Located in Oakville (a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri), White House Retreat is a peaceful Jesuit retreat house offering spiritual retreat experiences based on The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Our retreat center, nestled on an 80-acre campus overlooking the Mississippi River bluffs, provides a serene environment for spiritual renewal and growth.

Since 1922, White House Retreat has been hosting 3-day retreats throughout the year. Each retreat features a series of presentations based on the Spiritual Exercises, as well as opportunities for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. We welcome people of all faiths to experience the spirituality of Ignatian retreats and deepen their relationship with God.

What to Expect at White House Retreat:

• Daily Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

• Explore our picturesque grounds, including the Way of the Cross and serene shrines of the Sacred Heart, the Holy Family, Our Lady, and St. Joseph.

• Private retreat rooms with bathrooms and showers to ensure comfort and privacy.

• Ample downtime for reflection, private discernment, and relaxation.

• Opportunities for fellowship after meals for those who choose.

We do not have a fixed charge for our retreats. Instead, we ask for a freewill offering, allowing retreatants to give as they are able. This enables us to continue offering affordable spiritual retreats to those in need.

Retreat Details:

• Weekend retreats begin Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (dinner) and end Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (after lunch). Check-in runs from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Weekday retreats start Monday at 1:00 p.m. (lunch) and end Thursday at noon (brunch). Check-in runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Please note that our gates are closed until check-in and during retreats.

What To Expect-

You will be assigned a small, comfortable private room with a bathroom and shower at check-in.  Take time to settle in and make yourself at home.  You will be able to meet some of the White House staff, ask questions, get acquainted with the grounds and meet others attending the retreat.  A complete retreat itinerary can be seen here.

A staff member will greet you at check-in and is there to make sure that you have all the info you need and that you know where you need to be next.  Let the relaxation begin!  More info for first timers is available here.

Silence is an essential part and expectation of an Ignatian retreat. In the Spiritual Exercises, you journey with the Lord in a renewal of mind, body and spirit.  Silence typically begins shortly after your first meal.

Opportunities for discussion and fellowship are available after dinner for those who choose.

All meals are provided during your retreat!

Throughout the retreat there is plenty of downtime for rest, relaxation and private discernment. 

We can accommodate up to 90 people per retreat.  

If you need help setting up an account and using our online registration portal, CLICK HERE or call 314-416-6400.

CAMPUS VISITORS: If you would like to visit our grounds or walk our trail on your own, you are free to do so on Sundays from 2:00 pm to dusk. Outside of those hours the campus is closed to visitors as we have silent retreats taking place.  

For a video further explaining what an Ignatian Spirituality Retreat is and what we do here at White House, CLICK HERE.