Nearly 20 years ago, the Catholic Foundation and the Diocese of Green Bay began the Advancing the Mission capital campaign with a goal of supporting our parishes, and establishing endowments for leadership development, lifelong catechesis, priestly retirement care and evangelization. Today those endowments continue to help our parishes and young people in creating opportunities to encounter Christ in meaningful ways.
Thanks to the Catholic Foundation’s Advancing the Mission Evangelization grant, the Jesuit Retreat House (JRH) has been able to offer and expand its Spanish language silent preached retreat, an experience that is transforming lives and strengthening the Hispanic Catholic community in the Diocese of Green Bay.
Your Support Makes This Possible
“This retreat is a powerful way to share the gift of the Spiritual Exercises with those who might not otherwise have access,” said Josh Diedrich, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation. “Your generosity through the Advancing the Mission campaign continues to bear fruit today, making programs like this possible.”
Because of the vision and generosity of families and individuals who supported the Advancing the Mission campaign, grants like this one are still transforming lives. Your past and present support ensures that more people encounter Christ and grow in faith.
A Retreat Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises
The Spanish retreat is a multi-day silent preached weekend beginning Thursday evening and ending Sunday at noon. Retreatants experience eight talks based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, daily Mass, reconciliation and healing services, Eucharistic adoration, and time for personal prayer. Participants can also meet privately with a spiritual director, creating space for deep spiritual renewal.
These retreats embrace two Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus: “showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment” and “walking with the excluded.” By offering this retreat in Spanish, JRH provides faith formation resources to a population that is often underserved, helping participants grow closer to Christ and live as missionary disciples.
Meeting a Critical Need
The need for this program was first identified by Fr. Phil Schoofs in 2022, who noted the limited spiritual formation opportunities for Spanish-speaking Catholics in the Diocese. While some have attended Cursillo retreats or days of recollection, a multi-day silent retreat offers a unique and ongoing opportunity for spiritual growth. Unlike Cursillo, which is often a one-time experience, JRH retreats encourage participants to return year after year to deepen their relationship with Christ.
Life-Changing Impact
The Spanish retreats held in 2023, 2024, and 2025 were well received, with many participants describing the experience as “life-changing.” These retreats not only nourish individuals through the sacraments but also create a ripple effect—retreatants often inspire family, friends, and neighbors to grow in their faith. This multiplier effect strengthens the local Church and builds a vibrant Catholic community.
Looking ahead, JRH anticipates welcoming more than 50 participants to the Spanish retreat in 2026, continuing to expand its reach and impact.