What is a retreat?

During the summer, we offer several retreats for consecrated religious women.  These retreats run from Sunday afternoon to Friday morning.  This is a time of fellowship and prayer, with conferences, rituals and daily mass.  There is personal time each afternoon.  There is also a longer silent guided retreat for sisters offered ordinarily by another religious sister.

We offer several retreats each year on a theme that is the basis for the conferences, rituals, and liturgies.   Most retreats begin on Friday evening with registration, a meal, an orientation followed by a prayer service, and a movie. Saturday continues with morning prayer, breakfast, a conference and Mass.  The afternoon has free time followed by another a conference, an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, dinner and an evening ritual.  Sunday starts with breakfast, then a conference and Sunday Mass, followed by lunch.

Offered Monday through Thursday, these retreats offer clergy a time of hospitality, conferences, prayer services, Eucharist, common prayer, and plenty of quiet time for rest and reflection.  We also have an extended week of retreat and renewal for clergy and a weekend retreat specifically for deacons.

All women are welcome! It follows the schedule above, but starts on Tuesday and concludes Thursday.

We have a long history of being a place to renew the soul for those who need healing.  We work with several Matt Talbot chapters, AA groups, and Serenity to offer programs that support our brothers and sisters in recovery.

Many of our retreats begin with late afternoon adoration before and concurrent with registration. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and all are invited to pray before the Lord Jesus.

From September to April we have monthly days of prayer on a theme chosen by the preacher.  The day includes breakfast, morning prayer, a conference, lunch, opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and concudes with Mass.  All are welcome.  We also are happy to make arrangements with groups that wish to hold days or evenings of prayer.

We host a monthly evening of recollection for those in AA from September to May.  It concists of a meal, a talk/meeting, and Mass for those who wish.  Check the calendar for specific dates each month.

We have additional programs throughout the year that address a specific subject or group.  For example, we have had, a Film Retreat, a Valentine's evening of recollection, a Lenten Soup for the Soul Series, a Celtic Spirituality day, a Holy Week Retreat, and other events.  See the calendar for more information.

We are always interested in hosting events for religious, civic, and business groups. We have hosted health care organizations, mental health professionals, Diocesan ministries, faculty and/or school adminstration groups, and a variety of other groups.  Please call 732-222-2731, ext 140, to inquire about our facility and the possibility of scheduling an event with us.

Many local parochial / private schools come to the retreat house for a day of prayer with their students before graduation or confirmation.  It is a great way to center the students on the spiritual road ahead.

Twice a year we offer silent directed retreats.  The retreats run from Sunday to Sunday.  Each retreatant is assigned to a director for the week.  Daily Eucharist and other prayer services are part of the common prayer time during the retreat.