Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I come on a retreat?

The word retreat means "to surrender" and "to step back from." While this may not be what first comes to mind when you think of an "active prayer life," taking the time to "retreat" from the demands and busyness of daily life is vital to the health of our souls. Scripture reminds us that God's voice is not often found in the loudest and most obvious ways, but in the still small voice and quietness within our hearts. The retreats we offer provide an atmostphere for you to set aside the cares of the world and breathe in deeply the love of God in order to nourish your soul and be better equipped to face the demands of everyday life with God. One retreat experience might be an (eternal) life-saving investment!

What can I expect when I come on retreat?

Most three-day group retreats are silent retreats that begin on Friday evening and end on Sunday afternoon, after Mass. In addition to the retreat talks, every retreat includes Mass on Saturday and Sunday, opportunity for Eucharistic adoration, and a reconciliation service with opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There is ample free time in between for private reflection and prayer, and to take walks outdoors on our beautiful property that overlooks Lake Pontchartrain.

What should I bring on retreat?

You may want to bring a journal, Rosary and/or spiritual reading. A Bible is provided in the bedrooms as well as pens and paper should you wish to take notes during the talks. You should plan to pack all toiletries you will need as well as any medications you will need during your stay here. You are also welcome to bring an additional pillow, blanket or towels if you believe you might need these items. Each room is equipped with pillows, a blanket and one set of towels. Many of our rooms vary in their temperatures so we recommend brining a sweater or jacket for optimum comfort.
 

Will I be able to talk at all on retreat?

The Friday night dinner and welcome will not be in silence and you are welcome to meet other retreatants and connect with friends who may be on retreat. Silence begins after the first session on Friday night and will last through Sunday Mass. You will have the opportunity to talk through Mass, spiritual direction and Reconciliation. Otherwise, we do ask that you try and keep the silence as best as you are able. It is difficult in our world today that is so filled with noise, but it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks to us and you may be surprised to find how clearly you can connect with God once you set aside all distractions.

Do you offer spiritual direction?

There will be an opportunity for you to sign up and to meet with a spiritual director while you are on retreat. However, if you are in need of spiritual direction outside of your retreat time, you may contact the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center at 504-861-3254.

Do you offer any other programming besides three-day retreats?

Yes! In an effort to serve as many people as possible we have greatly expanded our program options to include four-day Women of Manresa retreats, days of prayer, grief retreats, Scripture and Sips, and many other offerings. Please check our calendar for a complete listing of offerings or call (504) 267-9604 for more information.

Who are the retreat captains and what does that mean?

Retreat captains are volunteers who help to serve the mission at The Cenacle on the Lake by encouraging others in their community to sign up for a retreat. The greatest means of connecting others to The Cenacle on the Lake is personal witness and testimony and the captains help us accomplish this. Many captains announce our retreat offerings through their parish bulletins, after a Sunday Mass, through flyers and brochures, and at meetings and committees they are a part of, thereby inviting friends, family or new aquaintances. Some captains have been coming to The Cenacle on the Lake for decades, and their retreat weekend has become a family tradition, passed on from one generation to the next. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a captain, please contact Esther O'Brien at 504-267-9604.