By Father Patrick Nolan, S.J. • Posted March 9, 2026

This Lent, I invite young adults in their 20s and 30s to step away from the daily grind and encounter Christ at Old St. Joseph’s Church, Philadelphia’s oldest Catholic church, for Hearts on Fire: A Jesuit Lenten Retreat for Young Adults (21-39) on Saturday, March 21.

Young professionals have already flocked to Hearts on Fire retreats in New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston, with a return to Boston scheduled for the Easter season.

As I travel around the East Coast, I keep hearing the same thing: people are looking to deepen their faith in an authentic way, live their lives with meaning and purpose, and do all of that within the context of a supportive community while learning more about the rich tradition of the Catholic Church.

Hearts on Fire blends silence, solid preaching, shared meals, and fellowship – a simple recipe to return to the Lord this Lent.

What the day looks like:

The day follows the rhythm of the “Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola:” four talks, time for personal prayer, small group sharing, Eucharistic Adoration, and the sacrament of reconciliation.

We reflect on how our hearts are formed by God’s love, stretched in generosity, wounded and healed by mercy, and ignited for mission. We conclude with a Vigil Mass and an optional social at The Plough & the Stars.

Making a retreat in the midst of a community is important, too. One retreatant said, “It was so consoling to hear other young adults navigating career, relationships, and faith.” Another person said, “I had a great time meeting new people and strengthening my relationship with God.”

Hearts on Fire is a collaboration of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

It is sponsored locally by the Ambassador’s Fund, whose generosity supports young adult outreach across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network of Philadelphia.

Mark your calendar and join us. Thanks to our generous benefactors, the retreat is only $20. Register at www.jesuitseast.org/events. Come let your heart be set on fire.

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Father Patrick Nolan, S.J., serves as Provincial Assistant and Director of Vocations for the USA East Province Jesuits. He previously served at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC, at Boston College High School, and at two Jesuit high schools in the Pacific Islands of Micronesia. Father Nolan also serves as a trustee for St. Joseph’s Prep, the Jesuit high school of Philadelphia. He can be reached at pnolan@jesuits.org. Visit www.BeAJesuit.org to learn more about the Jesuit life of prayer, community, and mission.