How do I Unplug at a Retreat when the Facility has WIFI? 

This is a tough question. You may even be asking yourself, why does a Retreat Center even have WIFI? At the St. Joseph Retreat & Conference Center we offer not only a beautiful campus for peaceful retreats, but also a state-of-the-art Conference Center for meetings and events. Our main building features complementary WIFI throughout; our two retreat homes do not. 

As you prepare for your retreat, consider what you want out of your retreat experience. We recommend setting a plan for your retreat, much like you’d pack your bags. (See our packing list here.) Determine ahead of time what and how much technology you will use on the retreat. Think about how you use technology. Is it a real distraction for you, something you could challenge yourself to take a break from? Or is technology just a small part of your normal day and not likely to impact your retreat. As with all things, ask Jesus to guide you in this decision. And pray for discipline to stick to your plan. 

What kind of retreat are you attending? Is this a retreat where you hope to become really knowledgeable about a certain topic? You might need technology to do research and writing. Or, is it a prayerful retreat where you’re seeking one-on-one time with God or the scriptures? Maybe you need to eliminate distractions? Is it a silent retreat where you need to escape all the “noise” in your life and spend time in quiet contemplation? 

Think about what enhances your spiritual life. Do you use praise music to set a mood for prayer, contemplation, journaling? You might want earbuds and music. Do you rely on apps for the daily readings or an examination of conscience?  

In seeking to achieve balance, consider putting limits on your technology use—set aside a half hour a day to stay on top of work and family commitments. Or only use your device for spiritual pursuits, not worldly distractions. What about leaving your device in your room for the day and checking it only during a designated time? Or, turn it off at night. 

If you feel that technology is a burden to your spirituality or you just want to unplug, know that you can always leave it at home. We have a land line phone on each floor for emergencies. The St. Francis Cabrini business center features a guest computer, fax, printer and copier. Make sure your family and friends know they can call (765) 551-9570, fax (765) 408-0564 or email frontdesk@dol-in.org to reach you.  

Our library is full of books and materials you can use. Bring a pen and paper to take notes, take a walk outside and sing your praise music to the heavens. We want this retreat to fit your spiritual needs, draw you closer to God and enhance your faith in Jesus.