Silent Retreats
Wednesday, 15 December 2010 19:23
St. Hildegard’s Community has two 3-day silent retreats each year, one in Advent and another one during Lent. On some years we’ve had almost 20 retreatants; at other times as few as 6. Whether the number is large or small, having these times during the Liturgical Year anchors the community in a spirit of listening and openness. Silent Retreats are good for our soul, both communally and personally.
The structure is very simple. We gather Friday evening for supper, listening as each person speaks briefly of current joys and struggles. With busy lives, getting here hasn’t been easy; now it’s time for relaxation and moments of laughter. Happiness, weariness and expectation are woven together. Later there is orientation about the schedule and expectations during Silence, telling newcomers about hiking trails, art supplies and how to seek spiritual direction if needed. About 9:30 p.m. we worship and “Enter into the Silence.” If it is cold enough for a fire in the fireplace, some will stay and gaze into the flames while others are eager for bed or a
walk to enjoy the stars. There will be no talking, working, reading or connecting to the web until Sunday. This fast from the ordinary ‘noise’ allows a new inner spaciousness. There may be some anxiety but always a sense of embracing the Silence as a treasure.
Being together in silence is a unique way of being in community, creating unexpected intimacy. We enjoy an easy rhythm of shared worship and meals interspersed with free time. The full day of silence varies for each person: taking walks and enjoying wildlife, taking a nap, doing art, writing in a journal, praying, meditating. Eating together we notice crunchy sounds and have more space for savoring flavors. Each person has contributed to one meal and there is silent gratitude for the cooks. During the day we go off in many directions while the evening brings us close again, to sit comfortably in one room. Sunday morning many feel the time hasn’t been long enough: we’ve felt at home and want to stay. “Sharing out of the Silence” is a time of
transition. We hear each other’s stories, sharing the richness of experience including art that was created. Following lunch and cleanup, we head for home refreshed and reconnected.
In the 1970’s I first learned that Episcopalians made retreats. In my experience making a retreat was
something that Roman Catholics did and it was rare even for them. Setting aside a weekend to listen to God
and to be silent for such a long time seemed interesting in the same way that facing toward Mecca to pray is
intriguing but not something to take personally. But then I heard that Father Charles Whiston, an Episcopal
priest and former missionary to China, was leading a Silent Retreat at a retreat center in San Antonio. Joe and
I—young parents at the time—were invited to participate along with others from All Saints’, St. Matthew’s,
and other parishes. A small group of Austin Episcopalians, including Pat Black, had been making retreats with
Father Whiston for some time and regularly made arrangements to offer this opportunity. The prospect
seemed both inviting and frightening. It would definitely take us outside our comfort zones. I certainly had no
idea that I was discovering a gift that would sustain me personally and that Pat and I along with others would
regularly offer this gift of Silence to all who long for it.
Advent Blessings and Peace, Judith
