The Loyola Institute for Ministry hosts a series of retreats with a creation-centered focus. They are based on videos and other materials associated with Thomas Berry, a Catholic priest of the Passionist order, cultural historian, and "eco-theologian." LIM Professor Emerita Kathleen O'Gorman collected these materials during Thomas Berry's many visits to Loyola, and LIM graduates, faculty, and staff have developed the retreats.
Creation-Centered Retreat in Advent
"In Communion with Creation … Who We Are" • Saturday, December 3, 2022 • 10am-12:30pm CST.
Retreat Series
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"A Mutually-Enhancing Relationship with the Natural World" (November 2019)
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"In Communion with Creation...Who We Are" (March 2020)
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"What Do You See? … Awakening to the Sacred All Around" (December 2020)
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The Universe Story … the Story of Our Times (February 2021)
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A Spirituality for Our Times (September 2021)
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"A Mutually-Enhancing Relationship with the Natural World" (December 2021, Online)
Retreat Design
The retreats are designed to last 2.5 hours, which includes time for reflection, journaling, discussion, and exercises. Below is a sample retreat outline.
- Introduction to the Retreat
- Participant Introductions
- Opening Prayer
- Introduction to the Video Clips with selected readings from Thomas Berry.
- Video clip #1 from “The Church in the 21st Century”
- Silent Reflection
- Guided Discussion
- Video clip #2 from “The Emergent Universe”
- Silent Reflection
- Guided Discussion
- Implications of the retreat theme "A Mutually Enhancing Relationship with the Natural World"
- Guided Discussion
- Closing Prayer
Thomas Berry: Life, Work, and Legacy
Read Dr. Kathleen O'Gorman's reflections on Thomas Berry GO»
In His Own Words
Watch this video of Thomas Berry to learn more about his understanding of personal spirituality and fulfillment.
Learn about The Thomas Berry Project at the Loyola Institute for Ministry GO»