A weekend of renewal, joy and connection to include scripture and prayer, personal and small group reflection, spiritual direction, creative activities, music and Anticipatory Mass.

Ignatian spirituality is rooted in the experiences of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Its core principles include finding God in all things, regular reflection to discern God's will, and a life of action that integrates faith with the world.

The retreat is located in Colorado Springs at the Franciscan Retreat Center, 7740 Deer Hill Grove, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (~1 hour and 20 minutes travel time from central Denver, outside of rush hour)

Here is the map page from their website: Contact/Directions | Franciscan Retreat (franciscanretreatcenter.org) On the map pin, you can click on the Directions link and quickly pull up directions from your location in Google Maps.

Here are the directions in text:

Exit Woodmen Road #149

• Head WEST on Woodmen (toward the mountains).

• Go about 1/3 mile, stay in far right lane.

• Look for small white sign that says Mt. St. Francis.

• At the intersection of Windchime and Woodmen, you will make a right-hand turn. There is right turn lane.

• Follow Woodmen approx. 3.2 miles and you will see the entrance to Mt. St. Francis on your left; Franciscan View. (Orchard Path Rd. will be on your left just before your left turn onto Franciscan View.)

• Enter the grounds and follow the signs to Franciscan Retreat Center or Francis Place

• The grounds are accessible with 160 acres of open campus

• Ramps are available throughout the grounds for easy access

• There are no elevators in the facilities

• Some guest rooms in Marian Hall are located on the first level for convenient accessibility

• Guest Dining Room is approximately a 100-yard walk from the main building (our retreat conference room is located in this building)

The only special diets the Retreat Center can offer are gluten free or vegetarian (not vegan).

• Guest rooms do not have televisions or phones

• All of the building are non-smoking. This includes vaping.

Smoking is allowed in outside areas. Marijuana, although legal in Colorado, is still prohibited under federal law and is not permitted on the retreat grounds

• Wi-Fi is available at no charge

• An open, small gravel stone path labyrinth for walking and reflection

• A serene peace garden

• Walking paths

• View of wildlife on the grounds such as mule deer

The cost for overnight includes two nights lodging and one -and-a-half days, a total of four hot meals (Saturday-breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday-breakfast), snacks and materials for the weekend. Please note that dinner will not be served on Friday evening; however, snacks and beverages will be provided.

The cost for one day includes lunch, snacks and materials.

If anyone would like to contribute to a fund to support people for the retreat, they can Zelle their donation to [email protected]

If anyone would like to request financial assistance, send an email to:

[email protected]

There will be no refunds after February 10th.

Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend the retreat.

No, you do not need to be Catholic to attend.

Yes, there will be Mass on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Mass is held at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish located on the grounds of the Franciscan Retreat Center. Limited availability with one priest for reconciliation from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is optional.

• Casual comfortable layered clothing as it will get cooler at night. The dining room can be chilly so bring a light jacket/sweater

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Toiletries (linens & towels are provided)

• Medication

• Hairdryer

• Bible

• Flashlight

• Reusable water bottle

• Travel mug for coffee/tea

Note: Check the weather for Colorado Springs when packing. Please be sure to bring weather appropriate clothing/shoes as we may be outside for certain activities and will walk between buildings for meals (approximately 100 yards).

Ann Cohen, Jenna Ebener, Emilie Epard, Pam Watson-Korbel,

Vanessa Martin-Wegryn and Angelita Sims