The Old Testament prophets went into the wilderness for periods of solitary prayer. Jesus Christ began his public ministry by spending 40 days and nights in the desert. Jesus frequently communed with the Father by going off to a lonely place, by rising early in the morning, by spending entire nights in prayer. Jesus gives us many examples of prayer to show us that prayer is a vital force needed in our lives. He tells us to pray, ask, and seek. In seeking God we will find not only Him but our true selves as well.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit invites you to come and experience a few days of restful recollection and spiritual renewal in a prayerful and peaceful environment.

What may you expect from a stay at the monastery? The experience will vary with each individual: the opportunity to study the scriptures; to be alone; to pray; to reflect on some unresolved problem; to share in the worship of the monks; to listen in silence to the Holy Spirit bringing guidance and enlightenment. These and other experiences can be yours according to God's gift. Above all, your time of retreat is to help you experience the love of God for you. The benefits of a retreat may be summed up in the word peace - God's Peace which surpasses all understanding.

Retreat Information

Individual and small groups of different religious backgrounds are welcome. A retreat director is available for those wishing his assistance.

Click to view a list of special retreats for 2005.

Retreats are normally scheduled between:
Monday after 1 PM through Thursday 1 PM;
or Friday after 1 PM through Sunday 1 PM

PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR ARRIVAL AFTER 1 PM, BUT BEFORE 8 PM, AS THE MONASTERY GATE IS LOCKED AT THAT TIME.

Reservations should be arranged well in advance:

By phone:
(770) 760-0959
Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 2 PM
24 hour FAX: (770) 760-0959

By mail:
Br. Gerard, Guestmaster
Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit
2625 Highway 212 S.W.
Conyers, Georgia 30094-4044

By e-mail:
retreat@trappist.net

In light of frequent late cancellations and no-shows, we request a $30 non-refundable donation to hold rooms. We suggest a total offering of $60 to $100 per night. If this is beyond your means, please come anyway and give as much as you are able. An even more generous gift helps us welcome retreatants with limited resources. We are now able to take credit cards for your donations.

Retreatants’ Daily Schedule for meals and times of prayer to which you are invited:

Morning
4:00	Vigils
7:00	Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Community Mass
8:00-8:45	Breakfast (served immediately after Mass)
10:00	Terce (Mid-morning Prayer) in Retreat House Parlor
Afternoon
Noon	Sext (Midday Prayer) in Retreat House
12:15	Lunch
2:00	None (Mid-afternoon Prayer) in Retreat House Parlor
Evening
5:20	Vespers (Evening Prayer)
6:00	Supper follows vespers
6:45	Confessions
7:30	Compline (Night Prayer)
Sunday, same as above except:
Noon	Midday Prayer in Church, with lunch following
7:15 PM	Benediction and Compline

RETREAT TALKS

10:00 AM on Tuesday

4:00 PM on Wednesday

10:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Saturday