We would like to share some exciting changes with you – JRH has a new name, a new logo and a new mission statement. These changes are part of a strategic plan completed by our Board and staff to guide us into this new era, building upon our 120-year legacy.

We are changing our name from Jesuit Retreat House to Jesuit Retreat Center (JRC), recognizing that “Center” more fully captures the breadth and meaning of our mission and ministry in this time. With this new name comes a fitting new logo!

In our planning we also discerned a revision to our Mission Statement as follows:

Jesuit Retreat Center provides opportunities for reflection, prayer, and discernment,
Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
Inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius,
Centered in a beautiful sacred setting,
To help all people respond to God’s loving invitation in their lives.

Included in our rebranding process are plans underway to redesign and improve our website. As we phase in all the changes, we ask for your patience if some things still bear our old name or logo. Eventually all communications will have the new name and logo.

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Position Summary:
This is a full-time salaried position focusing on the overall development and promotion of retreats and programs of the Jesuit Retreat House (JRH). This person works directly with the Executive Director and serves on the Leadership Team. An opportunity to make a difference in the most important areas of people’s lives!

JRH Mission and Overview:
JRH is a Catholic, non-profit organization. Our Mission Statement is as follows:
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius,
Jesuit Retreat House provides a sacred setting for outreach, retreats and programs
of growth and development for people in the contemporary Church and society.

JRH is the first and longest continuing place in the United States providing retreats for the laity. Building upon our 120-year legacy beginning in 1898, JRH is a growing, vibrant organization and serves over 6,000 people each year. We offer a range of day, evening and overnight retreats and programs that serve youth and adults from Catholic, Christian and other spiritual backgrounds. We provide a place of peace, prayer and reflection where people can ponder the deepest and most important questions in their lives and find greater meaning and direction.

Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate all aspects of planning, development, implementation and evaluation of retreats and programs in collaboration with JRH staff and committees, with a particular emphasis on relevant topics and leaders.
2. Oversee all programmatic components of Ignatian Outreach & Formation/Lay Leadership programs held at JRH and in local parishes and congregations, and Jesuit institutional partners, with a particular focus on the sustainability and viability of individual programs.
3. Coordinate all aspects of the bi-annual 2-day conference, Ignatian Currents held at JRH.
4. Coordinate and provide support for the on-going bi-annual series of formation programs of the lay leaders who facilitate the retreats and programs offered by Jesuit Retreat House (program facilitators, spiritual directors, retreat leaders, pastoral ministers and those who have made the full Spiritual Exercises).
5. Support marketing/communication strategies and operations for all areas of programming.
6. Coordinate a Marketing/Communications Committee of staff and volunteers which meets with leaders of institutions and groups to promote and develop commitments to onsite and offsite retreats and programs.
7. Develop and oversee an annual budget for Ignatian Outreach Retreats/Programs with Executive Director.
8. Coordinate and facilitate the Lay Leadership Advisory Committee which meets tri-annually.
9. Coordinate and facilitate the Ignatian Spirituality Collaborative which meets tri-annually and is comprised of 12 Ignatian member organizations from northeast Ohio.
10. Participate in monthly Jesuit Retreat House Administrative Staff Meetings and engage in other Jesuit Retreat House initiatives as discerned by the Executive Director.
11. Provide support and participate in JRH Development events (e.g. annual thank you event, Hearts on Fire)
12. Provide support for liturgical events related to JRH programs (e.g. Advent, Lent, St. Ignatius Feast Day)
13. Provide support for planning and implementing Individually Directed Retreats and Spiritual Direction.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in theology, pastoral ministry, or education, or comparable formation and
  experience.
• Demonstrated success in program development and implementation.
• Strong interpersonal and group communications skills.
• Proven skill in administration and collaborative teamwork.
• Experience with and understanding of Ignatian spirituality.
• Experience in teaching and/or training and development, especially re: the spiritual formation of adults.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include medical and dental insurance, and paid time off and holidays.

Requested Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References

Applicants are asked to submit the required documents to Barbara Leggott at the address above or by email (in Microsoft Word or PDF attachment) at [email protected] as soon as possible and by August 27. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

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Position Summary:
This is a full-time salaried role that is responsible for creating, directing, and implementing a comprehensive annual fundraising plan that supports current operations through cultivation of the Annual Fund, management of the annual signature fundraiser Hearts on Fire, and grant-writing, as well as providing support for our capital campaign, and planned giving initiatives. This person works directly with the Executive Director and serves on the Leadership Team. An opportunity to make a difference in the most important areas of people’s lives!

JRH Mission and Overview:
JRH is a Catholic, non-profit organization. Our Mission Statement is as follows:
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius,
Jesuit Retreat House provides a sacred setting for outreach, retreats and programs
of growth and development for people in the contemporary Church and society.

JRH is the first and longest continuing place in the United States providing retreats for the laity. Building upon our 120 year legacy beginning in 1898, JRH is a growing, vibrant organization and serves over 6,000 people each year. We offer a range of day, evening and overnight retreats and programs that serve youth and adults from Catholic, Christian and other spiritual backgrounds. We provide a place of peace, prayer and reflection where people can ponder the deepest and most important questions in their lives and find greater meaning and direction.

Responsibilities:

1. Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate fundraising activities designed to meet or exceed specific budgeted goals for the Annual Fund, Hearts on Fire fundraiser, and grants. Activities include donor relations and stewardship efforts, year-round Annual Fund cultivation, annual donor appreciation event, and Hearts on Fire, the major annual fundraising event.
2. In collaboration with the Administrative Team and Marketing staff, develop and manage an ongoing solicitation program for annual giving, major gifts, bequests and legacy gifting that includes print and digital marketing components.
3. Manage development operations; write and refresh gift acknowledgements and donor correspondence; ensure acknowledgements are accurate, timely and appropriate; maintain proper and accurate gift records in Raisers Edge, and hard copy where needed. Reconcile Development staff records for Capital Campaign with Finance staff records.
4. Manage the planning and execution of all aspects of Hearts on Fire including budget and pre-event, during, and post-event activities. Work with JRH management and Board Development Committee to select honorees and recruit event co-chairs. Work with Board, Co-Chairs and Development Committee to sell sponsorships and underwriting, tables, ads and tickets. Manage all deadlines, correspondence with multiple parties, and accountabilities.
5. Co-chair the Board Development Committee with a Board member and manage communications.
6. Provide administrative support for Capital Campaign:
   1. Participate on the Capital Campaign Committee and coordinate meeting scheduling,
      agendas and follow-up.
   2. Manage Capital Campaign database, correspondence and gifts/pledges with all benefactors.
   3. Develop Capital Campaign Progress Reports for the Board in conjunction with campaign consultant.
   4. Direct and support public phase of the Capital Campaign to include but not limited to collaborating on communications and press releases with Marketing staff.
7. Collaborate with the Marketing staff regarding website promotions, annual donor recognition invitation, design of Hearts on Fire artwork, print/digital communications, and post-event publicity.
8. Research, develop and write grants to secure additional funding for programs and capital projects.
9. Maintain contacts with donors, and develop and expand the existing donor base through personal contacts and visits.
10. Represent JRH at regional Jesuit and community events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of experience in fund-development or related business experience.
• Prior experience in fundraising event management with demonstrated ability to meet or exceed project goals.
• Respect for and openness to the spirituality and values of a Jesuit institution.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills that relate well to different audiences.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships and influence key stakeholders.
• Ability to take initiative and organize work independently, coordinate projects with others, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in meeting deadlines.
• Careful attention to details, accuracy and excellence in meeting project goals.
• Competence in MS Word and Excel. Experience in Raisers Edge database software.
• Ability to learn Greater Giving event management software.
• Some evening and weekend work required.

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include medical and dental insurance, and paid time off and holidays.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References

Applicants are asked to submit the required documents to Barbara Leggott at the address in the title or by email (in Microsoft Word or PDF attachment) at [email protected] as soon as possible and by August 27. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

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Office Coordinator

Position Summary: This is a part-time position (20-25 hours/week) under the supervision of the Associate Director to provide comprehensive support to the Administrative Team and manage the donor/event database.

Role and Responsibilities include the following:

• Coordinate and provide a range of administrative, clerical and phone support services.
• Assist in developing and sending letters and correspondence by US Mail and email.
• Answer phones in a welcoming and engaging manner.
• Greet retreatants and guests upon arrival and direct them to appropriate offices/rooms.
• Maintain office supply inventory.
• Retrieve digital documents and files when requested.
• Prepare materials and resources for events.
• Provide updated retreat and guest meal counts for food service/kitchen.
• Provide meeting room usage information for maintenance/housekeeping.
• Maintain the JRH retreatant /donor data base) in Raisers Edge by entering all constituent data on a timely basis, as well as all related data maintenance (processing donations, donor acknowledgement, preparing queries for reports and mailing lists, making address corrections/updates/new additions, creating/ editing donor thank you letters accurately.
• Assist in sending the Annual Appeal letters by preparing mailings and mail merge.
• Update JRH events calendar.
• Maintain Virtus training updates.
• Other duties as requested.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor or Associate Degree preferred; High School diploma required.
• The ideal candidate will be:
  • creative, personable, and work well in a team environment;
  • able to work independently in an organized, time efficient, results oriented manner;
  • attentive to detail in producing clear and accurate communications.
• The candidate will possess a high level of proficiency in the Windows/PC environment (Microsoft Office Professional software – Word, Excel); Google search skills; and database management (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and Greater Giving (preferred).
• The candidate will also possess effective verbal and written communication skills.

JRH Mission and Overview:

Jesuit Retreat House is a Catholic, non-profit organization. Our Mission Statement is as follows:

Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius,
Jesuit Retreat House provides a sacred setting for outreach, retreats and programs
of growth and development for people in the contemporary Church and society.

JRH is the first and longest continuing place in the United States providing retreats for the laity and serves over 6,000 people each year. We offer a range of day, evening and overnight  retreats and programs that serve youth and adults from Catholic, Christian and other spiritual backgrounds. We provide a place of peace, prayer and reflection where people can ponder the deepest and most important questions in their lives.

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to Barbara Leggott at the address above or by email (in Microsoft Word or PDF attachment) at [email protected] as soon as possible and by August 17.

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Facilitated by Martha Campbell, Psy.D.

This program is for Spiritual Directors, Retreat Leaders, Pastoral Ministers and Those Who Have Made the Full Spiritual Exercises   

Program is now full – please contact Martha Campbell about the Waiting List: [email protected]

Come, join the gathered community as we explore the spiritual teachings of St. John of the Cross. Poet, pastor, spiritual director and mystic, this Spanish contemporary of Ignatius Loyola, will enrich our understanding of the spiritual journey, especially beyond the beginnings. Known for his writing on “the dark night,” perhaps his greatest witness is to the transforming action of God when we become simply open to receive God’s love.

These six study/prayer sessions are designed to enrich your personal spiritual deepening for ministry and will include ritual, prayer, input, and faith-sharing, based on your prayerful reading of the text. To facilitate the process, chapter assignments will be communicated and should be read in advance. No prior knowledge of John of the Cross is necessary to participate in these sessions. The only pre-requisite is a desire to embrace God in the whole of your life.

Saturday Mornings from 9:30 – 12 noon

Coffee and Conversation beginning at 9:00 a.m.

September 15, 2018

November 17, 2018

December 15, 2018

January 19, 2019

February 16, 2019

March 16, 2019

Program cost for the series is $140, due by September 15^th, 2018

An early registration discount of $120 is available and is due by August 15^th, 2018

Program is now full – please contact Martha Campbell about the Waiting List: [email protected]

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Ignatian Currents - A Pilgrim Spirituality for the 21st Century

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Hearts on Fire 2018 was an outstanding evening in which we raised over $200,000 in total for the Jesuit Retreat House, an all-time record! Thanks to the generosity of many during our Raise-the-Paddle fundraiser, we will be able to replace our old laundry equipment and renovate our laundry room to better serve the increased need brought on by our new space.

We are incredibly humbled by your generosity and cannot thank you enough for your strong support of JRH whether through advertising, tickets, sponsorships, or donations.

Please take a moment to view our tribute videos for Martha Campbell, Bob Hager, Fr. Casey Bukala, SJ (Award accepted by Matthew Mooney), and Brian Dean. Their contributions to JRH are truly inspiring! We have heard great affirmation of the videos and wanted everyone to be able to enjoy them. You can also view a photo album of the event HERE.

The theme of this year’s event is “With God, all things are possible”, and we want to thank each of you for being the blessings that helped make this possible.

We hope that we will see you again, and that you will save the date for our next Hearts on Fire on May 10th, 2019!

Unable to attend? Click here if you would like to donate now.

Photo by Dan Morgan

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Ignatian Currents - Praying with Ignatius: Breathing into the Examen and the Prayer of Imagination

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Overview

It has been an exciting year at the Jesuit Retreat House! The new addition, after many years of prayer, planning and hard work, is now open. We are living into the dream of better serving far more people than ever before in the spirit of Ignatian spirituality. We feel very blessed to have played a part in the significant expansion of our capabilities and our facility.

In this time of new hope, change and expansion, it is more important than ever to remember our mission, and remain focused on providing programs and retreats to bring people to a deeper encounter with God. As one inspiring example for which we are very grateful, we host 3-4 day Kairos high school retreats that provide opportunities for students to contemplate God’s role in their lives and to deepen their relationship with God.

Today, young people, and all people, face increasing stresses and demands vying for their attention. They need a place that offers time for inner peace and reflection, and they find it here.

As one retreatant told us, “I feel overwhelming serenity and calm and peace when I enter here – just driving in…my life is so fast paced outside.”

In the words of Fr. Robert Welsh, S.J., “This is a place where people fall in love with Christ.” These reflections convey a profound insight into the impact that retreats rooted in the Ignatian tradition have been having on our community for the past 119 years.

Impact

We are committed to affordability and retreat fees do not cover all of our operating costs. We humbly rely on donors such as you for the funds to sustain and grow JRH. Your participation in the Annual Appeal is essential and will have a direct impact on our continued offering of vital retreats and programs. Based upon our planning to best utilize our expanded facility, we would like to present a few of our needs for your consideration and support at this time.

• Provide more programs that our community has come to enjoy and depend upon, and add
  new options for married couples, young adults, people in specific occupations, and more.
• Invest in technology that will help us meet the needs of our retreatants more efficiently
  and effectively in website registration, hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Replace laundry equipment that can no longer be adequately repaired.
• Expand our staff resources to support growing services and enhance guest hospitality.

The spirituality of St. Ignatius calls forth gratitude. Please know that we are ever grateful
for your friendship and support, which provides men and women of all ages with life
changing opportunities. Thank you for whatever you are able to give. We continue to pray
for your needs and your loved ones each day.

Click below to make your donation. Please indicate Annual Fund on the form. Thank you!

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We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to all who made our new building addition possible.

Our Dedication was truly a beautiful and memorable ceremony! It began with the Celebration of the Mass in the new Loyola Meeting Room. Fr. Brian Paulson SJ, Provincial of the Midwest Province, was Principal Celebrant with Jesuit and Diocesan priests as concelebrants. Following Mass a very moving Video of Thanks from Jesuits and JRH staff was presented. Fr. Paulson then led a blessing ritual through each room of the new addition as all present lined the hallways and sang Veni Sancte Spiritus. A reception followed.

You can view the Dedication Highlights in our photo gallery:

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