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A Retreat for Young Adults - The Next Chapter: Living through Transitions with Faith

An Ignatian, Silent Overnight Retreat for Adults

September 15 - 16, 2018

Groups Attending: Individuals

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

Summary

This semi-silent retreat is open to young adult men and women in their 20s and 30s. The retreat begins at 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 15 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 16.

Transition: the process of letting go of the way things used to be and taking hold of the way they are or will be. Whether you are graduating from college, transitioning jobs, moving to a new city, getting married, or having just lost a loved one, transitions in life are not always easy. Though they can be joyous, they can also be stressful. Though exciting, they can painful. And though appearing transparent, they can be confusing.

Connect and share with other young adults yearning to reflect on the changes taking place in their lives. Encounter the ways in which God is ever present in those moments of uncertainty. Grow to find a deeper and more grace-filled understanding of how one’s faith in God is active in our journey of transition.

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. 

Retreat Experience Gallery

Retreat Leaders

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.

Rachel Forton

Rachel Forton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Religious Studies from Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa). She served as the Retreat and Communications Coordinator for Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House for six years and completed Ignatian Spiritual Direction Training there before stepping into the role of Women's Ministry Coordinator. She has a passion for helping others find God in all things through spiritual direction and retreat ministry, writing, and editing. Rachel serves on the "Prayer and Care" team of her MOPS Chapter (Mothers of Preschoolers) and finds it a great privilege to minister to women of all ages. Her most recent writings may be found at the Cora Evans website, promoting the cause for canonization of the mid-century mystic, wife, and mother (www.coraevans.com/blog/author/102). Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Rachel now lives with her husband and young daughter and son in Palatine, IL.