Planning for an Abbey Retreat
MAKING A RESERVATION
You may make a reservation online at www.spencerabbey.org/retreats. A deposit by credit card is required. The deposit is $100, non-refundable, and non-transferable. The cost of a midweek retreat, Monday afternoon to Friday morning, is $500. The cost of a weekend retreat, Friday afternoon to Sunday, is $250. The deposit is credited toward the full cost of the retreat and the remainder is payable by credit card or check when you arrive.
You may cancel your retreat by using the special code sent with your confirmation notice or by contacting us directly. Please, let us know if you cannot attend so that others on the waiting list can fill your spot. 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 are provided each day. 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, guests are invited to help wash the dishes and prepare the tables for the next meal. Coffee, Tea and snacks are available outside of mealtime. We are not able to accommodate special dietary needs.
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 physical limitations 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.
