Megan Fox '99 and Emily Rauer '99, both interns in the Office of College Chaplains at Holy Cross, became interested in ministry as students at the College. They talk here with Kim McElaney '76, director of the Chaplains' Office. Both Fox and Rauer will receive their master's degrees in divinity this year from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass. Of returning to Holy Cross to assist with retreat programming, Rauer says, "It has been wonderful to be able to work at the place—and with the people—who sparked my interest in ministry from the beginning."

Retreats Currently Offered at Holy Cross

For many years, the word "retreat" at Holy Cross meant one thing, and one thing only: the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Today, the Spiritual Exercises remain the backbone of the retreat programs, but there are now a whole host of variations on the theme—ranging from overnights, to weekends, to on-campus "retreats" that meet once a week for a semester. All together, the Office of College Chaplains offers more than a dozen different retreats or spiritual development programs for the Holy Cross community.

And there is continuity between the newer offerings and the Exercises: "The retreats are quite diverse … but they are linked by common threads: the development of a greater sense of one's own gifts; a deeper understanding of God's presence in one's self, others and our world; and stronger ties to the larger faith community," according to a brochure from the Chaplains' Office. The programs draw heavily on Ignatian spirituality, but students of all faiths are welcome.

Here's an overview of the off-campus retreats available to Holy Cross students today:

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: A five-day silent retreat for 50 students at Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center in Narragansett, R.I. Daily themes are developed through talks given by a chaplain. There is time for prayer, reflection and journaling, as well as private direction with a chaplain. Cost: $100 (the cost was cut this year from $300, thanks to the Muccia gift).

Manresa: A student-led weekend retreat, held three times a year at a retreat house in Jacksonville, Vt., which focuses on faith, family and friendship. Upperclass leaders offer personal reflections and invite participants in small-group discussions to share how and where God is present in their lives. Cost: $65.

The Holy Cross Escape: An overnight retreat for up to 90 first-year students during their first month at school. Held at Camp Bement in Charlton, Mass., the Escape is led by a team of 16 upperclass students and a chaplain. A day on a ropes course, a bonfire prayer service, and a closing liturgy all help to build a sense of community and belonging to Holy Cross. Cost: $65.

Directed Retreat: A five-day retreat in Narragansett for those who've already completed the Spiritual Exercises and who seek daily spiritual direction with a chaplain. Cost: $100.

Senior Retreat: An overnight retreat to help fourth-year students synthesize and reflect on their Holy Cross experiences and the path on which God is now leading them. Cost: $60.

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