Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, overnight immersion retreats include service opportunities, educational experiences to learn about social justice issues, reflection, and prayer for faith-based groups. The Ozanam Center offers immersion retreats that could last three days up until six days. Our retreats can be customized to your group’s needs or desired outcomes.
What social justice issues do you talk about?
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- The Call to Family, Community, and Participation in Society
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Preferential Option for those experiencing Poverty and Vulnerability
- The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
- Solidarity
- Caring for God’s Creation
Within these seven themes, we will explore current issues such as general poverty, urban renewal and gentrification concerns, food (in)security issues, the criminal justice system and a variety of other topics. All topics discussed are coordinated with the group leaders prior to the retreat and topics can often be tailored for your group’s need.
What would we do each day?
Each day is centered upon a core theme to be explored for the day, and will often include such elements as:
- Morning prayer or meditation, and reflection
- Service in the community.
- Education to help understand the struggles of our neighbors.
- Shared meals in community with one another.
- Reflection to process these experiences.
- Evening prayer
How many days are typical for a retreat?
Our retreat center has accommodations for overnight stays and our team can be flexible for your needs. The longer a retreat group stays with us, the more impactful the experience becomes and the deeper the bonds of community begin to form among the group. Typically, groups will often stay for a weekend (two nights), 4 days, or 6 days. Our team will work with you during the planning process to talk through your goals and can recommend a suggested length if needed.
Each group seeking to participate in an immersive experience is asked to commit to bringing at least eight participants. If this is a concern, please let us know and we would love to help you find another organization or group with which to partner.
How do I schedule a retreat?
Email Ozanam@SVDPcincinnati.org with your group name, preferred dates, projected number of participants and goals for the retreat.