Spiritual Retreats (directed)

             ”As a deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God”   (Psalm 42)

                                                              “Living Water”

                                Nourishing our souls through contemplative prayer

                                 An Introduction to Contemplative Presence

 

While at first hearing it may sound strange, contemplation is something we all do to some degree. Who has not been struck by a sunset, a herd of deer grazing, or the birth of a child? Who does not have an older relative who walked about the house praying the rosary or a mother who performed her homemaking chores humming or eyes fixed on something beyond what she was doing?  Through a contemplative directed retreat, we can learn ways to enter such a “presence” as well as skills at remaining in that presence for some time through God’s grace. The beauty of such an experience is like drinking “living water” and opening to it over time offers tangible benefits that can impact our daily lives.

  •  Situations, once boring or mundane, may now seem graced, more alive.
  •  Strivings and graspings that once carried a life-or-death importance can now be calmed and eased with deep reassurance.
  •  Concerns and attachments that previously muddied awareness and kidnapped attention can now dissolve into amazing clarity.

Significance of Mepkin Abbey Mepkin Abbey is a community of Roman Catholic monks established in 1949 on the site of the historic Mepkin Plantation located on the Cooper River, north of Charleston, South Carolina. Founded by the monks of Gethsemani in Kentucky, the brothers of Mepkin belong to the worldwide Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance popularly known as Trappist. Following The Rule of St. Benedict, the monks at Mepkin Abbey devote their lives to prayer, spiritual study, work and hospitality.  To retreat at Mepkin Abbey is a time of special grace. Retreatants are always welcome to join in the prayer and schedule of the monks. The possibility for contemplative presence will truly be enhanced by the experience of the sacredness of the more than 3,000 acres of land, the stunning simplicity of the church, and the monastic life lived within this monastic community.

The Format  The following daily presentations are illustrative of a 4-day retreat at Mepkin Abbey. For a 3-day retreat first and second presentations are combined.

  • First presentation: Introduction to contemplative practice: How do contemplatives pray? 
  • Second presentation: Individual contemplative practice with the use of the Sunday scripture readings 
  • Third presentation: Meeting God in the present moment
  • Fourth Presentation: Creating a personal plan for a contemplative lifestyle 

Each day of the retreat begins with a joint conference. Retreatants have the opportunity to receive spiritual direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and are free to join in the Divine Office and Mass with the monks. The remainder of the day is spent in silence, rest and reflection.

Features and Benefits  Retreatants are introduced to contemplative practices that heighten their awareness to experience God in their day-to-day living and have those experiences influence their daily lives.   The 3 or 4 days on retreat creates an entrée for fuller and more active participation in Sunday Eucharist.  The monastery’s 3,000 acres of woodland along the waters of the Cooper River offers the retreatant a serene setting for rest, reflection, and relaxation.