Place of Retreats

DID YOU KNOW

On a retreat people give themselves a day or several to relax and attend to their spirit. They leave ordinary, everyday routines and environment to focus on and to deepen a relationship with the Creator.

Why Retreat?

Our lives are busy and noisy. Reflection and prayer are not easy to come by.

A Retreat Is Sabbath time!

Sabbath means quit. Stop.
Take a break
God created then rested
You can, too.

A retreat is your time to rest.
To reflect.
To find your centre.
To restore your soul.

The Sounds of Silence

Silence is an important element of a retreat. Why? Because silence provides a supportive climate of solitude and stillness for paying attention to the still small voice of God.

Environment

An atmosphere of silence supported
by . . . a private bedroom,
a retreatants’ dining room
a meditation room,
a path in the woods and beautiful grounds to roam along the river bank

Are There Different Kinds of Retreats?
Yes!

Directed Retreats

On a directed retreat you’d spend your day/days in sabbath rest: praying several times throughout the day, journaling, exercising, doing whatever re-creates.

In addition, you have the opportunity to meet daily with a director/companion to share and notice what is happening in your time of prayer. The director offers suggestions for prayer, often scriptural material.

Group Directed Retreat

In July, St. Benedict’s schedules a directed retreat. Women and men may sign up for this retreat which lasts eight days or a portion thereof. Besides the daily meeting with a spiritual, retreatants receive the support of one another in prayer and silence. (See our General Program Brochure for dates.)

Self-Directed Retreats

In these retreats, individuals take time for solitude and prayer, choosing to use the facilities and benefit from the atmosphere.

Other "Retreats"

These include a variety of programs open to the public and are described in the general brochure. These “retreats” are often of an interactive nature and structured. Some retreats are designed with a specific group in mind, e.g the unemployed. Others focus on personal growth, e.g Dreams, Journaling or the Enneagram and others are contemplative in nature, like Centering Prayer. There is something for everyone.

Cost of Retreats

Arranging for a Retreat:

Comments of Past Retreatants

I had a wonderful time of retreat, feel refreshed spiritually and ready to return to my everyday life.

This is a very peaceful, relaxing, quiet place which fostered meditation and a sense of warmth, calm and belonging. Thank you for creating the environment that helped me to grow in mind and spirit.

I enjoyed my walks in the woods. The garden with the stations of the cross was an excellent area for prayer and communicating with nature and myself.

I was able to find the quiet time I need so much to do a great deal of reflection.
Thank you

St. Benedict’s Retreat and Conference Centre is an extension of the Benedictine Monastic community's presence and mission of hospitality. We have been in the province of Manitoba since 1912 and at our present location since 1961.

We welcome you to share our home as you continue your spiritual journey. You will find us: 20 minutes from downtown Winnipeg—two miles north of Perimeter Hwy 101, just off Main Street (Hwy. 9). Click for more info.

Come and enjoy our 72 acres of wooded land on the bank of the Red River. We are fully accessible.

Guests from the United States, make payments in Canadian funds with an international money order.

Out of towners/early arrivals are welcome! Just let us know in advance, when you plan to arrive and we will have the welcome mat out. If you need a ride, we will try to arrange that.

If you would like a copy of our general brochure, we will be glad to mail you one.