Private Retreats

Private retreatants stay in the cottage located about 30 yards from the monastery. Retreatants are cordially invited to join the Friars for prayer during the day but there is no obligation to do so. Retreatants can join the Friars for some of the prayer times or none of the prayer times or all of the prayer times. Morning prayer is at seven o'clock, Mass at 8:00 a.m., midday prayer at 12 o'clock, evening prayer at 5:00 p.m. followed by office of readings at 6:10 p.m. dinner is at 6:30 p.m. A retreatant may prefer to simply eat all of the meals in the cottage. This is perfectly allowable however it is necessary that you contact the kitchen crew to let them know this is your decision.

If you're planning to skip a meal you simply need to let the kitchen crew know two hours before a meal that you will not be eating. Individuals prepare their own breakfast and lunch in the common kitchenette. Food and beverages are supplied. If you have a special diet, or special foods you prefer to eat, you need to bring your own food with you on the retreat. Please inform the registrar at the time of your registration. However, there will be no reduction in the fee if you bring your own food. The kitchenette is also equipped with a microwave as well as a refridgerator and an electrical cooking skilet. In the living room retreatants will find a CD player for playing either meditative music or listening to a talk through a pair of headphones that are provided so as not to disturb others.

Outside the cottage there are tables and chairs for simply lounging around outside. We ask as a general policy that retreatants remain on the premises for the duration of their retreat. Retreatants must be 18 years of age or older. No pets allowed.

Carmelite House of Prayer