The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has recognized Charis Ministries for Retreat Best Practices to those in their 20s and 30s.

Charis currently offers seven different retreat themes that can be offered in a one-day, overnight, or weekend format. The retreats operate out of an incarnational theology, that is, they attend to the concrete lived experiences of the participants and invite them to enter into intimate relationship with God in their lived experience. Charis retreats are peer-led and incorporate talks by young adults about their personal journey of faith, small group work, and time for silent reflection. Each retreat focuses on unique aspects of our Catholic Faith, Ignatian Spirituality , and topics relevant to young adults.

Retreats include

• Talks given by peers
• Theological overviews by priests and/or other pastoral ministers
• Contemporary themes, music and media
• Opportunities for liturgy, reconciliation & spiritual direction
• Time for casual conversation with others during meals and breaks
• Time for rest, prayer and private reflection
• Connecting spiritually and socially with others in their 20s & 30s

Retreat Themes

The Seeker’s Retreat finds it roots in St. Ignatius’ “First Principle and Foundation”, where the retreatant is invited to look at his or her life and see where God has been present, where God is currently present, and where God is calling the retreatant.

Who Do You Say That I Am? The Jesus Retreat focuses primarily on the person of Jesus, and retreatants are invited to name for themselves who Jesus is to them.

Choosing to be Catholic Retreat emphasizes the unique aspects of our Catholic faith by taking an in- depth look at our Creed and by exploring two key elements of our Catholic faith: sacramentality and community.

For the Least Retreat is rooted in the key themes of Catholic social justice teachings. Retreatants are invited to reflect on what our Catholic faith calls us to in terms of outreach and social justice.

Spirit@Work Retreat focuses on gifts discernment and on our universal call in baptism.

What Next? Finding Answers with Faith Retreat uses the Paschal Mystery as a frame-work to reflect on the transitions we go through in life. Retreatants are invited to reflect on their Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday moments, and on the tools our faith provides for our growth as we wait in hope.

The Catholic School Teacher’s Retreat combines elements from our Choosing to be Catholic Retreat and Jesus Retreat. The retreat helps nurture the faith of teachers, especially those who are relatively new to Catholic education, so they can better pass on the faith to the next generation and fulfill the mission of Catholic schools.