Explore our Space
The Villa Desiderata is about an hour North of Chicago, and an hour South of Milwaukee. The serenity found in our space is felt throughout our retreat center, along the beautiful seven acres of shoreline wooded property.
Choose your House
There are two different historic retreat homes on the grounds. You may rent one or both for your weekend retreat or workshop. The Main House offers a full second floor of dormitory style sleeping rooms. The Lutzhaus will accommodate a smaller group, also in dormitory style sleeping rooms.
Choose your Program
You are welcome to work with one of our experienced Facilitators for your weekend retreat. Each retreat has its own theme or focus. We use music, movie clips and small group activities to shape our retreats. Or, bring your own spiritual based activity.
Learn More
Please reach out to us through our contact page to learn more.
The Grounds
The Main House
The Main House
The Main House
A large, charming historic home with a spacious living & dining room, dormitory style sleep rooms and a Chapel for private reflection. Roman Catholic Mass is held in the Chapel on Sunday for those who are so inclined to join.
The Shoreline
The Main House
The Main House
Located on 7 beautiful acres of Pistakee Bay in McHenry, IL. Outdoor amenities include a fire pit, outdoor cooking area, labyrinth and beautiful waterfront views.
The Lutzhaus
The Main House
The Lutzhaus
A comfortable lodge with a fireplace, ample meeting/living room, a simple kitchen and dormitory style sleeping rooms. Nearly every room offers a waterfront view.
"Desiderata"
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927