Retreats and religious pilgrimages are part of the offered experience at a Catholic college. Typically retreats and religious pilgrimages offered at Catholic colleges are voluntary, to accommodate students from different faiths and backgrounds.
There are plenty of different types of retreats that Catholic colleges offer that can be enjoyed by all students. Freshmen retreats are offered by many Catholic colleges to help new college students build community, deepen their faith, and become familiar with their surroundings as they transition into college life. Throughout the year, there may be different retreats offered, like themed retreats, prayer or silent retreats, or even weekend retreats. Retreats are typically led by Campus Ministries, but some may be part of a club or student organization. Some retreats may be longer, maybe a week or so, but these typically happen during a break, such as summer or spring break.
Religious Pilgrimages are also a part of Catholic college life. These are voluntary, as Catholic colleges are very inclusive of all faiths in their student body. These religious pilgrimages may be a day, a weekend, or longer, depending on where the pilgrimage is to. Some locations could be a local cathedral, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., or even Rome or The Holy Land.
Religious Pilgrimages offer students great opportunity to connect with the history and culture of their faith while deepening their relationship with God and experiencing the Church in new ways. They are often accompanied by college faculty, or clergy members. These Pilgrimages often line up with important liturgical seasons, such as easter, lent, and advent. Other pilgrimages may also take place during breaks in the academic year, such as summer.
Retreats and religious pilgrimages are a standard part of the experience offered at many Catholic colleges. However, not every Catholic college operates the same way or provides the same opportunities. For more specific information about the retreats and religious pilgrimages offered by a Catholic college, inquire with an admissions officer or check the website of the college(s) you are interested in.