“Retreat Rookies”

One question we always ask at the beginning of our retreats is:  “Is there anyone here tonight who is attending her FIRST retreat?”  It is amazing how many women raise their hand from year to year.  It is easy to forget how many women are novices when it comes to retreats.

Having these “retreat rookies” raise their hands also reminds us that those “retreat rookies” often attend their first retreat with very real fears and misgivings.   Their own insecurities fueled by the enemy’s lies can cause a lot of anxiety.  We need to make an extra effort to reach out with some TLC (tender-loving care)!  This begins with a warm greeting as they arrive.  Making an extra efforts to talk with them about what will happen at the retreat may go a long way to relieving their anxieties.