How Can God Use a Sinner Like Me?
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men
February 25 - 27, 2022
Groups Attending: Individuals, Naperville-MM/PP/R/TH, St Isaac Jogues (Hinsdale), Walsh Jesuit High School Alumni, St Francis de Sales (Lake Zurich), Divine Savior (Norridge)
This retreat begins on Friday, but there is still space available. To register, call the office at 847-381-1261.
Summary
Why isn't the Church filled with saints? Jesus came to call sinners because, after his Mother, that was all he had to work with. The Gospels regularly present the sins and foibles of the apostles, the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the rest of the people who came to Jesus. He loved the sinners, but he challenged them to turn away from their sins. He challenged them to believe more fully in him; he required the sinners to obey his commandments as evidence that they loved him, and he sent them the Holy Spirit so that God himself would be the very strength to become authentic disciples. Jesus is still present in the Church today to continue these processes with us. The goal will be to see ourselves in the lives of the first disciples, moving from sin and vice to holiness and virtue.
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
Bellarmine Main Entrance
Sacred Heart Chapel
Mary McKeon Library
St. Joseph Gazebo
Mother Teresa Garden
Eastern Africa Collection
Fireplace Lounge
Dining Room
Winter on the Grounds
Resource Center
Sacred Heart Statue at Sunset
Susie's Memorial Garden
Madonna Library
Lower Level Lounge
Retreat Leader
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ
Father Pacwa received his B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Detroit, summa cum laude. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1976 with the Society of Jesus, as a Master of Divinity and S.T.B. from the Jesuit School of Theology of Loyola University, magna cum laude. At Vanderbilt University, he received his Master of Arts as well as his Ph.D. in Old Testament. He is best known for his appearances on EWTN for over the last thirty years. Fr. Pacwa is a best-selling Catholic author and has written numerous books on a variety of topics about the Scripture and our Catholic Faith to continue to teach us and generations to come.