Mission Statement

Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, grounded in the Catholic tradition, provides opportunities for spiritual growth to all people on their journey toward God, in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection. 

History

“Many of the most important decisions of my life have come to me during a retreat or have been finalized there…I doubt whether there could have been the same insights, convictions, courage and results.” 
 
         - Bishop Topel
           Immaculate Heart Retreat Center
           Visionary

Bishop Topel, visionary of the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, understood there was a need for everyone to receive spiritual renewal.  For laity men and women as well as religious and clergy, Bishop Topel envisioned a peaceful and private place where one could take quiet walks, reflect, pray and reconnect with God.

He desired to address this need by building a retreat center encouraging people of all faiths to experience community, explore relationships and discover what gives their lives meaning and direction.

In 1957 Bishop Topel appointed Monsignor Rosage as the first Diocesan Retreat Director and founder, and by 1958 Msgr. Rosage had organized a retreat apostolate, purchased several acres at the foot of Tower Mountain and gathered the people of the diocese to build and fund the retreat center. 

Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, opening its doors February 29th, 1959, continues to be a living and vibrant religious institution, located East of the Cascades in the Inland Northwest and part of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a retreat?   St. Mark describes it best in Chapter 6 verse 31.  “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.”  A retreat is a place to come away from the hectic schedule of our everyday life and reconnect with our God in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.
   
   
2. Who can make a retreat?  All people who are on their journey to God.
   
   
3. How much does a retreat cost?  A day of prayer, including lunch is $30.  A weekend retreat for a private or group retreat is $170 per weekend which includes five meals and lodging. 

 
Facts

1. The Immaculate Heart Retreat Center served 6200 retreatants in the fiscal year of 2007.
   
   
2. The Immaculate Heart Retreat Center is a Catholic retreat center that serves all Christian denominations. Retreatants include youth, adults, seniors, single parents, married couples and the physically handicapped.
   
   
3. For the 6200 retreatants served, $12,000 was used for financial assistance. 

Road to Discovery

You are welcome to join us for the one hour journey, Road to Discovery, which takes you into the heart of the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center.  The Road to Discovery gives you the opportunity to explore our programs, listen to others share their stories of hope, peace and healing and realize how the facility can meet your needs.  To schedule a private or group journey contact Aileen Fields, Development Manager.

Testimonials

People from all walks of life come to the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center seeking spiritual renewal and the hope, peace and healing that only God can provide. While some are experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one, trying to survive cancer or simply in need of a day to rest from the hectic schedule of everyday life, all come here to reconnect with God in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.    The following stories are personal testimonies of positive change that have occurred in the lives of retreatants from the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. 

Carolyn - Annual Retreatant

“I began a journey at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in 1964 when I was 17 years old. Little did I know then, that this Holy Place would literally save my life.  I grew up in an alcoholic home where I suffered much emotional pain.  Day to day living became complicated, so I made the choice turning to alcohol to numb my pain.  At IHRC, in silence and serenity, I experienced the release of all my pain, suffering and alcohol dependency.  I allowed God to fill my soul with His words and immense love.  Attending yearly retreats has given me the strength and grace to renew my marriage, raise my children and walk unafraid into my golden years.”

Bob - Men’s Holy Week Retreat

“My wife died of cancer six months ago.  While attending the Men’s Holy Week retreat, I was in need of spiritual renewal, and I couldn’t have had a better experience.  I discovered God gives me constant loving care, and I feel more encouraged about coping with my loss.” 

Ernie and Leigh - Marriage Encounter

“Ernie and I had forgotten why we fell in love and married.  We were living separate lives, together.  The Immaculate Heart Retreat Center provided a setting where we felt the spirit of God.  We fell in love all over again.”

Stephanie - High School Youth Retreatant

“I have been on retreat three times, and each one feels like a building experience towards hope and healing.  In the beginning of my journey, I knew I was holding onto a lot of past broken friendships and regrets.  As I began to talk about my experiences, others realized what I was going through, and the support I received was overwhelming!  Spiritually I have grown so much.  Feeling hope and healing is like being struck by lightening with a new found energy to want to go out and say how sorry I am to those whom I have hurt.  I learned that God works in many amazing ways, and that He is always there.”

Anonymous - Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat

“My life has been difficult.  Trying to deal with post abortion issues on my own has been more than I can bear.  When I came to Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, I found a quiet, safe place and gained an experience that has moved me to the path of recovery and true reconciliation with Christ.  I believe doors were opened to my spirit that I thought had long since been closed.  I have hope.”

Peggy - Healing Retreat

“Five years ago, I went through a very hard marital crisis.  In the last few years, I had started a healing process, but I still felt emotionally stuck.  I finally came to a Healing Retreat where I learned to surrender and forgive myself.  I gained real hope and the tools to move on spiritually.  Now I can give to others the hope and love that I have received." 

Martin - Day of Prayer

Ensure the continuing mission of Immaculate Heart Retreat Center by donating today!