Planning for an Abbey Retreat
OFFERINGS FOR A RETREAT
The Abbey Retreat House is not an income-generating business but a ministry of the community. Our aim is simply to provide a pleasant retreat experience and cover our expenses. The suggested offering is $100 per night per retreatant. We request a $75 non-refundable deposit when making a retreat reservation. This deposit will be put toward your total offering for the retreat. Deposits may be paid by credit card: Visa, Master Card and American Express or by check. Your deposit serves as a confirmation of your reservation. Our previous custom of sending post card reminders has been discontinued. If you cancel your retreat at least one month before your retreat date, you may transfer your deposit to another available date. Special cases may be discussed with our Guest Master either by phone: 508-885-8710 or by email: retreats@spencerabbey.org. Office hours are from 9 – 11:30 am and 1:30 – 5 pm
FOOD AND MEALS
Three meals per day are provided. We serve a continental breakfast after the morning Mass consisting of a variety of cereals, breads, fruit and yogurt. The main meal of the day is served at 12:00 noon. It usually consists of meat or fish, vegetable, salad and a desert. Supper is served after Vespers and consists of a single entree with soup or salad on the side. After meals our guests are invited to help wash the dishes and prepare the tables for the next meal. When you make your reservation please inform the Guest Master of any food allergies or special dietary needs that you may have. Coffee, Tea and snacks are available outside of mealtime.
SILENCE
Silence and solitude are an important part of a retreat at the Abbey. We encourage our guests to embrace this silence during their retreat in order to keep the atmosphere quiet for all. There are no internet services available in the Retreat House for guests. We encourage our guests not to bring computers and other portable devices to the retreat. Cell phones may be used outside the building, or in one of the parlors but not in a retreatant’s room. A small library of books is available for use during the retreat. You may also bring your own.
ACCESS
Our Retreat House and Monastery facilities are challenging for those with disabilities and not handicap accessible. There are many steps which must be negotiated and guests must walk about a quarter of a mile from the Retreat House to the church. If you have mobility limitations, please be aware that there will be difficulty moving from building to building.
PROPER ATTIRE
Informal clothing is appropriate for your retreat. However, as a sign of respect for the monastic environment, we ask that shorts and sleeveless shirts not be worn at the liturgy in the Abbey Church.
GROUPS
Because our Retreat House is small we are not able to accommodate large groups. If a small group of eleven or less would like to come together we are able at times to accommodate them. Please contact the Guest Master for further information.
MONASTIC ENCLOSURE
Normally, members of the monastic community are not available to meet with retreatants. We ask you, therefore not to contact any of the monks directly. If you need to speak with one of the monks please see the Guest Master and he will help you. No one is permitted to enter the enclosure of the monastery.