What is a
Retreat ? Who
can go on a Retreat ?
A monastic retreat is an opportunity to reset yourself. No wifi, tv, internet, noise, distractions. An opportunity for
solitude, silence, slowing down.
It’s putting yourself in a new context.
The rhythm
of the monastic community; rest, the daily cycle of community prayer of the
Psalms, reading scripture, contemplation, quiet mealtimes,
and beautiful surroundings combine to help rediscover meaning and purpose.
Since the
early Christian Church, monks have been a familiar resource for anyone looking
for renewal, a deeper relationship with God. We see in
our modern world, a renewed interest by people of all backgrounds to find how best
to integrate the monastic charism into one’s daily life.
Anyone is
welcome on retreat, you don’t have to be Catholic. Any
part of it is optional.
From St. Joseph’s Abbey website -
“At St.
Joseph’s Trappist Abbey there is a small Retreat House with eleven private
rooms each with a private bath, including linens, and three full meals are
provided.
There are two retreats offered per week: Monday afternoon to Friday morning or
Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.
Conferences
are given by one of the monks on Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday for weekday retreats and on Saturday and Sunday for the weekend
retreat,
with time available for private conversation with him or the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.”
Separate retreats are now offered for both men and for women, as well as mixed
retreats which attract many married couples as well.
The retreat
house closely conforms to the quiet contemplative atmosphere of the monastery. There
is also a library in the Retreat House available for our
guests during their stay. The celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours
frame the structure for each day (see retreat schedule on this page)
with a generous amount of time also set aside for private prayer, reading and
contemplative quiet.”