Retreats
Annual Retreats
Fiat Retreat, Fall Undergraduate Retreat | November 20-22, 2026
In Luke 1:38, Mary responds to God with a simple yes: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” That yes wasn’t easy. It wasn’t convenient. And it didn’t come with guarantees. But her yes, literally changed the world. This retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise, pressure, and busyness of Northwestern life—and to get honest about one question: Where is God inviting you to say yes?
Through prayer, witness talks, creative activities, silence, and more, we’ll explore what it really means to trust God in the concrete reality of your life. Your life won’t be defined by what you achieve. It will be shaped by what you say yes to. So, come as you are—seeking, skeptical, searching, or all in. The retreat costs $150, with scholarships available. For questions, please contact Arielle Joaquin here(opens in new tab).
Busy Student Retreat | January 31-February 4, 2027
Living your vocation as a student can often feel like one long sprint—classes, responsibilities, relationships, expectations, and the constant pressure to keep up. This year’s Busy Student Retreat, “The Pace of Grace,” is an invitation to step away from the noise and rediscover the presence of God in the middle of your real life. Throughout this week, participants will commit to 30 minutes of personal prayer each day and a daily 30-minute conversation with a spiritual director, creating intentional space to rest honestly and learn what it means to live not at the pace of pressure and performance, but at the pace of grace. Open to all students at no cost! Interested? Contact Martina Ricca here(opens in new tab) or Tim Higgins here(opens in new tab).
Graduate Students and Young Adults (GYA) Retreat | February 6-7, 2027
If you are seeking a chance to get away and grow spiritually alongside other young adults, this is your opportunity! The theme of the retreat this year is "Word made flesh." We'll be reflecting on the gift of Christ's self-giving love we receive from the altar and the call we have to share that love beyond the walls of the church. We will be staying in a peaceful setting in Zion, IL and leave around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2027 and return around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2027. The cost is $75 for Northwestern graduate students and $125 for young adults. Scholarships are available! Questions? Contact Tim Higgins, Campus Minister, here(opens in new tab) or call 847.328.4648.
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All Sheil Day of Renewal | Winter 2027
All members of the Sheil Community are invited to a day of renewal. The day includes time for both personal and group reflection. The day begins at 10:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. The cost is $5 for students and $10 for associates. Payment may be made on site. Student scholarships are available. For questions, contact Martina Ricca here(opens in new tab).
Encounter Retreat | May 7-9, 2027
Encounter is a student-designed and student-led retreat created for those seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus and embrace the call to missionary discipleship. Through community, prayer, reflection, and authentic encounters with Christ, this weekend offers an opportunity to be stretched, strengthened, and renewed in faith. Come away empowered to live out your missionary identity and return ready to share the Gospel with joy and purpose. The retreat costs $150, with scholarships available. For questions, please contact Arielle Joaquin here.