St. Thomas Retreat Center
Our mission is to provide you a sacred time & sacred space as you seek a deeper relationship with the Lord.
By definition to “retreat” means to turn back. We can take time away from our busy lives to sit in the presence of God to regroup and regain our center. Only then can we go forth in the peace of Christ to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth.
A spiritual retreat is a powerful way for you to increase your faith.
The Bible is filled with examples of those who have briefly removed themselves from their daily world to become closer to God.
A spiritual retreat will bring you closer to God
Whether you’ve been on a spiritual path your entire life or just starting…
…whether you are you going through a major transition, a spiritual crisis, or just want to escape the pressures of the world…
This is the right place to discover significant personal and spiritual growth through a Christian spiritual retreat.
A sacred space for all those who wish to retreat to the Lord. there is a quiet place to pray, learn, share, and commune with nature in the presence of God. We has developed, organized, and led meaningful Christian retreats for over thirty years.
How Does the Retreat Process Work?
Christian retreats in all varieties: Spiritual, Historical, Theological, Conceptual, Personal or any variety you can imagine.
You may choose a personal retreat or join with others in a group retreat.
Your retreat can be one of our timeless retreats or a custom retreat designed around a theme of your choosing. Your retreat can be one day or one weekend. It can be held at any location. And, you can afford this priceless retreat.
The process is simply to answer a series of questions designed to bring you closer to God.
First, would you prefer a pre-designed or customized retreat?
“Faithful Choices” is a group of ten popular retreats that struck a responsive chord among hundreds of previous participants.
“Retreat Creations” is the proven process by which our Directors work with you to design a retreat tailored just for you and your parish, group, or organization
When, how long, where, and how large?
When would you like your retreat? Retreats are scheduled for any time of the year.
How long would you like your retreat to be? Retreats are as short as one day or as long as three days.
Where would you like your retreat to occur? Any retreat is offered at a site of your choosing.
How large will your retreat be? Retreat sizes range from a single individual to a small (1-4 participants), medium (5-12 participants), or large (13 or more) group of participants.
And the cost?
We will find a cost that can fit into the tightest of budgets. Prices are determined by multiple factors, including group size, location, etc.
At a glance the process of developing your retreat may seem complicated. However, because of our proven and superior process, you’ll be surprised how easy it is.
St. Thomas the Apostle
St. Thomas the Apostle of Jesus Christ
Little is recorded of him but it is well documented that he was a dedicated follower of Christ. Thomas urged the other Apostles to go with Jesus on the dangerous trip to Judea to visit an ill Lazarus. "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16).
However, St. Thomas is best remembered as the Apostle who questioned whether the other Apostles had actually seen Christ after the Easter Sunday resurrection. He simply refused to accept that which he had not personally experienced. “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” (John 320:25b)
Before Christ appeared again eight days later Thomas was rebuked for his skepticism. Now, the doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 26b-29).
According to tradition, St. Thomas traveled to India in 52 AD where he preached the Gospel. While in India Thomas preached and baptized several people who are today known as Saint Thomas Christians or Nasranis. He is often regarded as the Patron Saint of India, architects and builders. His remains are held in the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle in Ortona, Italy.
St. Thomas Retreat Center
St. Thomas Retreat Center has proud history.
We have been organizing and conducting retreats for over 30 years for various parishes and have served many visitors from many denominations to provide deeply spiritual experiences within their own communities. St. Thomas Retreat Center was founded in Mansfield, Ohio in 2005.
The name St. Thomas was chosen for two reasons: Uncle Thomas and St. Thomas the Apostle.
Archbishop Richards’ uncle was Thomas Richards, a Christian whose service was a beacon of light as he grew up.
And why St. Thomas?
Bishop Richrds believes there are strong spiritual links between St. Thomas the Apostle and a spiritual retreat. St. Thomas the Apostle is often interpreted in a negative light; he is labeled in history as “doubting Thomas.”
St. Thomas in a different light and that difference has become the heart of the Retreat Center. Retreat attendees all have doubts and questions on a spiritual level. Finding answers is not always an easy process; sometimes we need to help one another. Thomas humbled himself by putting his questions into words, thereby giving us the freedom to do the same. St. Thomas explored his faith and so can we.
Retreats are a time of prayer, instruction, study, reflection, activity, fellowship, resting in the Lord, fun, and yes, questions. St. Thomas Retreat Center is all about discovering answers to your questions and building on your faith’s foundations.