Manresa Jesuit Retreat House hosted its annual Volunteer & Benefactor Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, October 22, 2026. About 80 guests enjoyed a social hour in the Lounge followed by a plated dinner in the dining room. Executive Director Sr. Linda Sevcik, SM, offered words of thanks for those who gave of their time and resources to support Manresa in its mission. Advancement Director Steve Raymond read a story of one retreatant’s moving experience at a recent retreat. Guests took home a special gift as a token of Manresa’s appreciation.
Dozens of people joined Manresa for its 100th Anniversary Event “Music on the Rouge.” Held on Thursday, July 30 on the lawn, guests were serenaded by local talents Sarah Dalton and Patrick Wyant. It was a great evening of inspiration and joy. Our thanks to Jenny Chapman and Paul Seibold for the images shown.
We are so grateful to all those who helped to make Manresa’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Banquet on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Shenandoah Country Club a wonderful evening.
From the lively social hour in the foyer with tasty hors d’oeuvres to the elegantly appointed banquet hall with a delicious dinner and inspiring speakers, it was a night to remember. More than 270 guests were in attendance.
Fr. Dan Dixon, SJ, President Elect, University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, spoke about the many ways Manresa has been an anchor in his life, and Archbishop of Detroit Edward J. Weisenburger inspired us with his message, Building a Future Full of Hope. Guests were also the first to see our latest promotional video (below), A Fire That Kindles Other Fires, produced by Canton-based Highway Media.
And thanks to our guests that evening, we raised another $29,150, exceeding our goal of $400,000. All glory be to God!
Our annual banquet is one of our biggest fundraisers, enabling us to meet our operating expenses and to complete necessary maintenance projects and capital improvements throughout the year.
Our sincere thanks to all who make it possible to serve our retreatants and fulfill our Mission to help people grow spiritually through the Ignatian tradition. We also want to thank Paul Seibold and Anne Smith for their photographs of the event, and a special thanks to Chase Creative for their AV management of our program.
If you were unable to join us there, you can still make your Annual Banquet donation at manresa-sj.org/donate or by phoning the front office during business hours at 248.644.4933 Ext. 0.
The Jesuits and staff are grateful for the many people who give of their time, talent and treasure to support the Mission and ministry of Manresa. On Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, we celebrated our Volunteers and Benefactors with a special appreciation dinner. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the lounge, followed by a plated dinner in the dining room. Each guest received a stemless wine glass with Manresa’s 100th Anniversary logo.
In October, the staff and family of Facilities Manager Pete Luyckx gathered for a luncheon to celebrate his retirement from Manresa. Pete began his 41-year career at Manresa in September 1984, a year after coming on retreat with his father.
“I heard they were looking for someone, and Fr. Simon hired me,” said Pete, who holds the record for the longest serving staff member.
Pete said he stayed as long as he did because the job “offered a steady paycheck and every day’s work was different.”
Though he won’t miss the middle-of-the-night false alarm calls or snow removal each winter, Pete said he will miss the people at Manresa.
“It’s kind of like a family, you know. And I’ll miss the free lunches, of course,” he quipped.
Pete is confident that facilities assistants Leonard Waske and Vito Gill will do a great job of picking up where he leaves off. “The place is in good hands,” he said.
His plans for retirement are to “take it easy, travel up north this winter and maybe travel the country in the spring.” He said he’s also happy to help out at Manresa when needed.
Manresa is grateful for Pete’s faithful service and wishes him all the best in the years to come.
