Retreat Space for Groups or Individuals

Plan Your Group’s Retreat Today.

Reserve space for your group retreat at the Carmelite Spiritual Center or attend one of our special retreats or days of renewal!

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Call our office to make your reservation. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CT.

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630-969-4141

Connect, Renew, Reflect

Upcoming Carmelite Retreats, Days of Reflection, and Pilgrimages

Our Carmelite Retreats and Days of Reflection offer you a chance to deepen your spiritual connection and share community with others.

photo of Damascus Gate with people entering through.

Lenten Journey-The Gates of Jerusalem – Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Ash Wednesday energizes a journey of conversion and transformation. We respond more deeply to God’s call to intimacy. Fr. Bob will lead us through the Seven Gates of the Biblical Jerusalem and how they symbolize liminal spaces on our journey to wholeness, holiness and salvation.

Seedling popping through dirt with bright green background

Lenten Hope: Series for Spiritual Greening (Friday mornings in March and April)

Join in this six week program and utilize the Lenten scriptures as a platform for prayer, care and inspiration.

Possible Parables “Biblical Stories Re-Imagined and Performed” – Saturday, March 8, 2025

Are there parables or bible stories that you’ve heard so often your brain goes on automatic when they start? Have you ever wondered what happened “the next day” after a key event in scripture? Join us for short, dramatic presentations and time for reflection and feedback.

In the Mouth of the Dragon – Saturday, March 29, 2025

March 29, 2025-A Morning of Renewal for Men. Cancer, Concussion, Conclusion: An Immersion into the wilderness of Challenging Times. The Carmelite Spiritual Center is hosting this program.

Remember Me: A Seder Meal – Tues., April 15 or Thurs., April 17, 2025

Fr. Bob Colaresi leads us through this Passover Meal, including a lamb dinner, prayerfully weaving Jewish roots of our own tradition.

Good Friday – A Solemn Day of Prayer, April 18, 2025

Join Fr. Bob Colaresi as we walk the Way of the Cross, celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Communion Service to truly understand why this day is called “Good Friday”.

image of Mary Magdelene pointing to and holding an egg

Mary Magdalene: Who is she … really?- Saturday, April 26, 2025

Perspectives on Mary Magdalene have varied wildly from her lifetime to ours. Learn more from this woman who has been alternately praised and vilified both in scripture and legend.

Jesus sitting and talking with people in an outdoor setting

Preached Retreat: Mystery of Divine Metaphor – June 1-6, 2025 or June 8-13, 2025

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we will reflect on Metaphors used by Jesus and Mystic Saints: Vine and Branches, Salt and Light, Fig Trees, Hidden Jewel, Yeast, Crops, Sheep, Lambs, Dark Nights, Fire, Shepherds, etc, and what Jubilee means in our lives and world. Come for some reflection and renewal.

Man in flowing robe wading in wavy waters with a bright sun and sunrays in the sky.

The Ocean of God’s Love – A Men’s Writing Retreat by Rumi: June 27-29, 2025

At this writing retreat, we will open our hearts to one of the most beloved poets of all time. Capturing our thoughts through poetry and journaling, we shall connect with other men throughout this engaging weekend retreat.

Over 5000 happy guests served.

Space for up to 116 guests in shared rooms.

Three hot meals prepared for you daily.

Fully Supported

We’ll Make Your Stay Special!

Our retreat center is fully staffed for your comfort. Private or shared rooms are available and kitchenettes are provided should you want to prepare your own snacks. Our facility offers 58 comfortable rooms with private baths and acres of beautiful grounds.

Expand Your Spiritual Journey

Pilgrimages of Faith

Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm., leads groups on powerful, mind-expanding, deeply effecting pilgrimages to some of the holiest sites in the world. More than 1,089 pilgrims have travelled with Fr. Bob to various countries over the last 34 years.

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Learn about the latest Carmelite retreats and pilgrimages to holy sites with Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm.

Testimonials

Happy Visitors

“On behalf of all the recent retreat attendees from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Downers Grove. I’d like to express our gratefulness to you and your staff at the Carmelite Spiritual Center for your warm hospitality and many kindnesses to us. We LOVE coming to your center and basking in how well you take care of us.“

Paul

Downers Grove, IL

“We’re located in Pennsylvania. We found your facility online and we took a chance and booked our group with you. Not only did we love the facility and the staff, we’re booking next year’s retreat right now! What a wonderful atmosphere you have – we felt so cared for. Thank you for making our stay so special.“

Lutheran Theological Union

Pennsylvania

“Thank you to the women of the spiritual center who took such great care of us during the visit of McCormick Theological Seminary faculty and board members. Beautiful grounds, spacious meeting rooms, good food and gracious hospitality. Thank you for all you have done. You made my work easy.“

Carol

Mount Morris, IL