The Society of Saint John the Evangelist
Take a Retreat With Us
During the retreat, I saw and heard real healing taking place in the opening hearts of those who had had some bad experiences with religion and folks who had had more than they could bear of suffering.
I remember looking round the room at one point and thinking that these were deeply thirsty people taking a very long and refreshing drink, making sure they did not spill a drop (me too!).
—The Rev. Sue Eaves
St. Thomas', Richmond, VA
Taking time away from the demands of everyday life, to be quiet, to pray, to worship, to read, rest, and relax, allows us to refocus our lives on what is most important to us. Some people come on retreat at moments of transition, when they feel the need for particular discernment. Others come on retreat simply to refresh and renew their spirit. Our relationship with God, like all relationships, needs attention and care to grow. Times of retreat allow us to turn our whole selves to the love of God, to listen and be attentive to the voice of God. Many people experience retreats as times when God seems particularly near.
Types of Retreats
We offer three different types of retreats at the Monastery Guesthouse and at Emery House. Please explore these retreats below.
To book a retreat, at either the Monastery Guesthouse or at Emery House, please contact the Guesthouse Manager/Receptionist by e-mail at guesthouse@ssje.org or by telephone at (617) 876-3037 extension 10.
Individual Self-Guided Retreats
Guests on an individual self-guided retreat visit us for a time of private reflection and prayer in silence, and have opportunity to join the Brothers in the house’s regular round of worship, silence, and meals.
Most weekdays and some weekends are available for individual self-guided retreats.
Please note: These retreats are unstructured and do not include individual meetings with a brother.
Suggested fees for an Individual Self-Guided Retreat
$100.00 per person per night
$50.00 for full-time students
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a deposit equal to 50% of your total fee.
About Suggested Fees
As we always strive to make retreat time available to all who seek it, the suggested fees can be reduced by the Guest Brother in cases of financial hardship. However, the suggested rates cover only a small portion of the actual expense of making our retreat facilities available and so must be subsidized by the SSJE. We therefore encourage and are grateful for the generosity of those who are able to make donations beyond the suggested rate.
Individual Companioned Retreats
Guests on an individual companioned retreat visit us for a time of reflection and prayer in silence and to meet with a brother for some time of individual spiritual direction. They also have opportunity to join the Brothers in the house’s regular round of worship, silence, and meals.
Most weekdays and some weekends are available for individual companioned retreats.
Please note: For these retreats spiritual direction must be requested in advance and is subject to availability of a brother for the time of the retreat.
Suggested fees for a Companioned Retreat
$125.00 per person per night
$65.00 for full-time students
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a deposit equal to 50% of your total fee.
About Suggested Fees
As we always strive to make retreat time available to all who seek it, the suggested fees can be reduced by the Guest Brother in cases of financial hardship. However, the suggested rates cover only a small portion of the actual expense of making our retreat facilities available and so must be subsidized by the SSJE. We therefore encourage and are grateful for the generosity of those who are able to make donations beyond the suggested rate.
Program Retreats for Individuals and Groups
Program retreats are offered for individuals, or for various types of groups (parish, seminarians, clergy, vestries, etc.).
In addition to joining the Brothers in the house’s regular round of worship, silence, and meals, guests attends a series of addresses or meditations on a retreat theme, offered by the brother who is the retreat director. Time is set apart to encourage prayer, reflection, and recreation. Customarily, all on the retreat will observe silence.
Group program retreats are usually conducted from Thursday or Friday evening through Sunday noontime. Occasionally a group can book a longer retreat, beginning on Tuesday evening.
Please note: During these retreats individual spiritual direction is normally not available.
Suggested fees for a Group Program Retreat
$125.00 per person per night
$65.00 for full-time students
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a deposit equal to 50% of your total fee.
About Suggested Fees
As we always strive to make retreat time available to all who seek it, the suggested fees can be reduced by the Guest Brother in cases of financial hardship. However, the suggested rates cover only a small portion of the actual expense of making our retreat facilities available and so must be subsidized by the SSJE. We therefore encourage and are grateful for the generosity of those who are able to make donations beyond the suggested rate.
To book a retreat, at either the Monastery Guesthouse or at Emery House, please contact the Guesthouse Manager/Receptionist by e-mail at guesthouse@ssje.org or by telephone at (617) 876-3037 extension 10.
Contact Us & Directions
SSJE is a monastic community of The Episcopal Church
Brother, Give Us A Word is a daily devotion
The Society of Saint John the Evangelist is an independent, 501(c) (3) non-profit tax exempt U.S. corporation.
© 2012 The Society of Saint John the Evangelist, All Rights Reserved