Teachers

Father Ron Wagner

Fr. Ron Wagner recently retired after 46 years as a parish pastor in the Diocese of Saginaw. He earned a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction from Creighton University in 2007 focusing on Ignatian Spirituality and has served nearly 20 years as a spiritual director, offering retreats for lay ministers and deacons. Formerly Vicar for Priests, he now enjoys time with family, friends and ministry at Maryville Retreat Center, while occasionally assisting his brother priests.

Events with Father Ron Wagner

Brunch with St. Nicholas
December 6, 2026

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2026 10:00 a.m. MASS 11:00 a.m. BRUNCH AND ACTIVITIES $5 per person Join us for a joyful holiday Mass and experience the magic of the season. Hear the story of Christmas told by St. Nicholas, enjoy a delicious brunch with hot cocoa, and have a photographer capture special family portraits with him. Enjoy a special musical performance by Mo Jones, featuring a festive Christmas playlist with a jazzy twist. This celebration is the perfect way to create lasting holiday memories! Seating is limited—reserve your spot today!

Directed Retreat Week
January 24 - 29, 2027

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2027, 4:00 p.m. through FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2027, 12:00 p.m. Accommodation rate includes 5 night stay, 14 meals and Spiritual Direction. $695 per person (single occupancy) Join others as you deepen your faith and gain greater clarity and direction on your spiritual journey. Sister Judy, Father Ron and Deb Buczkowski will work with you to create a personalized retreat experience tailored to meet your spiritual needs. Through half-hour spiritual direction sessions you can progress at your own pace in a silent, prayerful setting. Spend your days in prayer, rest and reflection. Advance reservations are required; space is…

Day of Recollection for Priests
April 5, 2027

MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2027 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Program rate includes 2 meals and private room for the day. $50 per person You have given much. Now come and be renewed. After the sacred intensity of Holy Week and the joy of Easter, this day is set apart just for you—a gentle invitation to rest, reflect and receive. Through quiet prayer, peaceful surroundings and the unhurried company of brother priests, you’ll find the space to pour back into yourself what service has poured out. Let Maryville’s tranquil grounds be the place where you are restored, recharged and reminded that…

Monica

Relaxing, wonderful way to get away from it all. Love the nature, lake, trees, and seeing wildlife. A walking trail around the lake is easy to navigate. Rooms and entire retreat very clean and team are engaging and inviting. Retreat accommodates various diets including vegan.

Amy Strzalkowski

This was my first visit to the retreat center, it won’t be my last. The care they provide was a true blessing. I attended for the encountering God through Art retreat. It was truly an amazing experience. Aside from the art experience the grounds were beautiful and provided space for relaxation and connection with nature. The food was delicious, I appreciated the freshness. Truly thank you for making sure all our needs are met so we can leave the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with ourselves and God for us believers. Even if you aren’t Catholic/christian this is an amazing place to relax and reset. I highly recommend it!

Farris Alamat

Sr Jane and Sr Judy were phenomenal directors of the Encountering God through art retreat. We did so much Scripture but we were invited to let the Holy Spirit move us and then we created what we were inspired to create. We created through 5 mediums and we shared our inspiration for whatever pieces we wanted to talk about. Moving and spiritual and I felt the Spirit throughout. I met some wonderful people and the all the staff were kind and helpful. Sr Anna was so inviting when I arrived and made me feel welcomed. Fr Ron gave us a great homily about trusting in God when we don’t feel like we can do it on our own. And Nick was really supportive. And finally I want to thank Sr Judy for her spiritual direction. Thank you all and God bless you!!!

Tammy F

Maryville Retreat Center is so nice. I really enjoyed my weekend here. Beautifully landscaped, lovely lake, nice rooms with private bathroom and wonderful meals. Hope to be back with our group next year.

hether jonna

I love this place - it is beautiful, cared for with love, and the hospitality is amazing. Highly recommend!

Patricia Hill

I spent a peaceful day retreat at this beautiful center. Even though I was only there for an 8 hour day, I had my own room with a desk, bed, chair with footrest and a private bathroom. The staff is friendly and helpful, the views are amazing, and the trails well maintained. I plan to return and highly recommend.

Jolie Whiteman

We just had 100 guests for my mom's 90th birthday celebration. The entire staff was so helpful and supportive throughout the afternoon and the food was delicious!! Our guests couldn't stop talking about how peaceful it is there - beautiful grounds.

brian granader

The new management here is wonderful! Very professional and always kind and helpful. The buildings have been updated and are clean and fresh! I look forward to hosting more retreats in the future.

Monica Levin

I recently had the opportunity to both lead and attend an Inner Guidance Retreat at Maryville Retreat Center, and the experience was truly supportive on every level. The property itself is beautiful, with a peaceful 1.5-mile path around the lake that is ideal for walking meditation. Along the way, there are thoughtful spots to pause, sit, and reflect, which added so much depth to the experience. The accommodations were clean, private, and quiet, making it easy to rest and integrate the work we were doing. The common area in St. Felix Lodge was perfect for our Inner Guidance Communication sessions, as well as art projects, yoga, and simply enjoying time together. I especially appreciated how accommodating they were with food, ensuring my specific dietary needs were met with care. The staff was consistently friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming and supportive environment throughout our stay. Having our own private fire pit in the evenings was a wonderful touch, offering a relaxed space to unwind and connect at the end of each day. Overall, Maryville Retreat Center provides a beautiful, nurturing setting that supports both personal reflection and group connection. Our group has already scheduled or next retreat!