Come and See Retreats
Vocations > Vocation Retreats > Come and See Retreats
- retreat reservation form
The monks of St. Bernard Abbey invite you to our “Come and See” Retreat, to experience first hand the life of our monastery. Men between the ages of 18-40 are invited to participate in the “Come and See” Retreats. If you are interested in learning about the Benedictine Tradition of Ora et Labora (prayer and work), you will find this experience helpful in your discernment. You are also invited to make a private Retreat if the Come and See Retreat schedule is not possible. Please schedule a private retreat by contacting our Vocation Office.
Our Monastic Tradition
Our monastic tradition bridges 1500 years. Monasteries are places of prayer, a place for men to stand as faithful witnesses of Christ. Guided by the Rule of St. Benedict, under the guidance of the Abbot, we live in community built on the pillars of prayer and work. Our lives are lives of conversion - governed by the vows of obedience, stability, and fidelity to the monastic life until death.
Retreat Schedule
Friday
3:00p.m.-Arrive at St. Bernard and move into monastic cell
5:00p.m.-Holy Mass
5:30p.m.-Vespers
6:00p.m.-Dinner eaten in silence
7:00p.m.-Compline
7:15p.m.-Welcome and Overview
Saturday
6:00a.m.-Matins and Lauds
7:15a.m.-Breakfast eaten in silence
8:00-9:15a.m.-Personal Time
9:15a.m.-Monastic Work Tour
11:10a.m.-Sext
11:30a.m.-Holy Mass
12:00p.m.-Lunch
1:00-3:00p.m.-Personal Time
3:00-3:30p.m.-Rule of St. Benedict Conference
3:30-4:00p.m.-Coffee Break
4:00-4:30p.m.-Monastic Liturgy Conference
5:30p.m.-Vespers
Sunday
7:00a.m.-Matins and Lauds
8:20a.m.-Breakfast with talking allowed
9:00a.m.-Panel Discussion on Monastic Vocations
11:10a.m.-Sext
11:30a.m.-Holy Mass
12:45p.m.-Lunch
End of Retreat.
You cordially invited to explore your monastic vocation discernment with the monks of St. Bernard Abbey. Space is limited, so please make your reservation as soon as possible. We look forward to your visit with us and pray God’s blessings on your discernment.
Retreat dates:
October 21-23, 2011
January 6-8, 2012
March 2-4, 2012
For retreat reservations please contact:
Fr. Jacob, O.S.B.
Vocation Director frjacobosb@yahoo.com
256-255-5801
What to Bring?
You may wish to bring a Bible and other spiritual reading, suitable work clothes and business casual attire (Church, Choir and Refectory). Meals and linens are provided and there is no cost for the retreat. Transportation to and from Birmingham and Huntsville can be arranged.
January 6-8, 2012
March 2-4, 2012