Retreats and Vocation

Taking time for contemplation, prayer, and community building is central to a Dominican University education. The University Ministry Center offers retreats throughout the year which provide opportunities for members of the University community to discern God’s movement in their lives and to respond to God’s call with clarity and courage. The retreat program and offerings are varied and diverse to accommodate each person’s availability and interests.

Past Retreats Offered

Emerging Leaders Retreat

Open to all first-year students, the kick-off event to the Emerging Leaders program is this weekend retreat. This experience is designed to help you get to know other first-year students, learn about leadership, discover your personal leadership style and strengths, and challenge yourself to lead in new and exciting ways. The retreat consists of team building, leadership workshops, reflection time, and outdoor activities, including a team experience course and a high ropes course. This retreat is co-sponsored along with the Office of Student Success and Engagement.

Create

A unique day-long opportunity for first-year students to consider what it means to create their experience at Dominican University; to create the path they will take to discover their vocation; and to create new relationships that shape the Dominican community. Join other first-year students, student, faculty and staff leaders for one day of retreat virtually or on campus! Co-sponsored by SSE and University Ministry.

Home

“Home” will explore the impact of our relationship with the environment within the context of an urban setting. You will be invited to think about how you are called to care for the Earth and how your calling or vocation might impact our common home. You will interact directly with the environment in order to better understand interconnectedness, and contemplate the ways in which your choices regarding nature significantly affect the human community. 

Illuminate

This retreat takes its name from St. Thomas Aquinas’ famous line from the Summa, “For even as it is better to illuminate than merely to shine, so is it better to give to others the fruits of one's contemplation than merely to contemplate” (II-II, 188, 6). On this retreat, you will explore your understanding and expression of the good life and vocation through guided, silent contemplation and small group sharing. You will learn how silence can be a creative, practical tool for discernment and work with a spiritual director to cultivate the fruits of your experience.

Making a Living, Making a Life, Making a Difference

Building a fulfilling, joyful life means having work that has purpose and gives meaning to one’s self and one’s communities. You will consider: vocation and calling; discerning your purpose; and building a life that works for others through your own engagement, energy, and vision. 

Mystery Ride Retreats

Let go of the reigns and enjoy a one-day retreat that creates time for community, rest, prayer and reflection. Practice self-care so you can better care for others each day. Mystery Ride Retreats each feature a new theme and visit different locations throughout the Chicagoland area.