Bellarmine offers 12 Step retreats for those in recovery and for their friends and family, known as "Bill W" retreats. These retreats invite those who are working the 12 Steps to continue their journey in company with others. Retreatants must be sober for 30 days to attend this retreat.
A Retreat Leader leads the retreat and prepares thematic talks rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the 12 Step Program. The retreat offers a unique time away with optional opportunities for a 12 Step meeting, confession, Mass, consultation with a spiritual director, and group prayer experiences. Recovery Retreats end after the 11:30 am lunch.
A recent retreatant, Tony, says about the Bill W Retreat, "For 20 years, it has been a major part of my sobriety."
Life is the Teacher: I am the Student
A Silent, Recovery Weekend for Men
October 30 - November 1, 2026
Retreat Leader:
Roger Bruner
As we watch how our Higher Power manifests in creation, we witness that Life is the Teacher. As our lives unfold before us, sometimes we wonder “why is this happening to me?” A better question might be “what is this person, situation, or circumstance trying to show or teach me?” How do we learn to interpret the happenings in our day with the intention to “read our spiritual mail?” We need to see it and feel it, rather than push the lesson away, because the lesson holds the answer for change. This weekend will focus on embracing that shift in perception, to realize that it’s all a gift, if we’re willing to be students.
Groups Attending: Individuals
Making a Real Connection
A Silent, Recovery Weekend for Women
November 13 - 15, 2026
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Roc O'Connor, SJ
The Twelve Steps provide a path for emerging from isolation and self-focus toward becoming real with self, others, and our Higher Power and, so, making worthwhile connections. Here’s one way of approaching the Steps.
Groups Attending: Individuals
Working with the Tools of the Program
A Silent, Recovery Weekend for Men
November 20 - 22, 2026
Retreat Leader:
Rev. Carol Ann Munro
The twelve steps provide us tools not merely for getting sober, but for living our fullest lives. They provide a systematic way to build a rich and rewarding relationship with a Higher Power that can result in a life beyond our wildest imaginings. And they take us on an adventure from learning how to accept the things we cannot change to being grateful for all we are given.
Groups Attending: Individuals
Growing into Your Best Self
A Silent, Recovery Weekend for Men
December 11 - 13, 2026
Retreat Leader:
Elizabeth Neubauer
Prior to recovery, we lead selfish, disconnected lives. By applying the spiritual principles to our attitudes and behaviors we will have the strength to change into a person we can be proud of. This weekend we will explore how our Higher Power walks with us on this journey of healing. Together, we will see how to repair relationships and recognize how perfectionism and shame have held us back from our desire to be trustworthy, honest and whole.
Groups Attending: Individuals
Practice Makes Progress
A Silent, Recovery Weekend for Men
March 12 - 14, 2027
Retreat Leader:
Fr. Tom Weston, SJ
Explore the wisdom of the 12 Steps as a path to peace and lasting joy. Step away from the noise, gather practical and spiritual tools, and grow in grace and gratitude—one day at a time.
Groups Attending: Individuals