Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
As of August 17, 2021 we are requiring masks and social distancing while indoors for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. Mask wearing is not required while outside or while in your room. This is in accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago and Cook County guidelines. Dining arrangements are such that each person sits 6 feet apart. Please bring mask(s) with you for your retreat.
Social distancing and mask wearing for all retreatants and staff is required to protect the health and safety of all who come to Bellarmine. Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth and should fit snugly against the sides of your face and under the chin.
In the event that COVID numbers decline, we may require only non-vaccinated individuals to socially distance and wear masks. Therefore, when registering for a retreat, we have added the following question to determine which of two groups you fall into:
1) Fully vaccinated and do not need social distancing
2) Either not fully vaccinated or requests social distancing.
Fully vaccinated is defined as having received two shots of the vaccine in a 2-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) and the last shot was at least 2 weeks ago; or one shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and the shot was at least 2 weeks ago.
Understanding the categories will help us appropriately plan for the needs of each retreat group and be able to respond to the changing environment created by the pandemic.
As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated, "being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good."
If you are sick or feeling ill, please stay home and care for your health.
How will I know if your COVID guidelines change?
If you are registering for an event between September 2021 and May 2022, please provide your most often checked email address and phone number so that we can keep you informed of any changes that may occur. In the meantime, we are asking about vaccination status and socially distancing needs to prepare the appropriate amount of spacing for each retreat group.
Additional COVID-19 Precautions
We have Filter Queen Defenders portable air purifiers throughout the retreat house (filters 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 micron, 3x better-than-HEPA filtration, ozone free, hospital approved).
We open windows to ensure both filtration and ventilation in our common area rooms and are dining room is set up for social distancing.
After Your Retreat:
- Should you be diagnosed with COVID-19 within 10 days of your Bellarmine retreat, please promptly inform us so that we may notify your fellow retreatants of their possible exposure.
- If any guest or employee contracts COVID-19, Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House will promptly inform retreatants who were exposed.
Still Have Questions?
We understand you may have additional questions or concerns about attending a retreat at this time. Please call us at 847-381-1261. We are happy to help allay your concerns and explain in additional detail our safety standards and protocols. Please know that the safety of all guests and staff is our top priority and the guiding force of all that we do during this unprecedented time.