“Encounter with Christ Retreat” Faculty/Staff Formation

Short Program Description:

Creighton University’s “Encounter with Christ Retreat” is a student-led retreat for classmates and peers. The retreat leads student participants through a loose version of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Faculty and staff serve as small group co-facilitators with a student small group facilitator (1 student leader and 1 faculty/staff facilitate a small group of 5-7 retreatants). While the retreat is aimed at students, faculty and staff formation is essential.

Program Goals/Intended Outcomes:

Encounter Retreat Faculty/Staff Small Group Facilitator Training Goals:
* Learn and apply small group skills and dynamics to assist student co-facilitators with guiding small groups.
* Serve as a guide for student retreat dynamics.
* Have experiences of encountering God in their own retreat experience (both in serving and encountering God through talks, small groups, and silence).

How long does it take to complete the program?: Multiple Days

Further Details on Completing Program: Faculty and staff co-facilitators meet three times before and after the retreat.

Total Program Length: 3-4 months

Key University/Other Partners: Wide ranging: faculty/staff are selected from across the University.

Funding Source(s): Encounter retreat budget

Stipends Paid or Other Participant Benefits: Other

Other Stipends: A sweatshirt; free room and board for the retreat.

Program Material 1: Fall 2025 Faculty+Staff Training Agenda

Program Material 2: Small Group Co-Facilitator Activities

Program Material 3: Prayer Service Dinner Planning Document

Program Material 4: Savor the Graces Meeting Agenda

Lessons Learned:

Faculty and staff appreciate the formation structure:
1) Faculty/staff orientation (6 weeks before the retreat),
2) Prayer service/dinner with student co-facilitator (2 weeks before the retreat), and
3) Savor the Graces reflection after the retreat (2 weeks after the retreat).

Faculty/staff love having a clear understanding of the three-fold nature of their role:
1) Support the student co-facilitator (let the student take the lead),
2) Watch out for “red flags” (depression, suicidal ideations, past harm or abuse), and
3) Be a wisdom figure in the group (sharing appropriately from own lived experience).

Assessment Data:

Surveys are available upon request.

Please Provide Any Other Information:

Documents and evaluation forms are available upon request.