Retreats

Hero

Retreats are a central spiritual experience in the life of a Saint Ignatius student. This is a privileged time to reflect on one's life journey and consider how God is continually inviting us into a deeper relationship. A variety of retreat options are available all four years. and students will have the opportunity to focus on developing their relationship with God through participating in the Freshman Retreat, a Sophomore Prayer Group, and making a retreat during Junior and Senior year.

All Freshman make the Freshmen Retreat and all Upperclassmen are required to make one overnight retreat, usually Kairos or Wilderness. Seniors are invited to apply for the opportunity to lead these retreats.

Retreat Options

Freshman Retreat

Overnight Retreats

Kairos: The most popular overnight retreat, this four-day, three-night experience takes students to the Jesuit Retreat House in Parma to enjoy “God’s time.” Each day asks a question about the student’s relationship with Jesus and seeks to help students begin answering those questions. Saint Ignatius has run more than 200 Kairos retreats. Open to: Juniors and Seniors.
Wilderness: In Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest students discover God in creation and in community with each other. No hiking or camping experience is required, but students should be ready for a “rugged” outing during the four-day, three-night trip. Most gear is provided, and retreatants must attend two orientation meetings before the trip. Open to: Juniors and Seniors.
Emmaus Retreat: A hiking retreat throughout the Cuyahoga Valley, the Emmaus retreat is inspired by the story of Jesus meeting the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Open to: Juniors and Seniors.
The Ignatian Service Retreat: The Ignatian Service Retreat is a three-day retreat that takes place at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma. Retreatants spend time in prayer and reflection focusing on living out the Gospel call to serve others and be in solidarity with those on the margins of society. Students will travel to a variety of service agencies where they will learn about the agencies mission and serve those in need.

Elective Retreats

The Sophomore Hiking Retreat:The Sophomore Hiking Retreat is offered twice each school year (once in the fall and once in the spring). The retreat takes place in the Cuyahoga Valley Recreation Area. The goal of the retreat is for Sophomores to hear from upperclassmen about how they have lived out their faith in the Saint Ignatius community and have grown in their knowledge of God’s love for them. Faith witnesses are given by upperclassmen throughout the 8-mile hike.
Ignatian Yoga Retreat:The Ignatian Yoga Retreat is led by staff member Jon Jarc '93 (certified yoga instructor). The retreat is a one-day retreat and takes place at the Jesuit Retreat Center. The overall goal of the retreat is for participants to learn the importance of meditation, breathing and care for one’s self and body in the overall development of one’s spiritual life.

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