Veterans "Coming Home" Retreat
A Veteran's Coming Home Retreat for Adults
Sunday, October 19, 2025
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Summary
Where do you go to unpack the duffle bag of experiences that were part of your military experience? Here at Bellarmine all veterans and their adult family members are welcome for reflection on the gifts and burdens of having served. Whether you're recently discharged or back in civilian life for many years, this is a day of healing, hope, and sharing with others who understand your story. Open to all faith traditions.
Description
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, the program is sure to give you the peace and serenity needed to be still and to rest in God's loving embrace.
Bellarmine has two libraries, a resource center, two chapels, and many other common areas. Outdoor spaces include a various walking trails, various prayer gardens, a gazebo, stations of the cross, as well as a few patios and outdoor chairs and benches.
Retreat Experience Gallery
Bellarmine Main Entrance
Sacred Heart Chapel
Mary McKeon Library
St. Joseph Gazebo
Mother Teresa Garden
Eastern Africa Collection
Fireplace Lounge
Dining Room
Winter on the Grounds
Resource Center
Sacred Heart Statue at Sunset
Susie's Memorial Garden
Madonna Library
Lower Level Lounge
Retreat Leaders
Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ is a retreat leader, poet, story teller and spiritual director at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, IL. He holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. He is the founder of Charis, a national Jesuit retreat ministry for young adults in their 20s and 30s. For 10 years he trained spiritual directors at Loyola University-Chicago.
A prolific writer and speaker, Fr. Michael has published books, poems, CDs, and DVDs on prayer, discernment, and the sacraments with America Media, Franciscan Media, Paulist Press, Liturgical Training Publications and Audible. His latest co-authored book, published by Loyola Press, is What’s Your Decision? An Ignatian Approach to Decision Making.
Fr Michael is also the President of Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry. His weekly video homilies can be seen online at www.HtoH.US. He has just completed writing and directing a 12-part video series entitled: Discern & Decide: Navigating Life’s Choice, An Ignatian Video Guide.
Listen to a talk by Fr. Michael.
Team of Veterans
The Veterans Ministry Team are dedicated to helping veterans from all ages in their path to spiritual healing.