“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Mark 6: 31

We believe retreats, a period of time away from daily life, serves as an important aspect of comprehensive adult faith formation. Retreats vary in length, content, and place, but should always provide the space to encounter Jesus through prayer, scripture, and silence (witness talks and fellowship are integral to some retreat experiences). We are blessed with a multitude of retreat houses in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, which provide many retreat opportunities for individuals and groups. We also offer parish based retreats, which focus on forming disciples, provide community building experiences, and lead to for further adult formation, primarily through small faith-sharing groups. All retreats, of course, depend on the presence of the Holy Spirit, as well as men and women who are open to the Spirit’s movement. Jesus beckons us to come away with Him.

Parish and Archdiocesan Retreats:

Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP): “Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is a personal and parish spiritual renewal process. As Catholics, we are called to witness to one another the amazing things God as done for us. The CRHP process allows us to do just that—take a break from our busy lives, share our faith with others, and get to know God through his works. This parish-based retreat is run by a parish retreat teamed, which is formed to lead the weekend.” For more information: http://dynamiccatholic.com/crhp/ Sponsored by Dynamic Catholic.

Light of the World Retreat: “Light Of the World is a powerful evangelization process. Answering the call of John Paul II for a “new evangelization,” LOTW provides a dynamic vehicle for spreading the Good News and bringing souls (closer) to Christ. The LOTW Process reaches out to all – from the beginning “seeker” to those well along their faith journey. As LOTW evangelizes, it also empowers each evangelized person to evangelize others.” http://www.lotwem.org/

Online Retreats:

Catholics on Call: Direction for Your Life: http://www.catholicsoncall.org/online-retreats

Creighton Online Ministries Retreat: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/cmo-retreat.html

Loyola Press 3 Minute Online Retreats: https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer

Pray-as-you-go Online Retreats: https://pray-as-you-go.org/go-deeper/

Sacred Space Online Retreats: https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/advent/sacred advent%20retreat?utm_campaign=Advent2017&utm_medium=blog&utm_source=IgnSp&utm_content=SacredAdvent

Retreat Centers within the Archdiocese of Dubuque: https://www.dbqarch.org/about/retreat-houses/

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46.10

American Martyrs Retreat House: “The American Martyrs Retreat House is the Archdiocese of Dubuque retreat center established in the tradition and spirit of the early North American martyrs. AMRH offers day long and overnight silent/conference retreats, individually directed retreats, private and group retreats, day of renewal and spiritual direction. It also hosts selected workshops and meetings. The facility includes a chapel, extensive grounds for walking, relaxation, and a gift shop.” For more information or to schedule a private or group retreat: (319-266-3543) or http://americanmartyrsretreathouse.com/

New Melleray Abbey: “New Melleray is a Cistercian (Trappist) monastery located in the rolling farmland south of Dubuque, Iowa. We support ourselves by farming and making wooden caskets. Currently, about 30 monks live, work and pray at the Abbey. We hope that you will find one of Cistercians’ best-filled missions is providing hospitality to guests. Come for rest and quiet on a personal retreat or one of the themed-retreats offered during the year.” For more information or to schedule a private or directed retreat: (563-588-2319, ext. 100) or http://www.newmelleray.org/retreats.asp?display=sub

Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey: “We welcome retreatants to our guest houses year-round and are happy to share the beauty, peace, silence, and solitude of our surroundings with you.” For more information or to schedule a private retreat: (563-582-2595 Ext. 111) or http://www.mississippiabbey.org/Retreats

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center: “In the establishment of Prairiewoods, the Franciscan sisters hoped to provide a place for the gathering and connecting of the faith community. We welcome people of all religious and ethnic backgrounds to make this center a spiritual base where dialogue around issues of faith and the environment can be held.” For more information or to schedule a private or group retreat: (319-395-6700) or http://prairiewoods.org/retreats/

Shalom Spirituality Center: “Shalom Spirituality Center is owned and directed by the Sisters of St. Francis and staffed by laypersons and Franciscan Sisters. Situated adjacent to an 81-acre prairie, Shalom offers ample space to walk, pray, and reflect with its numerous paved and well-groomed walking paths, meditation garden and abundant wildlife.” For more information or to schedule a private or group retreat: (563-582-3592) or http://www.shalomretreats.org/index.html

For more information on any of these retreat opportunities, please contact the Office of Adult Faith Formation at dbqcaf@dbqarch.org.