The Creighton University Retreat Center, known as Creighton Oasis, is a dedicated space for spiritual enrichment and personal contemplation. Affiliated with Creighton University, it extends the university’s mission of holistic development. The center provides a serene environment for individuals and diverse visitors seeking to deepen their faith and engage in reflective practices.
Purpose and Philosophy
The Creighton University Retreat Center fosters an active prayer life and a deeper relationship with faith. Rooted in Jesuit values and Ignatian spirituality, its philosophy encourages individuals to find God in all aspects of life. This approach emphasizes personal growth and compassionate engagement with the world. Embracing “cura personalis” (care for the individual person), the facility recognizes the importance of developing the whole self—heart, mind, and soul. It strives to be a place of renewal and contemplation.
Location and Natural Setting
The Creighton University Retreat Center is located in Griswold, Iowa, about 45 minutes east of Creighton University’s main campus in Omaha. This secluded setting spans over 150 acres of wooded terrain, offering a natural environment for reflection and prayer. The grounds feature dirt trails leading to the East Nishnabotna River, inviting quiet walks. Various outdoor prayer spaces, including the Stations of the Cross, a Mary’s Rosary Garden, and a Labyrinth, are integrated into the landscape for contemplative moments. These areas provide a peaceful backdrop for the retreat experience.
Programs and Retreats
The Creighton University Retreat Center offers various programs rooted in the Ignatian tradition, including directed and preached multi-day retreats. These retreats are based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, helping participants deepen their relationship with God and engage in prayerful reflection. Options include silent retreats spanning three, eight, or thirty days, allowing for varying depths of engagement. Spiritual direction sessions provide individualized guidance throughout the retreat experience. The center also accommodates customized retreats for groups, tailored to specific spiritual goals.
Visiting and Participation
The Creighton University Retreat Center welcomes individuals and groups seeking spiritual renewal. Registration for retreats involves contacting the center by phone or email to schedule dates and verify availability; a non-refundable deposit may be required. While many programs are for retreatants, the St. Kateri Chapel holds public Mass services, open to all. Opportunities for community involvement include “Trail Tuesdays” for trail maintenance and general volunteering for groups. Guests reside in private efficiency apartments with kitchenettes and and can access a library, though cell phone service can be inconsistent and Wi-Fi is limited.