Fr. Joe Schad, SJ

Joe Schad, SJ, is originally from South Philadelphia.  He attended St. Joe’s Prep, where he first encountered the Jesuits. He graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), with a BFA in the graphic arts program. Afterwards, Fr. Joe spent most of a year discerning his vocation at a Trappist monastery in North Carolina. Following two years with Peace Corps, he worked in JVC as a crisis counselor. He entered the Society of Jesus 44 years ago and has just celebrated 33 years as a Jesuit priest. His formation studies were at Gonzaga and the Jesuit School of Theology (JSTB) in Berkeley, where he focused on Rahner and Narrative Theology. After ordination, Fr. Joe was assigned to Fairfield University, where he taught media studies and later joined the Campus Ministry team. He completed his Tertianship in Australia, as a prelude to Final Vows. He then was named Pastor at St. Leonhard Parish in Frankfurt, Germany. On his return, he received certification as a spiritual director from the Center of Religious Development (CRD) in Cambridge and was missioned to the Holy Spirit Retreat Center, in Anchorage, AK. In  preparation for assignment as a chaplain, Fr. Joe completed his clinical practice training at Loyola University Medical Center. For over 16 years, initially at Mercy Hospital in Portland, then later at Georgetown University and St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT., he offered pastoral presence and support to patients and their families. Throughout these years, Fr. Joe has provided individual spiritual direction, as well as, facilitating retreats and days of reflection, focusing on Ignatian Spirituality and Centering Prayer. He has studied Zen Buddhism, as well as, other world religions. His personal interests include collecting rare illustrated books and prints, traditional music and travel.

Upcoming Programs by Fr. Joe Schad, SJ

Busy Person's Retreat

Also With Sister Kathy Benham, IHM and Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ

Flexible Dates

The Busy Person’s Retreat is an experience designed to support you to connecting with God in your daily, ordinary life.  During these days, you will be encouraged to take the time to pray on your own for about 30 minutes each day.  Daily 30 minute meetings with your spiritual director either in-person or via Zoom […]

Companions on the Road: An Advent Journey

Also With Michelle Gomez

December 4, 2024

Join us for a Day of Prayer in preparation for Christmas. We invite you to slow down during this busy season and take some time to prayerfully reflect on the events preceding the birth of Christ. We will creatively explore the Annunciation, the Visitation and the journey to Bethlehem through Scripture, music, and reflection. There […]

Advent Directed Retreat Extended 2024

Also With Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ and Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN

December 6 - 13, 2024

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God's voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes. Our Spiritual Directors on staff will […]

Winter Directed Retreat 2025

Also With Sister Mary Ellen Higgins, IHM, Sister Clare A. D’Auria OSF, Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN and Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ

January 20 - 27, 2025

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God's voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes. Our Spiritual Directors on staff will […]

Winter Directed Retreat Weekend 2025

Also With Sister Mary Ellen Higgins, IHM, Sister Clare A. D’Auria OSF, Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN, Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ and Sister Ruthann O'Mara, SSJ

January 24 - 26, 2025

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God's voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes. Our Spiritual Directors on staff will […]

Spring Directed Retreat Weekend 2025

Also With Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ and Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN

May 23 - 25, 2025

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God's voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes. Our Spiritual Directors on staff will […]

Summer Directed Retreat I 2025

Also With Buff Barnes, Sister Pat Mensing, SSJ, Sr. Mary Elizabeth Looby, GNSH, Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN, Sister Margaret Scott, aci and Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ

July 8 - 15, 2025

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God’s voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes.  Each director possesses […]

Summer Directed Retreat II 2025

Also With Sister Karen Doyle, SSJ, Sister Clare A. D’Auria OSF, Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ, Linda Robinson, Sister Catherine Anne Soley, ra and Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN

July 17 - 24, 2025

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God’s voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes.  Each director possesses […]