A typical retreat weekend begins with a 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. supper on Friday evening. Throughout the weekend a number of conferences are given, typically between three and five. Prayer experiences are led by staff members and liturgy is provided. Ample time is allotted for personal prayer, reflection, and rest. The programs usually conclude with the noon meal following the Sunday morning liturgy.

Remember to bring layers of clothing, so that you’re prepared for both cool and warm temperatures! In wintertime, the delightful 100-year-old hot water radiant heating system responds to temperature changes throughout our 150,000-square-foot home a little more slowly than modern forced-air systems in a standard-sized home. In summertime, our early 20th-century air conditioning, aka the strategic opening and closing of perfectly aligned windows, does a nice job of keeping the house cool, but the rooms will be warmer than rooms in a home with a modern AC system. In spring and autumn, we are blessed with both cool and warm temps – often in the course of a single day. Plan to experience the cyclical cooling and warming of Mother Earth a little more intimately than you do in a modern climate-controlled home, hotel, or conference center!

 

In addition to layers of comfortable, casual clothing, plan to bring the following: an alarm clock; your toothbrush and other toiletries; flip flops or shower shoes; and any books, journals, or other materials that help you quiet your heart, your mind, and your soul. Please note that you will have access to a fully stocked art room while you are on retreat! Please also note that we provide soap, clothes hangers, blankets, and fans. A limited number of alarm clocks, hair dryers, and space heaters is available. Toiletry items, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, are available for a nominal charge.

 

Last, but not least: remember that your time of retreat is a time of simplicity: a time to disconnect and hit the pause button. We encourage you to leave your cell phone, laptop, and other electronic devices at home or powered off and stored in your car for the duration of your stay. A guest telephone and computer are available for your use in an emergency.  

 

YES! People of any – or no – faith tradition are welcome to continue or begin their search for spiritual growth, self-knowledge, and inner peace at St. Anthony’s. In the Franciscan tradition of reverence for all, we strive to provide an environment of hospitality to all who come seeking to deepen their spirituality and awaken everyday encounters with the Divine.

A silent retreat is one in which we request those attending to maintain silence from after the opening orientation session until the closing liturgy. An atmosphere of silence promotes an environment of deep listening. Such deep listening is useful for rest of body and soul, and attentiveness to the presence and action of God. Please note not all of our retreats are silent, but those that are will be labeled as such.

Yes. In fact, this type of retreat is very popular at St. Anthony’s. The option is available to come for a private retreat for personal self-directed solitude and prayer time, or for a directed retreat where a spiritual guide or companion travels through your days of retreat with you. Please check with the office regarding available dates. You can come for a few hours or up to several days.