PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The mission statement of the Rice School states that the means of preparing lay leaders include both formal education and spiritual formation. The spiritual enrichment portion of our program includes the annual Day of Gathering in September each year, the prayer at the beginning of each class session, and especially the annual retreat.

Every student is REQUIRED to make a retreat each year that they are enrolled. This annual retreat is, in fact, a requirement for graduation.

The goals of the retreat are three fold:
1. To have the time, environment, and encouragement to pray
2. To integrate the academic experience with one's spiritual life
3. To build the community of the school by sharing the retreat experience with others.


RETREAT OPTIONS

Rice School Week-end Retreat held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice:
This retreat begins on Friday evening, with a presentation on the theme for the retreat. Presentations are followed by silent time for prayer and reflection; and for discussion if desired. Morning Prayer is celebrated on Saturday and Sunday mornings; with the Vigil of the Sunday Mass celebrated on Saturday evening.

Rice School Students may also meet their retreat requirement by attending the annual Directed Retreat at OLPH Retreat Center in June.

OLPH Retreat Center Location (map below)

3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, FL 34292

I-75 exit 193, Jacaranda Blvd. Proceed North .8 miles to Border Road. Right on border Road and proceed to end. Right on South Moon Drive, bear to left, continuing to OLPH which is at the end of South Moon Drive.