The Next Chapter Program
The Next Chapter Program
Have you recently retired or planning to retire in the near future? Are you becoming an empty nester or experiencing other mid-life transitions? Consider participating in The Next Chapter Program, to intentionally explore what a meaningful retirement and next chapter could look like for you!
Unlike other retirement programs, this is not a health or financial planning seminar. It is a six-month, guided journey using principles of Ignatian spirituality as a basis for discerning what God might be calling you to in this new “next chapter” of your life. The curriculum is designed for you to gain new practices and tools while rediscovering a sense of purpose. Learning and discussing with others asking similar questions, provides a supportive ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ for writing and implementing your next chapter plan.
Participants meet one Saturday morning a month on the St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ campus with readings and reflection required between sessions. Program cohorts of 15-20 people typically begin each September and January with a rolling application process.
Contact
Karin Trail-Johnson
Director of New Pathways and Vocation
Email: karin.trail-johnson@stthomas.edu or USTNextChapter@stthomas.edu
Phone: (651) 962-6558
Information Session Registration
Interested in joining a Next Chapter cohort? Attend an Information Session to learn more about the program.
Information Sessions are typically held in late spring and early fall. When dates have been determined, they will be listed below. You can sign up here to be notified of the next Information Session.
Sign up on OR contact the program director with questions.
Program Application
Please hover over the "apply for" text above and click to access the online application.
Program Schedule
- Session 1 - Feb 7, 2026
- Session 2 - Feb 28, 2026
- Session 3 - March 14, 2026
- Session 4 - April 11, 2026
- Session 5 - May 2, 2026
- Retreat - May 15-16, 2026
- Session 6 - May 30, 2026
Fall 2026 Cohort Dates
- Session 1 - Sept 6, 2026
- Session 2 - Oct 3, 2026
- Session 3 - Oct 24, 2026
- Session 4 - Nov 21, 2026
- Session 5 - Dec 12, 2026
- Retreat - Jan 8-9, 2027
- Session 6 - Jan 23, 2027
Winter 2027 Cohort Dates
- Session 1 - Feb 6, 2027
- Session 2 - Feb 27, 2027
- Session 3 - March 13, 2027
- Session 4 - April 10, 2027
- Session 5 - May 1, 2027
- Retreat - May 21-22, 2027
- Session 6 - June 5, 2027
Cost Information
The cost for the program is $950 which includes all program expenses, books/materials, refreshments at each session and an overnight retreat with meals.
If cost is a concern, please contact the program director to discuss options.
Information Session Registration
Information Session Registration
Interested in joining a Next Chapter cohort? Attend an Information Session to learn more about the program.
Information Sessions are typically held in late spring and early fall. When dates have been determined, they will be listed below. You can sign up here to be notified of the next Information Session.
Sign up on OR contact the program director with questions.
Program Application
Program Application
Please hover over the "apply for" text above and click to access the online application.
Program Schedule
Program Schedule
- Session 1 - Feb 7, 2026
- Session 2 - Feb 28, 2026
- Session 3 - March 14, 2026
- Session 4 - April 11, 2026
- Session 5 - May 2, 2026
- Retreat - May 15-16, 2026
- Session 6 - May 30, 2026
Fall 2026 Cohort Dates
- Session 1 - Sept 6, 2026
- Session 2 - Oct 3, 2026
- Session 3 - Oct 24, 2026
- Session 4 - Nov 21, 2026
- Session 5 - Dec 12, 2026
- Retreat - Jan 8-9, 2027
- Session 6 - Jan 23, 2027
Winter 2027 Cohort Dates
- Session 1 - Feb 6, 2027
- Session 2 - Feb 27, 2027
- Session 3 - March 13, 2027
- Session 4 - April 10, 2027
- Session 5 - May 1, 2027
- Retreat - May 21-22, 2027
- Session 6 - June 5, 2027
Cost Information
Cost Information
The cost for the program is $950 which includes all program expenses, books/materials, refreshments at each session and an overnight retreat with meals.
If cost is a concern, please contact the program director to discuss options.
"It was absolutely a wonderful program. The content, the facilitators, the peer discussions, the venue -- everything was top notch... I feel again the excitement of completing college and the promise the future holds for making the world a better place." -Next Chapter Program Participant