Retreat Schedule

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For retreat registration questions, please contact Teresa Larson by clicking on the button below or calling the office at 847-381-1261.

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October 21, 2017 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Follow His Lead: A Day of Prayer for Board Members of Jesuit Institutions

The Midwest Jesuits are grateful for your service and invite you to retreat to the sacred spaces and lovely grounds of Bellarmine. Allow Ignatian spirituality to deepen in you and inform your leadership. We encourage you to arrive on Friday night, Oct 20th between 5-6 pm for a networking social and dinner, then spend the night resting in the quiet.

Program Cost: There is no cost for this retreat; free will donations accepted. Se aceptan donaciones. (includes Lunch)

October 22, 2017 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
A Veteran's Coming Home Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ and Team of Veterans
Retreat Title: Veteran's Coming Home Retreat

Led by Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ and a team of veterans, all veterans and adult family members are welcome.

October 27-29, 2017
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Jim Harbaugh, SJ
Retreat Title: Growing Up and Growing Old with the 12 Steps

Steps 4-9 offer us a way to grow up, and 12-Step Programs have a lot to say about maturity. This turns out to be excellent preparation for growing older and bringing that maturity to full fruition in our spiritual lives. 12 Step groups, unlike American culture, honor the wisdom of the elders in our midst. This retreat delves into the wisdom of Steps 4-9 as we seek full spiritual maturity.

Groups Attending: Individuals

November 3-5, 2017
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Sr. Linda Fischer
Retreat Title: Emotional Sobriety

Emotional Sobriety can be described as living a balanced life; to have the ability to deal with life, its joys and struggles, in a healthy manner. When individuals become addicted to, or are in relationship with those addicted to alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy behaviors or substances, emotional growth is halted. When recovery begins they can once again focus on their own emotional growth receiving a deep inner strength that they can rely upon. Emotional Sobriety is closely linked to serenity, which is an unshakable sense of inner peace that people find in recovery. During this weekend we will look at the Signs of Emotional Sobriety and their relationship to the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Groups Attending: Individuals

November 10-12, 2017
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Tom O'Neill, SJ
Retreat Title: Into the Deep: A Journey into God's Freedom

The Gospel story (Luke 5:4) tells us of how Peter the Fisherman was invited by Jesus to put out into deep water, where he experienced a miraculous catch of fish. With Bill W as our guide, we will reflect on how our own journeys in recovery have led us to ever deeper experiences of freedom and grace. Day by day, Step by Step, we are invited to share the miracle of recovery.

Groups Attending: Individuals

November 21, 2017 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Mrs. Mary McKeon
Retreat Title: Transforming Grief

Who hasn’t experienced grief? These are times of transition, unexpected or often unwanted change and loss. Come join us as we delve into these issues and focus on finding God amidst the struggles associated with our grief. We will explore both the psychological and spiritual aspects of grief and grief recovery.

Program Cost: This event is free, courtesy of The Retirement Research Foundation. Free will donations accepted. (includes Lunch)

December 1-3, 2017
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. David Shields, SJ
Retreat Title: Feasting in the Kingdom: Conversations with Jesus While He was at Supper

Join Fr. Shields for a men’s weekend retreat that will foster and deepen your relationship with Jesus. Just like the disciples, spend time with Jesus “at supper,” allowing His words to take root in your heart and transform your life.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Don Goodwillie Group, Bob Finucane Group

December 5, 2017 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Women

Retreat Masters: Mrs. Mary McKeon and Rachel Fitzgibbon
Retreat Title: The Three Wise Women of the Nativity Story

The story of Jesus' birth is a familiar one, but how much do you know about the three wise women in the story? Join us for a day of reflection as we pray with Jesus' mother, Mary; Mary's cousin, Elizabeth; and the prophetess, Anna. Each wise woman of the Nativity story reveals something about God and something about our true nature as women.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

December 8-10, 2017
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Tom Weston, SJ
Retreat Title: The Power and Simplicity of the 12 Steps

We will consider the history, the practicality, and the flexibility of the 12 Steps program of recovery. "Old-timers" and newcomers are most welcome for a weekend of experience, strength and hope.

Groups Attending: Individuals

December 12, 2017 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Life Lessons: An Advent Day of Prayer with Our Lady of Guadalupe

Since her appearance to St. Juan Diego in 1531 in Mexico, devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has spread throughout the Americas. Today she is recognized as Patroness of the Unborn and the Right to Life movement. Fr. Sparough opens up this powerful story to reflect on the “seamless garment” of Catholic social teaching holding all human life sacred from conception through natural death.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

January 5-7, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Doug Leonhardt, SJ
Retreat Title: Four Shepherds Retreat: Who am I? Where am I going? How do I get there?

A retreat is a contemporary way of observing the Sabbath. We cease from work. We make space for God. We enjoy the holiness of the gift of time to contemplate who we are from God’s perspective, where he is inviting to go with our lives, and how to follow his lead.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Four Shepherds

January 12-14, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: What’s Next? Discerning your Decisions in the Ignatian Tradition

The Spiritual Exercises help us move toward a deeper interior freedom to better navigate the twists and turns of life. Fr. Michael helps us better understand St. Ignatius’ methodology for decision making and how it can be applied to the big and small decisions we face.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis De Sales (Lake Zurich), St. Mary's (Lake Forest), St. Patrick (Chesterton, IN), Our Lady of the Grove-KC/St. Mary HNS, Sts. Peter and Paul (Cary), Holy Cross (Deerfield)

January 19-21, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Keith Muccino, SJ
Retreat Title: Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God

The retreat will draw upon St.Paul's reflection on the power of the Christian paradox -wherein God's seeming foolishness is to be seen as true wisdom, and the humility and weakness of Christ crucified is the power that redeems all things.

Groups Attending: Individuals, KC-St. Charles, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Glenview), St. Joseph (Wilmette), St. Giles Men's Society/Oak Park

January 26-28, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Robert Flack, SJ
Retreat Title: Roche/Zera Retreat: Journeying with the Saints

Join us for a “journey with the saints,” including Sts. Ignatius of Loyola, Francis of Assisi, Peter, Thomas More, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Claude de la Colombiere, and Philip Neri. These men and women show us the path of the spiritual life. Come reflect on the grace of their suffering, how they lived the Resurrection, and how they surrendered themselves to Christ.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Roche-Zera, St. Patrick (Elkhorn, WI)

February 2-4, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Carol Ackels
Retreat Title: The Beatitudes: A Faith for Head, Heart, and Hands

Jesus’ words from a hill opened the way of living life in God. Unexpected assurances and challenging invitations are found in what we have come to know as the Beatitudes. Pope Francis insists, “It is fundamental that one thinks what one feels and does; feels what one thinks and does; and does what one thinks and feels.” This Ignatian retreat will bring us to think, encourage us to pray, and invite us to do in light of a faith rooted in Jesus’ Beatitudes.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Patrick Church, Hallie B Retreat Group, Mary Seat of Wisdom/Ed Zuchowski

February 9-11, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. David Meconi, SJ
Retreat Title: Becoming Another Christ!

The fullness of the Christian life is not in keeping rules but in being gradually made into a beloved child of the Father, another Christ, another Mary! This transformation begins at baptism and continues only as we give ourselves to prayer, works of charity, and an openness to self-knowledge and a vulnerability in allowing ourselves to be loved. This retreat begins with our being made in God's own "image and likeness" and then traces this journey through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Naperville MM/PP/R/TH, KC-St Catherine (Dundee), Mary Seat of Wisdom, St. Isaac Jogues (Hinsdale), Walsh Jesuit HS Alumni, Northern Ohio Jesuit HS Alumni, St. James the Apostle (Glen Ellyn), St. Clement's Spiritual Exercisers, Sacred Heart (Winnetka)

February 14, 2018 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Michael Class, SJ
Retreat Title: Ash Wednesday Day of Reflection

Join us for an Ash Wednesday day of reflection with Bellarmine's Executive Director, Fr. Michael Class, SJ. The day will include a retreat talk, time for quiet reflection, Mass with distribution of ashes, and lunch.

Program Cost: $50.00

February 19, 2018 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Discerning Your Decisions - Day of Reflection for Men and Women

All of us have important decisions to make - decisions that radically alter our lives. Yet without a sound process in place for making these key decisions, we will never feel fully confident that our decision was what God truly desired for us.

Join us for a day of reflection drawing on insights from Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ's best-selling book, What's Your Decision? Fr. Michael will present an "Ignatian toolkit" for discernment and decision-making, leading us in a series of prayer exercises designed to help us listen to God in the deeper parts of our being. The day will include a workshop, time for quiet reflection, Mass, and lunch.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

February 23-25, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Masters: Keith Maczkiewicz, SJ and Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Praying with Pope Francis: The Gospel of Joy, Mercy, Love & Care for the Earth

Two Jesuit teacher-communicators team up to present an engaging exploration of the major themes of fellow Jesuit Pope Francis’ writing and speaking. Using multi-media, creative rituals, and dramatic storytelling, retreatants will engage the gospel in a heart-changing weekend of prayer.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Mary Magdalene (Joliet), St. Ann (Channahon), St. Therese KC Holy Ghost, Ken Murphy Group, Divine Savior (Norridge)

February 25, 2018 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
A Veteran's Coming Home Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ and Team of Veterans
Retreat Title: Veterans' Coming Home Retreat

Led by Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ and a team of veterans, all veterans and adult family members are welcome.

March 1-4, 2018
A 4-Day Ignatian, Silent Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ
Retreat Title: The Wonders of Salvation

The Catholic view of salvation requires us to integrate all of the very rich and full teachings on salvation. What is the role of Christ's death and resurrection? How do we understand the link between God's unmerited grace and our own free will? How do the sacraments fit into our salvation? What is the role of performing good works? Why is it necessary to pray for perseverance in the life of grace rather than believe that once a person is saved, he or she is always saved? These are the questions Fr. Pacwa welcomes you to pray and reflect on with him during this 4-day retreat.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Bede

March 9-11, 2018
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Tom Weston, SJ
Retreat Title: Friends/Family of Bill W: The Power and Simplicity of the 12 Steps

We will consider the history, the practicality, and the flexibility of the program of recovery. "Old-timers" and new comers are most welcome for a weekend of experience, strength and hope for those in recovery and their loved ones.

Groups Attending: Individuals

March 16-18, 2018
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Dr. Kevin McClone, PsyD, MDiv
Retreat Title: The Psycho-spirituality of the 12-Steps: Grace Comes through the Wound

Come in hopefulness to search for serenity! In this retreat, we will explore the gradual process of psycho-spiritual transformation through embracing our imperfections and the richness of the 12-Steps. Psycho-spiritual recovery through the 12-Steps is a graced movement away from the wounds of feeling restless, lost, alone, and afraid, to becoming rooted in love, service, and deeper connection to God, self, and others.

Groups Attending: Individuals

March 23-25, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. David Shields, SJ
Retreat Title: Palm Sunday Retreat - From Promise to Resurrection: Walking with Jesus through His Passion

Join Fr. Shields for a Palm Sunday weekend retreat for men. The Passion of Jesus is a promise fulfilled. Come pray with Fr. Shields the weekend before Easter, when God’s promise is fulfilled in the Resurrection.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Deanery II-B

March 27, 2018 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
An Evening of Reflection for Women

Retreat Master: Mrs. Mary McKeon
Retreat Title: The Way of the Cross through Mary's Eyes

Come join us this Tuesday of Holy Week to walk the way of the cross alongside Mary, the Mother of God, who remained compassionate and faithful to God even at the foot of the cross.

Program Cost: $35.00 (includes Dinner)

March 29-31, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Peter Fennessy, SJ
Retreat Title: Holy Week Retreat: If We Die With Him, We Will Also Live With Him

Retreat silence is a form of dying to self. In a Holy Week retreat especially we enter with Christ into the very silence of the tomb where we pass from the deep sorrow of Good Friday to the peaceful joy of Easter.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Ron Frost/Geldermann Memorial

April 6-8, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Brad Held, SJ
Retreat Title: The Mountaintop: The Place Where God Dwells

Throughout the Bible God reveals himself on mountaintops. In fact, we speak of "mountaintop experiences" in our lives--those moments where we have had a deep experience of God. This retreat will follow the prayers of The Spiritual Exercises in hopes that through silence and prayer these will be days of encountering our God who desires to reveal himself to us.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Catholic Cemeteries Group, Maria Council KC / Mary Seat of Wisdom, Our Lady of Peace (Darien)

April 10, 2018 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Women

Retreat Masters: Mrs. Mary McKeon and Rachel Fitzgibbon
Retreat Title: A Day with the Women Doctors of the Church

Four women have been named Doctors of the Church: Saints Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Therese of Lisieux, and Hildegard of Bingen. These women's writings and insights have contributed significantly to the teachings of the Church. Come join us as we explore the lives of these holy women, their virtue, their mysticism, and their surrender to Christ.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

April 13-14, 2018
A Silent Overnight Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Sr. Wendy Cotter, CSJ, PhD
Retreat Title: Jesus and Women: Sharing the Road to Discipleship

"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" (John 5:11). The earliest Gospel traditions testify that despite the rigorous rules separating the worlds of men and women in the first century Greek East, Jesus had women friends and disciples, and that He readily reached out to help women petitioners. The evidence of His parables which use examples from women's life prove that they were there along with the men to hear Him as He taught the road to discipleship.

No editing trying to protect Jesus from accusations of impropriety, can hide what the earliest traditions show us about Jesus: that He understood the inequities for women in that sexist world, that their lives were judged by different standards, that He was concerned with women as He was with men, a person attentive, natural, warm, emotional, reachable, and genuine. He was the master, the wisdom teacher, the man of prayer and miracles, the Messiah , the Son of God ready to give Himself for us. He shows us the road to love.

In this overnight retreat, the Resurrected Jesus joins us as we enter into the revelatory parables, and the stories of His encounters with women, petitioners, disciples and friends. As we do so, we hear His message to us today as His women disciples and friends in our world, right now. Opportunities for individual consultation with Ignatian spiritual directors will be available during the retreat.

Groups Attending: Individuals

April 15, 2018 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Esequiel Sanchez
Retreat Title: Day of Prayer in Spanish: Praying the Liturgy, Praying with the Church (Orando la Liturgia, Orando con la Iglesia)

Program Cost: There is no cost for this retreat; free will donations accepted. Se aceptan donaciones. (includes Lunch)

Please call the office at 847-381-1261 to register for this retreat.

April 20-22, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. George Drance, SJ
Retreat Title: Living the Gospel: Challenges Then and Now

Drawing on his extensive theatre background and cross-cultural work, Fr. Drance will perform scenes from his acclaimed one man show The Gospel of Mark. He will then open up the gospel narrative with illuminating insights into the cultural context then and its practical challenges for today.

Groups Attending: Individuals

April 27-29, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Couples

Retreat Masters: Tom and Geralyn Sparough and Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Sacramentally Married Couple's Retreat: Growing in Love

Love thrives when it's cultivated. Spend some time tending to your love relationship with dramatized reflections, engaging rituals, and preaching that is pointed and practical. The semi-silent retreat also includes plenty of time for quiet reflection, structured conversation with your spouse, daily Mass, and the opportunity for private consultation.

Groups Attending: Couples

May 3-4, 2018

Retreat Master: Mrs. Mary McKeon
A Day of Quiet for Women

Come spend a day in silence at Bellarmine. Come for just the day or come a day early for the weekend retreat and experience a deeper awareness of God's presence.

Check-in for the Day of Quiet is between 4:00 and 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 3.

The cost for this retreat is $100. If you come for the Day of Quiet and stay for the Weekend Retreat, the total suggested contribution for both is $360.

Program Cost: $100.00

Registration Options: Day of Quiet Only Day of Quiet & Retreat

May 4-6, 2018
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Mrs. Mary McKeon
Retreat Title: Who Do You Say That I Am?

This retreat has the option of coming a day early on Thursday and spending Thursday night and Friday in silence with times for guided prayer or simple, calming peace. You may use the buttons below to register for just the Weekend Retreat or the Day of Quiet and the Weekend Retreat.

Knowing about Jesus is part of our faith development, coming to know the person of Jesus Christ in a more intimate and personal way leads to spiritual depth and transformation. Breaking open Scripture, setting aside time for silence and prayer are key to meeting Jesus heart to heart. This retreat is about your personal response to the question Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" and coming to know in a deeper way who you are to Jesus.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Lady of Peace, Hallie B Women's Group, St. Mary of Vernon, Deanery II B

Registration Options: Weekend Retreat Only Day of Quiet & Retreat

May 6, 2018 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
A Veteran's Coming Home Retreat for Men & Women