Desert Solitude Retreat Request Form

  • Desert Solitude Retreat Request Form

    Merciful Heart Hermitage

  • A desert solitude retreat here at Merciful Heart Hermitage provides the opportunity for a deep immersion in contemplative prayer in the form of a 5-to-8-day retreat that can be semi-directed if desired. You will essentially be living as a hermit and sharing in the life of the Hermitage. These retreats are intended to bring about deeper interior conversion and are not simply a time of rest and rejuvenation (except for the interior rest that is a fruit of union with Jesus). The purpose of this form is to help discern if God is calling you to the desert at this time. We encourage you to take time to pray through the below questions. Your responses will be kept confidential. These retreats are for Catholic priests serving the Diocese of Phoenix only. 

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    Beginning April 1, 2026 WE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED due to some much-needed renovations. The Diocese is also currently in a discernment process regarding a potential reenvisioning of the retreat ministry at Merciful Heart Hermitage, which could involve additional construction projects. Since there are many unknowns, we will not be posting additional retreat dates until there is further clarity. You are welcome to fill out the form nonetheless to indicate your interest in making a retreat in the future, and we will get back to you when we have more information.

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  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • What draws you to make a retreat at Merciful Heart Hermitage at this time? Please check all that apply.*
  • How would you characterize your relationship with the Lord at this point in your life? Please check all that apply.*
  • The retreats that we offer involve a deep degree of silence and solitude, which can be challenging for people. You would be alone in your own hermitage, without the camaraderie that is often part of other priest retreats, and there may be times when no one else is around at all. What has been your experience of extended solitude, and how did you fare with that?*

  • Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping us carry out the mission of Merciful Heart Hermitage. Donations can also be made via check or online via credit card through our website as described here. Donations may also be made via check or via credit card online through our website as described here.

  • At Merciful Heart Hermitage, you will be entering a space of deep contemplative silence. In order to preserve the contemplative atmosphere, we have the following expectations:

    • no cell phone use (keeping it off or in airplane mode) except in emergencies or cases of true necessity. We will provide you with our Office Manager's cell phone number and email address so that people can reach you in the event of an emergency. Laptops and tablets are best left at home, unless they will be used offline for the purpose of journaling, non-work-related writing, etc.
    • that you do not converse with others who are here except for reasons of charity or necessity (brief introductions are fine but please be mindful that some priests might not want to be disturbed -- assume that those you encounter even outside the chapel might be in prayer and would like to be alone with the Lord.).
    • that you intend to spend a substantial amount of time each day in personal prayer (typically at least 3-4 hours, such as in a traditional Ignatian retreat, although a desert solitude retreat offers greater freedom and a little less structure).
    • that you fundamentally remain at the Hermitage - i.e. do not plan to make excursions into town to visit friends or conduct business during your time of retreat. You are certainly free to explore nearby hiking trails and, of course, to go grocery shopping or run other necessary errands.
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