Catholic Retreat Opportunities

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Madison organizes a number of retreat opportunities each year.   These retreats are typically offered to a specific group of people.  They include:

Adult Women	An annual retreat open to all Catholic women.  Normally held in August at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Center in Madison.  Click here for more.
Adult Men	An annual retreat open to all Catholic men (ages 18 and up).  Normally held during Lent at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Center in Madison.  Click here for more.
High School Youth	Held several times each year at various locations in the diocese, these retreats are specially designed for smaller parishes who might not have the resources (or the "critical mass" of high school students) to effectively implement their own retreats.  These retreats are often designed to help prepare youth to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, and are also offered as "make up" opportunities for those who may have missed their own parish retreat.
Middle School Youth	An annual retreat for those in grades 6-8.  Normally held at the BOCC or at one of the larger parishes in the Madison area.  Click here for more.
Kairos TEC (Together Encountering Christ)	Held approximately six times each year at various locations throughout the diocese, these retreats are open to those in high school or beyond (high school and adults).  Click here for more.
Parish Catechetical Leaders	The OEC's annual "Quiet in the Pines" retreat is open to all those who serve as catechetical leaders in the Diocese of Madison, whether paid or volunteer, full or part time. These retreats offer time for quiet reflection, fellowship with colleagues, and opportunities to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Click here for more.

In addition to the retreat opportunities organized by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, there are a number of other good options in or near or diocese.  These include:

Resurrection Rally	Resurrection Rally is an annual two-night high school youth rally held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The rally is organized by a consortium of parish youth ministers. The date for this year’s rally is February 1-3, 2008. The keynote speaker is Chris Stefanik from the Archdiocese of Denver. This faith-filled weekend includes Mass, Reconciliation, keynote speaker, waterslide park, entertainment, workshops, and more! Approximate cost is $150. For more information, contact Becky Thompson at 608-356-5353.
Durward's Glen	Durward's Glen is located in the beautiful Baraboo bluffs, 30 miles north of Madison near Devil's Lake State Park. Retreats of all varieties are offered there on a routine basis.  In addition, it's pristine 40-acre property offers scenic hiking trails, picturesque picnic areas, a pond, a rambling brook, and a white oak over 350 years old. The property with it's beautiful Shrine to Our Lady, and historic Chapel, has always possessed an inspiring spiritual character, which has attracted visitors from all over, and is recognized as a place for prayer, reflection, peace, and inspiration.  For more information, on their scheduled retreats, or to book your own group or private retreat, go to their web site by clicking here.
Youth 2000	A Youth 2000 retreat held in Oshkosh every fall is open to participation from groups and individuals from our diocese. Youth 2000 presents an outstanding opportunity for young people, ages 13-30, to encounter Jesus Christ in a life-changing way. They are quite simply one of the most powerful retreat opportunities available. Find out more at www.oshkosh2000retreat.org or on the Youth 2000 website at www.youth2000usa.org.  Youth 2000 is now available in the Diocese of Madison!  Click here for more.
St. John Bosco Youth Days	St. John Bosco Youth Days are an annual event of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee open to young people from our diocese. The 2007 event was held Sept. 29. Themed “We want to see Jesus!” the day featured two bishops, popular music entertainers Steve Angrisano and Martin Doman, teens sharing their mission trip experiences and other stories of hope, Mass and opportunities for confession. This is a free event, although a free-will offering is taken. More information can be found at www.holyhill.com.