2017 National CLC Gathering

Ready to re-live the moments of the Gathering and share these experiences? Click to see pictures from the 2017 National CLC Gathering in our Flickr album and our Facebook album.

Silent Retreat: May 30 - 31

Gathering:  May 31 - June 2

The Gathering will begin on Wednesday, May 31, promptly at 4:00 p.m. in IES 123. The Silent Retreat will wrap up in time for you to join others for the start of the CLC Gathering that afternoon, and you'll be staying in your same rooms for your entire time in Chicago.

The Gathering will be a packed 48-hour experience of fun, joy, community-building, sharing, prayer, reflection, learning, eating, service, and planning. During the Gathering, you'll have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, meet and talk with other CLC student leaders and campus ministers, and learn more about how CLC gets lived out on other campuses.

When booking flights, please plan to arrive at either Midway or O'Hare airports by these times:

• For the Silent Retreat: Tuesday, May 30 before 2:00 p.m.
• For the Gathering: Wednesday, May 31 before 2:00 p.m.

Departures from Midway or O'Hare airports after the Gathering should be scheduled for Friday, June 2, after 3:30 p.m.

An optional Silent Retreat will be offered on May 30 - 31, 2017.

The Silent Retreat will begin on Tuesday, May 30, promptly at 4:00 p.m. in IES 123. You may check in at the lobby of San Francisco Hall between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

During the retreat, you will have the opportunity to pray quietly, reflect, journal, talk with a spiritual director, and listen to some prepared talks to help guide your prayer. The campus has many lovely spots - both indoor and outdoor - for you to explore. Food will be taken care of. You will receive a book from us with prayer and journaling prompts. Loyola Campus Ministers and members of Loyola's Jesuit Community will be here to support you and help you have the best of experience possible.

When booking flights, please plan to arrive at either Midway or O'Hare airports by these times:

• For the Silent Retreat: Tuesday, May 30 before 2:00 p.m.
• For the Gathering: Wednesday, May 31 before 2:00 p.m.

Departures from Midway or O'Hare airports after the Gathering should be scheduled for Friday, June 2, after 3:30 p.m.

Registration is now closed! If you have questions, please contact Gathering Planner Oliver Goodrich.

Must Sees:

• Lincoln Park Zoo, FREE to all, see more details about hours and location here
• The Art Institute of Chicago, can be pricey, but well worth the expense, more info here
• The Field Museum, another museum well worth your time, more info here
• Ann Sather, wonderful place to grab lunch, or just a magnificent cinnamon roll, more info here
• Millenium Park, this space is home to the famous "Bean" sculpture, a huge lawn for concerts and events, and various other attractions, more info here
• Maggie Daley Park, adjacent to Millenium Park, this space has tons of outdoor activities for children and adults of all ages, more info here

When should I book my travel?

When booking flights, please plan to arrive at either Midway or O'Hare airports by these times:

• For the Silent Retreat: Tuesday, May 30 before 2:00 p.m.
• For the Gathering: Wednesday, May 31 before 2:00 p.m.

Departures from Midway or O'Hare airports after the Gathering should be scheduled for Friday, June 2, after 3:30 p.m.

Which airport should I fly into?

Both Chicago Midway International Airport (Midway) and O'Hare International Airport (O'Hare) are accessible via public transit and are both a 35-40 minute drive to Loyola's campus.

How do I get to Loyola via Public Transit?

The CTA is easy to use, and pretty reasonably priced! Loyola is accessible via the Red Line "L" train (Granville and Loyola stops), and the 155 , 151, and 147 buses. Ventra (fare) cards can be bought at every "L" train station, and can be used on the buses or trains, touch enabled credit and debit cards can also be used on all buses and trains. Bus fare can also be paid using cash with exact change. For more information visit the CTA website.

Where should I stay for the gathering?

Room and board is included in your registration fee! You will be staying on Loyola's campus for the duration of the gathering so no need to worry about this. If, for some reason, you need yo find other accommodations, there is a Hampton Inn located very close to campus.

What should I pack?

We recommend you bring the following items with you to the CLC Gathering: toiletries, alarm clock, journal, Bible, comfortable shoes & clothes, and a windbreaker. Spring temperatures in Chicago can range from the upper-40’s to the mid-80’s; the lakeshore campus is a few degrees cooler than the rest of the city given our proximity to Lake Michigan. Packing layers is strongly encouraged! Check the weather before traveling.

Rep your school! Gathering participants are encouraged to wear gear that represents their home institutions and/or cities.

As bathrooms are shared facilities, participants may wish to bring bathrobes and shower sandals. If participants need any items in addition to what is provided, we encourage them to bring their own, or ask upon arrival where items can be purchased.

Linen is provided in all guest rooms. A linen package includes a: pillow, pillowcase, blanket, bottom and top sheet, bath towel, washcloth, soap, shampoo, and lotion. Linen exchanges are provided for guests staying seven nights or more. Towels may not be used outside of the residence halls.

Note for Campus Ministers: We encourage you to bring swag and/or CLC materials that you'd like to share with others! T-shirts, posters, training materials, discussion guides - whatever you have laying around that you'd like to share, bring it! We'll have a space available for swag swap and resource sharing during the Gathering.

Where can I get groceries, hygiene items, and other resources?

There is a CVS next to the Loyola Red Line stop, and a Whole Foods and Aldi near the Granville Red Line stop. Devon Market is a grocery store about a 10 minute walk West on Devon Ave.