Welcome to the website of the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois.We believe that God is present in every person, event, and experience of our lives. Sometimes we need to get away or slow down to listen to our life – to the voice of God. The belief that God speaks through and embraces every experience of our life underlies all the programs we offer here at the Carmelite Spiritual Center.
The rich tradition of Carmelite spirituality and hospitality provides a setting for a variety of programs for men and women seeking a deeper experience of God and of themselves. We welcome groups who facilitate their own meetings, retreats, or workshops.
Our staff welcomes you with warm and respectful hospitality. Our website explains our programs and facility. Only you know the longing that is God calling from within and beyond. We offer time and space to help you listen more clearly to the God Who is always present. ~ Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm., Director
Accommodations
Our facility offers 30 comfortable rooms with private baths.
The entire facility is air-conditioned and for everyone’s health and safety, there is no smoking indoors. Delicious home-cooked meals and hospitality of our staff are hallmarks of our Center.
Meeting Rooms
The Spiritual Center has several multipurpose meeting rooms accommodating groups from 15 to 150.
All are comfortable, carpeted spaces ideal for retreats, days of renewal, seminars and conferences. Call office for rates and availability.
Our Staff
Sr. Jane Schlosser, and Fr. Bob Colaresi
Sr. Jane Schlosser, RSM, offers a variety of programs both at the Center and off site. A brochure describing these programs is available by calling the Center. Sr. Jane holds an MA in Religious Education and a Doctorate in Ministry and has been at the Center since 1988.
Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. is the Director of the Spiritual Center and the Society of the Little Flower. He holds MA degrees in Religious Education and Medieval History. In addition to his work at the Center, Fr. Bob guides popular pilgrimage experiences.
National Shrine of St. Thérèse
Our complex is also home to the beautiful Shrine, Museum and Chapel devoted to Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower. The lovely Chapel and Museum, open to the public everyday, have been enlarged and renovated and provide a prayerful space for your private reflection.
Mass is offered Monday-Friday at 11:30 AM in the Chapel.
Carmelite Gift Shop
The newly expanded gift shop carries a wonderful variety of religious art, gifts, music and books. A special children’s section carries quality, age appropriate books and videos. There is an especially good selection of gifts for Christmas, First Communions, Baptisms, Weddings, etc. Their new website offers a limited but growing selection of merchandise from the store.
The Gift Shop is open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM.
Directions
Situated off the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) in the western suburb Darien, Illinois the Carmelite Spiritual Center is easily reached by car.
From the North:
I -294 South to I -55 South. Exit I-55 at Cass Avenue North. Turn left at first stop light (North Frontage Road); proceed to Bailey Road, turn right. Turn right into parking lot at second driveway. Spiritual Center is the first building on the left.
From the South:
I-294 North to I-55 South. Exit I-55 at Cass Ave. North and proceed as above.
From the West:
I-355 South to I-55 North. Exit at Cass Ave. North and proceed as above.
From Route 80:
From the West, Rte. 80 East to I-55 North, exit Cass Ave. North and proceed as above. From the East, Rte. 80 West to I-294 North to I-55 South. Exit Cass Ave. North and proceed as above.
Registration for Programs and Retreats
Click here to complete the Registration Form
(One form may be used to register for multiple events)
Complete and print the registration form pdf. Mail with deposit to the Carmelite Spiritual Center.
Not ready to register?
For more information, write or call the Center:
Phone: 630/969-4141
Fax: 630/969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org
Office hours are 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday.
