Guided Retreats
Discover guided silent retreats and days of reflection at Ignatius House. Pray, rest, and renew your spirit in a serene setting near Atlanta.
Why Choose a Silent Retreat?
Ignatius House maintains an atmosphere of silence, providing a graced time for you to encounter God. Silence here is not just the absence of speech—it is the quieting of both your external and internal worlds. This sacred silence allows you to be fully present to God and listen to the words your soul longs to hear.
If you're not accustomed to being silent, rest assured that you will find it restful, refreshing, and easy to embrace. Silence helps you let go of past preoccupations and future anxieties so that you can discover your deepest desires—the space where God speaks to your soul and opens new possibilities for your life.
What Happens on a Silent Retreat?
Most weekend retreats at Ignatius House begin with a communal dinner, followed by an introduction before entering into silence for the duration of your stay. Your retreat director will offer short, 30-minute spiritual presentations—known as "invitations to prayer"—to guide your reflection. In between, you are free to rest, pray, journal, or explore the beautiful natural surroundings.
You may also choose to meet privately with a spiritual director for one-on-one conversation. Catholic Mass is celebrated once during weekend retreats and daily during week-long retreats. Some retreats may also include art, yoga, or mindfulness practices, adding new dimensions to your reflection.
For those unable to commit to a full weekend or week-long retreat, half-day and single-day retreats are available. These “days of reflection” provide a taste of Ignatian spirituality and typically end by mid-afternoon.
Ignatian Spirituality at the Core
As St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches, everything in this world is a gift from God, created to help us know, love, and serve Him. Ignatian spirituality offers tools to discern the movements within your heart, helping you distinguish between holy desires and distractions. Through silence, prayer, and reflection, you can realign your life more closely with God’s presence and purposes.
At Ignatius House, our retreats are designed for all who seek spiritual renewal—whether you're a busy parent, navigating career changes, grieving, or simply looking for a deeper connection with God. Retreatants frequently discover a new perspective on life, uncover their true desires, and leave with a sense of peace and clarity.
Financial Assistance
We believe that financial hardship should never keep someone from experiencing the grace of a silent retreat. If you need financial assistance or alternative payment arrangements, please contact us at 404.255.0503 or retreats@ignatiushouse.org.
Ready to Attend?
Whether you’re seeking peace, clarity, or a deeper connection to God, Ignatius House offers a retreat designed for you. Come and discover how silence can renew your heart, mind, body, and soul.
Directed Retreats
Explore silent directed retreats at Ignatius House. Rest, reflect, and renew your spirit through personal prayer, spiritual direction, and the beauty of nature.
Spiritual Exercises
Experience the transformative journey of St. Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises through the Retreat in Everyday Life at Ignatius House.
Classes & Events
Deepen your spirituality, engage in dialogue, join book studies, and find moments of reflection and renewal in a peaceful setting.
Policies
Español
Descubre retiros, dirección espiritual y programas en español en Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center. Encuentra descanso, renovación y conexión con Dios.
Planning and Packing for Your Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend all parts of the retreat?
No, everything is optional! We just ask that everyone stays quiet to help create a peaceful environment for those seeking rest and reflection.
What should I pack for my retreat?
- Casual clothing: Come as you are! Comfortable, relaxed, and athleisure clothing is perfect.
- Dress in layers: It can get chilly, especially in common areas or at night, so pack some warm clothes.
- Footwear: Bring hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers—our trails can be a bit rugged and muddy.
- Toiletries: We provide soap, but be sure to bring any other personal items you’ll need. If you forget something, Guest Services can help.
- Water bottle: We have a filtered water station, so bring your own refillable bottle to stay hydrated.
- Optional items: Robe, slippers, travel mug, sunblock, bug spray, and medications.
Pro tip: You can leave swimsuits and water gear at home—our river isn’t set up for swimming or water activities.
What can I expect when I arrive?
- Check-in: Head to the Retreat House on your right when you pull in.
- Need help with luggage? Let us know if you have mobility issues—we’re happy to help.
- Gate code: If you're arriving late, you might need a gate code. Just give us a call at 404.579.6166.
- Your itinerary: You’ll get a schedule for your retreat when you check in.
What are the accommodations like?
You’ll have your own cozy room with a private bathroom. We provide towels, linens, pillows, and blankets, but if you need anything extra, just ask! If you have special accommodation needs, please let us know as soon as possible. First-floor and handicap-accessible rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reach out at guestservices@ignatiushouse.org or call 404.255.0503.
What’s the food situation?
- Your retreat begins with dinner on the first night and wraps up with brunch on the last day.
- We serve three delicious meals a day, and there’s always coffee, tea, and water available.
- If you prefer to eat outside, feel free to do so!
- Special dietary needs? We can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and nut-free diets. Just give us a heads-up at least 14 days before your retreat at guestservices@ignatiushouse.org or 404.255.0503.
- Need a place to store your own food or medication? We’ve got a community fridge—just let us know if you’ll need it.
What’s the deal with silence?
We enter into silence after the first “invitation to prayer,” which is a great opportunity to unplug from the outside world and really tune into yourself. We encourage you to step away from phones and media while you’re here.
- If you do need to talk to staff or make a call, please be considerate and do it in private, like in your car, so others can enjoy the quiet.
What if someone needs to reach me in an emergency?
If someone needs to get in touch with you during your retreat, they can call us at 404.579.6166 anytime, and we’ll get the message to you right away.
Can I come on a retreat if I’m not Catholic?
Absolutely! We welcome people of all faiths. You can take part in as much or as little of the retreat as you like. If you have any questions about Catholic practices or how to participate in the Eucharist or other sacraments, just ask a member of our ministry team. There’s also a prayer book in the Chapel with more details on Catholic traditions.
Got more questions? Reach out to us at retreats@ignatiushouse.org or call 404.255.0503—we’re here to help!