Manresa One-Day Retreat: Growing as Compassionate Contemplatives

In-Person

Your life’s second chapter can be a meaningful time to pause, listen for where God is leading, and discover new ways to grow with purpose and faith.

Over the past two years, The Manresa Group has been offered monthly at JRC as an opportunity to explore Ignatian spirituality and its relevance to everyday life.

During the 2026-2027 year, This Manresa Experience will focus on midlife and the transition into what is often called the Second Chapter of life. This stage of later life offers a unique invitation to reflect on where God is leading us and how we are being called to grow, and will include both three, one-day retreats and an online community.

We invite you to join us on this journey of reflection, discernment, and companionship as together we explore the gifts, challenges, and life-giving possibilities of life's Second Chapter. Join us for one, two or all three experiences (October 25, 2026, January 4, 2027, April 25, 2027). Discounts are provided for attending more than one of the retreats.

Theme for April 25: Being and Serving-Discernment and Following the Path Forward.
The second chapter of life often presents new questions about purpose, identity, relationships, and service. This retreat invites participants to pause and prayerfully listen for God's invitation amid the opportunities and challenges of this season of life. Grounded in the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, retreatants will explore the practice of discernment, seeking to recognize the movements of the Holy Spirit and distinguish what leads to greater faith, hope, love, and freedom. Through prayer, reflection, silence, and shared faith experiences, participants will be encouraged to examine the attachments, fears, and assumptions that may limit their freedom to respond fully to God's call. As we reflect on life’s journey and the desires God has placed within our hearts, we will discover new ways of being present to God, serving others with generosity, and moving forward with confidence, clarity, and the inner freedom that comes from trusting God's loving guidance.

---

Presenting this retreat is Joseph and Lauren Cummins.

Joseph Cummins holds a master’s degree in Mental Health and Community Counseling. For 28 years, he worked as a mental health and addiction counselor, helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, insight, and hope and for 12 years as a professor of Human Services in higher education.

Lauren Cummins holds a Doctorate in Education and has dedicated more than twenty years to teaching and mentoring students in higher education who planned on being teachers or were teachers. Lauren is currently in her second year of the Christos Program, Tending the Holy, a Spiritual Director Formation Program.

Joseph and Lauren are the proud parents of two adult sons. Over the past four years, they have been actively involved at the Jesuit Retreat Center (JRC), immersing themselves in the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality. Together with Fr. Paul O'Connor, they have helped develop the Manresa experience at the Jesuit Retreat Center, creating opportunities for individuals to navigate the transitions, challenges, and gifts of life's second chapter and recognizing God's presence along the way.

Registration