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Individual & Private Retreats

Say yes to the needs of your soul, mind, and body, for rest, reflection, and renewal. A private retreat offers you the time, flexibility and solitude needed for deep listening and prayer. 

Ready for a private retreat?

Learn about our retreat accommodations at St. Cecilia’s and the Just Bee Hermitage to decide what best fits your needs and what you are looking for, or make your reservation request now.

cross statue in a small sitting garden with benches and flowers blooming

What Does a Private Retreat Look Like?

Some people ask what exactly they are supposed to “do” on a private retreat and wonder what to expect. The first, and maybe the most important, point to know is that a private retreat is a time of reflection rather than a time of “doing.” This can be challenging, but it is well worth undertaking. A private retreat is the perfect time to ask yourself, “What does my soul need right now? What does my body need right now?” Tune into your spiritual as well as physical needs and then do whatever calls you, but avoid thinking of it as a time for keeping busy.

porch area outside of entrance to St. Cecilia'sflowers in the garden outside of sophia center bring beauty and peace to your visitcross statue in a small sitting garden with benches and flowers bloomingretreatant at sophia centerrose window in st. scholastica chapel

How long is a private retreat?

A private retreat can be for any length of time you choose. Most people come for 2-3 days, but you can also make a retreat for just a single day or for longer period. If you are coming on a private retreat for the first time, we would recommend planning for a few days, as it allows time to really get settled and into the spirit of your retreat, but it isn’t so long as to be too challenging.

While on retreat you can…

  • Walk our beautiful grounds: simply enjoy the time outdoors or engage in the prayer practice of Lectio Naturae (we have a resource guide to help you in your practice)
  • Spend time in one of our chapels: join the sisters in their communal prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) or the Eucharist. Take time for private prayer.
  • Read a book: bring your own selection, visit either of the libraries on campus, or peruse the books available for purchase at Sophia for something to read and take home with you 
  • Journal: reflect and record you thoughts, write about your retreat experience
  • Nap whenever you need, sleep late, go to bed early. Rest and take advantage of the silence and solitude. 
  • Engage in a practice that you enjoy: drawing, knitting, photography, etc.
  • Meet with one of our spiritual directors trained to help provide spiritual guidance and support.
  • Schedule time for a Massage or other prayerful healing touch session to help relax and restore your body.

Available to All Retreatants

Every retreat experience will be different for each person, but always available to you as part of your retreat are the following:

flowers blooming around the grounds and the monasterymonastery librarycrucifix in the mount cemetarydoor opening into saint scholastica chapelretreatant enjoying the grounds of mount saint scholastica