Come Away and Rest for a While.
For nearly 80 years, Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House has welcomed people seeking peace, prayer, and a deeper relationship with God.
Nestled on 80 acres of sacred space in Barrington, Illinois, Bellarmine offers a place to step away from the noise of everyday life and rediscover what matters most. We are open to all adults of all faith traditions.
Not an Escape. A Return to What Matters
We live in a world that is louder and busier than ever.
Responsibilities compete for our attention from the moment we wake up until the moment we fall asleep. Even our moments of rest are often spent in front of screens.
At Bellarmine, we invite you to step away from that noise for a few days—not to escape your life, but to see it more clearly.
Through prayer, silence, reflection, and rest, retreatants often return home with greater peace, renewed gratitude, and a clearer understanding of what matters most.
Because sometimes, the most important thing we can do is step away long enough to remember what matters most.
Taking time for a retreat is not stepping away from your responsibilities—it's investing in the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being that allows you to return to them with greater presence and gratitude.
Rest: Slow down. Sleep. Walk the grounds. Breathe deeply. Allow yourself to receive the gift of rest.
Reflect: Consider where God has been present in your life and where He may be inviting you next.
Renew: Return home refreshed, renewed, and with a greater appreciation for the people, relationships, and blessings that fill your everyday life.
Retreatant Stories
Every time I come here, I leave refreshed and grateful.
Hear from Bellarmine's Executive Director.
Bellarmine reminded me of what is truly important in my life.
I came here exhausted and left with peace.”\
Designed for Simplicity
Bellarmine's accommodations are intentionally simple.
In a culture that constantly asks for our attention and encourages us to consume more, Bellarmine offers something increasingly rare: quiet, simplicity, and space to reflect.
Our guest rooms are quiet and comfortable, free from televisions and other distractions. Many rooms do not include private bathrooms, inviting us to embrace a simpler way of living for a few days.
Here, you are invited to put down your phone, and make space for God to speak.
It's a kind of digital detox that many retreatants don’t realize they need until they experienced it for themselves.
Why Bellarmine?
For nearly eight decades, Bellarmine has been a place of welcome, hospitality, and Ignatian spirituality.
Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
80 acres of woods, prairie, and gardens
Welcoming to men and women of all faith backgrounds
Optional weekend retreat activities include: Spiritual Direction, Daily Mass, and confession
Scholarships available for those in need
People arrive at Bellarmine carrying busy schedules, heavy hearts, important decisions, and a desire for something more. They leave with many different experiences, but a common realization: taking time for God was time well spent.
Wondering What to Expect?
Whether this is your first retreat or your fiftieth, our hope is simple: that you feel welcomed, cared for, and free to encounter God in whatever way He chooses to meet you.
At Bellarmine, you'll find:
A private room for rest and reflection
Delicious, freshly prepared meals
Retreat talks and opportunities for prayer
Daily Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Time to walk, journal, read, or simply rest
Optional spiritual direction
Sacred silence throughout much of the weekend
You don't have to know how to make a retreat. You simply need to come as you are.
Find the Retreat That's Right for You
Bellarmine offers a variety of retreat experiences throughout the year. Whether you are seeking silence, fellowship, spiritual guidance, or simply a chance to rest, there is a retreat designed with you in mind.
Upcoming Retreat Opportunities
Whether you're looking for a silent retreat, a preached retreat, a retreat with your spouse, or an opportunity to deepen your prayer life, Bellarmine offers retreats throughout the year.
A Typical Weekend
Friday
- Check in and settle into your room
- Optional tour of the historic buildings
- Social time and dinner with fellow retreatants
- Opening talk and opportunity for Mass and Confession
- Enter into silence
Saturday
- Retreat talks and personal prayer
- Time to walk the grounds and reflect
- Optional spiritual direction
- Mass, meals, and quiet time
Sunday
- Morning prayer
- Final talks
- Optional Mass
- Lunch and departure
There is no "right way" to make a retreat. Some people pray. Some walk the trails. Some journal. Some catch up on much-needed rest.
Who Comes to Bellarmine?
- People making their very first retreat
- Busy parents and grandparents seeking rest
- Young adults discerning their next steps
- Couples looking to deepen their relationship
- Those grieving a loss or navigating change
- People seeking a deeper relationship with God
- Retreatants who have been coming back for decades
If you feel drawn to make a retreat, there is a place for you here.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bellarmine welcomes adults of all faith traditions and spiritual seekers.
Silence is encouraged throughout much of the weekend, but there are opportunities for fellowship during the first and last meal. Semi-Silent retreats offer an option to talk during all meals and some themed retreats offer other discussion opportunities.
You may certainly bring your phone, but many retreatants choose to limit their use during the weekend as part of their retreat experience.
Absolutely. Many retreatants tell us they were nervous before attending their first retreat and quickly discovered they were exactly where they needed to be.
Yes. Every retreatant is provided a private bedroom.
We have a limited number of rooms with attached bathrooms. Priority is given to those with mobility and health considerations. Those using a shared restroom have access to a private changing area and shower stall.
If you have a medical need and would like a room with an attached bathroom, please note that during the registration process.
Comfortable clothing, toiletries, and an open heart. Other suggestions include: water bottle, journal and bathrobe.
Upcoming Retreat Opportunities
Whether you're looking for a silent retreat, a preached retreat, a retreat with your spouse, or an opportunity to deepen your prayer life, Bellarmine offers retreats throughout the year.
Come Away and Rest for a While
Perhaps this is the invitation you've been waiting for. Our hope is that you'll return home refreshed, renewed, and with a clearer sense of what matters most.
Whether this is your first retreat or you’ve been attending retreats for many years, we would be honored to welcome you to Bellarmine.