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Retreat Schedule > Experiencing God through Ignatian Contemplation and Imaginative Prayer

Experiencing God through Ignatian Contemplation and Imaginative Prayer

An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men

January 26 - 28, 2024

Groups Attending: Individuals, Roche/Zera Group, Mary Seat of Wisdom, Our Lady of the Grove KC 13448/St. Mary Buffalo Grove HNS, KC- Elmhurst, Sts. Faith, Hope, And Charity (Winnetka), Queen of Peace, Chicago (aka Divine Savior, St. Eugenes and Our Lady Mother of the Church), St. John Newman (aka St. Athanasius and St. Joan of Arc)

This retreat begins on Friday, but there is still space available. To register, call the office at 847-381-1261.

Summary

This guided retreat will make use of Ignatian contemplation, imaginative prayer, and the senses to engage in conversation with God.  The focus will be on understanding our interiority using the Internal Family Systems method (IFS) as a means to intimate prayer with God/Jesus/Spirit.  We all have parts of us that are sad, joyful, anxious, discouraged, happy, funny and many more.  Having such parts are a natural aspect of adult life and sharing such interior movements in a familiar way with God/Jesus/Spirit is what Ignatian prayer helps us to do.  

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.

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Retreat Leader

Fr. Jeff Putthoff, SJ

Fr. Jeff Putthoff, SJ, a Jesuit for 40 years and priest for over 28, is passionate about fostering healing communities, empowerment, brain health, and finding God in all things. His diverse experience as a high school teacher, associate pastor, executive director, high school president, and educational consultant informs his unique approach to youth education and organizational life, blending organizational dynamics, leadership, brain health, Internal Family Systems ,and Ignatian spirituality. Currently, he collaborates with dioceses nationwide to boost scholarship funding and enrollment.


As a retreat leader and director of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Fr. Jeff has guided over 80 directed retreats and 180 preached retreats across the country, helping others deepen their connection to God. A sought-after national speaker, he addresses trauma-informed care, organizational dynamics, youth formation, Ignatian spirituality, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Levels 1 and 2, and leadership with expertise and insight.