Marquette Experience Retreat

Open to sophomore through graduate students of all faiths, MUEX is based on St. Ignatius' First Principle and Foundation, which is a kind of mission statement he laid out envisioning what life, love, and relationship with God are all about. The talks and activities on retreat focus on different elements of the First Principle, ranging from Discernment to Gratitude to Ignatian Indifference and more. You'll end the retreat knowing much more about these values and how you might want to apply them to your own life.

Through this retreat, you will be able to look back at your Marquette journey with new eyes, and celebrate, recall, ponder, and grow anew from it with God and others. Ignatian Spirituality will come to life through students’ stories, small group conversations, and compelling activities and prayers unique to MUEX (in addition to games by the fireplace, walks to the creek, and delicious meals).

If you’re trying to figure out how to live more fully at Marquette, or how to proceed as you look ahead to work, graduate school, and generally life after MU, MUEX may be exactly what you need.

Students regularly report that MUEX is well worth making the time and have said they wish more students knew this. It's a very worthwhile leap to make!

$20, which covers transportation, food and lodging. Financial assistance is readily available; see the Retreat FAQ page for more information. 

St. Vincent Pallotti Retreat Center - Elkhorn, WI

The Pallotti Center is a favorite Marquette retreat location, with a cozy and warm atmosphere. It includes comfortable bedrooms for 2-4 people (each with private bathroom), a gathering room full of armchairs and couches, lots of smaller areas for conversation and games, and a chapel. The grounds include trails that are perfect for walking and running, with the highlight being a path down to very pretty Sugar Creek.

• Friday, February 21, 5:00 p.m.: Meet at Campus Ministry (AMU 236)
• Sunday, February 23, 11 a.m.: Retreat ends, depart for Marquette
• Sunday, February 23, Noon: Back at Marquette

Retreatants board the bus on Friday and drive about 45 minutes to the retreat center. MUEX begins with introductions, time in a small group that you'll revisit over the course of the weekend, and an opening prayer. From there, the retreat generally follows a rhythm: a student talk on an Ignatian value, an activity that relates to that value, and time for discussion in small group. There is a good amount of free time along the way as well as optional opportunities for Reconciliation, Mass, and various group games.

• I loved everything about this retreat from the activities, laughs, and environment to get deep within one self. Everything was done so intentionally. I couldn’t wish for a better ending to my MU journey.