Over 30 Gather for Transformative Fall Sanctus Retreat at the Abbey of the Hills
Sessions explored core aspects of the spiritual life, including the Experience of God, Prayer, Conditions for Spiritual Growth, Detachment & Abandonment, and Holy Friendship.
Sioux Falls, SD – March 31, 2026 — Lolek Ministries recently hosted more than 30 individuals from across eastern South Dakota for its Fall Sanctus Retreat, held March 27–29, 2026, at the peaceful Abbey of the Hills in Marvin, South Dakota.
The Sanctus Retreats are intentionally designed for young people who desire to grow deeper in their spiritual lives. These formative weekends offer a focused opportunity to encounter God more intimately through prayer, silence, and the sacraments.
This year’s retreat was enriched by the presence of Lolek’s dedicated mentoring team, joined by Fr. Joe Vogel, Fr. Michael Kapperman, and two sisters from Pro Ecclesia Sancta. Participants immersed themselves in a rhythm of prayerful formation: they heard inspiring talks, dedicated several hours each day to sacred silence, met one-on-one with mentors, and actively participated in the Sacraments.
The theme, “On Prayer and Experience of God,” drew primarily from the timeless teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross and found the text Fire Within by Thomas Dubay. Sessions explored core aspects of the spiritual life, including the Experience of God, Prayer, Conditions for Spiritual Growth, Detachment & Abandonment, and Holy Friendship.
Many attendees left renewed, with fresh insights into how to pursue a deeper union with Christ in their daily lives and could articulate well their own experience of God.
Lolek Ministries extends heartfelt thanks to the Abbey of the Hills for their generous hospitality, to our guest priests and sisters for their faithful accompaniment, and to all the young people who courageously stepped away from the noise of the world to seek the Lord in silence and prayer.
We are already looking forward to the next Sanctus Retreat, scheduled for November 2026 at St. Mary Parish in Dell Rapids. Details and registration information will be shared in the coming months.
If you know a young person who might benefit from this kind of intentional spiritual formation, we invite you to keep Sanctus Retreats in your prayers and share the opportunity with them.