Pause Retreats for Women
Sometimes we need to step out of the rhythm of everyday life—not to escape it, but to see it more clearly.
Pause is a silent weekend retreat for women, grounded in the Ignatian tradition of prayer and discernment. Through Scripture, silence, personal reflection and daily spiritual accompaniment, it offers the time and freedom to notice where God is present in your life and where you are being gently drawn.
These long weekend retreats are especially relevant for women in times of transition, whether that be menopause, retirement, or discerning a change or renewal.
Whether you come seeking rest, clarity, renewal or simply some uninterrupted time with God, you are warmly welcome.
How a Pause Retreat Works
Each day begins with a short reflection on a Gospel encounter between Jesus and a woman. These stories become companions for your own prayer, offering fresh ways of seeing your life in the light of God’s love.
The rest of the day unfolds simply: time for personal prayer, silence, walking, reading, journalling or resting, together with a daily conversation with your spiritual director.
In the evening we gather briefly for quiet prayer before returning to the silence.
There is no pressure to do more than be present. The retreat unfolds at its own pace, and you are free to receive it in your own way.
What Happens on a Pause Retreat?
Morning Reflection
Each day begins with a brief reflection on Scripture to guide your prayer.
Daily Spiritual Accompaniment
Meet individually each day with an experienced female spiritual director who will accompany you as you reflect on your prayer and experience.
Time for Prayer and Silence
The heart of the retreat is generous, unhurried time for personal prayer, quiet reflection and rest.
Evening Prayer
A simple contemplative gathering brings each day gently to a close.
Meet Your Retreat Facilitator
Facilitated by JISA Spiritual Director Belinda Chapman, an experienced Ignatian Spiritual Director and Giver of the Spiritual Exercises based in Georgetown, Tasmania.
A wife, mother, daughter and sister, Belinda brings a warm, grounded approach to accompanying women in prayer.
She creates an atmosphere where you can feel at ease to come as you are, trusting that God meets you uniquely and personally.
Stories from Retreatants
“The weekend gave me permission to slow down in a way I hadn’t realised I needed. The silence, prayer and daily conversations helped me notice God’s presence with fresh eyes. I returned home rested, grateful and with a renewed sense of hope.”
“The Pause Retreat at JISA in Sevenhill, Clare, offered a beautiful space to slow down and meet with the Lord. Surrounded by vineyards and nature, we were gently led by Belinda into a deeper appreciation of menopause as a meaningful, God-given stage of life. Through Scripture, she showed how precious women are to Jesus, leaving me more positive about this season than ever before. With generous time for silence and solitude and daily one-on-one spiritual direction, the retreat was truly restorative. I would highly recommend this to any woman looking to slow down, breathe deeply, and Pause from their daily life.”
Who Is Pause For?
Pause is for women who would value a long weekend away from the demands of everyday life to pray, reflect and rest.
Some women come because they are navigating change. Others are seeking renewal, discerning a decision, or simply longing for time with God in the midst of a busy life.
It is especially relevant for women in times of transition, whether that be menopause, retirement, or discerning a change or renewal.
No previous experience of silent retreats is needed. If you are open to prayer and willing to spend some time in silence, you will find a warm welcome here.
Preparing for Your Pause Retreat
4-6 practical tips for preparing, tailored to a shorter weekend format and the transition/reflection focus.
You don’t need to prepare in any special way.
It can help to begin slowing your pace in the days beforehand and to arrive without expecting anything in particular.
Bring comfortable clothing, a journal if you enjoy writing, and whatever will help you settle into the quiet.
The retreat is not about “getting it right”. Simply come as you are.
Grounded in the Ignatian tradition
Pray with Scripture in a way that connects faith with the realities of everyday life.
Personal Spiritual Accompaniment
Each participant meets daily with an experienced female spiritual director.
Time to Rest
Held in peaceful retreat settings, Pause offers a rare opportunity to step back from daily demands and simply be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience with silent retreats?
Not at all. Each day’s input is gentle and invitational, and your spiritual director will help you find your own way into the silence and reflection, whatever your starting point.
Is the retreat completely silent?
Most of the retreat is spent in silence, apart from the daily reflection, your meeting with your spiritual director, shared meals and evening prayer.
What is spiritual accompaniment?
Each day you’ll meet one-to-one with a spiritual director. These conversations are not counselling or advice-giving. They are an opportunity to reflect on your prayer and to notice how God may be at work in your experience.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a journal if you wish, and anything that will help you feel at home over the weekend.
Do I have to be Catholic?
No. Pause welcomes women from all backgrounds who are open to prayer and reflection.
