Preparation
Fall Silent
Step 1: Choose your companions
As you begin planning this time of retreat, consider what you need and what will fill you the most. Are you looking for individual prayer time or a group experience? This retreat can be done individually, with a friend or mentor, or a small group.
Step 2: Map the journey
Familiarize yourself with the structure and components of the retreat.
Structure:
- Introduction: Fall Silent (Ash Wednesday -First Sunday of Lent, March 2-6)
- Fall silent and resist temptation (First Week of Lent, March 6-13)
- Fall silent and behold the glory (Second Week of Lent, March 13-20)
- Fall silent and bear fruit (Third Week of Lent - March 20-27)
- Fall silent and return to the Father (Fourth Week of Lent March 27-April 3)
- Fall silent and realize his love (Fifth Week of Lent, April 3-April 10)
- Fall silent before the cross, our only hope (Holy Week, April 10-16)
- Rise amazed (First Week of Easter, April 17-24)
Section components:
- Opening Prayer - the opening prayers are short, with the intent to fall silent in the Lord's presence for at least a few minutes. Prayers are inspired from various Scriptures, quotes from saints, collect prayers from Masses, etc.
- Scripture - each section has a Scripture passage that inspired the particular theme. When you read the Scripture passage, take a few minutes to focus on a word, phrase, or image that stands out to you. If you have additional time, consider using a fuller Lectio Divina process for the Scripture section: Read the passage once, considering What do you see? What images come to mind? Read the passage again, considering What do you hear? What sounds do you hear? What words or phrases strike you? Read the passage a third time, considering What does this passage teach me about Jesus?
- Meditation - thank you to the writers from our parishes for sharing their personal reflections with us!
- Reflection - grab your journal and fall silent praying with these questions
- Closing Prayer - the closing prayers are also short, prompting moments of silent contemplation. Prayers are inspired from various Scriptures, quotes from saints, collect prayers from Masses, etc.
Additional components:
- Song Reflection - Beyond the Days by Ricky Manalo
- Image Reflection - The Shadow in the Middle by Daniel Bonnell
These are additional components that can be used in whichever way you choose.
Format:
The retreat is designed to be done over the entirety of Lent and the first week of the Easter season. Pick a day during the week to work through weekly section. This would take approximately 30-45 minutes per sitting. Close each section with the song and image reflections, viewing the media through each theme. While this format will work for many, some may choose to spread content out daily or do the retreat in its entirety as a day-long retreat.
Step 3: Prepare your heart and home
Consider the theme, Fall Silent, as you prepare. How can noise and distractions be reduced as much as possible? How many devotions are you focusing on during Lent? Can your prayer be simplified and more focused, allowing you to fall silent into deeper meditation and contemplation?
As you begin to prepare your heart and home (or meeting space), play Beyond the Days by Ricky Manalo. See link at the bottom of this page.
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Create a prayer space in your home (or meeting space) to help center yourself for the retreat. Use a corner of a room or small table. Adorn the area with items such as a purple cloth, a candle, a cross/crucifix/picture of Jesus, and a bible. Find a comfy chair or pillow to sit on.
Gather a notebook or journal and a pen for use during the retreat.
