A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, December 15, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Program Cost: $100.00 (includes Lunch)
An Advent favorite for many years now, Fr Michael and his talented friends Terri, Dev, and Paula reprise his imaginative retelling of the Christmas story. Back from popular demand, this day of prayer, songs, and stories is sure to touch your heart, tickle your funny bone, and deepen your appreciation of what this holy season is all about.
A day or evening of reflection, grounded in the Jesuit tradition, is a shorter version of the Ignatian Weekend Retreat. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, a day or evening program is sure to give you the peace and serenity needed to be still and to rest in God's loving embrace.
Your day or evening of reflection includes thematic talks from our skilled Retreat Leaders, time for private prayer, celebration of Mass and a meal.
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.
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.
Paula Kowalkowski has worked as a music educator on the high school and college level for over 30 years. She currently is the Music Director at St. Thomas Becket Church in Mount Prospect. Ms. Kowalkowski has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Spirituality and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Loyola University Chicago/Institute of Pastoral Studies. Paula received a Certificate in Spiritual Direction with an emphasis on Ignatian Spirituality from the Midwest Jesuit Province. She has led retreats and speaks at parishes. A widow and mother, Paula is humbled and honored to be a part of the Bellarmine team and is looking forward to walking with you.
Terri Davis is classically trained and a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists. She began her career singing with Cincinnati Opera and Washington Opera at Kennedy Center. Her career quickly expanded into performing musical theater, jazz, pop, liturgical and spiritual repertoire. She and Fr Michael have been friends and collaborators for over 30 years.
Dev is a member of the St. Norbert/Our Lady of the Brook Parish, and a Ministry Coordinator there, focusing on OCIA instruction, Scripture Groups, and Bereavement. A professional actor by trade, he has appeared in many area theatres—Marriott Lincolnshire, Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Drury Lane Oakbrook, to name a few, along with appearing in many regional and national television commercials for companies such as Coca-Cola, Crestor, and Coors Light. He has been seen in training videos for State Farm, Walgreens, and Web MD, among others.