Bellarmine offers 12 Step retreats for those in recovery and for their friends and family, known as "Bill W" retreats. These retreats invite those who are working the 12 Steps to continue their journey in company with others. Retreatants must be sober for 30 days to attend this retreat.
A Retreat Leader leads the retreat and prepares thematic talks rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the 12 Step Program. The retreat offers a unique time away with optional opportunities for a 12 Step meeting, confession, Mass, consultation with a spiritual director, and group prayer experiences. Recovery Retreats end after the 11:30 am lunch.
A recent retreatant, Tony, says about the Bill W Retreat, "For 20 years, it has been a major part of my sobriety."
Reflecting on Life-Saving Recovery Slogans
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Women
November 3 - 5, 2023
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tom Weston, SJ
A weekend of reflection and quiet focused on the 12 steps of recovery, looking at the practical tools for helping people get back on their feet. This retreat includes reflections on the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and the life saving slogans of the program.
Groups Attending: Individuals
We absolutely insist on enjoying life!
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men
November 10 - 12, 2023
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tim Meier, SJ
The 12 Steps really do provide for us a program for living – if we choose to employ them in our daily lives. This weekend we’ll move through these Steps, examining how each can apply to the many daily powerlessnesses we encounter. By applying steps to those situations, we can maximize our ability to enjoy life, thus facilitating us to become “happy, joyous, and free.”
Groups Attending: Individuals
This retreat is currently at capacity or registration is closed. Please call the office at 847.381.1261 with questions.
How Art Illuminates the Graces of Recovery
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men
December 8 - 10, 2023
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tom O'Neill, SJ
Fr. Tom O'Neill, SJ is a recovering alcoholic and painter. He will describe his experience of recovery using the 12 Steps and images of his own art and that of several other painters, including Rembrandt, Georgia O'Keefe, Van Gogh and Marc Chagall. A member of both AA and Al-Anon, Fr. Tom will weave together his own personal experiences, the wisdom found in the Big Book and the Twelve & Twelve and images of art to illuminate and describe the gift and graces of Recovery.
Groups Attending: Individuals
We absolutely insist on enjoying life!
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men
March 15 - 17, 2024
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tim Meier, SJ
The Twelve Steps really do provide for us a program for living – if we choose to employ them in our daily lives. This weekend we’ll move through these Steps, examining how each can apply to the many daily powerlessnesses we encounter. By applying steps to those situations, we can maximize our ability to enjoy life, thus facilitating us to become “happy, joyous, and free.”
Groups Attending: Individuals
We absolutely insist on enjoying life!
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Women
April 26 - 28, 2024
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tim Meier, SJ
The Twelve Steps really do provide for us a program for living – if we choose to employ them in our daily lives. This weekend we’ll move through these Steps, examining how each can apply to the many daily powerlessnesses we encounter. By applying steps to those situations, we can maximize our ability to enjoy life, thus facilitating us to become “happy, joyous, and free.”
Groups Attending: Individuals