- Rosary
- St Josephs by the Sea
St Josephs by the Sea
A Silent Week at St. Josephs by the Sea
I absolutely love the atmosphere of St Josephs by the Sea, not just its beautiful location on the beach with beautiful views but the religious nuns that run the retreat house. From the time you walk into the front door until you leave their warm welcoming hospitality is unspeakable.
I absolutely adore this place; it's like having a slice of heaven on Earth to retreat to. It's an escape from the hard-working days, the distractions of our daily lives, and so much more. Its beach views and its quiet sitting locations to reflect and meditate on God's voice.
Once you experience St. Joseph's by the Sea, you will never forget it and want more of it throughout the year.
What are the Benefits of Silent Retreat
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Saint Joseph's by the Sea one word very important to remember SILENCE (if the Nun's hear you talking, well it's like old Catholic school)
Embarking on a silent retreat can be a deeply transformative experience, offering numerous benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. The quiet environment allows for deep reflection and reduced stress, providing a peaceful respite from the constant demands of daily life.
Without the distractions of everyday noise and communication, you can achieve a level of introspection that leads to mental clarity and emotional healing. This serene setting fosters mindfulness, helping you live in the present moment and reducing anxiety about the past and future.
Additionally, silent retreats enhance spiritual growth by allowing for a deeper connection to your beliefs and practices, cultivating a sense of inner peace. The focused atmosphere improves concentration and productivity, unlocking creativity and new ideas.
Physically, the rest and relaxation you find can lead to better sleep and overall health. Enhanced listening skills and patience developed during the retreat can also improve your relationships. In essence, a silent retreat offers a unique opportunity to reset, recharge, and reconnect with your true self, fostering personal growth and transformation.
My First Experience
The first few days of my silent retreat were a real struggle as I wrestled with the spirit of my tongue. It's incredibly difficult to tame the urge to speak. It reminded me of my initial attempts at meditation, where my mind would relentlessly remind me of all the tasks I needed to accomplish, questioning why I was just sitting there.
But once I managed to conquer the urge to speak, I began to relax into the experience. It was as if a peacefulness washed over me, akin to being on a solo vacation—liberating and deeply refreshing.
As I embraced the silence, I felt a profound presence of holiness around me. It was a rejuvenating experience, bringing renewed energy, mindfulness, and awareness. That week, I was carrying a heavy burden, grappling with the decision of whether to stay in my current job.
The week of silence provided me with the clarity I desperately needed. I realized that everything was in God's hands, and my role was simply to let go, trust, and have faith.
By the end of the retreat, I had grown spiritually, gaining deeper understanding and wisdom. I felt ready to return to the chaotic world, transformed and equipped to make a clear and concise decision about my future. The retreat had given me the peace and perspective I needed to move forward with confidence.
How to Handle the Emotional Challenges That Come Up
Let me be honest with you—a week of silence isn't always peaceful and easy. There were moments during my retreats when I felt overwhelmed by emotions I didn't expect. Sometimes tears would come out of nowhere while I was sitting by the ocean or praying in the chapel. Other times I felt restless, anxious, or even a little scared of the quiet.
The beautiful thing about St. Joseph's by the Sea is that you're not alone in these feelings. The Sisters of St. Lucy Filippini who run this retreat house have been guiding people through these emotional waters for years. They understand that when we finally stop talking and get quiet, our hearts often have a lot to say.
During my second day, I remember feeling angry about things that happened years ago. I was sitting on the beach watching the waves, and suddenly I was mad at my old boss, upset about a friendship that ended badly, and worried about my family. It felt like my mind was playing a movie of everything I tried not to think about at home.
The sisters taught me that this is normal and actually part of the healing process. When we're always busy and talking, we push these feelings down deep inside. The silence gives them space to come up and be healed. I learned to just let the tears come when they needed to. I would sit by the ocean and cry, and somehow the sound of the waves made it feel okay.
If you feel lonely during your retreat, remember that Jesus often went away by himself to pray. You're following his example. The loneliness is temporary, but the peace you find will last much longer. I started talking to God more during those quiet moments, and it felt like having a conversation with my best friend.
When anxiety creeps in—and it probably will—try walking on the beach. The September weather is perfect for long walks, and the beach is nearly empty since all the summer crowds are gone. There's something about the rhythm of the waves that calms anxious thoughts. I would walk and pray the rosary, letting each Hail Mary match my footsteps in the sand.
Some days I felt like giving up and going home early. That's when I would remember why I came—to listen for God's voice. I learned that sometimes the hardest emotional moments are right before the biggest breakthroughs. The sisters always say that God often speaks loudest when we feel most vulnerable.
One word very important to remember
SILENCE
(if the Nun's hear you talking, well it's like old catholic school)
The Gift of September at the Shore
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There's something magical about being at St. Joseph's by the Sea in September. The summer crowds have packed up and gone home, leaving the beach peaceful and quiet—perfect for a silent retreat. The weather is still warm enough to sit outside comfortably, but there's a gentle coolness in the evening air that feels refreshing after a day of prayer and reflection.
The ocean in September has a different personality than it does in July. It's calmer, more thoughtful somehow. The waves seem to whisper instead of shout, which matches perfectly with the silence you're keeping. I love watching the sunrise over the water during morning prayer, knowing that very few people get to experience this peaceful time of year at the shore.
St Josephs by the Sea
My advice if you have a chance soon BOOK A SILENT RETREAT you won't regret it
Let the photos do the talking to your heart
Imagine standing on a pristine beach, where the rhythmic symphony of waves crashing against the shore creates a calming backdrop. The sun casts a golden hue over the landscape, and a gentle, warm breeze caresses your skin, carrying with it the faint, salty taste of the ocean. Seagulls glide gracefully overhead, their calls mingling with the sound of the waves.
The sand beneath your feet is soft and warm, inviting you to leave footprints as you stroll along the shore. The horizon stretches infinitely, blending seamlessly with the sky, and the tranquil beauty of the scene fills you with a profound sense of peace and serenity.
Preparation for a Silent Retreat
- Pack lightly - NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Phone, computers, tablets
- Bring Spiritual Reading - Books, Bibles (NO Magazines)
- Bring a Journal and a good writing pen
- Comfortable shoes for walking or relaxing
- If you're into photography, try to limit the hobby so you don't lose focus on why you are there. It's similar to a pilgrimage.
- Spend time in prayer at least a week before ask God for guidance, direction and will power.
- Mostly bring yourself, you deserve this experience
There is so much to capture here. The sisters that run St. Joseph by the Sea are so loving and hospitable. You never go hungry, there are three meals a day.
Just keep in mind if you chose a silent retreat then expect to be silent throughout. Including when gathered for meals.
SSSHHH
QUIET PLEASE
Let the photos do the talking to your heart
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