Day And Evening Reflection Programs
Throughout the year Bellarmine hosts spiritual programs that are open to the public. Our spirituality programs are meant for individuals who are 18 years or older. See below for a listing of programs and how to register. If you have any questions, please contact programs@jesuitretreat.org.
Grateful in Aging
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, November 25, 2024
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Ann Jackson, PBVM
Inner reflection and setting intentions can shift and reframe how we actually age! Crossing the threshold from role to soul is not for the faint of heart! Scripture, science, nature all convey that. Shifting from role to soul often impacts our sense of identity, body image, approach to learning new things, disposition for change, images of the divine, etc. This retreat day will offer resources, reflection and discernment as well as a variety of spiritual practices that may assist in fully claiming and embodying your intention to choose to age consciously. Amid this time of momentous cultural transformation, shifting from role to soul is critical to personal and global wellbeing. Join this community of 'elders' to lift intention and surface passion, wisdom and service for life.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Ladies in Waiting
A Day of Reflection for Women
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leaders:
Rosanne Coury & Rachel Forton
Mark December 3 on your calendar for a day of Advent reflection. Together we will gather as women recalling Christ's First Coming, sharing our desires for Christ's coming this season, and looking forward to that final time when Christ will come to call us all to our forever home. Join us for this opportunity to refresh and renew our hearts and spirits.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Christmas Tea With Our Lady of Guadalupe and Thee!
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Thursday, December 12, 2024
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leaders:
Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, Terri Davis, Dev Kennedy & Paula Kowalkowski
Fr. Michael continues a much-loved Advent tradition with a collection of stories, songs and spirited preaching. This year he is joined by his long-time friend and collaborator vocal artist Terri Davis, accompanied by the gifted Paula Kowalkowski. They are joined by professional actor and Bellarmine retreatant Dev Kennedy. Together this ensemble is sure to delight, challenge and inspire you in your preparation for Christmas.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
This retreat is currently at capacity or registration is closed. Please call the office at 847.381.1261 with questions.
What's Next? Discerning Your Decisions in the Ignatian Tradition
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, February 17, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
The Spiritual Exercises help us move toward a deeper interior freedom to better navigate the twists and turns of life. Fr. Michael reprises one of his most popular programs as he helps us prayerfully appreciate St. Ignatius' methodology for decision making and how it can be applied to the big and small decisions we face.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Lenten Day of Reflection - Ash Wednesday
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Mark Scalese, SJ
Easter is about the renewal/transformation of all things, including ourselves. Lent can be an invitation to think about the kind of “new creation” we desire to become and to take steps to work toward that. On this day of reflection, we will learn how to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Virtual Lenten Study Session with Fr. Roc
A Weekly Ignatian Prayer Group for Adults
March 5 - April 16, 2025
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Roc O'Connor, SJ
Virtual Lenten Study Sessions: Wednesday evenings 6:30pm – 9pm
March 5, 12, 26, April 2, 9, 16
Pope Francis declared 2025 a Jubilee year, a time to cancel debts, a time to celebrate. Lent remembers the saving deeds of God in the First Readings. A memory exercise that invites us to abide within the God of salvation. Which, in turn, raises the question: Why is it so easy to forget. To forget our resolutions for Lent. To forget the steadfast love of God?
The psalm responses also echo joyful remembrance of our God and the Second Readings reveal what a converted, repentant, and grateful life looks like in St. Paul. The gospels focus on what God has done for us in Christ. How Christ reveals the Divine Love.
I believe this Lent calls each of us to hold fast to the Word and become mindful people in 2025.
Program Cost: $60.00
An Empty Road to Emmaus
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, March 24, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tho Vu, SJ
The title "An Empty Road to Emmaus" evokes a sense of mystery, journey, and perhaps even a feeling of solitude or desolation.
The road to Emmaus holds significant symbolic and religious connotations, particularly in Christianity, as it's where two disciples encountered the resurrected Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. The encounter on the road to Emmaus is a story of revelation and transformation, where the disciples initially walk in confusion and disappointment but are ultimately enlightened and filled with hope upon recognizing Jesus.
However, the addition of "empty" to the title suggests a departure from the traditional narrative. It implies a sense of absence or loss, perhaps indicating that the road to Emmaus is devoid of its usual divine presence or that the journey is undertaken in a state of spiritual emptiness or uncertainty.
Reflecting on this title could lead to the exploration of themes such as spiritual searching, existential questioning, or the experience of feeling lost or abandoned. It prompts contemplation on the nature of faith, revelation, and the possibility of encountering meaning or transcendence in the midst of emptiness or desolation.
In essence, "An Empty Road to Emmaus" invites retreatants to embark on a journey of introspection and discovery, where the destination may be uncertain, but the potential for profound insight and transformation remains.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Mary's Way of the Cross
An Evening of Reflection for Women
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Rev Carol Ann Munro
Join us for a prayerful and meditative evening as we experience again the story of Jesus' passion and keep vigil with his mother, Mary, the Mother of God, who remained compassionate and faithful to God even at the foot of the cross. The evening includes a simple Lenten dinner, reflection and Stations of the Cross.
Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Dinner)
Spiritual Refreshment for Moms
A Day of Reflection for Women
Friday, May 9, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leaders:
Rachel Forton & Nancy Hulsebosch
Come away for a day of spiritual refreshment just for moms! Whether your children are 2 or 52, you are welcome to join us as we gather the graces of motherhood and ask God to renew us in our vocation. We will look to the wisdom of Mary the Mother of Jesus as well as contemplate Scriptural images of motherhood.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Mary's Way of the Cross
An Evening of Reflection for Women
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Rev Carol Ann Munro
Join us for a prayerful and meditative evening as we experience again the story of Jesus' passion and keep vigil with his mother, Mary, the Mother of God, who remained compassionate and faithful to God even at the foot of the cross. The evening includes a simple Lenten dinner, reflection and Stations of the Cross.
Program Cost: $50.00 (includes Dinner)
Grateful in Aging
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, November 25, 2024
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Ann Jackson, PBVM
Inner reflection and setting intentions can shift and reframe how we actually age! Crossing the threshold from role to soul is not for the faint of heart! Scripture, science, nature all convey that. Shifting from role to soul often impacts our sense of identity, body image, approach to learning new things, disposition for change, images of the divine, etc. This retreat day will offer resources, reflection and discernment as well as a variety of spiritual practices that may assist in fully claiming and embodying your intention to choose to age consciously. Amid this time of momentous cultural transformation, shifting from role to soul is critical to personal and global wellbeing. Join this community of 'elders' to lift intention and surface passion, wisdom and service for life.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Ladies in Waiting
A Day of Reflection for Women
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leaders:
Rosanne Coury & Rachel Forton
Mark December 3 on your calendar for a day of Advent reflection. Together we will gather as women recalling Christ's First Coming, sharing our desires for Christ's coming this season, and looking forward to that final time when Christ will come to call us all to our forever home. Join us for this opportunity to refresh and renew our hearts and spirits.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Christmas Tea With Our Lady of Guadalupe and Thee!
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Thursday, December 12, 2024
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leaders:
Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, Terri Davis, Dev Kennedy & Paula Kowalkowski
Fr. Michael continues a much-loved Advent tradition with a collection of stories, songs and spirited preaching. This year he is joined by his long-time friend and collaborator vocal artist Terri Davis, accompanied by the gifted Paula Kowalkowski. They are joined by professional actor and Bellarmine retreatant Dev Kennedy. Together this ensemble is sure to delight, challenge and inspire you in your preparation for Christmas.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
This retreat is currently at capacity or registration is closed. Please call the office at 847.381.1261 with questions.
What's Next? Discerning Your Decisions in the Ignatian Tradition
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, February 17, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
The Spiritual Exercises help us move toward a deeper interior freedom to better navigate the twists and turns of life. Fr. Michael reprises one of his most popular programs as he helps us prayerfully appreciate St. Ignatius' methodology for decision making and how it can be applied to the big and small decisions we face.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Lenten Day of Reflection - Ash Wednesday
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Mark Scalese, SJ
Easter is about the renewal/transformation of all things, including ourselves. Lent can be an invitation to think about the kind of “new creation” we desire to become and to take steps to work toward that. On this day of reflection, we will learn how to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
An Empty Road to Emmaus
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, March 24, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tho Vu, SJ
The title "An Empty Road to Emmaus" evokes a sense of mystery, journey, and perhaps even a feeling of solitude or desolation.
The road to Emmaus holds significant symbolic and religious connotations, particularly in Christianity, as it's where two disciples encountered the resurrected Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. The encounter on the road to Emmaus is a story of revelation and transformation, where the disciples initially walk in confusion and disappointment but are ultimately enlightened and filled with hope upon recognizing Jesus.
However, the addition of "empty" to the title suggests a departure from the traditional narrative. It implies a sense of absence or loss, perhaps indicating that the road to Emmaus is devoid of its usual divine presence or that the journey is undertaken in a state of spiritual emptiness or uncertainty.
Reflecting on this title could lead to the exploration of themes such as spiritual searching, existential questioning, or the experience of feeling lost or abandoned. It prompts contemplation on the nature of faith, revelation, and the possibility of encountering meaning or transcendence in the midst of emptiness or desolation.
In essence, "An Empty Road to Emmaus" invites retreatants to embark on a journey of introspection and discovery, where the destination may be uncertain, but the potential for profound insight and transformation remains.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Spiritual Refreshment for Moms
A Day of Reflection for Women
Friday, May 9, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leaders:
Rachel Forton & Nancy Hulsebosch
Come away for a day of spiritual refreshment just for moms! Whether your children are 2 or 52, you are welcome to join us as we gather the graces of motherhood and ask God to renew us in our vocation. We will look to the wisdom of Mary the Mother of Jesus as well as contemplate Scriptural images of motherhood.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Virtual Lenten Study Session with Fr. Roc
A Weekly Ignatian Prayer Group for Adults
March 5 - April 16, 2025
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Roc O'Connor, SJ
Virtual Lenten Study Sessions: Wednesday evenings 6:30pm – 9pm
March 5, 12, 26, April 2, 9, 16
Pope Francis declared 2025 a Jubilee year, a time to cancel debts, a time to celebrate. Lent remembers the saving deeds of God in the First Readings. A memory exercise that invites us to abide within the God of salvation. Which, in turn, raises the question: Why is it so easy to forget. To forget our resolutions for Lent. To forget the steadfast love of God?
The psalm responses also echo joyful remembrance of our God and the Second Readings reveal what a converted, repentant, and grateful life looks like in St. Paul. The gospels focus on what God has done for us in Christ. How Christ reveals the Divine Love.
I believe this Lent calls each of us to hold fast to the Word and become mindful people in 2025.
Program Cost: $60.00