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
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 […]
A Hidden Wholeness: Discovering God Through Photography
We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent and God is shining through it all the time. God manifests Himself everywhere, in everything - in people and in things and in nature and in events ... The only thing is we don't see it ... I have no program for this seeing. It […]
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 Mary Carboy, SSJ
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 […]
The Retreat That Never Ends: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
This 5-day preached retreat will provide space for people of all backgrounds to experience Ignatian Spirituality. We will begin to explore the Spiritual Exercises through a series of daily presentations, along with opportunities for reflection and prayer. This compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices were developed by St. Ignatius Loyola to help us deepen […]
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, Sister Kathy Benham, IHM and Sr. Mary Elizabeth Looby, GNSH
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 […]
Fall Directed Retreat I 2025
Also With Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN, Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ, Sister Mary Carboy, SSJ, Buff Barnes, Sister Jean Marie Holup, SS.C.M. and Sister Mercedes Rojo, OSF
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 […]
Fall Directed Retreat II 2025
Also With Sister Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN, Sister Carmen Cabrejos, ACJ and Mary Pollini
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 […]