Retreats
Annual retreats have many benefits for the one who aims to grow in holiness and offer a strong opportunity for spiritual formation. We must step away from the busyness of our daily lives and pause to listen to God’s voice.
Important Dates
- May 1 – Retreat Registration Opens (One retreat only; first come, first serve )
- Aug. 31 – Deadline to sign-up for first retreat
- Sept. 15 – Students can sign up for extra retreats if spots are still available
- May 1 (following year) – Deadline to complete retreat
Retreats have so much potential to completely change your life. The goal of a retreat is to allow you to encounter Christ in some way that you haven’t before. I have been on countless retreats and I continue to be amazed at the depths that Jesus is calling my heart to. I have felt Jesus’s presence in a profound way during adoration at these retreats during my time at Pius. These retreats can serve as a beginning, restart or affirmation to the holiness that all of us are called to.
Tess Timmerman '22
2025-26 Retreats from Pius X
Freshman Retreat (August 9 & 16)
All incoming freshmen are required to attend either of the day-long Freshman Retreats at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (9101 S 78th St.). They will not sign up for their retreat date until June. Each retreat is capped at 140 students. An email will be sent to the parents of incoming freshmen at that time. Freshmen – and all other grades levels – are able to register for additional retreats (if space allows) starting Sept. 1.
Mandatory for incoming freshmen. Select date that works best for you. Aims to ignite relationship with Jesus as well as with future classmates. Students will be introduced to how the faith life happens here at Pius. They will get a taste of what Restore looks like and will have Pius alum speakers give some encouragement on how to live out the faith in real ways.
Day-long Retreats
WIN #1 Retreat
100 spots
Saturday, Oct. 18- 9am-3pm
Location: TBD
Transportation? No
The Win Retreat will provide that beginning encounter with Jesus that many students have not experienced yet. We want this retreat to be fun and exciting so that these kids can see that the Catholic faith is more than a textbook. There will be activities, inspiring talks, adoration, and much more that will help them to encounter Jesus in a real way.
Women’s/Men’s Retreat
100 spots
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 6
Location: TBD
Transportation? Yes
This retreat is focused on helping the boys grow in masculinity and for the girls to grow in femininity. They will be split up (boys and girls) for talks and activities. There is a lot of value with them being split up but also they will be coming together for discussions/Mass/Adoration/panel/etc. so that they can grow together as well.
WIN #2 Retreat
100 spots
Saturday, April 18 – 9am-3pm
Location: TBD
Transportation? TBD
The Win Retreat will provide that beginning encounter with Jesus that many students have not experienced yet. We want this retreat to be fun and exciting so that these kids can see that the Catholic faith is more than a textbook. There will be activities, inspiring talks, adoration, and much more that will help them to encounter Jesus in a real way.
Senior Retreat
150 spots
Friday, April 24- 9am-3pm
@ UNL Newman Center (320 N 16th St.)
Transportation? No
Just for seniors (not required by all seniors) to hear and experience ways to live out the faith in college before they graduate. They will have a chance to be at the UNL Newman Center and choose to go to various breakout sessions that will help them with their faith in college.
Overnight Retreats
Fall Retreat
130 spots
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 8-9
Location: TBD
Transportation? Yes
The Fall Retreat has been an iconic Pius retreat. This retreat was the first and only overnight retreat for Pius which is why it has been so popular. There are many opportunities here to encounter the Lord- talks, discussions, late-night talks, adoration and overall community.
Men’s Silent Retreat
40 spots
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 21-22
Location: TBD
Transportation? Yes
For those who are desiring something deeper, this retreat is for you! This won’t be the hype, energetic, retreat that many people are used to. It will be a real chance for kids to dive deep into their faith by spending time in silence, reflection, and personal prayer. There will be talks to guide them in their reflection and a few chances for them to discuss with each other and priests what they are experiencing.
Women’s Silent Retreat
40 spots
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 21-22
Location: TBD
Transportation? No
For those who are desiring something deeper, this retreat is for you! This won’t be the hype, energetic, retreat that many people are used to. It will be a real chance for kids to dive deep into their faith by spending time in silence, reflection, and personal prayer. There will be talks to guide them in their reflection and a few chances for them to discuss with each other and priests what they are experiencing.
This retreat is focused on helping the boys grow in masculinity and for the girls to grow in femininity. They will be split up (boys and girls) for talks and activities. There is a lot of value with them being split up but also they will be coming together for discussions/Mass/Adoration/panel/etc. so that they can grow together as well.
Spring Retreat
130 spots
Saturday-Sunday, April 5-6
Location: TBD
Transportation? Yes
The Spring retreat will be the same thing as the Fall Retreat, just different speakers! Because the Fall Retreat is so popular, we want to have a ‘second fall retreat option’. This one will also be a ton of fun!!!
FAQs
How do I sign up?
Simply go to the Pius website. Underneath the ‘Faith’ tab, you will find all the retreat options as well as videos that explain what each retreat is and what you can expect on the retreat.
When do I sign up?
You can sign up beginning May 1 at 6pm. Retreats will stay open until August 31 . After August 31, sign-ups will be closed. September 15, sign-ups will reopen in case anyone would like to sign up for another retreat!
How do I know which retreat is right for me?
A great question! It is important to choose one that will help you to grow in your faith wherever you are at. We have an option for everyone so read the descriptions to see which one would benefit you in your faith journey.
Will the retreats fill up? How do I know how many can sign up?
There are limited spots for each retreat which will be noted on the website. If it fills up, you will no longer be able to access the retreat and will need to sign up for another one.
What do I do if the retreat I want is full?
If the retreat you want to be on is full, please put your name on the waitlist for that retreat. But, PLEASE still make sure you are signed up for another retreat so that you will FOR SURE have a retreat to be on.
What exactly is a silent retreat?
A silent retreat is geared at helping students to listening and discerning God’s voice. There will be talks and times of silent reflection. You can also schedule a time to meet with one of the priests there. There are scheduled events and times where students can talk to each other.
What about the diocesan retreats? Do those fulfill the retreat requirements?
Diocesan retreats still make the requirement this year. We are eager about our new retreat plan and are hopeful that all Pius kids will experience one of the Pius retreats.
What if I want to do more than one retreat?
Sign up for one retreat now so that we can get all the kids signed up. If you are interested in more, come and talk to us! There are so many great options at Pius and the Diocese. Our goal is that these retreats offered by Pius will lead you to encounter Jesus in a personal way that you desire more of it and continue to go on more retreats!
How much do these retreats cost?
All Pius retreats are free!!
How will I get to the retreat?
We will communicate details before each retreat. Some retreats will have busses to take all students while other retreats are nearby, and you will be responsible for getting yourself there. Check website for any questions!
What happens if my plans change and I can no longer do the retreat I signed up for?
If you need to switch the original retreat you signed up for, email Scotty (scott-sullivan@cdolinc.net). We will take you off the list for that retreat and will look at which retreats still have remaining spots. It is important for you to make sure you have no conflicts otherwise you might end up on a retreat that was not a preference.
What about Diocesan Retreats?
These retreat signups will be available at a later date. For now, please signup for a Pius retreat so you for sure have a spot saved.