Each year The Matthew Kelly Foundation hosts several retreat experiences. It is with indescribable pleasure that we invite you to join us on a sacred journey.

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 these 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 that 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 - July 29 - August 6, 2008

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 the retreat from 12 to 86 years of age and from more than twenty states across the US. Come and 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 on your spiritual journey.

Matthew's Talks & Workshops

If you have heard Matthew speak or read his writings, you know already that he possesses a rare gift to convey life-changing insights into 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 that God has placed in your heart. Throughout the retreat portion of this trip Matthew will present twice a day 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. For this reason, we spend our last day enjoying the beachside town of Nazare.

Bible Studies and 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 and Free Time

Over the years we have seen some wonderful friendships born in Fatima. Our retreatants, from over 20 states 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!

Cost

$2295 USD

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

Trip Does Not Include: Airport taxes, tips, travel insurance, or add-on airfare.

Single Supplement = $435

To learn more about this extraordinary retreat experience call (513-221-7700) or email (bridget@matthewkelly.org) Bridget Eichhold.

Passion & Purpose
Milford, Ohio
July 18-20, 2008 & September 12-14, 2008

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 for yourself. Our Passion & Purpose retreat 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!

Topics covered may include:
What is God’s Dream for You?; Is Catholicism Still Relevant?; Learning to Forgive, Learning to be Forgiven; Living Everyday with Passion and Purpose; The Seven Levels of Intimacy; How to Read the Bible; What is your Genius?; Knowing your Circle of Influence; God and Money; The Art of Making and Keeping Resolutions; Do Catholics Worship Mary?

Cost: $350 Includes all meals, snacks, accommodations, retreat fees and materials, and transfers to and from Cincinnati airport.

To learn more about this extraordinary retreat experience, call (513-221-7700) or email (bridget@matthewkelly.org) Bridget Eichhold.

The Wonder of Italy
Rome, Assisi, Florence - February 21-29, 2008

Have you always wanted to go to Italy? We are delighted to announce that in 2008 Matthew will host a pilgrimage to Italy for the first time in five years. Beginning 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 by 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 through the Colosseum… this is an adventure not to be missed!

Cost: $2795 Includes airfare from New York, all accommodations, breakfast and dinner each day, ground transportation, tours, and retreat fees. Does not include tips, taxes, add-on fares, and travel insurance.

To learn more about this extraordinary retreat experience, call (513-221-7700) or email (bridget@matthewkelly.org) Bridget Eichhold.

Topics covered on retreats may include:

What is God’s Dream for You?; Is Catholicism Still Relevant?; Learning to Forgive, Learning to be Forgiven; Living Everyday with Passion and Purpose; The Seven Levels of Intimacy; How to Read the Bible; What is your Genius?; Knowing your Circle of Influence; God and Money; The Art of Making and Keeping Resolutions; Do Catholics Worship Mary?

RETREAT SCHOLARSHIPS

The Matthew Kelly Foundation offers scholarships to each of the retreats it hosts. The Fatima Scholarship is an all expense paid trip. The Milford Scholarship is a tuition only scholarship and does not include travel to and from The Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford.

Eligibility and submission requirements are as follows:

• General applicants must be between the age of 18 and 35; Teachers of all ages are eligible.
• Applicants must submit in writing of 100 words or less, explaining why he/she wants to attend the retreat.
• Applicants must include photos with family & friends.
• Applicants must complete the Retreat Scholarship Registration Form, and indicate which scholarship he/she wishes to apply for.

A committee at the foundation will review applications and scholarships will be awarded 90 days before each retreat

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