Name: He Must Increase - Lenten Retreat on Prayer
Start: 2026-02-21
End: 2026-02-21
Location: The Mission of Cor Jesu, 5615 Hamilton Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098

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He Must Increase is a Lenten retreat led by Father Jerome Koutnik of St. Mary’s in Huntley, centered on the primacy of prayer and our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This peaceful afternoon retreat will reflect on why prayer matters, how to pray more intentionally, and how prayer shapes daily life, allowing Christ to increase as we learn to decrease. Held at the beautiful Mission of Cor Jesu, this retreat offers a quiet space to step away from the noise, be spiritually renewed, and enter the Lenten season with clarity, intention, and deeper trust in the Lord.

The Mission of Cor Jesu, 5615 Hamilton Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098

He Must Increase - Lenten Retreat on Prayer

The Mission of Cor Jesu

Beautiful churches.  Very timely.. just enough time at each spot.  Always anticipated my questions I might have.  Loved being told how much time needed at each site and when to be back on bus!! Great food..  and so thoughtful to have snacks and water bottles available throughout the day!

Milwaukee's Holy Sites and Holiday Lights with Fr. Jerome - ENCORE

We had a wonderful time. The trip enriched me spiritually. Food was delicious. Enjoyed the day very much

Thank you for adding this second trip. I truly enjoyed the day and seeing the beautiful churches. I always have a great time on these trips. Very well thought out and ran. 

Smooth trip. Beautiful churches!. History was interesting. Fr Jerome did a wonderful job making this pilgrimage very spiritual.  Food was good and authentic.

Milwaukee's Holy Sites and Holiday Lights with Fr. Jerome

This day trip was very nice. The sites we visited were beautiful and the pace was perfect I appreciated having people at the churches giving us a history & other info. The bus ride was comfortable & relaxing. 

Enjoyed the entire trip.  Time in prayer, Conversation with wonderful people, Beautiful Churches topped off with a Truly devotional Mass with Fr Jerome....and of course a Great Meal.  A Day well spent Devotionally, Mentally and Physically.

Henry & Betty

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re always grateful for the chance to hear from our pilgrims so we can continue improving our offerings.

I’m sorry to hear that the day felt long for you. We did share the full schedule and timeframe with everyone well in advance so pilgrims could plan accordingly, but I understand that the length of the day may still have felt challenging. We truly appreciate your participation and hope that, even with the full itinerary, the pilgrimage was a meaningful and grace-filled experience.

Thank you again for joining us, and please know of our prayers for you this Advent season!!

We had a great time , This pilgrimage was prayerful and helped me immerse myself in the lives of 3 beautiful old churches in Milwaukee- one a basilica. What an adventure. It was like being in Europe. Father Jerome said Mass at St. Johosaphat’s and spiritually guided us. Lunch the Bavarian restaurant Mader’s was wonderful.  Every thing was great! The Cor Jesu staff thought of everything!! Thanks!!’

I enjoyed the time spent. Fr Jerome is thought provoking and definitely leads one on a spiritual path   Snacks, drinks and gift bag a nice touch.  Great environment for a retreat 

Journeying with Mary - Advent Retreat

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and for your kind words about the Mission, the decorations, and hospitality. We are grateful you joined us.

For our retreats and days of reflection, we invite our priests and retreat directors to lead freely according to their prayerful preparation and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. While a theme is provided, we do not direct them on exactly what to say, trusting that God speaks to each heart in the way He knows is needed.

We are sorry to hear that you chose to leave early. Often, the Lord meets us in unexpected ways, and sometimes the message we struggle with most is the one meant especially for us. We appreciate your suggestions and will certainly keep them in mind as we continue to prayerfully plan future retreats.

We hope you will consider joining us again in the future, and we thank you for being part of our community.

Lovely venue. So nicely decorated for Christmas. Nice snacks. But talk wasn’t about Mary which was disappointing. Difficult to listen to same person for four hours. Would suggest a second speaker and alternate between the two. Or offer a video or time to say a group rosary-something to mix it up a bit. Thank you. 

The facility, snacks, and welcoming were all great    I however, was disappointed that the speaker did not speak on Mary...his talk was supposed to be about Journeying with Mary and that didn't happen.  So, my 2 friends and I left at the second break when it was obvious that after 2 hours of speaking it was not going to be about Mary

I had a Blessed pilgrimage being able to go through the Holy Doors.  Visit all these magnificent sites and learn about all these amazing Saints and Holy persons. 

Saints, Miracles, and the Treasures of the Church - Italian Pilgrimage

The trip was amazing. We were immersed in the Church’s history, prayer, and fellowship with each other. Libby’s timing of events was great. We had group time and free time. Staying in the Convents added to the experience.

Father Jerome was on fire and helped me get ready for Advent.  Thank you!!

This Pilgrimage was fantastic ranging from the organization to the trip itself. It was amazing and very detailed. Thank you for this wonderful trip and grace filled Pilgrimage. 

Met many wonderful people on the trip. Sometimes felt a bit rushed when going from one activity to another 
Great pilgrimage overall. Spiritual needs met above expectations 

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We hope that you travel with us again in the future! Please know of our prayers!

We had a great time. Wonderful people comfortable accommodations. Very pleased!

This was the pilgrimage of a lifetime for us! From assistance with planning and preparing spiritually and practically to the day to day schedule, which always included time for mass and prayer and fellowship, this was a grace-filled time. We felt safe and grew in our faith, and in our love for the Church. There is so much to learn and know about the saints, and the art and history of the Catholic Church. We were so inspired to be praying and worshiping with thousands of devout Catholics from all over the world in these holy places.

Thank you Nancy! Always a pleasure hosting you!!! ❤️

Very enjoyable trip. Great bus, excellent driver. All our needs were met. Father Jerome was incredibly inspiring and uplifting. The grounds were beautiful with plenty to visit. The mass was very meaningful.  Priceless Day!

1 Day Pilgrimage and Retreat to Champion

Thank you for the great review and for joining us at Jesus Fest 2025!!! God bless you!

Jesus Fest at Mission of Cor Jesu was an amazing family experience! It felt so safe, the camping was peaceful, and the food was great!There were tons of fun activities for kids.we’ll definitely be back next year!

Jesus Fest 2025!

Thank you so much for the great review and thank you for traveling with us! Please know of our continued prayers for you!

I had a wonderful time on this pilgrimage toThe Shrine of the Divine Mercy and Niagara  Falls.  I felt blessed to share this experience with my son, Fr. DiTomo, who was the spiritual leader for the pilgrimage and led us in prayer and said mass at several shrines and basilicas along the way.  We also visited the Niagara Falls and took in some American culture at the Rockwell Museum before heading home.  The pilgrimage was a joyful mix of fun, prayer and fellowship.  Thank you, Libby for arranging such a memorable trip.

Niagara Falls and Shrine of the Divine Mercy

Well thought out beautiful experience. Great people to travel with!!!

It was more than I expected. The people were really nice. It was a good combination of religious spiritual experiences and fun things like Niagara Falls and the Norman Rockwell Museum.  We had excellent transportation, hotel rooms, food and weather.  I liked it so much. I am planning on signing up for the pilgrimage to Italy. If they were doing the Niagara Falls pilgrimage again next year, I would plan to go. Thank you for this great trip!

It was a trip filled with reflection and community. We were allowed to take our time within reason but not really feeling rushed. Definitely a lot to take in. I enjoyed it a lot. The food provided was delicious and the reflections provided by the priest were very insightful. The weather also accommodated for our trip which was wonderful and our guide and sponsors were supportive of what we wanted to do while also guiding us through all the different activities. Very spiritual and physically filling.

Shrine of Christ's Passion-Holy Week 2025

Thank you for the great review!! We look forward to seeing you in the future!

My husband and I had a beautiful Holy Week experience.  The pilgrimage to both shrines was moving and memorable. I'm already looking forward to going back with my sons. Father Jerome prepared our hearts for this meaningful endeavor and was a good shepherd from start to finish. The trip made our Easter season even more special.

It was enlightening and a great experience!

Journey to the Cross - Lenten Retreat

I had a great time, except the bathrooms need to be handicap acessible & they're not. I shouldn't have to be concerned of how to get off the toilet. Otherwise very awesome. Holly

Spiritual boost for Lent.  Room was comfortable.  Snacks great.  A very good turnout.  Fr Detomo was great.  And Fathers Jerome always tells you what you need to know  in such a way you listen the whole time and remember
Thank you!   

Cor Jesu looks great, Father Jerome was awesome and it was a pleasure to be there surrounded by like minded Catholics!!

It was an incredible experience!  So much good content from both Fr Jerome and Fr DiTomo.  It was a lovely venue and very well organized!  

It was the first time that I have visited those marvelous places and I enjoyed the facility and comfort that the CorJesu Mission offered.
I was disappointed of our visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The timing and the weather were not right. 
The visit to Mother Cabrini Shrine was excellent and we had the opportunity to celebrate Mass.
The Holy Family is a jewel that we had the pleasure to admire.
Libby was an excellent guide, and Fr Jerome did put us in the right mood and disposition to celebrate our Catholic Faith.
Thank you,
Jesus J. Villa 

Shrines of Chicago and Christkindlmarket - Encore

A truly spiritual trip visiting 4 beautiful churches.   Having mass at shrine to mother Cabrini was a highlight.     Prayers and a great talk on bus by Fr Jerome.   It was a little cold at the end at the Christmas market. But the trip put us in a focused realization of celebrating Christ’s birth,  getting away from the hustle and bustle and spending time in prayer. Lunch was great too and in a perfect room for our group

Thank you so much for the wonderful review Mary Ellen! And thank you for joining us! May God continue to bless you!

Very enjoyable trip. Especially appreciated the Church of the Holy Family & the Shrine of St Cabrini.  It was good to see the Guadalupe shrine & the Chicago Christmas bazaar, but the weather made them less preferable.
Of course, Fr Jerome’s teachings are the highlight of the trip. 
Also, loved the restaurant — food & atmosphere, plus Father’s historical context. 
Bus & driver are excellent. Driver had a long, hard day, but rose to the challenge, maintaining a cheerful disposition. 
And, of course, our “ Shepherdess”, Libby, is a gem ❤️!

Shrines of Chicago and Christkindlmarket

Thank you for the great review! We look forward to leading you on another pilgrimage soon!

Wow, what an amazing experience we had! The people were absolutely fantastic, the food was nothing short of delicious, and the accommodation was incredibly cozy. Thank you for such an unforgettable adventure!

Shrines of Wisconsin and Door County

Everything about this trip was wonderful. The bus and hotel were comfortable. Restaurant choices were great. And, the pilgrimage sites were perfect. Timing to each location was also well done. Of course, Fr Koutnik is a total blessing. 
Great job in every way!

This was a wonderful Pilgrimage.  A time for prayer, reflection, and a listening heart to recognize the will of God in our lives.  Father Jerome's invaluable and encouraging words regarding our faith throughout the trip made it a vital experience as well.



Thank you for the great review! We are so happy you joined us! You remain in our prayers! 

My wife and I enjoyed this pilgrimage to Iowa. The stops were well planned and we stayed on time all day. We had a little extra time at the winery which we all enjoyed. The bus driver was polite and courteous. Having perfect weather certainly helped.

1-Day Pilgrimage to Iowa!

We all had a Great time and what a tremendous experience at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and at the Tomb of Bishop Fulton Sheen.  The bus ride was comfortable, the stops where well timed, the food stops were enjoyed by all and the overnight accommodations were comfortable and clean.  Traveling on Pilgrimage with Fr Jerome and  Libby made lasting memories in our hearts and minds through the private masses, rosary and prayer.  



The National Shrine Our Lady of the Snows and the Tomb of Fulton Sheen

The entire trip was very well planned from the venues and even hotel check in. You were never waiting around. The venues  were interesting and informative,  Bus ride was very comfortable. Very well planned. Great people and incredible sites.

Thank you so much for the awesome review! We are so happy you joined us at Jesus Fest 2024! We hope to see you next year! God bless you!

We had so much fun! Camping was beautiful. There eas plenty of food at the meals served. The pork roast and corn boil Saturday night was the best! The kids loved free snow cones all weekend.  The property is absolutely gorgeous and everyone is so kind.

Jesus Fest 2024!

Thank you so much for the awesome review! We are so happy you joined us! God bless you!


I Had a wonderful experience and the memories will remain with me forever.  The arrangements were excellent as was the driver and tour guide and, of course, Fr. Jerome.  A very memorable and rewarding religious experience.

Wonderful trip!  The people were great!  The accommodations were wonderful, and the sites were amazing!  This little pilgrimage left me with wanting to do many more!  Thank you, Libby and Father Koutnik, for such a wonderful experience!



Thank you so much for the awesome review! We are so happy you joined us! God bless you!

Another "five star" pilgrimage with Cor Jesu.  I don't know how Libby packs so many amazing experiences within a short amount of time.  I always enjoy meeting new people who share a love for our beautiful Catholic faith.  Father Jerome's thought provoking homilies during our bus rides is an added bonus. Special thanks to Clyde who kept us safe traveling to and from our destinations.

Absolutely a wonderful time! No complaints. Everything was well organized. 

Kentucky Holy Land and the Bourbon Trail with Fr. DiTomo and Dcn. Jim

Great time, wonderful people, excellent accommodations.
Thank you all 😁
Libby out did herself. 👍😃

Thank you so much for the awesome review! We are so happy you joined us! God bless you! 

This was a wonderful trip.  Libby had everything so well organized and timed.  She did a great job.  Father DiTomo and Deacon Jim and Deacon Hank's homilies were very inspiring and our prayer sessions on the bus helped me grow in my faith.  We had a wonderful bus driver (Dave) who was very helpful and friendly and provided safe travel throughout the tour.  The churches were beautiful and the history behind them was very interesting.  The distilleries and tours and information that was provided was very interesting and informative about the history and the operation of the distilleries.  I had a wonderful time and would definitely go on another trip through Cor Jesu.  Thanks to all who were involved in making this a great trip for all of us.

Thank you Dee! We are so happy that you joined us! Praise God for a beautiful pilgrimage!

This Pilgrimage was AMAZING!!  Libby did an outstanding job with her great organizational skills to provide us with a trip that was inspirational and fun.
The churches, Basilica, The Trappist Monastery and St Rose Priory were beautiful plus so full of history as were the four distilleries that we visited.
Thank you Libby

Thank you Kathy! Praise God! We're so happy you and your husband came! We hope to see you on future pilgrimages! 

My husband and I haven’t traveled much since before the pandemic, but this 5-day pilgrimage was just irresistible. So, with some trepidation, we signed up. I needn’t have worried. The tour was so well organized and complete. The planners at Cor Jesu and WeTravel thought of everything. The tours of the holy sites were wonderful. I have not felt connected to my faith in this way for many years. It was such a privilege to attend Mass in these holy, historically significant sites. We prayed together on the bus. We made new friends. We really enjoyed the fun distillery tours and bourbon tastings. People in Kentucky are just so nice! We felt completely supported from the time the motor coach picked us up at our church and delivered us back to our church five days later. It was an experience I will never forget.

Thank you! And thank you for choosing Cor Jesu Pilgrimages! 

He Must Increase - Lenten Retreat on Prayer in The Mission of Cor Jesu, 5615 Hamilton Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098

He Must Increase is a Lenten retreat led by Father Jerome Koutnik of St. Mary’s in Huntley, centered on the primacy of prayer and our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This peaceful afternoon retreat will reflect on why prayer matters, how to pray more intentionally, and how prayer shapes daily life, allowing Christ to increase as we learn to decrease. Held at the beautiful Mission of Cor Jesu, this retreat offers a quiet space to step away from the noise, be spiritually renewed, and enter the Lenten season with clarity, intention, and deeper trust in the Lord.

Afternoon retreat

Retreat Materials

Time for prayer

Q&A with Fr. Jerome

Coffee, drinks & snacks

He Must Increase is a Lenten retreat led by Father Jerome Koutnik of St. Mary’s in Huntley, centered on the primacy of prayer and our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This peaceful afternoon retreat will reflect on why prayer matters, how to pray more intentionally, and how prayer shapes daily life, allowing Christ to increase as we learn to decrease. Held at the beautiful Mission of Cor Jesu, this retreat offers a quiet space to step away from the noise, be spiritually renewed, and enter the Lenten season with clarity, intention, and deeper trust in the Lord.

He Must Increase - Lenten Retreat

Lenten Retreat

Your donation includes a half day retreat with Fr. Jerome, snacks, drinks, and retreat materials.

He Must Increase - Lenten Retreat on Prayer

He Must Increase - Lenten Retreat on Prayer

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