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  Video: What is the Busy Persons Retreat?
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  FAQ's

  What is a retreat?

  Taking time for yourself-- to rest, to reflect, to pray, to be renewed, to think, for self-care. Often a retreat is held at a different location than you normally occupy, like a retreat house, or a cabin, or quiet place away from distractions. The Busy Persons Retreat, because it's designed for people like you who may not be able to physically get away from your life/work for a few days, is held wherever you are. At your desk, in your car, in your dorm room, in your office, outside, etc.

  How much time will this take?

  The Busy Persons Retreat is four weeks long, and begins the week of Mar. 11 and finishes the week of Apr. 5. Participants are expected to take some time for prayer and reflection several days per week (every day if it's possible, but we encourage you to do it at least 3 days each week.) You will have a spiritual guide/director assigned to you that you will be expected to meet with once per week during the four weeks. This person will help to guide you personally on the retreat. Their primary goal is to get to know you, and to help you in your spiritual walk, deepening your relationship with God.

  What if I've never prayed, or spent much time thinking about God/religion?

  The retreat will meet you wherever you are in your spiritual journey. If you didn't grow up practicing any religion, no problem. If you have disassociated yourself with a religion, but still consider yourself spiritual-- no problem. If you are a devout Catholic, or Muslim, or Jew, and want to go deeper-- no problem. If you have some experience with retreats but not a lot-- no problem. If you are unsure if you believe in God, but are curious as to what this retreat has to offer-- no problem. If you attend church every week and want to ask some questions to a trusted spiritual guide-- no problem. In other words- everyone is welcome, no matter where you are in your journey.

  How can I get more info if have more questions, or if I want to talk to someone more before I sign up?

  Drop by the ministry office, ground level of the Student Union or email a minister: lawleran@udmercy.edu, or call our office (313) 993-1925. We are happy to talk to you more about the Busy Persons Retreat and answer any questions you might have about it.

  Is there a cost for the Busy Persons Retreat?

  No, there is no cost for participants.

  I signed up-- now what?

  You will be contacted by University Ministry with more information, as the retreat draws closer. You will also be assigned a spiritual director/guide and will be given their contact info so you can set up your one-hour sessions. 

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  Registration

  Registration for BPR Winter 2025 will be available in January.

Retreats - FAQ

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  Why go on a retreat?

  For any of the following reasons:

  • You are nearing, in, or completing a transition in your life and want to step back to reflect on what it all means and where God is in it.
  • You are curious about questions of faith and spirituality and want to learn how other people engage in these questions.
  • You want to meet new friends.
  • You are dealing with a loss, change, or challenge in your life and could use some community, guidance, and support.
  • You are unsatisfied with your relationship with God and/or others and want to make changes.
  • You feel like you’ve made progress in your faith and want to keep things headed in a positive direction.
  • You think you’re hearing God’s voice or call, but aren’t sure or don’t know what to do about it.
  • You’ve been feeling lonely on campus and need a change of pace and people.
  • You want to escape the city and connect with God and people somewhere beautiful.
  • You have found retreats valuable in the past and want to come back to them.
  • You have never ever been on a retreat and want to jump into a new experience.
  • You want to connect with more people who share your values.
  • Or you have your own individual reasons drawing you toward a retreat experience.

  People come for their own purposes and desires, and one of the strengths of a retreat is that people can come for many reasons and each get what they need, as part of the community.

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  I am not very religious. Will I fit in on a retreat?

  If you’re open to engaging questions of meaning, purpose, faith, and spirituality, and you’re curious about how other people approach those questions, then a retreat will be a good fit for you. That matters much more than what faith tradition (if any) you come from, how often you go or don’t go to church, and how strong or struggling you feel in your spirituality.
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  I am not Christian. Will I fit in on a retreat?

  People of all faiths are welcome on all retreats! Participants regularly report that they learn and receive insights on retreat particularly from talking with those with a different perspective (not just religious perspective, but that is a common one mentioned). Most Campus Ministry retreats are based on Christian, Ignatian, Mercy and/or Catholic ideals and use vocabulary and principles from those traditions, but facilitators are attentive to defining and translating those principles so people from all backgrounds can find them helpful. We also make it a priority to incorporate principles, traditions, and rituals from various faith traditions. 
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  What is the cost of retreats?

  Retreat costs vary, but will be listed on the registration form for each retreat. Some retreats like our Busy Persons Retreat has no cost to participate.
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  Does University Ministry offer financial assistance?

  Our office believes strongly that every person should be able to attend a retreat no matter their financial situation. If you want to go on a retreat, money need not be a concern. Just register for the retreat you plan to attend, and include this request on your registration. We have always been able to work out a solution for every student and are happy to tailor to what helps you most.