Chaplain - Student Retreats
Ignite Retreat for 1st Year Students - September
First year students! Join us for a one-night retreat to take a breather from campus, meet new friends, explore your faith, and reflect on how you hope to spend your first year at Holy Cross as you begin your first semester.
Date: September 11 - 12, 2026
If you have any questions, please email Emily Rauer Davis (edavis@holycross.edu)
Big Chill - September
Take some time away from campus to rest, recharge, and breathe. Come away to the Joyce Contemplative Center for 24 hours to disconnect from campus and connect with yourself and others. You may want to take time to do artwork, snowshoe in the trails of the JCC, take a nap and eat good food! Whatever you feel like you need, you are welcome to do for this brief time away!
If you have any questions, please email Emily Rauer Davis (edavis@holycross.edu)
Date: September 25 - 26, 2026
Details: No refunds within 2 weeks of the start of the retreat date.
Spiritual Exercises - October
What do you desire? What is God inviting you to? How do you integrate your faith with decisions you make in your life? What are the movements of your heart?
An adapted version of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, this five-day silent retreat is an opportunity for reflection and prayer.
In silence, you will be given the opportunity to reflect more deeply about your faith, the depth of God’s love for you, and your relationship to others.
In addition to time for personal prayer, reflection and liturgies, thematic talks are given by the Chaplain retreat directors to help assist in your faith journey.
If you have any questions, please email Spiritual Exercises@holycross.edu
Date: October 9 - 14, 2026
Details: No refunds within 2 weeks of the start of the retreat date.
Manresa Retreat - October
The Manresa Retreat offers the perfect opportunity for participants to explore their own transformative experiences and enhance their spiritual journey. By disconnecting from the daily chaos and distractions, students can focus on personal growth and spiritual development. The retreat is designed as a time of reflection, prayer, and contemplation, aimed at enriching one's relationship with themselves, others, and God.
During the retreat, participants will connect with others on a similar journey, and reflect on the changes they have encountered. The retreat encourages attendees to discover their transformative power and utilize it to live a more fulfilling life.
The Manresa Retreat is a two-night stay at the JCC, featuring student talks centered around identity, family, relationships, and moments of light and darkness. Students can engage in small group conversations, prayer, and personal reflection, enhancing their spiritual journey and deepening their understanding of God.
Date: October 13 - 15, 2026
Details: No refunds within 2 weeks of the start of the retreat date.
Faithfully Queer Retreat - November
A 1-night retreat at the Joyce Contemplative Center that will provide space and guide conversations and reflections on the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and religious/spiritual identities. You will be able to take time for yourself, join a yoga class led by a trans and queer yoga instructor, and participate in a number of conversations and activities designed to help further your understanding of your LGBTQIA+ and religious/spiritual identities.
All members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are interested in exploring this intersection, regardless of what your relationship is with your religious/spiritual beliefs and regardless of where you may be in questioning your sexuality/gender identity, are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dates: November 6 - 7, 2026
Study Retreat - December
Students are invited to step away from campus for a brief period of time to study and reflect at the Joyce Contemplative Center. The stress of campus around the time of finals can be overwhelming. This is an opportunity for students to study in a quiet, serene, and beautiful setting.
If you have any questions, please email Emily Rauer Davis (edavis@holycross.edu)
Date: December 5 - 7, 2026
Details: No refunds within 2 weeks of the start of the retreat date.