A retreat is an intentional time away from our normal activities to spend time getting reacquainted with God, to experience a new awareness of the presence of God.
Retreats call us to examine the priorities of life and to make concrete and practical resolutions for improvement. They offer an opportunity to get some distance and see things in perspective.
We read in the Gospels that Jesus often withdrew to a deserted place by himself despite the many demands placed upon him — or perhaps because of them! If Jesus needed to withdraw from time to time, chances are good that you and I need to do so, too!