Campus Ministry Retreats

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Each retreat is unique but all find fullness in the grace and love of God, and welcome people of all faith backgrounds and experiences. Peace, hope, laughter, joy, faith, healing, wisdom, friendship (and food!) are among the many blessings we have all received on retreats.

While most of our retreats are for undergraduate students, we also have retreat opportunities for faculty, staff, and graduate students, as well as alumni. We also work with Fordham-affiliated groups who are looking for a retreat location.

Weekend Retreats take place (with the exception of Contemplatio Silent Retreat) at our beautiful Philip H. McGrath, S.J. Retreat House in Goshen, NY. Nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, our house is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of New York City -- approximately 90 minutes by RamVan from the Rose Hill Campus. Initially a true home, there’s plenty of room to stretch out, socialize, and individually reflect both inside and on the grounds.

Learn more about each of the retreats below and find out which one might be best for you! Please contact us at any time for more information.

  • A Path to a Successful College Journey 

    Who Goes? All first-year students hoping to live meaningful lives and who seek to connect with other first-year students who want to do the same.

    What Happens? Peer leaders share reflections and facilitate small-group conversations and prayer on topics related to your journey to Fordham and your life here so far.

    Reflect individually on what matters most to you and what you want your vision for your college experience to be.

    Build community through conversation, prayer, food, and fun.

    Grow in faith, make new friends, and have some fun!

    Fresh-Vision draws from the fruits of Catholic-Christian spirituality and welcomes students of all faith backgrounds and experiences to help one another begin to "discover what you believe, and find where you belong" through shared experiences, prayers, and conversations with one another.

    What they're saying? 

    "It is a great way to get to know more freshmen on a real and deep level, learn more about your identity. It is a good moment to pause and reflect on Fordham experience."

    "The opportunity to self reflect alongside a supportive community is life changing…I really got to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of college life to evaluate my goals and vision for who I wanted to be and what values I wanted to live by."
    "What sets FreshVision apart is how much it allows us to reflect on our own selves—our identities and how and when we are the best versions of ourselves."

    Group Photos of a group of women smiling, another picture of them doing art, and another one of them smiling at the camera

  • A Jewish Life Retreat to Nurture Your Neshamah (Soul)

    Who Goes? Jewish students of all backgrounds and experiences who are seeking connection, rest, and a meaningful space to celebrate Jewish life. Whether you’re deeply rooted in tradition or just beginning to explore, this retreat offers an open, welcoming environment to be part of community.

    What Happens? Step away from campus for a weekend filled with Shabbat celebration, engaging conversations, prayer and song, shared meals, nature walks (weather permitting), and plenty of time to relax and recharge. We’ll reflect together on Jewish identity, tradition, and what brings us joy—while also leaving space for laughter, friendship, and personal renewal.

    What they're saying?

    "I came in not knowing many people, but I left feeling like I had found a real community."

    "The retreat gave me the space to slow down and reconnect with my faith, my friends, and myself."

  • Contemplative Leaders Inspired by Justice 

    Who Goes? Students from all class years who feel called to connect their faith, values, and sense of purpose with meaningful action in the world. Whether you already consider yourself a leader or are just beginning to explore how you might make a difference, this retreat is for you.

    What Happens? Student leaders facilitate small-group conversations on themes of justice, compassion, and contemplative leadership inspired by figures like Oscar Romero, Pedro Arrupe, and Dorothy Day, and beyond. 

    Through prayer, reflection, and community, you’ll explore how your gifts can meet the needs of the world.

    Build community through deep conversations, shared meals, prayer, and time for personal reflection.

    Discover what it means to lead with both courage and humility, grounded in faith and openness to others.

    The Romero Retreat draws from the riches of spirituality while welcoming students of all faith backgrounds and experiences into shared exploration, prayer, and conversation about living as contemplatives in action.

    What they're saying?

    This is our first time hosting this retreat, check back soon for more feedback from our weekend away!

  • Discover the Heart of Love Within Yourself, Others and Beyond

    The name Cor is Latin for heart and is taken from the personal motto of Cardinal John Henry Newman, which is, COR AD COR LOQUITOR (Heart speaks to heart). It refers to Gods love - unconditional, abundant, and freely given to us from Gods own heart - the center of all love.

    Who Goes? Cor welcomes any and all students who seek a community-centered weekend to grow in Gods love and relationships with one another. It is a great first retreat experience or follow-up to Fresh-Vision or Emmaus.

    What Happens? Reflective talks by student leaders Small and large group discussions as well as personal reflection time Large group and small group prayer rooted in Christian and Ignatian spirituality and welcoming of all backgrounds.

    Fun, recreation, community, and shared meals with one another all with the aim of discovering God and Gods love in one another and in all things.

    What they're saying?

    "This retreat will surpass your expectations and allow you to grow personally and spiritually in the company of genuinely kind people."
    "I would say that it will give you a chance to really contemplate the love in your life, and build new friendships."
    "This retreat introduces the Jesuit mission and the mission of Fordham through displays of unconditional love and understanding, creating an optimistic and fulfilled retreatant."Group Pictures of retreatants at a table, another picture of them posing for a picture, and them making a heart
  • Walk the Road to Emmaus and Discover God's Presence on the Journey 

    Who Goes? Emmaus is open to any and all students wherever you are on your own faith journey. Emmaus is a great first retreat experience for those who are seeking to focus on their relationship with God, self, and others in a supportive community of peers seeking to do the same.

    What Happens? The retreat is rooted in a Catholic-Christian spirituality and welcomes students of all faith and spiritual backgrounds who desire to grow in relationship with God. Immerse yourself in the Scriptural story of the road to Emmaus and the first week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius focusing on love and forgiveness. Student leaders share personal reflections on life, faith, and prayer, and facilitate small-group conversations.

    The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are available for those who wish to participate. Large group discussions and community activities, small-group sharing, and individual time for further prayer and reflection. Great fellowship, tasty food, and our loving God!

    What they're saying?

    "Emmaus is an amazing opportunity to connect with God and recognize His place in your life."

    "Emmaus is a meaningful and fun way to get to know God, other students, and yourself more."
    "Spiritually, I feel deeply renewed, more in touch with God’s plan, and affirmed for the first time in a long time that I am doing faith correctly. Within the community, I deeply fortified existing friendships, and formed new one I am sure will become cornerstones of how I feel belonging at Fordham."Group of photos of students, hugging at camera, and another picture of them making a heart and put thumbs up
  • Pray in Silence in the Spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola 

    Who goes? Experienced students with some knowledge of Ignatian spirituality and a desire for further silent contemplation and growth. Prior participation in Emmaus or LaCueva is strongly encouraged. Those who have not participated in one of these retreats are asked to contact Pauline Villapando for more information before participating.

    What happens? Silent, contemplative prayer and reflection based upon the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Individual spiritual direction and guidance are offered daily throughout the weekend. Communal prayer, shared meals, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Mass 

    What they're saying? "Contemplatio is a cool way of saying be contemplative with us, yourself, and God this weekend. It's a great way to become in touch with your best friends, yourself and God, and to build those relationships." 

    "The retreat was an incredible way to step back and reflect on where I am in my faith life, how I am doing well, and what improvements I need to consider. The support of a spiritual director really changes the game." 

    Students making a shushing gesture with finger in front of mouth to camera

  • Experience the Connection Between Creativity, Prayer, and Self-Care 

    Who goes? Any and all members of the Fordham community are welcome!

    What happens? This retreat is designed for those of you who want to enter more deeply into prayer and reflection through art and movement. Each participant will be paired with a spiritual companion to help guide the retreat and will be given resources to facilitate daily prayer and reflection over the course of the week.

    When you meet with the companion and when you take time for prayer each day is up to you. Optional opportunities for group prayer and reflection will be available.

    Slow down, relax, breath as we prepare our hearts and minds for love of ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

    What they're saying? 

    "Art and Yoga helps you make the most out of your Fordham experience."
    "Art and Yoga was peaceful and happy. I met some wonderful people and did a lot of spiritual activities."
    "Art and Yoga helped me find the important space for quiet contemplation and processing in this overstimulating world."Group photos of people doing arts and craft, and people doing a yoga pose
  • Muslim Life Retreat focused on deepening community and spiritual rejuvenation

    Who Goes? Muslim students looking to deepen their connection to their faith and community during the sacred month of Ramadan.

    What Happens? Leaders share reflections, facilitate small-group conversations on themes of faith, spirituality, and personal growth during Ramadan and prayers are shared in community with one another.

    Take time for personal reflection and renewal, considering what this season means for you and how it shapes your journey.

    Build community through prayer and meaningful conversations with fellow students.

    Strengthen your faith, foster new friendships, and embrace the spirit of Ramadan together.

  • Embrace Your Identity, Deepen Your Spirituality, and Build Affirming Community 

    Who Goes? LGBTQ+ students from all class years hoping to explore and deepen their relationship with God and experience unconditional love. Prism draws from a foundation of spirituality and welcomes students of all backgrounds and experiences. This retreat will enable students to flourish spiritually and holistically as you "discover what you believe and find where you belong" through their time at Fordham.

    What Happens? A team of student leaders facilitates the retreat through shared and individual reflections, large group discussions, community activities, prayer, small-group sharing, and usual retreat goodies such as food, fun, and fellowship... as well as spontaneous community fun

    What they're saying? 

    "As a queer person, Prism brought me closer to reconnecting with myself and my identity after so many years of doubting myself and being passively or aggressively forced to suppress myself."

    "It’s really nice to feel at home in a queer community separated from everything else in the world."
    "Prism gave me the chance to bond with other people in the queer community and rejuvenate in the present moment!"

    Group Photos of retreatants holding the LGBTQIA+ flag, another picture of students decorating at a table, and a picture of them smiling at camera

  • Celebrate, Reflect, and Prepare for Life After Graduation 

    Who goes? Fordham seniors from RH and LC who are seeking Charis (grace) and guidance for major life transitions.

    What happens? Through conversation, reflection, prayer, and other activities you will reflect on where you have been and contemplate the path ahead with a supportive community of your fellow seniors. Share your experience, and learn from others, including recent Fordham graduates, who share their own transition story of life after Fordham. De-stress, have some fun, and return to campus relaxed and ready for all that lies ahead!

    What they're saying? "Charis was such a great opportunity to breath in the comfort and peacefulness of Goshen, to recollect, and center myself before graduation."

    "It was a great experience because we were all in the same boat ... the same boat full of excitement and concern about life after Fordham. Every senior should do it!"

    Group Pictures of seniors making 2024 sign with hands and another picture of seniors hugging

Retreats for Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Students

  • The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) is a nine-month journey of prayer, reflection, and discernment based on the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Designed to be experienced alongside your daily responsibilities, SEEL invites you to encounter God more deeply through guided prayer, Scripture, and regular meetings with a spiritual director. You’ll receive weekly prompts to help you notice God’s presence in the ordinary moments of your life, while discerning how you are called to live with greater freedom, love, and purpose.

    Contact: Carol Gibney at [email protected]
  • Pray in Silence in the Spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola 

    Who goes? Experienced students with some knowledge of Ignatian spirituality and a desire for further silent contemplation and growth. Prior participation in Emmaus or LaCueva is strongly encouraged. Those who have not participated in one of these retreats are asked to contact Pauline Villapando for more information before participating.

    What happens? Silent, contemplative prayer and reflection based upon the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Individual spiritual direction and guidance are offered daily throughout the weekend. Communal prayer, shared meals, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Mass 

    What they're saying? "Contemplatio is a cool way of saying be contemplative with us, yourself, and God this weekend. It's a great way to become in touch with your best friends, yourself and God, and to build those relationships." 

    "The retreat was an incredible way to step back and reflect on where I am in my faith life, how I am doing well, and what improvements I need to consider. The support of a spiritual director really changes the game." 

    Students making a shushing gesture with finger in front of mouth to camera

  • Sometimes it’s hard to find even a moment to pause. Our 1-Hour Retreats are designed to help you step away from the busyness and reconnect with what matters most, all in the span of a single hour. Through activities like guided reflection, creative expression, conversation, and shared food, these mini-retreats offer space to slow down, breathe, and be present. Whether you come for quiet prayer, meaningful conversation, or simply to rest, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and renewed. No prior retreat experience needed — just bring yourself and an open heart.

Retreats for Private Groups/Clubs/Classes

If you have a Fordham group interested in scheduling a retreat at Fordham's Philip H. McGrath House of Prayer, please fill put the form below.

If you have any other questions please contact Stephanie Roddy at [email protected]

McShane Campus Center

CMCE Suite 215
718-817-4539
[email protected]

Or visit Lincoln Center Lowenstein 217
212-636-7212