Choosing Presence
Awakening to God's Peace and Presence
January 23-25, 2026 | Carmelite Spiritual Center
We need to stop sleep-walking through life. Awakening to presence within and around us is critical to being human, holy and alive.
OPEN TO ALL MEN
Sponsored by the St. Thomas Men's Group & Illuman of Illinois
A Personal Invitation
If you’re longing to slow down… to reconnect with your inner life… to find clarity, peace, or simply a deeper sense of God’s Presence—this retreat is for you.
For three winter days, we’ll step away from the noise of daily life and enter a sacred rhythm of stillness, reflection, brotherhood, and honest conversation. Together, we’ll explore the simple but transformative practices that help us live awake, grounded, and at peace. No experience is necessary—just an open heart and a desire to be present to yourself, to others, and to the Holy.
Practicing Presence invites men to slow down, breathe deeply, and awaken to the transforming power and gift of Divine Presence. Through engaging teachings, guided practices, councils, wandering in nature, and sacred ritual, participants will learn to cultivate a rhythm of meditation & centering, described in Jim Heaney's book Choosing Presence.
DETAILS
CHOOSING PRESENCE | Awakening to God's Peace and Presence
🗓️ January 23-25, 2026
🛏️ Room Options:
$290 - Double
$370 - Single
$235 - Commuter Rate
Includes program, room, and five meals.
RETREAT FACILITATORS
Co-led by Jim Heaney (author of Choosing Presence), Pastor Jim Taylor, and Presence Guide Brian Mueller, this retreat will ground men in the Practice of Presence—one of the Centering Touchstone practices of the Journey of Illumination.
Every participant will receive a copy of Choosing Presence and is also invited to download the free Practicing Presence - A Christian Way mobile app for continued support during and after the retreat.
REGISTER
Download Retreat Flyer
Pre-registration by January 21, 2026 — by calling (630) 969-4141 or send a message to retreatsecarmelitespiritualcenter.org.