The Charis Retreat Partner Program provides all the services needed to support dioceses, parishes, retreat houses, universities and other organizations in developing one retreat or a full retreat program for those in their 20’s and 30’s.  If you are interested in becoming a partner site, contact Executive Director, Pam Coster or National Partners Coordinator, Becky Eldredge.
Pam Coster:  pcoster@charisministries.org
Becky Eldredge:  nationalpartners@charisministries.org

The USCCB has recognized Charis Ministries for Retreat Best Practices to those in their 20’s and 30’s.  Charis is a Jesuit ministry that invites young men and women to participate in a long standing tradition of our Church:  Going away to a “quiet place” to reflect theologically on our lives.  Charis does this through the avenue of Charis Retreats. 

During these peer-led retreats, retreatants and team members alike are exposed to Ignatian spirituality, which is often a first for many participants, through use of the Spiritual Exercises, praying with the Examen, and imaginative prayer.   Various Catholic rituals are used, providing not only food for reflection but catechesis.  Experiencing these different elements, listening to witness talks, having  time for silent reflection and opportunities to receive the Sacraments, is transformative for retreatants, as their comments have proven over the nearly ten years of this ministry.

There are now more than ten retreat partner sites across the United States in dioceses, deaneries, parishes, and retreat houses.  Various retreat themes allow young adults to choose what is most attractive to them.  These are available for partner sites to adapt to fit a day long, overnight, or weekend retreat:

• The Seekers' Retreat (Searching)
• "Who Do You Say I Am?" (Relationship with Christ)
• What Next? Finding Answers with Faith (Transitions)
• Called and Chosen (Catholic Identity)
• Sex and the City of God (Sexuality)
• For the Least of My Brothers & Sisters (Social Justice)
• Spirit@Work (Vocation)
• Come to the Quiet (Silent Retreat with Spiritual Direction)
• Catholic School Teachers' Retreat (Catholic identity)