mind and spirit. Mater Dolorosa is located in Sierra Madre on 80 acres of foothills, open fields, groves of trees surrounding the retreat facilities, the Stations of the Cross, and Monestary Gardens with a breath-taking view of the San Gabriel Valley. Retreats were first held on these grounds in 1932, and since that time, generations have returned annually to share in the rich spiritual environment provided during a weekend retreat. People of all ages are welcomed on retreats, and each will find their own special benefit. Many come to find something of relevance in their life. Others come for several days of thoughtful relaxation, or simply to give thanks for God's blessings. All come away renewed and rewarded from the experience.

Taking time for yourself...

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Mark 6:31
Even if these words of Jesus were spoken directly to us today, many of us would have many reasons for why we could not get away. We are overcommitted in so many areas of our life and can’t imagine taking a few days to make a retreat. However, if we are honest with ourself, we know that we could make the time.

Since the beginning, Christians have gone into the desert, mountains, and monasteries on retreat to be sensitive to the presence of God. There comes a time when we must say “no” to the busy-ness we have created in our life and simply say “yes” to our self. People of faith need regular time for prayerful quiet and solitude.