A Mary and Elizabeth Women’s Retreat
UW Newman Center
June 5–6, 2026
$85 for the weekend*
We invite you to join the Mary and Elizabeth Ministry for our annual women’s retreat featuring Claire Dwyer and Fr. Dominic David, O.P. The retreat will kick off Friday evening. We will return to the UW Newman Center on Saturday for a full day together. We look forward to experiencing the Lord through the sacraments, prayer, adoration, and fellowship!
*Thank you to our generous donors who have helped subsidize this retreat! Assistance is available for those facing financial barriers to attending. Please contact us using the e-mail address below for more information.
Questions?
Email maryelizabeth@bspwa.org or review our information below.
About the Retreat
Join us for a meaningful women’s retreat, Transformed by Love, where we will reflect on the profound spirituality and insights of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. This retreat invites you to encounter God’s transformative love and embrace a life rooted in grace. Together, we will explore what it means to live in union with God in every circumstance, gain a deeper understanding of the different temperaments and how each is uniquely called to holiness, and reflect on how God lovingly transforms us without changing the essence of who we are. Through prayer, reflection, and discussion, we will also discover what it truly means to receive God’s love and how to open our hearts more fully to it in our daily lives.
About Our Speakers
Claire Dwyer is an author, speaker, creative coach, and passionate believer in the power of knowing and embracing one’s personal, unrepeatable vocation.
As the Director of Communications for the Avila Foundation, she works alongside a team compelled to help the Catholic faithful move deeper into prayer, discover their vocation, and fully live their baptismal call.
Her bestselling book, This Present Paradise, introduced thousands to the life and spiritual legacy of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity—a hidden Carmelite mystic who has recently emerged to inspire clergy, religious, and laity around the world.
Claire lives in Phoenix with her family, where she devours books, soaks up sun, and drinks altogether too much coffee.
Fr. Dominic David Maichrowicz, O.P. is the Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, June 5
Evening Only
6:30 pm - Check in, Happy Hour and Book Signing
7:15 pm - Opening Remarks
7:30 pm - Session 1
Heaven Begins Now – Our Union with God, Claire Dwyer
8:30 pm - Compline, Adoration and Confession
10:00 pm - Depart
_______
Saturday, June 6
Full Day
8:30 am - Morning Prayer and Mass
9:30 am - Coffee and Pastries
10:00 am - Session 2
The Temperaments – Our Call to Holiness, Claire Dwyer
11:00 am - Optional Discussion Groups and Break
11:30 am - Session 3
Reflection, Fr. Dominic David, OP
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 pm - Choice Session 1
Confession, Guided Activity
2:30 pm - Choice Session 2
Confession, Guided Activity
3:30 pm - Session 4
Let Yourself be Loved, Claire Dwyer
4:30 pm - Closing Prayer and Remarks
4:45 pm - Happy Hour and Book Signing
Location and Parking
UW Newman Center 4502 20th Avenue NE
Directions: From I-5 (Exit 169 / NE 45th St), travel east on NE 45th St and turn left at 20th Ave NE. The center is the brick building on the corner.
Please note: The UW Newman Center parking lot is reserved for our priests, speakers, and those with limited mobility.
Parking Options
On-Site Parking: Reserved for those with limited mobility. If you require access, please indicate this on your registration form or email us at maryelizabeth@bspwa.org and we’ll be in touch!
Paid On-Campus: University of Washington N05 Lot
Directions: Printable directions HERE or see map below.
From NE 45th St, turn right on Memorial Way NE at the main campus entrance. Turn left onto E Stevens Way after the gatehouse to access the lot.
Payment: The N05 lot is pay-by-phone only via the app or PayByPhone website (Lot #123214). The cost is $6.75 on Friday and Saturday. After parking, walk back to NE 45th St, cross the street, and walk 2–3 blocks east to reach the center.
Free Parking: Available at Blessed Sacrament (approximately 1 mile away) for those who prefer to walk or carpool.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not Catholic. May I still attend the retreat? You would be very welcome at the retreat! Although the talks are by a Dominican Priest and a Catholic speaker, the content is applicable to all who are trying to grow in their faith. In addition, there will be opportunities to meet other women and time set aside for prayer and/or personal reflection. You are welcome to attend as many (or as few) of the retreat sessions as you'd like.
Will food be provided at the retreat? Yes! Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and hor d'oeuvres will be provided during happy hour on Friday and Saturday evenings. Breakfast pastries and lunch will be provided on Saturday. Please indicate any food allergies or restrictions on your registration form. We can also store some items in a refrigerator as needed. We are happy to accommodate!
I have difficulties with mobility. Is this event accessible? Most of our scheduled events will take place on the ground floor of the UW Newman Center. If you wish to go upstairs for meals, quiet reflection, or socializing, there is an elevator on-site. If you have limited mobility, please check the box on your registration form to guarantee a dedicated a parking spot in the on-site lot.
May I bring my child? “Babes in arms” are welcome at the retreat! Please let us know on the registration form if you will need a mother’s room.
Should I bring anything to the retreat? Feel free to bring your journal, rosary and/or Bible for use during times of adoration or personal reflection.
I can’t attend both days! Is one day registration available? We would be blessed to have you join us, even if it is only for one day! We are able to offer a discounted “Friday only” registration rate of $30. Please reach out to us at maryelizabeth@bspwa.org to receive the registration code. Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer a discounted rate for Saturday only.
Additional Questions?
Email us at:
maryelizabeth@bspwa.org