"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The concept of gratitude and thanksgiving is mentioned over 100 times in the Bible. God has invited us to give thanks in all circumstances!  Some people give thanks regularly to others and to God.  It is a practice that they have built into their lives. And now, with the development of positive psychology, science is proving to us that it makes us happier if we name what we are grateful for and express gratitude.  Writing down 3-5 things one is grateful for every day has been proven to create an uptick in happiness levels.  In fact, developing a practice of gratitude leads to a litany of health benefits - physical, mental, and social. It also reduces stress, anxiety and depression.  It is no wonder God tells us to be grateful. It is good for us! And it makes for a more beautiful world. It is just another gift that God has given us out of God's great love for us.

St. Ignatius of Loyola who lived in the late 1400s through mid 1500s also recognized the gift of Thanksgiving. In his daily reflection called the Examen, he had 5 phases of prayer: 

1. Ask God to shine light on your thoughts as you review your day

2. Give thanks for the gifts of the day, naming specifically those that come to mind

3. Review the day - where did you turn toward and where did you turn away from God

4. Ask forgiveness for your shortcomings

5. Ask for the grace you need for the day

Ignatius believed so strongly in giving thanks to God that he believed the deadliest sin of all is ingratitude. "By emphasizing gratitude, Ignatius was saying something about the nature of God. God is the generous giver, showering us with blessings like the sun shining on the earth. If we truly understood this, we would return God’s love with love. We wouldn’t sin. Gratitude is a good word for this fundamental quality of our relationship with God. Ingratitude, our blindness to who God truly is, is thus the root of all sin." Jim Manney

William Arthur Ward posed this question, “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”  If not, perhaps today is the day to start.  Take a moment now to recognize just three gifts that God has given you.  And just say thank you.

And know that we, the staff of the retreat center are grateful for you. Thank you for being part of who we are.

This retreat is marked by silence, as there are no common prayers or devotions outside of Mass, and no social time as even the meals are taken in silence to continue the reflection and prayerful atmosphere.  There is a time at the beginning of the retreat and to close the retreat, where we gather in community acknowledging our journeying together.

Retreatants meet with a trained and experienced spiritual director for 45 minutes each day.  They journal about each of their prayer times and the movements that occurred there, so that when they meet with their director, they can share the fruits of their prayer and be given guidance or suggestions for their next prayer period. Directors are guided with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. 

December 5-8, 2024

The retreat cost is based on single occupancy
and includes lodging, meals, and spiritual direction—$375

Check in Thursday between 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Retreat concludes Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

A non-refundable deposit of $75 is requested at registration. 

Register by calling CURC at (712)778-2466

or

online by clicking the button below.

Consider a Gift to Say Thank You in our 30th Year

It’s a milestone moment for the Creighton University Retreat Center. Our sacred and peaceful refuge in Griswold, Iowa, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. 

Commemorate our legacy of spiritual growth by making a gift. 

Thirty years ago, Creighton purchased 153 wooded acres to establish a place of rest and reflection. As a full-service retreat facility and department of Creighton, we have helped thousands of students, faculty/staff, alumni and community members of all faiths draw closer to God — including more than 4,000 in 2024. 

Any gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of people who visit Creighton’s Retreat Center. You will support scholarship programs, improved signage and new benches along our peaceful trails, and upgraded landscaping around St. Kateri Chapel. 

With your help, we can continue our mission of service to others. Thank you!