5 Small Ways to Save for Retreat

A retreat refreshes and revitalizes, gives the opportunity for more time spent in prayer and contemplation, and rekindles and deepens one’s relationship with God.   One may take this opportunity to more clearly hear God’s call and to seek God’s healing grace and thereby attain a degree of spiritual renewal.  The purpose of a spiritual retreat, as an addition to daily spiritual activities, is to temporarily leave behind the usual distractions we all face for a time long enough to allow relaxation and for an inner change to occur: the ongoing conversion of heart that is critical to deepening faith. 

As women we find it hard to get away because we have our obligations to care for our family and children or because you are the soldier. Military life may add more struggles of planning well ahead of time such as vacations and retreats because our spouses’ jobs can be unpredictable. Also, many are stay at home moms and with one income and the cost of living rising, there is definitely stress put on the family. 

As Catholic women we know our faith is what keeps us strong with all the turmoil of life in the military.  There are ways to prepare ahead of time.  If you remember in school they would say to make a goal whether long or short-term depending on how much time is needed, and you can make it happen.  I am sure you have planned a family trip, so why not plan to attend a retreat that will not only strengthen your faith but also it can be like going on a girls’ trip? Except, this girls’ trip is with military women with the same goal of strengthening your faith, time for prayer, support, and meeting other Catholic military women.

The Catholic Encyclopedia describes the necessity of such retreats: “In the fever and agitation of modern life, the need of meditation and spiritual repose impresses itself on Christian souls who desire to reflect on their eternal destiny, and direct their life in this world towards God” (Theology of the Body).

So, get a notebook and pen! Here are some tips that may help you start planning and to make the goal to attend a MCCW retreat or Forum:

• Have your goal and intention of what you want to do – set the date!
• Plan your travel budget – find out the cost and make a budget;
• Set up a separate savings account – do not spend from this account until your trip!
• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions – look at what you use, and what you might be able to do without in an effort to save for retreat;
• Bargain shop – take time to look for sale on items you use often or want and buy generic.

There are many easy and creative ways of saving a little money here and there, just think of your goal and know that you can do this!

At the end of the day, hopefully you will be able to refresh your spiritual and physical senses with an MCCW retreat this spring.

In Christ,

Josie

Director of Stewardship