For Emily Rauer Davis ’99, associate chaplain and associate director of the Holy Cross Office of the College Chaplains, retreats have been part of her spiritual life and work for more than two decades. While a Holy Cross student, a Pax Christi retreat was where she felt a true sense of belonging. That weekend, she deeply connected with others over shared experiences of homesickness and other struggles.
Today, Rauer Davis coordinates dozens of retreats for students, alumni, faculty and staff at the College’s Thomas P. Joyce ’59 Contemplative Center (JCC) in West Boylston, Massachusetts. Her wish for retreatants, who come from all faith traditions and include agnostics and seekers, is the same — that they can come as they are and leave with a sense of love and home, having experienced moments of grace they can tap into when they return to busy life away from the peaceful setting of the JCC.
Here's what's in her bag:
1. “Immerse Yourself” journal. Writing is often how I pray, so my journal comes with me everywhere. Retreatants bring a journal, or we provide one. Our policy is “phone away.” The more you can unplug, the more you’re going to get out of your retreat experience.
2. Pilot G2 0.7mm pen. This pen has been my favorite since I worked at Bob Slate Stationer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while in graduate school in the early 2000s.
3. Holy Cross sweatshirt. We always tell people on retreat to dress comfortably, in layers. I bring this hoodie for coziness and comfort.
4. JCC keys. When I’m running a retreat, I hold the keys to the entire center. Contrary to everyday life, retreatants don’t have to think about keeping track of their own keys — their rooms lock from the inside.
5. Cross made in El Salvador. On various retreats, we offer one-on-one spiritual direction, so directors often bring items to personalize our spiritual direction rooms. I love this cross because of the colors and the connection to El Salvador. When I was a Holy Cross student, I learned a lot about liberation theology, which began in Latin America, and it totally changed my perspective on my own faith.
6./7. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion/ C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve. It’s dry at the JCC, so lotion is necessary. This Aveeno lotion is my favorite, and I use the balm on my lips. We encourage people to bring their own favorite comfort items on retreat.
8. Yeti travel mug. At the JCC, drinks need to be in a closed vessel while outside of the dining area, so I always bring my Yeti mug. I’m a tea drinker, and our JCC chef stocks great teas. I usually go for English Breakfast or mint.
9. Apple laptop. I bring my laptop on retreats in case I want to adjust a talk based on the dynamic of the group, or if I want to build on something one of the other directors said. Being able to adjust on the fly is important.
10. Winter in Cuse scented candle by Witty Wicks Candles. This is another item I use to personalize my spiritual direction room. I’m from Syracuse, New York, and my best friend from high school gave me this. It’s a little reminder of home.
11. Retreat folder. For most of our retreats, we provide folders to hold our many handouts. The handouts include reflection questions, different ways to pray, articles explaining spiritual direction or other primers.
12. “Give Us This Day” monthly by Liturgical Press. This is a beautiful resource I use in my own prayer. As chaplains facilitating retreats, it’s important to have our own spiritual practices.
13. “Reimagining the Ignatian Examen” by Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J./ “A Thousand Mornings” by Mary Oliver/”Circle of Grace” by Jan Richardson. These are three books I bring regularly. ‘Reimagining the Ignatian Examen’ has different versions of the Examen. ‘Circle of Grace’ contains poetic blessings, and the Mary Oliver poetry book was a gift from a former student. For me, poetry is another window into the divine.
14. TOBIQ duffel bag. This bag is a dream for anyone who likes organization. It converts to a backpack and has lots of compartments and a laptop sleeve. I can fit five days’ worth of clothes inside. It is the perfect retreat bag.
