What is a Catholic spiritual retreat?

A Catholic spiritual retreat is a time during which an individual withdraws from society for quiet reflection and prayer. It usually takes place at a designated place of worship or retreat center in an area that is relatively isolated from other people.

Retreats can take place anywhere that the individual can go to devote time to quiet reflection. Spending time in the tabernacle of a church while there is no ceremony going on is a form of spiritual retreat. However, people may also choose to spend time at a designated retreat center which is located in a rural area or otherwise takes measures to provide isolation from society.