At St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Parish – Muyeye, retreats and recollections are an important part of our spiritual life. They provide time to step back from the demands of daily life, listen more attentively to the voice of God, examine one’s life in the light of the Gospel, and grow in prayer, healing, and conversion.
This ministry is one of the distinctive blessings of being a Jesuit parish. In the Ignatian tradition, retreats and recollections are not reserved for a few, but are offered as practical opportunities for spiritual renewal, discernment, and deeper friendship with Christ. They form part of the parish’s wider commitment to prayer, accompaniment, and growth in faith.
Regular Parish Recollections
The parish ordinarily holds special recollections during the great seasons of the Church year, especially Advent and Lent. These times of recollection help parishioners prepare spiritually for Christmas and Easter through prayer, silence, reflection, Confession, and renewed openness to God’s grace.
Retreat Opportunities
The Jesuits are available to help arrange directed retreats, preached retreats, and other forms of guided spiritual reflection. Parish groups, ministry leaders, councils, and individual parishioners are all encouraged to make use of these opportunities according to their needs and vocation.
In addition to group recollections, the Jesuit spiritual tradition also makes room for quieter forms of prayer, such as a personal retreat day, a guided day of reflection, or spiritual accompaniment over time. Such opportunities may be arranged through the priests, and spiritual direction is also available for those seeking regular guidance in their faith journey.
What to Expect in a Recollection
Recollection activities may include Scripture reflection, a spiritual talk, silence, personal prayer, examination of conscience, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic devotion, and Benediction. In this way, recollection becomes not only a meeting or teaching session, but a genuine encounter with the mercy and presence of God.
These moments of prayer are especially valuable for parish leaders, ministry groups, young people, and families, because they help reconnect service with prayer and strengthen the interior life that sustains Christian witness.
We warmly encourage parishioners, families, ministry groups, and leaders to make use of these moments of retreat and recollection. In silence, prayer, and reflection, the Lord renews hearts, strengthens vocations, and helps us continue our Christian journey with greater peace, freedom, and hope.