This Retreat is Not for You
"This retreat is not for you," I say, as I address the newly-arrived participants of our most recent retreat. After the inevitable awkward silence, I continue.
"It is for our students, your families, your friends, and the communities with whom you are in solidarity."
This overly dramatic introduction is how I begin every Ignatian Center Faculty and Staff Retreat, and though it may be a hyperbolic statement, it is a true one.
This year, the Ignatian Center hosted retreats for nearly 100 faculty and staff because we believe their spiritual renewal directly enriches our students and the communities they serve. The very purpose of a Jesuit education feels adrift without this grounding in spirituality. Each retreat the Ignatian Center offers for faculty and staff is designed to be spiritually and religiously inclusive. There is a beautiful diversity of religious and spiritual backgrounds at SCU, and we are committed to honoring and celebrating this diversity as best we can.
Each retreat offers at least one opportunity for participants to experience an Ignatian contemplation— a guided meditation that typically uses a gospel story to inspire deeper reflection on how the life and teachings of Jesus can serve as a blueprint for living a life of kinship and solidarity. The stories are presented in a way that invites participants to encounter the meditation in a manner that best fits their beliefs, whether as Myth, metaphor, historical reality, historical fiction, hallmarks of one's faith, or anything in between. Approaching the life and teachings of Jesus with this amount of spaciousness opens up a more authentic and mystical experience for most retreatants.
The retreats are so impactful, and that is why I hold a deep hope that every single member of our Santa Clara University family – faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni – can experience the gift of an annual two-night spiritual retreat. I am convinced that if this were our collective practice, our entire community would thrive. Imagine a community where burnout fades, replaced by a wellspring of patience. Picture a space where whispers of gossip are silenced by a chorus of what Fr. Greg Boyle refers to as “unconditional positive regard.” Envision a present moment unburdened by future anxieties, where each of us actively contributes to a collective flourishing. This isn't a dream; it's the tangible outcome of spiritual nourishment.
In my twenty years of work in the world of spirituality, I have never felt more fulfilled than when accompanying our faculty and staff on retreats. Doing my part to create spaces that are both spiritually grounding and genuinely inclusive is one of my deepest desires. I am beyond grateful and lucky to do this work.
~ Tony Cortese, Director of Ignatian Spirituality
Reflections from the Summer 2025 Embodying Spiritual Practice Retreat Participants
“[The team] did an AMAZING job making the Ignatian meditations and Examens accessible to everyone, even for someone who is not religious. I didn't know what to expect, but they ended up being a very important part of the retreat - something I want to take with me going forward.”
“I completely leaned into the silence. At one point, I felt that I was stuck with my own thoughts, that I did not make any ‘progress’ with my spiritual process. That is when it dawned on me that this feeling of being stuck might stem from my deeply ingrained belief that I always need to be ‘better’..... From then on, I tried to just be and not judge whether or not I was making ‘progress’.”
“For me, spirituality takes time, and having multiple days away from home and work was especially valuable. The silent portions were also important—they created fewer distractions and allowed me to focus more deeply. The timing felt ideal as well; being right before the academic year, it offered a fresh opportunity to set intentions and goals.”
“I appreciated the invitation to be silent, find stillness, and just be. It gave me permission to look inward and connect with the world around me.”
“Not only was it a way for me to recharge before returning to my regular life, but I was also able to reflect on everything I had going on. I was grateful for what I have and let go of things that are out of my control.”
“During the retreat, I was able to learn more about how to lead my life with calm and stillness rather than busyness. It was also a good dopamine detox.”
“This retreat was truly needed and served as a long-overdue reset. Oftentimes, we become so accustomed to the fast pace of life and the ongoing challenges around us that we forget to pause, reflect, and address our own internal needs. We often neglect ourselves in the process."
"After the year I have had at SCU, I am deeply grateful to have experienced this retreat. From the bottom of my heart, I believe this is something every person at SCU should have the opportunity to experience. It was so beneficial that I’ve already been brainstorming ways I might give back—whether through volunteering or, hopefully, in the future, by being able to donate funds to help more individuals attend. It also allowed me to grow closer to my colleagues and practice team bonding in a new setting, which was both beneficial and refreshing."
"During our hike, we navigated challenging paths together—problem-solving, communicating, and uplifting one another to keep going—all while simply enjoying the moment. I also had rare, valuable time to myself: time to release, forgive, relax, and truly feel. This space has helped me reflect on who I am as an individual and how I can continue to grow and be a better colleague."
"The silence was especially challenging; I hadn’t realized how much of a chatterbox I could be! Yet, the quiet was exactly what I needed amidst the chaos in my mind. Spiritually, it filled me with gratitude and awe for nature. I found myself thanking God for Creation and the beauty God provides us daily. The simple things—when you slow down and allow yourself to feel, see, and hear—hold far greater meaning in the grand scheme of life.”