Marquette Experience Retreat

April 5 - 7, 2024

One of Marquette’s longest-running retreats, the Marquette Experience retreat (also known as MUEX) is a community-oriented weekend rooted in the Ignatian values that shape Marquette University. The retreat focuses on two major topics:

  • What has my Marquette experience been like so far, and what am I hoping for going forward?
  • How can Ignatian spirituality draw me closer to God and into greater authenticity in my life?

You'll 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.

 

Applications are now closed!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What do you mean by "Ignatian values"?

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.

Why a 2-night retreat?

Knowing how busy student schedules are, Campus Ministry runs a variety of day-long and 1-night retreats. But 2-night retreats have a special kind of energy that makes them worth the investment of time. Having a full day away from campus, in a beautiful location, allows for a more complete break from the busy routine of the week. It also gives the retreat group more time to grow as a community and create bonds that will last beyond the weekend. Saturday nights on retreat are really fun, as people have become close and can enjoy games, music, and heart-to-hear conversations late into the night (if you want to stay up late). MUEX is also a retreat that looks back through your MU journey and immerses you in Ignatian themes, and having the additional time for reflection can set you up for more permanent growth and transformation.

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!

What is the retreat schedule like?

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.

Is there time to do homework on the retreat?

Yes. MUEX purposely has a more relaxed retreat schedule, with free time at several points during the retreat. Ideally, it's nice to come without any schoolwork because it's easier to take a break and get recharged, but doing some homework is completely fine and can help take the stress out of being away for the weekend.

 

Open to:
Sophomore through graduate students of all faiths. Because the retreat format assumes that participants have already had some experience at Marquette, we ask first-year students to wait until at least sophomore year.

 

Retreat Location:
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.

 

Schedule:
Meet at Campus Ministry (AMU 236) at 5:00 pm on Friday.
We will return to campus at noon on Sunday.

 

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

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For any questions or for further information, please contact:
Pablo Cardenal
Campus Ministry, AMU 236
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
(414) 288-3689