Rostro de Cristo invites the participation of men and women from U.S. high schools, universities, parishes, seminaries, and various other associations into our retreat program. Group size is normally between ten and fourteen people. At least one person in the group should speak Spanish.

Throughout their time in Durán or Guayaquil, guests will mingle with the people in the community and spend a number of hours each day visiting and learning from community programs.  Group members will also share activities to maintain the living quarters: shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.  Each evening will culminate with a group reflection.

The retreat cost is $750 per person, plus air fare. Cost should not be an obstacle; funding information is available. U.S. passport is required, but a Visa is not required. While no shots are necessary for entry, consultation with your physician is recommended.

To learn more about how your group can participate in our retreat program email us or contact Rostro de Cristo at: (617)-746-5892

Part of your Rostro de Cristo experience was, of course, the spiritual aspect.  Take some time to think about the meaning of your spirituality and how, if at all, your faith and/or relationship with God have changed. For some people it can be difficult to try to share their experience.  However, talking about what you did and what you felt and experienced can be one of the best ways to process your experience and make meaning for your life. If you are interested in sharing your experience with others through a reflection, contact the RdC Fellow.

One aspect of the Rostro de Cristo retreat that you can work into your life here at home on a daily basis is the concept of simple living.  Ask yourself the following questions for continued reflection on how your experience in Ecuador can continue to stay with you.

1. Has your idea of simple living changed since you’ve been back?
2. How can you incorporate simple living into your life here in the U.S.?
3. Do you feel the same or differently about material possessions?
4. What did it feel like to live for a week on very little?
5. How was it to live for a week without TV, cell phone and other distractions? Did you find yourself spending more time in quality conversations and if not, how did you spend the free time in the evening?

Staying involved can be difficult when returning to the states.  Some people worry that with life’s daily activities such as school, job, family, friends, that there is the possibility to “lose” the feelings and ideas you had in Ecuador.  There might be a fear that your experience will become something that is only kept in pictures that you occasionally take out and look at.  This does not have to happen.  How can you stay involved and make life choices to stay involved?

1. Connect with Rostro de Cristo on Facebook.
2. Get involved in your campus ministry office.
3. Stay in touch with what is happening in Arbolito and Mount Sinai, and read our volunteer blogs.
4. Stay connected to those who shared your experience.
5. Check out Catholic Relief Services website and click “get involved.”
6. Incorporate what you learned about another culture into your daily life.
7. Become aware of people’s differences and how you evaluate and react to them.
8. Try new experiences at home like you did in Ecuador.
9. Most importantly, remember what you learned and allow it to continue to breathe new energy into your life here in the U.S.

Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA)

St. John Paul II High School (Barnstable, MA)

Assumption College (Worcester, MA)

St. Joseph’s University (Philadelphia, PA)

Manhattan College (Bronx, NY)

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)

College of Idaho (Caldwell, ID)

St. John’s Preparatory School (Danvers, MA)

St. John’s High School (Shrewsbury, MA)

Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)

Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)

Fordham University (Bronx, NY)

Notre Dame Prep School (Fitchburg, MA)

Fairfield Preparatory School (Fairfield, CT)

Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA)