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Praying with Pope Francis: The Gospel of Joy, Mercy, Love & Care for the Earth

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

February 23 - 25, 2018

Groups Attending: Individuals, St. Mary Magdalene (Joliet), St. Ann (Channahon), St. Therese KC Holy Ghost, Ken Murphy Group, Divine Savior (Norridge), Cathedral of St. Raymond (Joliet), St. John Vianney (Lockport), KC-St Catherine (Dundee),

This retreat is currently at capacity or registration is closed. Please call the office at 847.381.1261 with questions.

Summary

Two Jesuit teacher-communicators team up to present an engaging exploration of the major themes of fellow Jesuit Pope Francis’ writing and speaking. Using multi-media, creative rituals, and dramatic storytelling, retreatants will engage the gospel in a heart-changing weekend of prayer.

Description

This retreat includes several presentations, daily mass, 6 meals, the opportunity for one-on-one spiritual direction with a trained spiritual director, and many other opportunities to explore our 80 acres and almost 60k square feet of  interior space. All activities are optional, but we do ask everyone to respect the quiet of the retreat house for everyone to have the opportunity to read, sleep and reflect in the quiet. 

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. Each retreatant has their own bedroom. 

You can learn more about what to expect by visiting this page.

Retreat Experience Gallery

Retreat Leaders

Fr. Keith Maczkiewicz, SJ

Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J. a native of Long Island, New York, joined the Northeast Province Jesuits in the summer of 2008. A graduate of Fairfield University and Providence College, after entering the Society of Jesus Keith did his philosophy studies at Loyola University Chicago and his theology studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA. His ministry has been mainly in campus ministry at the college and high school level, in retreat work, and in faith formation, where he served as the DRE at a diverse parish in Oakland, CA. Keith was ordained a priest in June 2018 and serves as Assistant Chaplain at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ

Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ is a retreat director and spiritual director at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington.  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, and has trained spiritual directors at Loyola University-Chicago.  

A prolific writer and speaker, Fr. Michael has published books, CDs, and DVDs on prayer, discernment, and the sacraments with Franciscan Media, Paulist Press, Liturgical Training Publications, Loyola Press, and Heart to Heart. He is seen regularly on Shalom World Catholic Television and is heard regularly on Sacred Heart radio in Cincinnati and WSFI Catholic Radio in greater Chicagoland. 

His latest co-authored book is What’s Your Decision?  An Ignatian Approach to Decision Making and is published by Loyola Press.  

Fr. Michael’s weekly video homilies can be seen online at www.HtoH.US.

Listen to a talk by Fr. Michael.