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Women's Retreats

Women's Retreats at Bellarmine

What is an Ignatian, Silent weekend retreat?

Silent retreats are a time for prayer and quiet reflection in the beauty of 80-acres of gently rolling meadows and wooded countryside. Based in the Jesuit tradition, the Ignatian, silent retreat offers an opportunity to find a more deeply profound and personal relationship with God. A Retreat Leader prepares thematic talks based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

A quiet atmosphere allows the possibility for you to hear God speaking within you. Come to the sacred silence of Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House and experience God working in your deepest desires to give you hope, healing, and faith to return to your life in a graced way.

A women's only weekend retreat at Bellarmine is a special time to invite silence into your soul and to rest in quiet communion with God. After meeting other retreatants over dinner the first evening, the silence begins as you quietly enter the Sacred Heart Chapel. The Retreat Master will give the first of a series of talks founded on St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. These thematic talks will guide you as you listen for God’s voice in the stillness of your heart.

Upcoming Retreats

Prayer in Real Life »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Prayer in Real Life »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Details

May 1 - 3, 2026
Location: Barrington, IL
Suggested Contribution: $380.00 per person
Retreat Leader: Vinita Hampton Wright

Groups Attending: Individuals, Saint Ignatius College Prep Parents and Alumni

Summary

Prayer isn’t just for quiet moments—it’s meant to weave through the ordinary rhythms of our days. This retreat invites you to explore practical, meaningful ways to connect with God in the midst of real life. Through reflection, conversation, and quiet time, discover how prayer can be a steady companion—whether in joy, struggle, work, or rest.

The Spiritual Heart of Women »»

An Ignatian, Silent Overnight Retreat for Women

The Spiritual Heart of Women »»

An Ignatian, Silent Overnight Retreat for Women

Details

June 19 - 20, 2026
Location: Barrington, IL
Suggested Contribution: $280.00 per person
Retreat Leaders: Erin Maiorca, Elizabeth Neubauer & Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ

Groups Attending: Individuals

Summary

Greet the summer season, tend your spirit and welcome God's love. On this overnight, interfaith retreat we will explore different ways to pray including:

  • Meditation, with the loving-kindness prayer
  • Embodied prayer, with gentle Tai Chi movements, 
  • Lectio Divina, an ancient Christian practice of Scripture reading
  • Sacred writing, allowing your feelings to flow and be expressed

You will have time to breathe in the beauty of creation as we nurture our deepest selves. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday afternoon and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. 

Come as you are, to rest in nature’s beauty. Bring a sister, daughter, mother or friends and nurture your soul alongside the women you love.

"Taking Heart" with St. Ignatius »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

"Taking Heart" with St. Ignatius »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Details

October 9 - 11, 2026
Location: Barrington, IL
Suggested Contribution: $395.00 per person
Retreat Leader: Fr. Jim Kubicki, SJ

Groups Attending: Individuals

Summary

It is very easy for us to "lose heart" or to become discouraged, and in his last encyclical letter Pope Francis talked about an increasingly "heartless world." By reflecting on key themes of St. Ignatius' "Spiritual Exercises," we will "take heart" as Jesus transforms our hearts to be more like his.

Hope Lives in Our Real Life »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Hope Lives in Our Real Life »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Details

November 6 - 8, 2026
Location: Barrington, IL
Suggested Contribution: $395.00 per person
Retreat Leader: Becky Eldredge

Groups Attending: Individuals

Summary

“We have this anchor of hope firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19. As we survey our lives and world, hope can feel far out of our reach. Our faith teaches us that God infuses hope in us. Come and journey with Becky Eldredge, Ignatian trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and award-winning author as she invites you to embrace the gift of hope and learn practical tools to anchor into the promise of hope in our real lives.

Preparing Our Pilgrim Hearts for Lent »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Preparing Our Pilgrim Hearts for Lent »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Details

February 5 - 7, 2027
Location: Barrington, IL
Suggested Contribution: $395.00 per person
Retreat Leader: Christine Eberle

Groups Attending: Individuals

Summary

Too often, Lent catches us by surprise; we find ourselves at an Ash Wednesday service trying to figure out what to give up (or take on) for the next six weeks. This year, why not ground your Lent in a weekend retreat that will help you enter the holy season ahead more grace-fully? Through presentation, reflection, conversation, and prayer, we will consider how to approach Lent with the heart of a pilgrim: radically open to the journey before us as we deepen our walk with God.

Encountering the Risen Christ »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Encountering the Risen Christ »»

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women

Details

April 30 - May 2, 2027
Location: Barrington, IL
Suggested Contribution: $395.00 per person
Retreat Leader: Jenene Francis

Groups Attending: Individuals

Summary

Experience familiar and new ways of praying as we ask for the grace to recognize encounters with the Risen Christ. During this semi-silent weekend there will be time for individual prayer and small group spiritual conversations, along with rest, refreshment, and sharing Easter joy.