Retreats

Spark is an overnight retreat for first year Hawks that allows you to step away off campus for about 24 hours and spend some relaxed and meaningful time with other members of your class after you have been in school for about a month.  In addition to giving you a chance to form some important friendships and simply have a lot of fun together, Spark offers an opportunity to reflect on the first few weeks of college, to listen to upper class students talk about some of the successes and mistakes of their freshman year, and to determine for yourself how you might continue to live your life as fully as possible as you progress through this time of transition.  

First year students of all religious backgrounds (and no religious background) are invited and encouraged to attend. All are welcome!

• Date: Friday September 26 at 5pm - Saturday September 27 at 3pm 
• $30 (*scholarships available, email tsheible@sju.edu )
• Open to all First Year students

Register Here!

Ignite is a two-night retreat for First Year Students at the nearby St. Raphaela Center.  This experience provides a wonderful opportunity to take a break from your routine, to build stronger friendships with fellow Hawks, and to explore and grow in your faith.

All are welcome, inclusive of all religious backgrounds -- COME AS YOU ARE! 

2026 Retreat:

• Friday February 20, 5pm - Sunday February 22 at 3:30pm - Open to all First Year students 
• $60 (please note that all fees for this retreat are non-refundable) 

Registration will open in November 2025.

Search is a weekend retreat for sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Saint Joseph's University. The experience is one of joy, renewal, and reflection, with time to think, walk, pray, create, communicate, connect, laugh and rest.  It is a weekend of personal and spiritual exploration.

A team of student leaders share stories about their own journeys and create an environment for community and connection.  The retreat is rooted in the belief that God is love.

This Year's Dates:

• October 24-26, 2025
• March 20-22, 2026

Fall Search:

• Friday October 24 at 5pm - Sunday October 26th at 3:30pm
• $60 (scholarships available, email Fr. Doug Ray, SJ dray@sju.edu
• Registration closes:
  • when spots are full (first come first served basis) 
  • deadline is Monday October 6th at noon 

Registration opens in September 2025

Search is the cornerstone retreat for upper classmen students. Sophomores are particularly encouraged to participate in Search. Juniors and Seniors who have already made the Search retreat are welcome to join the Discover retreat, which is offered in November.

Email Fr. Doug Ray, SJ dray@sju.edu for information on financial scholarship assistance or with any questions regarding Search or your desires for spiritual formation.

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The Discover retreat is for juniors and seniors who have already made the Search retreat.  It offers an opportunity to revisit and deepen many of the experiences from Search, with a focus on discerning where God is calling you in your life today.

Contact us at campusministry@sju.edu with any questions.

• Friday November 7 - Sunday November 9
• $60 (*scholarships available, email tsheible@sju.edu)
• Open to all students who have previously attended Search

Registration will open in September 2025.

Campus Ministry desires to celebrate with you - and to celebrate YOU - with the chance to reflect upon your years at SJU with other members of the class of 2026 who have shared in your story. This overnight experience will take place at the St. Raphaela Center in Haverford on February 7-8, 2026.

Contact Fr. Doug (dray@sju.edu) with any questions.

Registration opens in December 2025.