Retreat. Rest. Rediscover: Local Catholic Retreat Centers

Sometimes, you need a break from the secular world to become closer to Jesus. Here’s a list of local Catholic retreat centers, each with a full schedule of on-going day and overnight retreats for individuals and groups:

Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center: 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, Connecticut
During the year, the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center offers a variety of overnight, day, and evening retreats, along with concerts and additional programs to allow people to take a breath, learn something new, or experience God’s peace. Program topics are varied, and the presenters range from their team members to some of the most sought-after retreat leaders in the country. Their 2025 offerings include men’s treats entitled In My Love Abide, which allows you to explore the depths of a prayer life and learn ways to maintain the sacred connection to God through Christ. Retreat dates are:

  • Jan. 31 (6 p.m.) – Feb. 2 (1 p.m.)
  • Feb. 21 (6 p.m.) – Feb. 23 (1 p.m.)
  • Mar. 7 (6 p.m.) – Mar. 9 (1 p.m.)
  • Mar. 14 (6 p.m.) – Mar. 16 (1 p.m.)
  • Mar. 28 (6 p.m.) – Mar. 30 (1 p.m.)
  • Apr. 4 (4 p.m.) – Apr. 6 (1 p.m.)
  • May 2 (6 p.m.) – May 4 (1 p.m.)
  • Jun. 6 (6 p.m.) – Jun. 8 (1 p.m.)

The cost is $350 per weekend, as able. Visit Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center for more information or to register. 

Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center: 31 Colton Street, Farmington, Connecticut
Located on twelve pastoral acres overlooking the Farmington Valley, Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center is a warm and welcoming spiritual space for people of all faiths and ages. The Sisters of the Cross and Passion and laypeople welcome more than 1,000 people yearly to attend retreats and day/evening programs. Their 2025 offerings include women’s retreats entitled I Have Called You Friends. It’s an opportunity to take a weekend to experience more deeply that you are God’s beloved one in whom God delights and rejoices. (Isaiah 62:4). Retreat dates are:

  • Feb. 21 (7 p.m.) to Feb. 23 (12 noon)
  • Feb. 28 (7 p.m.) to Mar. 2 (12 noon)
  • Mar. 14 (7 p.m.) to Mar. 16 (12 noon)
  • Mar. 21 (7 p.m.) to Mar 23 (12 noon)
  • Mar. 28 (7 p.m.) to Mar. 30 (12 noon)
  • Apr. 25 (7 p.m.) to Apr. 27 (12 noon)

The cost is $320 per weekend, with scholarships available. Visit Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center for more information or to register. 

Mercy by the Sea: 167 Neck Road, Madison, Connecticut
Mercy by the Sea believes in the sacred nature of the individual and all of creation. Our programs, retreats, and events encourage individuals to listen to and trust the still inner voice. From that place, deep longings, creative imagination, and fledgling efforts in service of a greater good can emerge, be nurtured, and spread in the world.

St. Edmund Retreat on Enders Island: 1 Enders Island, Mystic, Connecticut
Enders Island is home to St. Edmund’s Retreat, a Catholic Community offering welcome and hospitality to all who are seeking hope and healing in the beauty of God’s Creation. Located on an 11-acre gem off the coast of Mystic, Connecticut, visitors participate in retreats, workshops, and programs, with many opportunities for prayer and reflection.