Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Catholic men’s retreat returns to Lake Coeur d’Alene this October
More than 150 Catholic men will gather at Lake Coeur d’Alene Oct. 2-4 for prayer, fellowship, sacraments and spiritual renewal at the 31st annual men’s retreat.
By Lisa Ormond | FāVS News Reporter
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — More than 150 Catholic men will trade the noise of everyday life for a weekend of prayer, fellowship and spiritual renewal on the shores of Coeur d’Alene Lake at the 2026 Inland Northwest Men’s Retreat, Oct. 2 – 4.
“You can go to this retreat and be made a new man,” said 2026 Retreat Committee Chair Shane Macaulay. “There is nothing like it.”
The annual event brings men ages 15 to 90 together from Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon and California to strengthen their relationships with God and build lasting connections with one another.
“This retreat is a powerful way to reset and restart one’s faith direction and with so many graces available people have left totally changed. It is just what happens,” Macaulay said.
Serving and supporting men
The event is sponsored and hosted by the St. Thomas the Apostle Knights of Columbus. A 15-member volunteer committee from Northern Idaho and Spokane area parishes meet year-round to plan and organize the October gathering.
Jim Ferraro, a longtime committee member, has volunteered to help for 24 years.
“It’s a labor of love to help these men grow in their faith and come closer to Christ,” Ferraro said.
At 28, first-year committee member Isadore Goldstein is its youngest and newest member. He said he first attended this all-male gathering about five years ago but had a true desire to go when he was 18.
“I really wanted to attend, but my family couldn’t afford it,” Goldstein said.
He received a helping hand, a scholarship and an invitation from a Knight at his home parish of St. Joan of Arc in Post Falls.
“It was really life changing,” Goldstein reflected. “This retreat had and still has a big impact on my spiritual compass.”
Take time away with Jesus
This year’s retreat theme is “Living Catholic Life to the Fullest,” and the committee had a specific vision in mind this year.
“We chose that title because it expresses what the retreat is trying to accomplish, and what it offers in the way of sacraments, prayer, adoration and excellent, enriching talks,” Macaulay said.
The three-day event takes place at Camp Lutherhaven’s 60-acre lakeside facility eight miles south of Coeur d’ Alene. Tall trees, calm waters and inspirational views offer an ideal backdrop for a deep faith dive.
Featured speakers
In its 31st year, the retreat committee promises a memorable experience whether a participant comes one day or all three starting with the two headline speakers who will give approximately seven talks and host a Q&A session.
“This is going to be one of our best retreats with a powerful and popular national speaker in Jesse Romero, and an excellent priest, the Rev. John Mosier of St. Mark’s of Boise, who is well liked throughout the region,” Macaulay said.
retreat master. He is a
three-time World Police Olympics boxing champion, former U.S.A. middleweight kickboxing champion, and retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy. He has a Master’s Degree in
Catholic Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. (Contributed).
“Through these presentations, you will discover tools to root your life in faith, overcome doubts and live purposefully in adherence to God’s will,” said retreat committee member George Loftus.
Catholic evangelist Romero is scheduled to give talks on topics such as confession, temptation and using the Catholic faith as a defensive weapon.
“I promise to stand up and deliver with PPWDDT which means ‘Power Preaching with Devil Destroying Theology’! Can’t wait to meet you!”’ he said.
Fall to your knees
There is a strong focus on offering attendees access to traditional Catholic sacraments including Mass, confession (reconciliation), eucharistic adoration and a procession, along with opportunities for prayer and meditation.
Hours of confession time serves as a retreat anchor and emphasis especially on Friday night. Organizers said multiple priests will also be on site throughout the weekend to talk one-on-one with attendees about any topic.
“We hope and pray men will go to confession, especially if it has been a long time,” Macaulay said. “It’s a great way to start with a clean slate.”
Goldstein agreed that access to the sacrament of penance was important.
“The confessions are incredible,” he said. “The best confession of my life was at this retreat. It is a definite reason to show up.”
Around the fire
The weekend emphasizes fellowship, conversation and community.
“Hearty, tasty meals and drinks will give participants plenty of nourishment for the faith-filled activities,” Macaulay said.
“It is a great opportunity to meet men from other parishes,” Goldstein said. “Being at this retreat helps build initial connections and relationships with Catholic men across the region.”
And these fellowship bonds rise from a longstanding retreat tradition and favorite: the bonfire. There are three firepits for men to gather around.
“We grow as young men and as men in general around the bonfires,” Goldstein said. “And that has been happening for thousands of years, that’s how it came about.”
Goldstein explained that the younger attendees gravitate toward the bonfire. He personally looks forward to this casual time and fun by the fire.
“After the talks are done and the bonfire gets started, young people come out of the woodwork and just stay up until midnight,” said Goldstein. “Some amazing experiences just happen because this is where the Holy Spirit moves, at the bonfire.”
Registration options
Men can register for the full weekend, commute without lodging or attend Saturday only.
Pass prices range from the $260 All-Inclusive choice (meals, talks and two-night lodging) to the $195 Commuter (all meals and talks without lodging) to Saturday only (meals and talks) at $175.
“We will accept walk-ins at the door, although we strongly encourage signing up in advance to make sure the venue has enough food on hand,” Macaulay said.
Goldstein encouraged younger Catholics to spend the dollars and come.
“It can be intimidating for a younger person to stay overnight especially if they are not with a friend or their father but a day trip on Saturday is a doable option,” he said. “They feed you; you get good talks plus access to the sacraments. In today’s economy, it is really an amazing deal.”
For more information, schedules and to register go to https://www.inwmensretreat.org/.
FāVS News uses professional journalists and thoughtful commentary to explore faith, values and ethics. Support journalism like this by making a tax-deductible donation. FāVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. © FāVS News. All rights reserved. Reproduction permitted only to authorized media partners or with written permission.
