​Background / General
What is a retreat?
A retreat is a time to get away from our busy lives to turn our hearts to the Lord. It offers a unique opportunity to encounter the sacraments, in addition to providing time and space to gain perspective into our spiritual lives. It is an opportunity to learn and grow both as individuals and as members of a larger Catholic community.

What is Baltimore Frassati?
The Baltimore Frassati Fellowship (“Frassati”) is a Catholic fellowship for young adults in their 20s and 30s in the Baltimore area. Under the direction of the Dominican friars at Saints Philip and James Catholic Church, Frassati hosts a variety of events focused on community, service, and the Eucharist in Baltimore and surrounding areas. To find out more, please visit us at baltimorefrassati.org.

Who should come to this retreat?
This retreat is open to young adults in their 20s and 30s who are Catholic, becoming Catholic, or are interested in deepending their relationship with Christ through the traditions of the Catholic faith. Single, married, or engaged young adults are all welcome to attend. However, this retreat is intended for young adults only, as, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children or infants.

Can I come if I am not Catholic?
Absolutely! This retreat is for everyone. Feel free to ask a million questions. If you let any one of the retreat team members know you are new to this Catholic thing, we will be sure to take care of you an extra 150%!

Will food be provided?
Yes. Friday night pizza will be provided. The retreat center will provide buffet-style meals: 3 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. This is all included in the cost of your retreat fee. The snacks you bring to share with the group will be available between meals, so you will be able to munch if you are hungry. If you list your food allergies on the registration form, the kitchen staff at Mar-Lu-Ridge will be informed of your dietary restrictions. When dining at the retreat, simply ask the kitchen staff which items are safe for you to consume. However, we will be providing our own pizza on Friday night, so if that is not compatible with your dietary restrictions, please be sure to eat before you arrive.

Logistics
How will I get to the retreat?
Because attendees will be coming from all over, we ask that you be responsible for your own transportation. There will be no formal carpool organized by the retreat team. Directions to Mar-Lu-Ridge are provided here.

Will check-in be at Saints Philip and James?
No, all check-in for the retreat will be at Mar-Lu-Ridge.

What should I pack?
  • Sleeping bag or sheets/blankets
  • Pillow
  • A snack to share with the group (example: a bag of oranges)
  • Comfortable and modest clothes and shoes appropriate for walking around. Please pack an outfit appropriate for Mass.
  • An appropriately warm jacket and other cold-weather accessories
  • Basic toiletries and necessary medications/personal items
  • A personal towel
  • Shower shoes
  • Toiletries
  • A Bible
  • Pen
  • Flashlight
  • Please do not bring laptops or other non-essential electronic devices
Optional Items:
  • Journal/notepad
  • Water bottle
  • Exercise clothing
  • Rosary beads, or other personal prayer materials

What are the sleeping arrangements at Mar-Lu-Ridge?
There are multiple beds in each (heated) cabin, which will be separated by gender. The cabins have private bathrooms and a shower. The individual beds have plain single mattress, so be sure to bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets. Don’t forget a pillow!

Will I have free time during retreat?
Certainly! There will be some free time to rest, engage with other members on retreat, go to confession, and enjoy the beautiful grounds at Mar-Lu-Ridge.

Other
I can’t be there for the whole weekend. Can I still come on retreat?
In order to experience fully all that this retreat has to offer, we highly recommend you stay for the whole weekend. However, if this is not logistically possible, please contact us to see how we can coordinate with you.

Do I have to spend the night at the retreat center?
In order to be fully present on retreat, we kindly ask that you spend the night on site. This also helps with logistics of our events. If this poses a concern, please contact our team so that we can arrange your stay as necessary.

Will there be Wi-Fi?
No, and we kindly ask that you refrain from all non-essential use of electronic devices, including social media, during the retreat.

What if I need a refrigerator to store medications?
Not a problem! In our main meeting space, there will be a full-size refrigerator that just our group can use.