5.0
Verified
A Prayerful Evening with the Psalms
I enjoyed the presentation and the sharing. However, I would have preferred to have at least three evenings on this topic for the Lenten Season.
Sacred Story, Modern Myth: Praying with Pop Culture
Top Rated
Sacred Story, Modern Myth: Praying with Pop Culture
4.8671 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
September 25 - 27, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Eric A. Clayton is an award-winning author who writes at the intersection of spirituality, storytelling and pop culture. His books include "Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness", "My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars" and "Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith". He is also the co-author of the children's book, "Our Mother, Too: Mary Embraces the World" and "The Seagull on the Chapel". He is the deputy director for communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States where he manages the multi-award-winning weekly series, "Now Discern This". Eric is named the recipient of the 2025 “Writer’s Award in Spirituality” from the Loyola Institute for Spirituality. Learn more about Eric at ericclaytonwrites.com.
Details of this retreat
Discover a faith alive in every story—where God speaks not just in quiet prayers, but through the media that moves us. This program invites participants to experience God’s presence not only in their personal journeys but also in the stories that animate our culture—movies, songs, books, and comics—echoing the invitation of St. Ignatius of Loyola to “find God in all things.” Building on our natural impulse to share powerful stories with friends and strangers alike, we examine how that desire might reflect something sacred—an invitation from God to recognize the divine within everyday narratives.
Central to the experience are four key Ignatian principles:
Sensing God’s presence in the everyday details of our lives
Embracing the imagination to dream larger during prayer as Ignatius did in his recovery
Entering stories as part of contemplative prayer
Trusting that God deals directly with each of us and remains active in our stories.
Our journey will relay on the structure of the four weeks of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and borrow from Joseph Campbell’s mythic framework. We begin by look at the status quo in our lives and recognizing its limitations; we then answer the call to a transformative adventure; pass through darkness and struggle; and finally, return to community, transformed and ready to serve.
Participants will have time to reflect at each stage through personal prayer, small and large group conversations, and Mass. The approach includes “praying with pop culture” by watching short films, reflecting on guided meditations, and sharing personal insights—finding God’s story woven into both their lives and the stories the world tells.
Central to the experience are four key Ignatian principles:
Sensing God’s presence in the everyday details of our lives
Embracing the imagination to dream larger during prayer as Ignatius did in his recovery
Entering stories as part of contemplative prayer
Trusting that God deals directly with each of us and remains active in our stories.
Our journey will relay on the structure of the four weeks of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and borrow from Joseph Campbell’s mythic framework. We begin by look at the status quo in our lives and recognizing its limitations; we then answer the call to a transformative adventure; pass through darkness and struggle; and finally, return to community, transformed and ready to serve.
Participants will have time to reflect at each stage through personal prayer, small and large group conversations, and Mass. The approach includes “praying with pop culture” by watching short films, reflecting on guided meditations, and sharing personal insights—finding God’s story woven into both their lives and the stories the world tells.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Accommodation
Program Price - single occupancy
Program Price - double occupancy (Requires Two People)
Program Price - Weekend Commuter
Program Price - Saturday Only Commuter
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Be With an Open Heart
I spent time with JoAnn Bourquard a few years ago when I was on a day-long retreat at Genesis Spiritual Center. We meditated together and I opened my heart to her for spiritual guidance. She deeply listened, attentive and present with me, as I shared some difficult challenges I was having in my life. I clearly remember her gently and kindly responding with a phrase, "you have your work cut out for you". I have accepted that gift from her, without even being entirely certain what she meant, as part of my daily spiritual practice since then.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
1.0
Verified
Lenten Conversation with the Psalms
Due to the blizzard, I was unable to attend
5.0
Verified
The Wisdom of St. Francis
Simon and David led us on a beautiful experience of St. Francis and St. Clare. The music, sharing, dialogue and discussion all helped to create a strong bond between participants. Genesis is a place of peace, hope and healing, and I could feel it the moment I arrived. Thank you to the staff for their hospitality and kindness.
5.0
Verified
Wise woman Retreat
The best part of this retreat was connecting with the amazing women who shared this retreat with me. It is so affirming and healing to be in a group of mature women who listen with their hearts and all their wisdom and very little judgment. The Genesis Spiritual Center is very welcoming and accommodating and made you feel at home. The leader of the retreat set the stage and then allowed us to fly. I am so glad that I took the time to go.
