Examination of Conscience (Day 1 of Retreat)
Put yourself in the presence of God and consider these questions slowly in silence:
Am I determined to live these days in silence that I may receive all that Jesus wants to say to me? What can I do during these days to have that interior silence?
Then he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest for a while (Mark 6:31). Am I willing to take the opportunity to have a potential encounter with Jesus?
Do I consider my life as a gift from the Lord? How do I thank him for the gifts he has given me?
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God, and so we are (1 John 3:1). Have I tried this year to treat God as a Father, who loves me more than anyone else and is interested in every detail of my existence? Do I face difficulties - family, professional, social, etc. with the serenity that his company gives me?
Do I have a spiritual life to help me meet Jesus in my professional work, in my family life, in my dealings with my friends or in times of rest? Have I gone to frequent confession, the sacrament of joy, convinced of the treasure it is in my life?
In the area of charity, do I strive to have open and friendly communication with my spouse? Do I make the effort to take the first step when we need to make up, asking for forgiveness and forgiving?
What are 1-2 concrete resolutions from this time of prayer?
Act of contrition.
Examination of Conscience (Day 2 of Retreat)
Put yourself in the presence of God and consider these questions slowly in silence:
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him (1 John 4:9). Do I read and meditate on the Gospel every day to know Jesus Christ better and become more like him? Have I tried to put the means to receive formation on a regular basis, knowing that I need it to be an apostle?
Do I consider the last things from time to time - death, judgement, hell, purgatory, glory - to make resolutions of reparation and purification, of apostolic zeal, of coherence of life? Do I pray for the salvation of the souls of those who have already died and who may need it?
As I contemplate the poverty of Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, do I realise that to be happy, what is needed is not an easy life but a heart which is in love (Furrow, 795)? How do I give an example to my family of being generous to the needs of others?
St. Joseph was given the blessed mission of caring for the Holy Family. Do I enjoy living my vocation as a wife and mother? Have I tried to share my likes and hobbies with my children?
Do I understand that marriage is part of my vocation and so I look for ways to give myself faithfully to my husband? How do I listen attentively and show him concrete details of affection?
Jesus Christ was known as the son of the craftsman (Matthew 13:54). Have I treated my colleagues, customers, suppliers or subordinates well? What virtue could I grow in at work?
Go therefore and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Do I, like Jesus, cultivate friendship with everyone I meet, with an open mind and a big heart? What work or social challenges could I engage in to bring the world to God?
What are 1-2 concrete resolutions from this time of prayer?
Act of contrition.
Examination of Conscience (Day 3 of Retreat)
Put yourself in the presence of God and consider these questions slowly in silence:
Jesus wept. So, the Jews said: “See how he loved him” (John 11:35-36). In my daily life, am I sensitive to the needs of others, especially my husband and children?
This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19). How do I value Sunday Mass and do I make the necessary means to participate in it with my family?
If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23). How do I offer to God the daily sacrifices, especially those that make life more pleasant for others?
The Lord has risen indeed (Luke 24:34). Do I ask him to sustain me in moments of discouragement or contradiction when things do not go as I expected? Have these times led me to value spiritual direction or accompaniment as a help in following Jesus?
All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers (Acts 1:14). Do I place the intentions of this retreat in the hands of Our Lady so that she may pray for me and help me to fulfil them?
What are 1-2 concrete resolutions from this time of prayer?
Act of contrition.