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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September 20-22, 2019
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Matthew Linn, SJ
Retreat Title: Peace Be With You: Transforming Fear into Gift

Each year the pace of life increases, violence creeps closer to our homes and peace becomes more a wish than a reality. This healing retreat will focus on how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:19-23) to transform the apostles “behind locked doors for fear of the Jews” into bold risk takers rooted in a deep peace not shaken even by imprisonment, violence and death. This transformation will happen to us too when we as the apostles discover a deeper image of God, a peace that heals our hurts, and the empowering Spirit that sends us forth on our unique mission.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Brothers at Bellarmine

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

September 23, 2019 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
An Evening of Reflection for Women

Retreat Master: Mrs. Mary McKeon
Retreat Title: An Evening with St. Mother Teresa

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta vowed to a life of chastity, poverty and obedience and to give "wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor" as founder and member of the Missionaries of Charity. Her charitable works of love, selflessness, and activism both challenged and brought peace to the world. Pope John Paul II once asked, "Where did Mother Teresa find the strength and perseverance to place herself completely at the service of others? She found it in prayer and in the silent contemplation of Jesus Christ, His Holy Face, His Sacred Heart."

Draw into the silence and serenity of Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House. Come reflect in prayer and in communion with other women on the life of St. Mother Teresa and how her ~ and your ~ actions and love for others embody the Heart of Jesus.

Program Cost: $35.00 (includes Dinner)

September 27-29, 2019
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Jeff Putthoff, SJ
Retreat Title: Finding Our Wholeness

Our unique holiness is truly found in our wholeness in Jesus. We will use Ignatian contemplation in this weekend retreat, making use of the senses and imagination, to enter more fully into our wholeness and walk more closely with Jesus.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Divine Mercy, Catholic Community of Northbrook Women

October 1-3, 2019
An Ignatian, Silent Midweek Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Paul Mueller, SJ
Retreat Title: God's Story, Your Story

It was holy ground where God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and it was holy ground where Jesus walked the earth. On this retreat, we will contemplate the holy ground to be found in our own stories – treasuring and pondering in our hearts the joys, sorrows, and glories of God’s presence and action in our lives.

Groups Attending: Individuals, In Herr Grace, OLPH Devotions Ministry

October 4-6, 2019
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ
Retreat Title: The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness

Gregory Boyle will share what he has learned in three decades working with marginalized populations at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, Calif.—that love is the answer, community is the context, and tenderness is the connective tissue. Tenderness reflects the foundational notion that there are no us and them, only us. Homeboy seeks to be what the world is invited to become. Kinship cannot happen without tenderness.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Holy Family (Inverness), Holy Spirit Catholic Community (Naperville)

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

October 11-13, 2019
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Timothy Lannon, SJ
Retreat Title: What do you seek?

The intent of this retreat is to challenge the retreatant to reflect about who he is in the eyes of God, others, and self. The retreat begins with the question, “What do you seek in your life?” and follows the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Holy Cross (Deerfield), Mazzuchelli’s Men, Catholic Community of Northbrook (Men), Sacred Heart (Winnetka), Cathedral of St Raymond (Joliet), St Petronille (Glen Ellyn), Joe Bussone Group

October 13, 2019 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
A Veteran's Coming Home Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Team of Veterans
Retreat Title: Veterans' "Coming Home" Retreat

All veterans and their adult family members are welcome for reflection on the transitions to and from military life. You'll spend a day with others who understand what you've experienced.

October 15, 2019 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Mrs. Mary McKeon
Retreat Title: Care for the Caregiver: Come Away and Rest Awhile

If you are in a caregiving role or ministry, Bellarmine invites you to come for a restful, restorative day planned with you in mind. The day will offer prayer, suggestions on self-care, Mass, optional time for sharing, and time to rest in the Lord. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus invites His disciples to "Come away by your selves to a deserted place and rest a while." Might He be inviting you?

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

October 25-27, 2019
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Tom Weston, SJ
Retreat Title: Nothing Fancy, Something Special: 12-Step Recovery for Alcoholic Men

Come spend the weekend with other men on the path of recovery from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Share the experience, strength, and hope of a new life, one day at a time. A time for refreshment and renewal.

Groups Attending: Individuals

November 1-3, 2019
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Al Johnson
Retreat Title: Steps 6 and 7: Spending Time with Old Friends

This retreat will explore steps six and seven of AA. These steps focus on character defects and shortcomings while humbly seeking God to remove them from our lives. We explore these defects of character as the old friends they have become; as the teachers of our resilient self; as the reminder of the gift of sobriety and the joy of a higher power. We no longer fear them; we explore them as a part of our identity.

Groups Attending: Individuals

November 4, 2019 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Mrs. Mary McKeon and Fr. Al Johnson
Retreat Title: Transforming Grief: A Process of Healing, Grace & Hope

Grief has many facets and is a natural process given to help us heal. However, at times feelings of discouragement, deep sadness, anger, and even hopelessness can overwhelm us. If this is where you find yourself, come spend a day away for rest and renewal where the focus will be on finding God amidst the struggles associated with grief.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

November 8-10, 2019
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

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 11, 2019 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ and Sr. Pat Bergen, CSJ
Retreat Title: Caring for Mother Earth: Prayers and Practices

“Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us…” Thus Pope Francis begins his encyclical Laudato Si, On Care for Our Common Home. This day explores the pope’s urgent message in calling for a change of heart. Using poetry, storytelling, art and science, these two creative presenters will tug at our hearts and challenge our thinking about the way we live on this planet we call home.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

November 22-24, 2019
An Ignatian, Semi-Silent Weekend Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Nicki Steinmetz Nelson, Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, Carolyn Swabek, and Pat Cassidy
Retreat Title: Ignatian Yoga: Embodying the Spiritual Exercises

Join the Ignatian Yoga Team and Chaplain Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ on an embodied journey through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This retreat will incorporate daily meditation and prayer, Ignatian Yoga sessions, and time in silence to deepen and enliven each person’s spiritual journey. Ignatian Yoga sessions include a talk with themes from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and Yoga philosophy, embodied movement, silent reflection, and small group sharing. All adults are welcome to attend this retreat.

Groups Attending: Individuals

December 6-8, 2019
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Masters: Mrs. Mary McKeon and Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Who Do You Say That I Am?

Knowing about Jesus is part of our faith development; coming to know Jesus leads to spiritual depth and transformation. Scripture, 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?

Groups Attending: Individuals,Don Goodwillie (St. Basil), St. Anne (Barrington)

December 10, 2019 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Sr. Wendy Cotter, CSJ, PhD
Retreat Title: The Infancy Narratives of Luke: Revealing the Jesus Who Calls Us Right Now

The Lukan infancy narratives are rich in their revelation of God's outpouring of the Holy Spirit in prophecy, in people, in the weary world suddenly lit up by the joyful arrival of Jesus, Son of God and Savior, the Man of the Holy Spirit! Each of the narratives opens up a revelation of the person of Jesus, and the way in which the Holy Spirit will flood the scenes wherever He walks, inspiring hope, joy and conversion of heart. Please join us as we allow the infancy narratives of Luke to reveal to us, once more, the Jesus who is calling to us right now, to allow that Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, and in our own conversion, bring that Holy Spirit to our lives and our world.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

December 13-15, 2019
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Elizabeth Neubauer
Retreat Title: Building What Lasts: The 12 Steps as a Blueprint for our Lives

Recovery through the 12 Steps provides a foundation for creating a life of meaning, value and connection. Much like the homes we inhabit, growing as a recovering person requires times of demolition, preservation and new construction. We will explore how to work with our Higher Power to make that vision for our lives a reality.

Groups Attending: Individuals

December 16, 2019 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ and Mrs. Mary McKeon
Retreat Title: Bethlehem Bound: Praying Advent with St. Ignatius

Amidst the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, we can find ourselves strung out and stressed out in what we want to be a season of grace. St Ignatius to the rescue! Come pray with stories, songs, gentle movements and guided prayers to help still your mind, quiet your heart, and center your soul on the true meaning of Christmas.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

January 3-5, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ
Retreat Title: How Can God Use a Sinner Like Me?

Why has God allowed so many bad people in the Church? In fact, why has he allowed me to be part of the Church? Why isn't the Church filled with saints? Why have there been scoundrels in the Church? We will reflect on Jesus' mission to sinners and the way that he transforms them step by step, beginning with the apostles and continuing into the present time. The goal will be to see ourselves in the lives of the first disciples and their own relationship with Jesus Christ.

Groups Attending: Four Shepherds, Individuals

January 10-12, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Richard McGurn, SJ
Retreat Title: Dining in the Kingdom of God

Following Luke's gospel, we will follow Jesus' ministry while at meals with the rich and poor. Jesus' ministry of welcome, call and reconciliation is evident in the various meals Luke has recorded - all leading up to His Last Passover and the Lord's Supper which we continue to celebrate in the Eucharist.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Mary (Lake Forest), St. Francis de Sales (Lake Zurich), Our Lady of the Grove KC/St Mary's HNS (Buffalo Grove), Sts. Peter & Paul (Cary)

January 17-19, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Richard Malloy, SJ
Retreat Title: Rest and Re-creation; Reconciliation and Resurrection: Praying with Movies and Music

St. Ignatius teaches us to seek and find God in all realities. Movies and music at our fingertips are relatively new realities in human experience. Messages of Faith, Justice and Reconciliation are found within movies like It’s a Wonderful Life; Places in the Heart; The Way and Coco. Our hearts and minds are moved by all kinds of music from the Ave Maria and Beethoven’s Ninth to The Beatles and Nina Simone. Let’s explore how to pray with these gifts.

Groups Attending: Individuals, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Glenview), KC-St Charles, St Charles Borromeo (Hampshire), Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier (Wilmette)

January 24-26, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Doug Leonhardt, SJ
Retreat Title: The Spiritual Exercises: 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: Roche/Zera, St James the Apostle (Glen Ellyn), Individuals

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

January 27, 2020 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 in the Ignatian Tradition

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)

January 31-February 2, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Jim Kubicki, SJ
Retreat Title: Be Merciful as Your Father is Merciful (Luke 6:36)

According to St. Faustina, God's greatest attribute is mercy, and Pope Francis wrote that "the Name of God is Mercy." As we come to know the mercy of God, we are called to extend that mercy into the whole world. Practically speaking, how do we do that? How can we forgive those who have hurt or continue to hurt us? What does it mean to be merciful as God is merciful?

Groups Attending: Individuals, Our Lady of Peace (Darien), OLPH Devotions Ministry

February 2, 2020 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
A Veteran's Coming Home Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Team of Veterans
Retreat Title: Veterans' "Coming Home" Retreat

All veterans and their adult family members are welcome for reflection on the transitions to and from military life. You'll spend a day with others who understand what you've experienced.

February 7-9, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Masters: Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ and Fr. Mark Andrews, SJ
Retreat Title: Teach Us to Pray: Ignatian Reflections on the Lord's Prayer

Using storytelling, poetry, music, guided imagery, journaling, and breath and body prayer, these two Fr. Michaels will guide us through the prayer Jesus taught us. Drawing on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, this retreat will forever change the way you encounter the Lord’s Prayer.

Groups Attending: Individuals; Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Raphael, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Margaret Mary (Naperville); Ken Murphy Group, Catholic Community of Northbrook (Men), St. Isaac Jogues (Hinsdale); Northern Ohio Jesuit High Schools (Walsh Jesuit, Cleveland Jesuit,and St. John-Toledo)

February 16, 2020 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
An Evening of Reflection for Couples

Retreat Masters: Mrs. Mary McKeon and Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Tending the Flame of Love: A Candlelight Evening for Sacramentally Married Couples

Give your marriage the loving attention it deserves by treating you and your spouse to a feast for body and soul. Come be fed with prayerful reflection, a scrumptious meal, and a soul nourishing Eucharist - that includes renewing your wedding vows. Come to the quiet to tend the flame of your love!

Program Cost: $35.00 (includes Dinner)

February 21-23, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. David Shields, SJ
Retreat Title: Table Talk: Listening to Jesus' Message as we Share Meals with Him

Using various stories from the gospel of St Luke, we will read and consider the issues and themes that Jesus talked about when he was invited out. By accompanying Jesus at important meals, we can come to know his mind and heart more intimately, deepen our love for him and strengthen our level of discipleship as Catholic Christians.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. John Vianney (Lockport), St. Alphonsus (Prospect Hts), Sacred Heart/Divine Mercy (Winnetka), Divine Savior Men (Norridge)

February 26, 2020 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Mrs. Mary McKeon and Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Ash Wednesday Day of Reflection: "This time, change our hearts..."

Another Lent. And so we begin again. Another opportunity for growth. But good intentions only go so far. How do we break old patterns of sin and allow God to change us? Come pray with us for a change of heart as we begin this annual season of renewal, grace and transformation.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

February 28-March 1, 2020
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Tom Weston, SJ
Retreat Title: One Day at a Time: But are the days too long?

Come join other women and men in recovery as we reflect on the good news of recovery, the power of the 12 Steps, and the Grace of a new life clean, sober, and serene... A time in February for some refreshment and renewal.

Groups Attending: Individuals

March 5-8, 2020
A 4-Day Ignatian, Silent Retreat for Men & Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Keith Muccino, SJ
Retreat Title: To Grow in Faith, We Must Know Our Faith

In the challenging times we live in, our faith is our anchor and our strength.

To receive the strength, hope and courage that faith offers us, we must have a rich understanding of our faith and allow it to inform and transform our lives as mature disciples of Christ.

In this retreat we shall re-explore some of the graced foundations of our Catholic faith such as prayer, love, sacrifice, acceptance, spiritual freedom, the Cross, covenant, hope and hospitality - seen through the dynamic lens of Ignatian Spirituality.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Mary (Des Plaines), St. Bede (Ingleside)

March 9, 2020 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
A Day of Reflection for Men & Women

Retreat Masters: Dr. Avis Clendenen and Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Retreat Title: Forging a Forgiving Heart: Finding Freedom through Reconciliation

"Forgive and forget" is easily said but difficult to accomplish. This day explores common blocks to forgiveness and shares inspiring examples of those who have learned to forgive. It offers very practical strategies for finding freedom in choosing to reconcile with those who have hurt us.

Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Lunch)

March 13-15, 2020
An Ignatian, Recovery Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Al Johnson
Retreat Title: Steps 6 and 7: Spending Time with Old Friends

Groups Attending: Individuals

March 20-22, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Retreat Master: Fr. Paul Macke, SJ
Retreat Title: Letting God Find You in All Things

This retreat focuses on the traditional Ignatian theme of “Finding God in All Things,” but it changes it around to letting God take the lead in the dance. In this retreat we will try to discover where God is in our experience right now and then let God lead us on God’s Way to a new and more meaningful life in the hectic world through silence and prayer by re-discovering Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with a special focus on Jesus.

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Peter Church (Geneva), Catholic Community of Northbrook/St. Norbert, St. Mary of Vernon

March 27-29, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

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

The fullness of Christian life is not in keeping rules but in being gradually made into a beloved child of the Father, another Christ, another Mary! 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, KC-St Catherine (Dundee), St. Margaret Mary (Chicago), St. Vincent Ferrar (River Forest), St Mary of Vernon (Indian Creek), KC-Holy Ghost (St Theresa's, Palatine), Father Ladniak Memorial, St John the Apostle (Villa Park)

April 3-5, 2020
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

Retreat Master: Fr. Kevin Schneider, SJ
Retreat Title: An Ignatian School of Prayer

St. Ignatius of Loyola offered his Spiritual Exercises to help souls find God in all things and grow in relationship with the Lord. This retreat weekend will invite and offer opportunities to grow in methods of prayer that will help us walk with our Lord. Come walk with us.

Groups Attending: Individuals, KC-St Catherine (Dundee), Loyola Dental Group, St. Francis Xavier (Wilmette), Ron Frost/J Geldermann Memorial