Finding Peace Through Structure and Stillness
Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. In a world that never stops talking—notifications, news, noise—it’s no wonder more people are craving the stillness of a silent retreat. But if you’ve never done one before, the idea of sitting in silence for seven straight days can feel… a little intimidating. That’s why having a structure matters. When each day is anchored in a theme and a prayer, silence becomes less awkward and more sacred.
That’s where Journey Through Time comes in, especially Chapter IV. It explores the RCIA journey in a way that naturally fits into the rhythm of a retreat. Every stage mirrors something internal: longing, wrestling, surrender, renewal. These aren’t just church terms—they’re human ones. And when used as a guide for seven days of quiet reflection, they create space for deep spiritual reset.
Designing the Retreat Using Chapter IV
The layout is simple: one theme per day, drawn from Chapter IV’s breakdown of the RCIA journey. You might start with Evangelization and Inquiry, spending the day journaling what questions still live in your heart. Day two could be Catechumenate, focusing on formation—what are you learning from your past? From scripture? Each day builds toward something more grounded, more honest, more peaceful.
The prayers in Chapter IV are short, focused, and personal. They’re not lofty or over-complicated, which is perfect for retreat settings. You can read one in the morning, sit with it in silence, and let it unfold through the day. These kinds of prayers don’t need explaining. They just need space. By Day Seven, you reach Mystagogy—the reflective stage. You look back at what’s changed, what’s healed, and where you go from here.
This outline doesn’t need a fancy retreat house to work. It can happen in your home, a park, a rented cabin, or even your parish if they’re open to it. The structure is flexible. The content is rich. And the silence? That’s the part where God gets to do the talking.
The Guide Who Brought RCIA into the Heart of Reflection
Laurence F. Aucella wrote Journey Through Time with a scholar’s focus and a pastor’s heart. His ability to translate complex stages of conversion into personal, relatable themes is what makes Chapter IV a perfect fit for retreat outlines. He didn’t just study RCIA—he walked beside people living it, prayed with them, listened to their questions, and turned those moments into a resource that continues to meet people where they are.
Journey Through Time
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella
Silence has a rhythm. Let this seven-day guide lead you into a deeper spiritual reset.