Retreat Ministry Formation
When is the Practicum?
The practicum will be held Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12, 2026.
Who is invited?
This practicum is designed to form lay persons, Jesuits, priests, religious sisters and brothers, involved in or moving into the ministries of parish missions, days of reflection, or preached retreats rooted in the Ignatian spiritual tradition. Participants need to have made the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius (complete 19th annotation or 30 Day retreat). Participants who have only made preached retreats need to have experience making at least 7+ years of annual weekend retreats at a Jesuit retreat center or house.
Description
The practicum is an intensive workshop that explores aspects of retreat planning, unfolding of Ignatian themes, and offering talks and presentations that lead others to encounter and prayer. The practicum offers insights on the following:
- Formulating and framing presentations and talks rooted in the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
- Developing themes and flow of presentation based on the framework of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
- Identifying audiences: Who is the audience? What do they need? What help do you have to offer?
- Exploring best practices for the use of scripture, handouts, technology, artwork, music, liturgy and sacramental symbols in retreat design
During the practicum participants will:
- Attend plenary presentations
- Work in small groups and individually
- Formulate and write presentations/talks
- Meet one-to-one with experienced mentors
Registration Deadline
The registration deadline is May 7th, 2026 or until all spots are filled. We recommend registering before Friday, Feb 27th at 4 PM Central Time when early bird pricing expires.
Cost
Residential Option (includes private room & meals)
$1,095 if registered by February 27, 2026
Includes a $100 non-refundable deposit, applied toward the total cost
$1,295 if registered after February 27
Includes a $300 non-refundable deposit, applied toward the total cost
Commuter Option (no private room or daily breakfast)
$895 if registered by February 27, 2026
Includes a $100 non-refundable deposit, applied toward the total cost
$1,095 if registered after February 27
Includes a $300 non-refundable deposit, applied toward the total cost
Commuter Schedule
Commuters should plan to arrive Monday between 4–6 pm (before dinner).
Daily attendance runs Tuesday through Friday, arriving 8:30–9:00 am and departing 8:00–8:30 pm each evening.
The retreat concludes Friday after lunch.
The Environment
Bellarmine retreat house sits on 80-acres of lovely property providing an atmosphere for creative, focused work and quiet time to listen for inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Outdoor spaces include walking trails, various prayer gardens, a gazebo shrine, stations of the cross, as well as a few patios, and many outdoor chairs in sun and shade. Bellarmine has two libraries, a resource center, two chapels, and a dining room to enjoy wholesome meals.
Each day you will also have the option to participate in the Eucharist, and time to:
- Pray and reflect between presentations
- Write drafts of your own witness talks
- Explore Bellarmine's sacred spaces
Your stay includes daily meals (starting with Monday dinner and ending with Friday lunch).