What is a retreat at Bellarmine like and why should I make one?

The main reason is you are away from everything! You're away from the daily hassle. You have time to sit or to walk and think and meditate. That is why there is time in the retreat schedule for private reflection and personal prayer. It is a time to get a better perspective on the deeper meaning or life and to come into closer contact with God.

How much time is involved?

A weekend retreat at Bellarmine begins on Friday evening with dinner at 7:00 p.m. This allows those coming directly from work to be on time. People begin arriving as early as 3:00 p.m. The retreat closes with Mass at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, followed by lunch and you depart by 1:00 p.m.

Bellarmine has 72 individual retreatant rooms. Accommodations are much like you would find at a motel. Towels, soap, blankets, sheets and pillows are all provided. Bring the amount of clothing you would for a couple of nights stay in a motel. Dress comfortably - informal dress is quite acceptable.

During the course of the retreat the retreat director gives eight conferences that last thirty to forty minutes. These are based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. the conferences are not dry academic lectures. Rather, they are reflections on life's fundamental directions seen in the light of the Gospels and our Christian Faith.

There is ample personal time during your retreat for private prayer and reflection on the conferences. Frequently the retreat director will pass out materials for your reflection. There is an abundance of reading materials available in the Bellarmine Library, as well as a number of audio tapes available in the resource center.

First time retreatants frequently ask about talking and silence. Bellarmine has a tradition, common to all Jesuit retreat houses, of maintaining silence during the retreat. This is not a disciplinary measure or a "penance." Rather, it has been found by experience that the silence is very helpful in maintaining a prayerful atmosphere. Each person has the opportunity to be alone with God in a privileged way.

Meals at Bellarmine are of a very high quality and served in a beautiful dining room. Our kitchen staff takes great pride in providing wonderful meals. With prior notification, they can accommodate most special dietary needs you may have.

Bellarmine Retreats follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The Spiritual Exercises are, in brief, a "pathway to God," an experiential approach to personal faith and union with God. that is why, during the retreat, there is a time for private reflection and personal prayer. In addition the Eucharist is celebrated each day and devotions are offered for those who find them helpful. Bellarmine Jesuit staff members are available for counseling and confession.

Many of our perennial retreatants like to refer to Bellarmine as their "home away from home." Persons making the first retreat comment that the blend of gracious hospitality, human caring and cheerful service combine with the unmistakable atmosphere of the sacred to make them feel peaceful, "at home."

Retreat House expenses are covered by voluntary donations of the retreatants. Limited financial resources should not prevent anyone from making a retreat. The generosity of retreatants who can offer more than the actual cost helps us to cover our expenses.

Click here to register for a retreat.