ARE YOU READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE?

It is with indescribable pleasure that we invite you to join Matthew Kelly on a sacred journey.

Retreat Schedule

 Why a Retreat?

“In recent years I have traveled to almost every corner of the earth trying to encourage people to embrace the full meaning of the Christian life.  The difficulty I have encountered in my work is that speaking to people for one hour merely begins the process.  I have learned that what is needed is a deeper experience – a time filled with talks, teachings, prayer, reflection, opportunities to ask questions, and a chance to rest a little and be renewed.

It is specifically for this reason that our retreats have been designed.  Our lives have a habit of gathering a momentum of their own.  It is wise for us to step back occasionally and dust off our spiritual compass.

We all need to step back from time to time to get another look at who we are and where we are going.  Leonardo da Vinci once wrote:  “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work, your judgment will be surer; since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment.  Go some distance away because the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance, and a lack of harmony or proportion is more readily seen.”  We all need this sense of perspective at different times in our lives.  

Come – and together we will learn to see again, to hear again, and to listen again.  Let us learn the ancient art of making travel sacred – and together as pilgrims let us seek the answers to the ultimate questions.”

 Matthew Kelly

An Experience of a Lifetime

Fatima, Portugal:  August 3-11, 2009

 “Anything or anyone that does not help you become
the-best-version-of-yourself is too small for you.”

-Matthew Kelly

Each year during the first week of August, Matthew steps back from his busy schedule to spend this time sharing his thoughts and insights in a more intimate setting.  Asked why he journeys back to this place year after year, Matthew explains, “Fatima is a place where I get answers!”

Last year people attended this retreat from 12 to 86 years of age and from more than twenty states across the US.  Come awaken your spiritual senses, unveil the amazing plan God has in mind for you, develop amazing new friendships, discover the-best-version-of-yourself, and with Matthew’s help put together a practical strategy for the next phase of your life!

This retreat incorporates talks, excursions, bible study, the Mass, and free time into a phenomenal step along your spiritual journey.

Matthew’s Talks & Workshops
If you have ever heard Matthew speak or read his writings, you know already that he possess a rare gift to convey life-changing insights in a powerful and inspiring way.  During his talks and workshops in Fatima, he will help you identify your legitimate needs – physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, and teach you to get in touch with the deepest desires God has placed in your heart.  These talks and workshops will be presented by Matthew in an intimate setting . . . a rare experience as most of us are only used to attending large gatherings with Matthew.

Excursions
Apart from the days we spend in Fatima on retreat, we also take a couple of days to rest, relax, and enjoy a little of the European spirit and charm.  The particular goal of this component is to enable each retreatant to return home feeling renewed and refreshed.  We spend a day enjoying the beauty of Lisbon and a day relaxing at the beachside town of Nazare. 

Bible Study & Mass
Each afternoon you will enjoy a Bible study.  This is an opportunity for us to become more familiar with the Bible and how we can all use it in our daily lives.  Before dinner each evening we will celebrate Mass together.

 Meals & Free Time
Over the years we have seen some wonderful friendships born in Fatima.  Our retreatants from over 20 US states and countries around the globe, ranging in age from 12 to 86, have found that meals and free time foster the opportunity to begin friendships.  Also, there is plenty of time to read one of those books you’ve been meaning to read, take some long walks in quiet places, spend a little time in prayer and reflection . . . or simply take an afternoon nap.  Remember, the goal is to come home REFRESHED, REJUVENATED, AND RENEWED!

Base Cost:  $2395 USD
Base Cost Includes:  Round trip airfare from New York, deluxe coach transportation, hotel accommodations based on double occupancy, breakfast and dinner daily, all hotel taxes, and all retreat supplies and materials.

Base Cost Does Not Include: 
Travel insurance, single supplement, airport tax, add-on airfare from hometown, or tips.

Single Supplement (optional; cost of single room) = $435              Travel insurance (optional) = $179 

To learn more about An Experience of a Lifetime contact Bridget Eichhold, Retreat Coordinator at bridget@matthewkelly.org or 513-221-7700.

Passion & Purpose Weekend Retreats
Milford, Ohio:  May 22-24*, July 17-19, or September 11-13, 2009

Do you feel lost?  Have questions?  Wondering what you should be doing with your life?  Confused about what’s next for you?  Need a chance to step back and get another look at who you are and what you are doing . . . or maybe you just need a couple of quiet days to yourself.  Our Passion & Purpose Weekend Retreats will rejuvenate and inspire you for all the challenges and opportunities that you are facing.  Experience Matthew and his message in a more intimate setting and learn how to overcome the obstacles we face when we decide to try to become better-versions-of-ourselves!

Cost:  $375 USD

Cost Includes:  All meals, snacks, accommodations, transfers to and from the Cincinnati airport, and all retreat supplies and materials.

*Passion & Purpose Weekend Retreat May 22-24 is offered for Past Retreat Alumnae Only.  Come and enjoy a deeper retreat experience.   

To learn more about Passion & Purpose Weekend Retreats contact Bridget Eichhold, Retreat Coordinator at bridget@matthewkelly.org or 513-221-7700.

The Wonder of Italy
Rome, Assisi, Florence:  February 18-26, 2010

Have you always wanted to go to Italy?  We are delighted to announce that in 2010 Matthew will host a pilgrimage to Italy!  We begin with a retreat in Assisi, the birthplace and hometown of Francis, one of history’s most renowned and beloved figures.  This quaint and tranquil city is the perfect setting for a retreat with Matthew.  The retreat will focus on the life and teachings of Francis and the modern relevance of these to our daily lives.

From Assisi we will visit Florence and discover the wonders of Giotto’s Bell Tower, Santa Maria del Fiore, and Michelangelo’s David, to name just a few.

Then, we will explore the magnificence of The Eternal City.  Rome by day and night is one of the most amazing cities in the world.  Whether it’s having a quiet lunch with old and new friends in Piazza Navona, attending a Papal audience, eating gelato at the Trevi Fountain, standing in the Sistine Chapel gazing up at the ceiling, exploring Vatican City, or wandering by the Colosseum . . . this is an adventure not to be missed!

 Base Cost:  $2995 USD

Base Cost Includes:  Round trip airfare from New York, deluxe coach transportation, hotel accommodations based on double occupancy, breakfast and dinner daily, all hotel taxes, and all retreat supplies and materials.

Base Cost Does Not Include: 
Travel insurance, single supplement, airport tax, add-on airfare from hometown, or tips. 

Single Supplement (optional; cost of single room) = $799              Travel insurance (optional) = $179

To learn more about The Wonder of Italy contact Bridget Eichhold, Retreat Coordinator at bridget@matthewkelly.org or 513-221-7700.

Topics covered on retreats may include:

What is your Genius?;  Knowing your Circle of Influence;  God and Money;  The Art of Making and Keeping Resolutions;  What is God’s Dream for You?;  What Keeps us from Becoming The-Best-Versions-of-Ourselves?;  What are Your Dreams?;  The Nine Lessons of Enduring Happiness;  Understanding and Interpreting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit;  Living Everyday with Passion and Purpose;  Is Catholicism Still Relevant?;  Learning to Forgive, Learning to be Forgiven;  Techniques for Prayer in the Classroom of Silence;  The Seven Levels of Intimacy;  How to Read the Bible;  Raising Spiritual Children in a Secular World.

Matthew Kelly Retreats are great for groups & families,                          and people LOVE to receive them as gifts.

RETREAT SCHOLARSHIPS

The Matthew Kelly Foundation is pleased to offer scholarships to both the Passion & Purpose Weekend Retreats and An Experience of a Lifetime in Fatima, Portugal.  The Passion & Purpose Weekend Retreat scholarship is a tuition only scholarship covering just the cost of the retreat, it does not cover travel to and from Milford, Ohio.  Both full and half scholarships are offered toward An Experience of a Lifetime in Fatima, Portugal. 

Eligibility for scholarships and submission requirements are as follows:

• General applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 35; Teachers of all ages are eligible.
• Applicants must submit an essay of 100 words or less explaining why he/she wants to attend the retreat.
• Applicants must include at least one photo of himself/herself with family or friends.
• Applicants must complete the Retreat Scholarship Registration Form indicating which scholarship he/she is applying for.
• Completed applications must be submitted in hard copy; emailed applications will not be accepted.

• Please send completed scholarship application to:

  The Matthew Kelly Foundation Retreat Scholarship 2330 Kemper Lane Cincinnati, Ohio  45206

The Scholarship Committee at The Matthew Kelly Foundation reviews all applications and awards scholarships approximately 90 days prior to retreat date.

Apply for Retreat Scholarship

Application will be received only by mail, and should be addressed to:

The Matthew Kelly Foundation
Retreat Scholarship
2330 Kemper Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45206