Retreats

What is included:

All meals, private accommodations, optional spiritual direction session, and retreat content.

What is the retreat format?

You are welcome to arrive anytime after 4 pm to get settled in your room and explore the property. The retreat will begin after dinner in a meeting location that will be communicated, typically at 7:30 pm. A brief time together on Friday evening will include getting to know each other and some spiritual practices done together, as well as a devotion or activity. Saturday will be on your own with the Lord. Meals are provided, but we do not eat together. You are encouraged to rest and listen to God, give Him space to remind you of His presence in your life and love for you. Sunday morning, we will eat breakfast together as a group and then debrief for a time in the meeting room that we began in on Friday evening. The retreat will conclude around 11 am Sunday morning.

What’s with a retreat with Monks?

While the Monks do live there, Conception Abbey is a location that offers an incredibly beautiful setting for getting away, simplifying life, and reflecting. They have dorm-style lodging and a core value of hospitality, so the location is a great fit for a space to be quiet and take time away. It’s not so much about the Monks (ok, it’s not about them at all) as it is about you and Jesus having space and time. There are opportunities to observe the monastic way of life and even participate in a prayer service with the Monks, but other than that, you won’t interact.

How are the dorms?

This retreat is not meant to be a luxury spa experience as much as a time to set aside the noise of the world and intentionally find space to be quiet and rest. Your room will have all you need, including comfortable bedding, a pillow, and simple towels. You are welcome to bring an extra blanket or a fluffier towel if you prefer.

What other amenities does Conception Abbey provide?

The accommodations are simple and provide what you need. There is a kitchen close by in which you can use an electric kettle for making tea or coffee, store food that needs to be refrigerated, or wash a dish if needed. The property is expansive, with a pond, fields, walking paths, benches for resting, and plenty of space to find a corner all to yourself.

What should I bring?

A snack or beverage (alcoholic or non) to share is always appreciated! Water bottle Snacks or a drink of choice if you prefer for in-between meals A blanket or towel to sit on the lawn if you prefer. Bible if you prefer Journal and pen Toiletries including shampoo and conditioner (though there are always travel sized available should you forget).

How are the meals?

Each meal is cafeteria style prepared by the Monks for their guests. There are typically a couple of main entrees to choose from, as well as a well-stocked salad bar. Just like any time you are cooking for a large number of people, there will be times when the options don’t appeal to everyone. However, you are allowed to bring your own snacks or additions to meals to meet your needs! Coffee is available at breakfast, though if you are an all-day coffee drinker, bringing your own and a way to brew it isn’t a bad idea. There are meal replacement options for dietary needs, but you need to request this ahead of time at registration for the retreat.

**An email to be sent the week of the retreat to those attending:

We are so thrilled to see you this Friday evening for our semi-silent, alone-together retreat! I wanted to give you a couple of tips as this week comes to a close for you and you prepare to head into the weekend with us.

We typically suggest getting dinner in St. Joe if you are coming in that direction from or through Kansas City. It is a good location to stop for gas and food before the last bit of a drive into Conception, Mo. Traffic in Kansas City around 5 pm on a Friday is always a little hairy, so just be aware of when you are planning to drive through and out of the city.

As the retreat time comes closer, you may or may not experience some hesitancy or angst about what is ahead. It’s normal to experience that as you make plans to set life aside and take time and space to be away. Something that may help you is to just acknowledge that feeling and let the Lord know. Then give Him space to respond to you and speak His love over you. Something else that I have found very helpful to quiet my mind and prepare for the weekend is to drive in silence. Turn off the radio or music, and just let your thoughts come and go as you drive. Setting that stimulus aside will hopefully help to calm and quiet your mind!

We can’t wait to see you and experience Jesus together as we learn to get away and be with Him!