SonduaTxesiu 'o*Plete

lJnited' States

Other Books by jack and Marcia Kelly

Snnctuaries: A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and

Retreats of the United States

The Northesst

The West Cosst and Southzuest

One Hundred Craces: Mealtime Blessittgs

(editors)

The Whole Henaen Catalog: A Resource Guide to Prodttcts,

Seruices, Arts, Crafts, and Festiaals of Religious, Spiritual,

and Cooper atia e Comrnunities

by Marcia Kelly

Heauenly Feasts: Mentorahle Meals from Monasteries, Abbeys,

and Retreafs

. 4 9

airi{t dli: F I 1:r.

j:,i;r '

. .1 t4

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i',1

S anctuariesThe Complete United States

Updated Edition

A Guide to Lodgings in

Monasteries, Abbryts, and Retreats

lack and Marcia Kelly

BellTbuter e NewYork

A percentage of the royalties from this book will go to the Seva Foundation(P.O. Box 17277, Berkeley, CA94772) to help fund its worldwide program ofcompassionate action.

Copyright @ 1997,7992,7996 by Jack and Marcia Kelly

Drawings of retreats in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico,Oregon, and Washington copyright @ 1992 by C & H SOHO LTD.

All illustrations are from photographs taken by Jack Kelly and drawn byJennifer Harper with the exception of those in the sections on Arizona,California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, which weredrawn by Barry J. Schiff/G & H SOHO LTD., and those for Carmel Retreat,Mahwah, Nj, and Chrysalis House, Warwick, NY which were drawn byDan Wintermantel. Jack Blumenthal supplied photographs for the sectionson Texas, Utah, and Oklahoma.

Map by Maggie Eidem, Blumenthal's Computers, Olean, NY

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmittedin any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo-copying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published by Bell Tower, New York, New York.Member of the Crown Publishing Group.

Random House, Inc. New York, Toronto, London, Sydney, Auckland

www.randomhouse.com

BELL TOWER and colophon are registered trademarks of RandomF{ouse, Inc.

Portions of this work were originally published in Sanctuaries: The Northeast(1997) and Sanctuaries:The West Coast and Southwest (7992), published byBell Tower.

Printed in the United States of America

Design by Iris Weinstein and Mercedes Everett

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available uponrequest.

ISBN 0-577-88517-4

1 0 9 8 7 6

Contents

Introduction

MUP

A L A B A M A

Benedictine Spirituality and Conference Center of

Sacred Heart Monastery, CuIImanVisitation Monastent, Mobile

A R I Z O N A

Arcosanti, MayerDesert House of Prayer, TucsonThe Healing Center of Arizona, SedonaHoIy Trinity Monastery, St. DqaidOur Lady of Solitude House of Prayer, Black Canyon City

C A L I F O R N I A

Abbey of New Clairaaux,Vina

Dhamma Dena, loshua Tree

Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, Muir Beach

lmmaculate Heart Community, Santa Barbara

La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara

Monastery of Mount Tabor, Redwood Valley

Mount Calaary Monastery and Retreat House, Santa Barbara

Mount Madonna Center, Watsonaille

xiii

xviii-xix

24

68

1 07274

7 61 82A2224262830

C O N T E N T S

New Camaldoli Hermitage, Big SurNyingma Institute, B erkeleyOrr Hot Springs, UkiahPrince of Peace Abbey, OceansideRancho La Puerta, Tecate, Baja California, MexicoSt. Andrezu's Abbey, ValyermoSanta Sabina Center, San RafaelS elf - ReaI iz at io n F ell ow ship Re t r e at, E n c init asShasta Abbey, Mount ShastaSonotna Mountain Zen Center, Snnta RosaTassnjara Zen Mountain Center, Carmel ValleyVedanta Retreat, OlemaVilla Maria del Mar, Santa Cruz

C O L O R A D O

Nada Hermitage, CrestoneSt. Benedict's Monastertt, Snowmass

C O N N E C T I C U T

Abbey of Regina Laudis, BethlehemVikingsborg Guest Housef Conaent of St. Birgitta, Darien

F L O R I D A

Camp Weed and the Ceraeny Conference Center, Liae OakThe Florida United Methodist Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland ParkHoly Name Monastery, St. LeoWakulls Springs Lodge and Conference Center, Wakulla Springs

G E O R G I A

Abbey of Our Lady of the HoIy Spirit, ConyersConaent of St. Helena, Augusta

I L L I N O I S

Monastery of the Holy Cross, Chicago

I N D I A N A

Mory Coodwin Guest House, St. Mary-of-the-WoodsSt. Meinrad Archabbev, St. Meinrad

vi

32343638404244464850525456

5860

6264

66687072

74

76

C O N T E N T S

I O W A

New Melleray Abbey, PeostaOur Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, Dubuque

K E N T U C K Y

Abbey of Gethsemani, Trappist

L O U I S I A N A

Center of lesus the Lord, New Orleans

Nera Orleans Zen Temple, New Orleans

St.loseph Abbey, St. Benedict

St. Mary's Dominican Conference Center, New Orleans

M A I N E

Marie loseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford

M A R Y L A N D

All Saints Episcopal Conuent, Catonsaille

S an ctuary, B eallsu ill e

M A S S A C H U S E T T S

Eastern Point Retreat House, Gloucester

Emery House, West Newbury

Glastonbury Abbey, Hinghnm

Insight Meditation Society, Bnrre

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Lenox

Mount St. Mary's Abbey, Wrentham

St. loseph's Abbey, Spencer

M I C H I G A N

The Hermitage, Three Rioers

St, Augustine's House, Oxford

St. Gregory's Abbey, Three Riaers

Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center, Oxford

Zen Buddhist Temple, Ann Arbor

M I N N E S O T A

St. lohn's Abbry, Collegeaille

8486

90929496

100

1,02

104106

108

1 1 0r12774

116

118

1,201.22724126

128

C O N T E N T S

M I S S O U R I

Maria Fonte Solitude, High Ridge

N E W H A M P S H I R E

Aryalokn, NewmarketThe Common, P eterboroughSt. Anselm Abbey, Manchester

N E W I E R S E Y

Carmel Retreat, MahzuahSt. Marguerite's Retreat House, MendhamSt. Mary's Abbey-Delbarton, Morristown

N E W M E X I C O

Center t'or Action and Contemplation, AlbuquerqueGhost Ranch, AbiquiuLama Foundation, San CristobalMonastery of Christ in the Desert, AbiquiuPecos Benedictine Monasteru, Pecos

J '

N E W Y O R K

Abbey of the Genesee, PiffardAbode of the Message, Neut LebanonChapel House, HamiltonChautauq ua Inst it ut ion, Chau t a u qu aCormaria Center, Sag HarborDai Bosatsu Zendo, Liaingston ManorElat Chayyim, AccordHoly Cross Monastery, West ParkMount lrenaeus Franciscan Mountain Retreat, west ClarksvilleMount Saaiour Monastery, Pine CityNew Skete Communities, CambridgeOw'Lady of the Resurrection Monastery,La GrangeailleSt. Cuthbert's Retreat House, BrewsterSpringwater Center, SpringzuaterStill Point House of Prayer, StillwaterTransfiguration Monastery, WindsorZen Mountain Monnstery, Mount Tremper

viii

130

132734

736

138

74A742

744

746748150

152

154156

158160

762764

766168

170172

774176778180782

184

186

C O N T E N T S

N O R T H C A R O L I N A

, aila Retreat Center, Durham

Southern Dharma Retreat Center, Hot Springs

N O R T H D A K O T A

Annunciation Priory, Bismarck

Assump tion Abb ey, Richardton

O H I O

lesuit Retreat House, Cleaeland

O K L A H O M A

Osage*Monastery Forest of Peace, Sand Springs

O R E C O N

Breitenbush Hot Springs, Detroit

Menucha Retrent and Conference Center, Corbett

Mount Angel Abbey Retreat Holtse, St. Benedict

Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, Lafayette

P E N N S Y L V A N I A

D aylesfor d Abbey, P aoli

P endle Hill, Wallingfor d

St. Raphaela Mary Retreat House, Haaert'ord

R H O D E I S L A N D

P ortsmouth Abbey, P or tsmouth

St. Paul's Priory Guest House,l'leuport

S O U T H C A R O L I N A

Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner

St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Seabrook Island

Springbank Retreat Cent er, Kin gstree

T E N N E S S E E

St. Mary's Episcopal Retreat and Conference Center, Sewanee

T E X A S

Corpus Christi Abbry, Sandin

188190

1,921,94

1,96

198

200202204206

2082702L2

274276

278220222

224

226

ix

C O N T E N T S

U T A H

Abbey of Our Lady of the HoIy Trinity, Huntsaille

V E R M O N T

KarmA-Ch(ilin g, B arnetWeston Priory, Weston

V I R G I N I A

Holy Cross Abbey, BerryailleS af chidan anda Ashr am-Yo gaa ill e, B u ckin gham

W A S H I N G T O N

Chinook Learning Center, ClintonCloud Mountain Retreat Center, Castle RockHolden Village, ChelanIndralaya, EastsoundKsiros House of Prayer, SpokaneSt. Martin's Abbey Guesthouse, Lacey

W E S T V I R G I N I A

Bhaaana Society, High View

W I S C O N S I N

DeKoaen Center, RacineSiena Center, Racine

Other Places

Jewish Retreats

Buddhist Centers

Clossary

Index of Featured Places

228

230232

234236

238240242244246248

250

252254

256

302

305

306

309

Special thanks to these friends and all the others whose

generous help, encouragement, hospitality, interest, and ad-

vice were essential to the successful completion of our

Sanctuaries U.S.A. series: Jennie and Jack Blumenthal, Liz

Conners, Sister Donald Corcoran and the TransfigurationMonastery community, Maggie Eidem, Judith Emery, Millie

and Jim Harford, Carole Kraus, Katherine Latour, Robert

Lax, Toinette Lippe, Geordie and Tom Miller, Kathleen

Norris, Ram Dass, and Judith Stanton.

iFi' Introductioni i l

This book ref lects our travels to monasteries, abbeys, and retreats

throughout the United States. We've found each region to be unique:

the Northeast with its forests and meadows, and views of the Atlantic;

the West and Southwest with awe-inspiring mountains and deserts; the

South with palm trees and lush vegetation; the Midwest prairies and

miles of fertile farmland. We found much similarity: an open door, wel-

coming smiles, a quiet chapel, a secluded path, or a lakeside bench-

inviting one to take time to reflect, away from busy lives.

Many of you have written us with thanks for the lovely experiences

you've had visiting the monasteries, abbeys, and retreats in our first two

Sanctuaries covering the Northeast and the West Coast and Southwest.

Most of these letters also asked when we planned to do books that

would include the rest of the country. This volume is the response to

those questions. We've chosen representative places from the first two

volumes, and added our visits to the Southeast, the Deep South, Texas,

Oklahoma, Utah, Missouri, and across the Midwest as far as North

Dakota. Atthough we haven't visited every state, we've included list-

ings from all of them, and added a list of Jewish retreats along with our

"Other Places" section at the end of the book. Someday we hope to visit

that exotic-sounding list from Hawaii, and make the journey north to

Alaska, but until then we'llhave to rely on you to report back to us with

your impressions, or with places we've missed altogether. You'll notice

that we've included more places from some states than others and this

is because those states haae more retreats.

Many people thought that there were no accommodations for cou-

ples, others that you could visit only if you were of the same religion as

the monastery, and many didn't realize that you could stay overnight.

The following basics will help to clarify some of these points.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Philosophy An essay on silence and hospitality by the abbess of st.walburga's in Colorado says, "who are visitors but frier-rds we haven'tmet yet . . . guests who enter our property for a moment, perhaps inneed of a blessing, a prayer, a welcoming thought?" The places thathave chosen a ministry of hospitality do so with a spirit of opennessand warmth, and unless noted in the text, welcome people of all faiths,with no requirement to attend any services or participate in any activ-ities. You are free to join the community in prayer or just enjoy the sur-roundings, and no attempt will be made to urge you to do anythingother than what you choose. We came as casual guests, for short visits,and our observations reflect this experience, not what it m-igh-t be likeas long-term residents.

A few of the places worry that trarzelers will come with the intentionof using their centers as a motel during sightseeing and vacation trips,and will find themselves in conflict with the spirit of quiet and theearly hours. Most places are contemplative communities which invitepeople to share their life and prayer. so do let them know when youcall to make your reservation that you are looking for a sanctuary, arespite, a place of quiet retreat, and that their place seemed just rightfor you.

Purpose Monasteries and abbeys are usually functioning rel igiouscommunities that have some rooms for visitors, while the purpose ofretreat houses is to provide a setting for groups to hold meetings or re-treats. There are often rooms available for individuals (privateretreatants) even when a group retreat is going on. Individuals can some-times participate in the group sessions, and can almost always join inprayer services. It is important to remember that the people who live inthese places are not prepared to do psychological counseling, so don'tmake a retreat if that is your expectation or need.

settings and accommodations we stayed in everything from a river-side plantation once owned by Clare Boothe Luce to seasicle estates withtropical gardens to simple cabins in the woods, reached only by a sway-ing suspension bridge. We visited a Mennonite farm with a beautifullyrefurbished barn where retreatants stay, and a Marcel Breuer-designedmonastery in the middle of the Great plains.

some places have hermitages, usually for one person who would liketo be alone, sometimes for two. Although many of the buildings wereonce houses of the very rich, the accommodations are usually simple,

xiv

I N T R O D U C T I O N

though comfortable and clean. Most places welcome men, women, and

children. Any variations are noted in the text. Where dormitory space is

provided, it is separate for men and women in most cases. Though most

have double rooms that can be shared by couples, a few places have

only singles, and men and women are in different sections.

You should not bring pets with you, but you will encounter resident

cats and dogs from time to time. On the western trip we also met resi-

dent ilamas, peacocks, emus, and even a bobcat!

Costs There is an effort to keep the fees moderate, although in many

cases they do not cover all the expenses, so supplemental donations are

gratefully accepted. If the fee is a burden, special arrangements can be

discussed. Many places have work/study programs, some have

work/exchange available for a period of time. Prices for 7995 ranged

from $25 to $175 a night, often with reduced rates for longer stays. Fees

usually include three meals a day, but it's important to confirm meal

arrangements when making reservations. Some places have cooks only

when a group is coming, so you may have to bring your own food or

dine in the area.

Customs, comportment, attire It is a custom in this world to "turn the

bed," or make the bed with fresh sheets for the next guest. One mona-

stery asks you to say a little blessing for the next guest as you prepare

the bed. Occasionally you may have to bring your own linens or sleep-

ing bag, something you should ask about when making reservations. In

some places, guests are expected to pitch in and help with chores (this

is noted in the text); in others, the staff prefer no help at all. Work on the

property, with the community, is usually available on request.

Courtesy and sensitivity to others is the general rule. Guests and com-

munity are there for quiet and contemplation, so radios, typewriters,

and chatting in the hallways or chapel will only be disturbing.

Following the lead of the community will easily carry you through any

local customs.

Attire can be casual, though it should be respectful in those places

that are religious communities. We've included some hot springs and

other nonreligious retreats that are extremely informal in every way.

Many in the religious communities wear work shirts and jeans except

when in chapel, though guests may dress casually even there. We cer-

tainly didn't immediately identify the man in overalls and a baseball

cap who waved at us from his bicycle as a monk!

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Reseraations Reservations are essential. Some places are bookedweeks or months ahead on weekends, part icularly for groups.Individuals can often get a bed with less notice, and weekdays are eas-ier for all. In any case, do not appear without having called ahead. Ifyou can't come, be sure to give as much notice as possible, or if it's atthe last minute, offer to forfeit the fee, since these communities dependon the income to survive. If you request a brochure with details about aparticular place, one will be mailed to you.

Transportation To help orient you geographically, we have includeddriving directions, but some places are very/ hard to find, so be preoaredfor wrong turns. In snowy areas, chains and sand are a good added pre-caution. Most places have directions in their brochures for arrival by caror public transportation. Many can arrange to meet you at the airport orstation.

what to bring It's a good idea to bring a flashlight to find your way atnight, on walks, down the hall to the bathroom, or along the path to theouthouse! we stayed in one place that had not only flashlights butumbrellas in every room, but that is rare. Be prepared with extrasweaters in cold weather and cool clothes in the summer; often there'sa place to swim on the property or nearby, so pack bathing suits forthose places that require them. Be sure to ask if you need to bring anyfood or linens.

Day ztisits Many of the places are available to individuals or groupsfor day use.

Access for the disabled Be sure to inquire ahead. Some places areequipped, and others are still in the process of making everything com-pletely accessible.

other places In the first two books, at the end of every state we had alist of additional places that were recommended to us but which we hadnot visited. In this volume, we have put the "other Places" all togetherat the end of the book, alphabetically by state and then by city. This edi-tion includes featured places listed in the two regional guides.

Conclusion This book is the result of our visits to more than 250monasteries, abbeys, and retreats, and the experience has been enrich-

xvi

I N T R O D U C T I O N

ing beyond words. What a blessing to have had the opportunity to be

welcomed into such places, reminding us of the many faces and mani-

festations of God. Though we visited many spiritual paths, we found

that loving kindness was a language all had in common, reason enough

for continued visits with these special people.

Note: With each printing of this book, we do our best to update the infor-

mation, but the creation of so many new area codes in the last couple of

years makes it very difficult for us to guarantee that what we have here

is completely correct. A good way to doublecheck area codes is by going

to www.555-72l2.com to get the latest information.

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numbers on which the Sanctuaries are described.

Hinduism"In the effulgent lotus of the heart dwells Brahman, the Light of

lights. " -M un dakn Upanishad

judaism

"The Lord is my Light; whom shall I fear7" -Psalms

Shinto"The light of Divine Amaterasu shines fs1gyg1.."-Kurozumi Munetada

Taoisrn"Following the Light, the sage takes care of all."-Lao Tsu

Buddhism"The radiance of Buddha shines ceaselessly." -Dhammapada

Christianity"I have come into the world as Light." -Holy Bible

Islam"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.//-Floly Koran

Sikhism"Cod, being Tiuth, is the one Light of all."-Adi Granth

African Faiths"God is the sun beaming light everywhere."-Tribal African

Native American Faiths"The light of Wakan-Tanka is upon my peopts.//-gs1g of Kablaya

Other Known Faiths"Tiuth is one, paths are many."

Faiths Still Unknown

Quotes taken t'rom the Light ot' Truth Lfniaersal Shrine (LOTI IS), SatchidanandaAsltam-Yo gnztille, Buckingham, Virginia

$anctuariesThe Complete United States

Benedictine Spirituality and ConferenceCenter of Sacred Heart MonasteryCullman, AL

Sacred Heart Monastery was formed by the union of two branches ofthe same Benedictine motherhouse in Elk County, Pennsylvania. Sistersfrom Covington, Kentucky, and St. Leo, Florida, came together to north-ern Alabama to found a school for German immigrants during the late1800s. In 7902, they bought 200 acres and built the main monastery tohouse the community and students. As one sister explainedi "We werealways building at the wrong time. In1902 when we had no money, in7929 at the beginning of the Depression, then in the 1940s during WorldWar II."

This is a splendid complex and it is a pleasure to walk the halls with15-foot ceilings and visit the chapel where the community gathers topray four times a day. Mass is celebrated daily at different times toaccommodate the schedules of this warm community, which includesan amazing array of talents: administrators, teachers, chaplains, nurses,a lawyer, and a legal secretary. They have a variety of ministries accord-ing to the gifts of the members and the needs of the church, includingapartments for the elderly. Their mission statement says that they are achannel through which the monastic community shares with the peopleof God its particular charism, which includes praying the liturgy, cele-brating the Eucharist in a monastic setting, and witnessing the value ofcommunity living.

The sisters present programs throughout the year on spiritual topics:the Gospels, Assessing and Developing the Skills in Love, theEnneagram, Centering Prayer, and Women's Spirituality. They host

2

A L A B A M A

Elderhostels and retreats for Lent, Advent, and Holy Week. There are

rooms in former dormitories with shared baths. Delicious food is served

buffet-style with the community.

Down the road and across the creek is St. Bernard's Benedict ine

Abbey, which also has a retreat program and guesthouse. The grotto

there, miniature scenes in stone-a labor of many years by one of the

monks-is well worth a visit.

Benedictine Spirituality and Conference Center

of Sacred Heart Monastery

916 Conaent Road

Cullman, AL 35055(256) 734-8302. St. Bernard Retreat Center also offers retreat rooms.

See Other Places.

Accommodations: Private retreatants are housed in the grand original

building; groups in singles, doubles, triples in former dorms accommo-

dating more than 65, built in the 40s with pine paneling and much orig-

inal detai l , looking out to pond; tasty homemade meals served

buffet-style; prayer 4 times daily; 200 acres include original gardens;

offer retreats on various subjects from Centering Prayer to Christian

Yoga, Elderhostels, 12-step programs; acupressure or massage available;

a Holy Land Scripture Seminar and Study tour; ecumenical groups wel-

come; artwork by community lines the walls; a unique and fabulous

grotto "across the river" at St. Bernard Abbey; library in gracious main

house, with lovely sitting rooms from its days as a college; closed

Christmas week; wheelchair-accessible; rates vary depending on group

size and number of nights.

Directions; Take I-55 to Exit 308. Turn east onto H*y. 278 and follow 2.6

miles through town of Cullman to Convent Rd. (at stoplight). Turn left

onto Convent Rd. and enter second gate on right. Building entrance is

behind Sacred Heart statue. Parking to right.

Visitation MonasteryMobile, AL

ifigi

This monastery traces its beginning to 1832 when five sisters arrived by

ship from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to establish a school at therequest of the first bishop of Mobile. There were 40 pupils that year, and

through the trust and generosity of many southern families, the number

of students grew. The history of the community reads like a southernadventure novel. A tornado swept through on the evening of March 24,1840, and in seven minutes the little monastery school of seven yearswas demolished. An eyewitness wrote: "No ray save the lightning'svivid flash shone upon this scene of terror," leaving "no roof above savethe vault of an angry sky." Fortunately no lives were lost, and rebuild-ing began soon thereafter. Then in 1854, the monastery and chapelburned to the ground. Neighbors responded to help and a Jewish man,one Dr. Mordecai, rushed through smoke and flame to save an exquis-itely carved crucifix which still hangs in the community room. Duringthe Civil War, Mobile was blockaded and supplies were short. TWo ofthe sisters took a boat to New Orleans, where they were arrested byUnion forces, then allowed to return to Mobile with a full supply of pro-visions and clothing.

After the Civil War, benefactors made substantial building possible.In 1895 the present chapel was dedicated, and in 1896 the eastern annexwas erected. The convent and grounds have played a significant part inthe life of Mobile, and the Historic Preservation Society has madeawards recognizing the efforts to preserve and maintain the integrity ofthe charming buildings.

4

A L A B A M A

There is an eight-foot wall surrounding almost two acres of lawn with

stately old trees and bushes. This offers a sense of privacy and solitude.A gazebo and chairs and benches are suitably placed. The dining roomis entered from a covered walkway. The rooms, former dormitories, areon the second floor and open onto a porch that overlooks the lawn.

Retreat programs began in the 1950s for women, and in 1964 therefurbished monastery add.ed retreats for men. There is a schedule ofretreats throughout the year for cursillos, engaged and marriageencounters, and separate weekends for men and women. Individuals

can be accommodated by appointment. It is also possible for women toexperience the routines of the cloistered community for a few days orlonger. The sisters gather in the chapel five times a day for communityprayer, with morning mass at 6:30. Guests are welcome.

Visitation Monastery

2300 Spring HiII Aae.

Mobile, AL 36607(33$ 473-232L

Accommodations: 42 single rooms with shared bath for women andmen in this historic building of brick and wrought iron, with its beauti-ful and spacious walled garden and grounds; hearty southern cookingserved in the dining room buffet-style; community mass at 6:30 a.tt. andprayer 5 times dally;17 acres in a lovely old neighborhood of Mobile;

offers "a desert experience" of 2-B days of silence and solitude forwomen to live with the cloistered contemplative nuns; open year-round; suggested donation $60 a weekend.

Directions: From I-10 take I-65 North to Spring Hill Ave. exit, then goeast for 2 miles. Watch for Florida St. light, then a midroad divider, andthe brick garden walls. Immediately you'll see a sign and a break in thedivider, where you can make a left tum into the driveway.

ArcosantiMayer, AZ

About 65 miles north of the population sprawi of Phoenix, an 860-acre

cattle ranch has been transformed into an urban vision of the future.

There is a development that wili eventually house 6,J00 people on only17 acres. By eliminating the automobile, which needs streets and

garages, individual living space of 2,000 square feet is only a short walk

from anything. One can find cultural enrichment in a series of inter-

locking units, and the surrounding land is used for agriculture, ranch-

ing, and recreation.

Arcosanti (from arcologv, an amalgam of architecture and ecology) is the

concept of Paolo Soleri, an Italian-born architect who came to the

United States to apprentice himself to Frank Lloyd Wright. In the early

7970s, the brilliant and controversial Soleri, described by some as a day-

dreaming utopian and by others as the most important architect of our

time, believed the time had come to make his dream a reality.

Committed to keeping Arcosanti mortgage-free, Soleri decided to

charge helpers a modest fee for the experience of building the future.

More than 3,000 workshop participants have lived here for periods of

four to six weeks in spartan concrete cubes, taking meals in the caf6,

which bakes bread daily. Concerts and other cultural events are broughtin, and helpers enjoy the interaction of fellow workers and the regular

staff of 50.

Once a month, the entire community gathers for "Frugal Soup," a

plain meal of soup and bread, water and juice, to focus thoughts on

world hunger, reminding themselves during this lVz-hour event that

6

A R I Z O N A

even this simple fare would be a feast to some people. "We are," one

speaker said, "like fleas on the back of the tiger, living in a flea world onthe frightening tiger of reality."

The buildings of Arcosanti are on a mesa above the Agua Fria River

valley, a few miles from Interstate 17-the major road between Flagstaff

and Phoenix. The building outlines can be seen from the highway. It

appears like a space village on the planet desert. There are ten guestrooms for 77 people. Visitors are welcome to retreat here to view thefuture.

More than $3 miliion has been spent so far, with funds earned from

the sale of bronze and ceramic wind bells. Slowly but surely the vision

grows to reality through the dedicated efforts of staff and workshopmembers. In the main office, there is a model of the completedArcosanti. Soleri was once asked how much it would cost to completethe entire project. Reportedly, he smiled and answered: "About the priceof one attack bomber."

Arcosanti

HC74, Box 4136

Mayer, AZ 86333(520) 6s2-713s

Accommodations: 10 rooms Ior 17 men, women, and children; cafd andbakery open daily with organic vegetarian meals available, and deli-

cious home-baked breads and sweets, all moderately priced; "Frugal

Soup," a once-a-month 1t/z-hour ritual instituted by Paolo Soleri tofocus on world hunger; S-week workshops; special concerts, lectures,

other events throughout year; Elderhostels; 860 acres with Indian arti-

facts; swimming pool; open year-round except Thanksgiving and

Christmas; room cost $15-$25 a day,2-bedroom penthouse "Sky Suite"

$50 a day.

Directions: l-77 to Exit 262 (Cordes Junction Rd.) and follow signs for

Arcosanti (2Vzml\es on dirt road).

Desert House of ProyerTucson, AZ

The Desert House of Prayer in the Sonoran Desert is a place where "in

a climate of quiet and solitude, with the support of a small community

of people committed to the contemplative life, one might come for a

time to renew and deepen one's relationship with God .. . where one

can get more deeply rooted and centered in God through prayer." This

is the mission statement of Father John Kane and two sisters who began

in a building at Picture Rocks Retreat (see page 257 in "Other Places"),

and eventually acquired 31 acres just across the road, where they estab-

Iished this haven for solitude and quiet prayer. Th"y welcome serious

retreatants.

The current staff of five has 12 rooms with private baths available for

retreatants. Three meals a day are provided in the dining room; break-

fast and lunch are picked up there and eaten in silence. At the evening

meal, which is taken with the community, talking is permitted. There

are two self-contained hermitages nearby, well thought out and beauti-

fully crafted. The mighty saguaro cacti, some standing 40 feet high,

seem to guard against intrusion.

In the chapel, a separate building with a picture window at one end

framing a magnificent desert scene, the community meets three times a

day for mass, a prayer service, andTV2hours of meditation that is simi-

lar to Zen sitting and is broken by walking meditation at 2S-minuteintervals; each person sits forward in the chair, spine erect, synchroniz-

ing the repetition of a mantra with the breath.

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There is a library with 6,000 volumes and hundreds of tapes, includ-

ing a complete set of Thomas Merton's discussions and addresses,

many of which he made when he was novice master at Gethsemani.

The outdoor stations of the cross were donated by Dl Richard Chun

of Honolulu. The scenes on wooden crosses are complemented by the

desert chaparral and the rugged mountain background. As one

retreatant remarked: "The grace of the place is its silence."

Desert House of Prayer

nSA W. Pietwe Rocks Rd.

Tucson, AZ 85743

Mailing address: Box 570, Cortaro, AZ 85652(s20) 744-3825

Accommodations: For men and women,72 rooms with private bath

and 2 beautiful self-contained hermitages; studio for art projects under

direction of community member who is an artist; breakfast and lunch in

silence; Friday is mitigated fast and silence all day; 1% hours of daiiy

prayer at morning praise, liturgy, and vespers; 4 hours daily serious

reading, reflection, prayer, contemplation; Saturday night vigil until

Sunday morning in 1-hour intervals; 31 acres of primitive high desert

land at foot of Safford Peak in Tucson Mountains; monthly 3-day retreat

with 6 hours daily of centering prayer;6,000-book library; Wednesday

night Peace & Justice Forum led by Father Ricardo Elford, a community

member known for his Sanctuary movement work; open year-round;

$27 a day for first 3 days, $24 a day for extended stays; special rates for

3 months or more.

Directions; From Scottsdale/Phoenix take I-10 to Ina Rd. (Exit 248).

Turn right on Ina Rd. for 3Vzmiles to Wade Rd. Left on Wade for 1 mile

to entrance drive on right. Watch for the sign on the left for ptcruRE RocKS

RETREAT (a larger center for groups listed on page 257 in "Other Places");

Desert House of Prayer is the second drive on the right beyond that.

The Healing Center of ArizonaSedona, AZ

South of Flagstaff, where the red rock buttes of Arizona flow intocanyons, the town of Sedona sits in the rugged foothills of the RockyMountains. Native Americans have been coming here for centuries to berefreshed and healed, for this place is said to be the site of an energyvortex. This has long been recognized by people with psychic powers,who have settled here and given the town the reputation, though it hasno TV station, of being the home of 400 channels.

Native Sedonan John Paul Weber returned after ten years in SanFrancisco to found the Healing Center of Arizona. Choosing a site inWilson Canyon, where juniper trees grow in abundance, he meditatedon a rocky outcrop as to what kind of building to construct. His medi-tations inspired him to build a large geodesic dome surrounded by foursmaller ones. With the help of clients and friends, construction began in1981 and was completed five years later. When the structure had beenframed, before the doors and windows were installed, John Paul wasworking inside one day when he heard a loud crash. He discovered thatthe boulder on which he had spent so much time meditating had bro-ken loose from the cliff, rolled through a door opening, and come to restin the corner of a room. As big as a table, it remains there still, obviouslywanting not to be left out.

There are 4,200 square feet in the five domes, shaped like a largedaisy, where up to 20 people can be accommodated, some in privaterooms. Glorious flowering plants thrive in the light, airy space, which istastefully furnished. The bathrooms are tiled and gleaming, and there is

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a hot tub, a sauna, and a flotation tank; one of the smaller domes is a

meditation chamber, where energy seems amplified and awareness

increased. Delicious food-usually vegetarian-is served in the main

living-dining space. There are superb views across the canyon where

the magnificent rocks are outiined in the normally blue sky.The center offers personalized retreats tailored to the needs of indi-

viduals. Some involve massage and acupressure, along with the use of

heat and water. There are hiking trails into the canyon, and the awe-

some beauty and clear air of the Arizona landscape help one relax and

let go of any illness. This place seems to be a major step toward what

]ohn Paul describes as "the need for centers of light and love of all

humanity that are nondenominational and open to all to give ground-

ing and remembrance of the divine presence."

The Hesling Center of Arizona

25 Wilson Canyon Rd.

Sedona, AZ 86336(520) 282-771.0

Accommodations: Men, women, and children can be accommodated in

3 lovely doubles with queen-size beds, and a dorm room with futons

can be used for larger groups; 2 individual dome shelters for those

wishing to be alone; "earthship" (house made of tires) being con-

structed in the hiliside for another quiet sanctuary; tiled baths filled

with plants and fountains; delicious, home-cooked food can be pro-

vided if requested; meditation room, flotation tank, sauna, sweat lodge,

medicine wheel, t'ai chi ch'uan, hot tub; many therapies available; open

year-round; $50-$65 a day for room; holistic or healing retreats $140 a

day; weekly rates available.

Directions: Rte. 89A, a beautiful mountain canyon road, to Sedona

from Flagstaff. Turn right on jordan Rd. to Hillside Dr., then right 1

block to Mountain View and left to Wiison Canyon Rd. and right to

dome at end. Little neighborhood roads, so watch carefully for signs.

HoIy Trinity MonasterySt, Daaid, AZ

Deep in Apache territory, about 14 miles north of Tombstone and 17miles from Cochise Stronghold, this Benedictine monastery wasfounded serendipitously. Formerly the Wilderness Ranch for Boys, the

93 acres was run by an ecumenical group to help young men in trouble.

While giving a retreat in Tucson, Father Louis Hassenfus of the PecosBenedictine Monastery (see page 152) was asked to take over the ranchin order to provide a spiritual renewal center for the whole area. Waryof committing himself to such a venture and concerned about whatwould happen to his oblate outreach program, he agreed on conditionthat the Pecos group gave consensus approval. Knowing that they couldnever reach consensus on anything, he felt certain that his ministerialdirection would not change. Much to his surprise, there was a unani-mous vote that it should be done, and in September 1974, accompaniedby two helpers, he founded Holy Trinity Monastery.

Following the liberal tradition of Pecos, and the evolving growth andmodifications to monastic traditions, Holy Trinity is a community com-posed of priests and brothers, sisters, laypeople, and married couples.The monastic community of 72 monks, 6 sisters, and 2 laypeople workat separate responsibilities such as tending the orchards, cooking andcleaning for the regular visitors and retreatants, running the gift shopand art gallery, and maintaining the grounds and caring for the variety

of farm animals and the peacocks.Thousands of people have come here to experience the monastic

space. Some couples come regularly, for months at a time, hook up their

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homes on wheels to power and rvater in a back section, and join the

community in work and prayer. "It's uncanny," one monk said, "how

people come along with skills to help solve some problem or help with

building, as needed."

The monastery gets its income from varied sources, including the sale

of pecans from the 150-tree orchard and the spring and autumn festivals,

which grow eacl'r year in popularity and participation. In 1995, there

were 85 booths rented to craftspeople who sold to the large crowds

attracted by the great food and music provided by friends and oblates.

Visitors are expected to observe the monastic disciplines of silence,

solitude, and prayer. There are eight private rooms with shared baths

for guests in the Casa de Bernardo, which has a comfortable lounge

with coffee, tea, and snacks. Meals are taken family-style with the com-

munity in the main dining room a short distance across the courtyard.

Prayer services are held daily in the beautiful adobe chapel, with rnass

celebrated at noon. A nearby pond is home to many ducks. The striking

outdoor stations of the cross, behind the chapel, are made from weath-

ered wood and old ranch implements.

Unnecessary talk should be avoided, remernbering, as one monk said:"The Lord has a sense of hurnor, and the Holy Spirit's got this ground,

so just be still and you'll get the answers."

HoIy Trinity Monastery

P.O. Box 298

St. Daaid, AZ 85630

620) 720-4016

Accommodations: 8 comfortable, well-kept double rooms for men and

women in the guesthouse (with more planned); 16 RV hookups for short-

term visitors; guests and community share refectory meals; mass daily

plus 4 prayer times in lovely chapel; Friday "Taiz6" 8:00 r.v. for peace;

unique stations of the cross; lots of work available-on farm, household,

repairs, office; 17-mile n'alk on dirt road to Cochise stronghold; Iibrary,

bookstore, thrift shop, art gallery, museum; open year-round; suggested

donation for 1- to 7-day private retreats: $30-$35 a day; group rates

available.

Dircctions.' Frorrr Tucson take I-10 for 45 miles to Benson (Exit 303).

Follow U.S. 80 South 9 miles to St. David. Monastery is on west side of

road. 2 miles south of St. David, watch for large white cross and itot-v

TRTNITY MoNASTERv sign at gate.

13

Our Lady of Solitude House of PrayerBlack Canyon City, AZ

Up a long, steep drive to a mesa in the Sonoran Desert, this house of

prayer complex sits alone and quiet. It's hard to imagine a more fitting

place for solitude and contemplative prayer. The road to Phoenix can be

seen to the north, but traffic noise is nonexistent and views to Black

Canvon City and the mountains beyond accentuate the separation.

Through a joint effort of a layman seeking spiritual fulfillment and

the Catholic bishop of Phoenix, who sought to establish a contemplative

grc)up in the diocese, benefactors funded a house of prayer in 1980. Four

years later a donation made it possible for the prayer community to buy

these 20 acres surrounded by state and federal land. At the end of the

drive, the main hous,: sits on a high point with sweeping desert views

to the south and west. lt has a spacious reading room stocked with more

than 1,500 books.

On a separate knoll is the Dwelling Place, a chapel dedicated in 1988.

The circular stucco building has a picture windc-rw looking out over the

valley below; a window-cross of stained glass depicting Christ in a col-

lage of color is the only decoration in the subdued interior.

Near the chapel are three sturdy and comfortable hermitages set apart

from one another. Each hermitage has a kitchenette, a single bedroom,

a private bath, and cooling and heating units. The absolute privacy

enables retreatants to appreciate the silence and sweetness of the sur-

rounding desert air.

Signs on the property advise NO HUNTNG EXCEI,T FoR rEACE AND GoD

and No sMoKrNG EXCEpT Fon rHr I,'II{E oF prtAyER.

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Our Lady of Solitude House of PrayerP.O. Box 1140

Blsck Canyon City, AZ 85324(623) 374-9204

Accommodations: 3 private hermitages with full bath, kitchenette withan undercounter refrigerator, small microwave oven, crockpot, and

toaster, prayer porch, single bed, located on desert mesa overlookingmountains (bring your own sheets and towels and food); daily commu-nion services at meditation chapel, the Dwelling Place; all is in tota-

si lence here; l ibrary open 9 a.u.-noon dai ly; miles of desert to walk(bring sturdy shoes and hat); 1-day to 3-week private or directedretreats, 2- to 4-week desert spirituality live-ins; 2- to 72-month sabbat-ical live-ins; open year-round; suggested donation: $25 a night; reserva-tions needed.

Directions: Take I-17 North from Phoenix to Exit 242; go to far right(Frontage Rd.) and turn right at first dirt road (marked by tall trans-

former); drive up the hill (past KOA on left) in low gear; total distancefrom exit to Our Lady of Soiitude is 1 mile.

Abbey of New ClaintnuxVina, CA

In 1955 in the orchard belt of Tehama County, part of the rich farmingregion in the northern Sacramento Valley, Trappist monks fromCethsemani, Kentucky, acquired about 600 fertile acres. Over the years,they have transformed much of the land into prune and walnutorchards. The trees grow in long, orderly rows as far as the eye can see.The prunes are soid to Sunsweet, the walnuts to Diamond, and theincome from the harvest supports the monastery.

Named after the Abbey of Clairvaux in France, where St. Bernardfounded the Cistercian order in 1115, New Clairvaux ("clear valley" or"valley of light") was the largest winery in the country when LelandStanford owned the property. The winery, the large brick building to theright of the monastic enclosure, is now used for equipment storage.

More than 30 monks l ive here and are summoned by bel ls to thechapel to sing the canonical hours. Guests and visitors are welcome atall services. After Compline at7:30 p.M., Grand Silence is observed untilmorning. There are single and double rooms with private baths forguests in an unobtrusive motel-like building and in two other build-ings. The rooms are comfortable and well maintained. A guest refectoryis in a separate building; good meals are brought from the monasterykitchen and served family-style. There is a separate room off the maindining area for those who are observing silence. Guests clean up afterthe meals. Coffee, tea, and snacks are always available here.

There are no formal retreats but, as one monk obserl'ed, "True hospi-tality is giving someone the space to breathe. If you want to talk to a

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monk, you'll have to ask." There is a separate chapel for prayer and

meditation just behind the main entrance reception area. A pleasantbuilding with a fountain in front, it has a timeless look and recalls the

words of Thomas Merton: "Actually, what matters about the monasteryis precisely that it is radically different from the world. The apparent'pointlessness' of the monastery in the eyes of the world is exactly what

gives it a real reason for existing. In a world of noise, confusion, and

conflict it is necessary that there be a piace of silence, inner discipline,

and peace."Deer Creek winds around the property and flows into the Sacramento

River. There is fine walking along the creek and, during the evening, on

the service roads through the orchards. "It gets so quiet here at night,"

one guest observed, "you can hear a pmne drop."

Abbey of New ClaircauxSeaenth and C Sts.Vina, C496092(530) 839-2434 (Guestmaster)

Accommodations: For men and women,6 singles and 2 doubles with 2

suites in new wing with private baths, and 10 rooms in old buildings

with 1 suite and private bath; umbrella and flashlight in each room;

tasty vegetarian meals in guest refectory, with homemade bread, jellies,

home-grown fruits in syrup (pears, prunes), pickup breakfast, main

meal at noon, and supper left on buffet for guests to serve themselves;

Vigils, Lauds, Terce, mass, Sext, None, Vespers, Compline dally,

announced by ringing bell; 15,000 walnut and prune trees on 600 acres;

7z(o-mile walk one way to Sacramento River at end of orchards; closed

last 2 weeks of August annualiy for prune harvest; suggested minimum

donation: $30 a day;3-day stay required.

Directions; I-5 to Corning, South Ave. exit. Follow South Ave. 9 miles

east over 1 set of railroad tracks and the Sacramento River; after second

set of tracks take an immediate left on Rowles Rd. into Vina' Co to

Seventh St. and take left to C St. and monastery.

Dhomma Dena

loshua Tree, CA

W)w ./L

on Copper Mountain Mesa, in the California high desert just north of]oshua Tree National Monument, Buddhist teacher Ruth Denison pur-chased L2Vz acres of land in 1978. Having camped in the area for years,she loved the isolation and quiet where she and her family and friendscould get away for rest and repair. Ruth initially intended to use thespot as a private sanctuary but she often invited her students to spendtime there and eventually began to hold retreats. In the 1980s, a com-munity began to form and facilities were added. A meditation hall, bigenough for 50 people or more, was built a short distance from the mainhouse. Here the community gathers for vipassana (insight) meditationwith helpful comments from Ruth voiced to the meditators during thesittings: "watch your breathing . . . become your breathing . . . sink intothe silence of your breathing."

Formal retreats in Vipassana are held periodically; private retreatantscan usually be accommodated any time. Men and women stay in sepa-rate housing. The accommodations are spartan and visitors shouldbring sleeping bags and be prepared to use an outhouse. Light vegetar-ian meals are served in the main house. water is trucked in and istreated as precious; every drop is saved to water plants. The runoff fromthe shower house is captured and used to refresh the oleanders and

Pampa grass.

A youthful and vigorous ambience permeates this isolated desert set-ting where creosote bushes €irow in abundance. The tall, spindly plantssurvive by joining their roots, a marvel of adaptation, suggesting the

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analogy of like-minded people surviving and growing by joining their

spiritual roots. Awareness is heightened in the desert, which is con-

ducive to contemplation. Vipassana meditat ion, a simple and direct

practice, helps the individual to examine the mind-body Processthrough focused awareness. It helps us to accept all aspects of living

with equanimity and balance, which leads to wisdom and compassion'

The austere setting seems to magnify the rugged beauty of the distant

mountains and the color of the sky at sunrise and sunset. The black,

star-filled night sky is awesome.

Dhamma Dena

HCI, Box 250

loshua Tree, CA92252(619) 362-481s

Accommodations: Can host more than 50 men and women itr various

houses, bunkhouses, trailers, and cabins; 4 outhouses (Japanese-style

and nice); vegetarian meals with community on pillows; morning

stretching and meditation, and evening meditation in nonretreat sea-

son; full meditation schedule during formal retreats; work is part of the

program here, people are asked to participate in large and small tasks;

open year-round; $20 a day.

Directions; Take H*y. 62 North from Pahn Sprrings to Joshua Tree.

Approximately 3% miles past the town and 1 mile past the Highway

Patrol, watch for nxtvel OASIS sign and airport, and turn left on Sunfair

Rd. After 5 miles this road veers a littie to the left and becomes unpaved,

Continue cln it for 3-4 more miles. Watch for vtpnssaua sign on left. Turn

here and go to main building on left just clown the road.

Green Gulch Earm Zen CenterMuir Beach, CA

wryw-W,,tffiIn the earll' \970s, the San Francisco Zen Center was looking for a coun-try location where its members could live, work, and practice medita-tion. During the same period, the Nature Conservancy was looking fora group to maintain a farm, part of 535 upland acres deeded to it byceorge wheelright lll, whose intent was to preserve the property in itsunspoilecl and natural condition and maintain the plant and animal life.

This superb land is only 25 minutes by car from San Francisco and islocated between Mill valley and Muir Beach. Made up of low hills andridges, the property has half a mile of ocean frontage, surrounded bythe Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Green Gulch is an exquisiteexample of California's coastland, accessible bv the two-lane windingRoute 1, where slow, cautious driving is not only intelligent but neces-sary. An arrangement was made for the Zen Center to buy 115 acres onthe condition that it would be farmed in perpetuitv and remain open tothe public.

As part of i ts prarct ice, the Zen community demonstrates thatBuddhist attention to detail in land stewardship produces good crops, aspiritual reward in itself. Green Gulch Farm has become a showcase,growing superb-quality produce, herbs, and flowers that are prized inthe Bay Area. The 15 acres of carefully tended fields with rainbow ro\vsof lettuce-more than a dozen kinds-are a source of fresh supply toarea restaurants, including the affiliated and famous Greens Restaurantin San Francisco.

The resident community of 50 adults and 8 children keep the farm

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going and also have an active schedule of retreat programs, classes, and

gardening workshops. There are two daily zazefl periods, one in the

rnorning and the other in late afternoon. Part of a former barn is used as

the sitting room; the rustic wooden building with polished wooden

floors, dimly l ighted by small windows, is quiet and appropriate.

Statues of the Buddha are graced by flowers, candles, and artifacts'

The handcrafted Oriental-style Lindisfarne Guesthouse, which also

Serves as a conference center, has nails only in the sheetrock under the

plaster walls. All the wood was hand-planed, some of it oak from a tree

that fell at Tassaiara (the mountain retreat center), some of it Port Orford

cedar, often used in Japanese buildings. The two-story structure's rooms

flow together toward the 30-foot atrium in the center where guests can

sit around the woodstol'e on chairs and sofas' The rooms are elegant

and comfortable. Each guest room shares a modern bathroom.

Green Gulch Farm Zen Center

1601Shorel ine Hwy.

Muir Beach, CA94965(41il 383-3134

Accommodations: The beautiful handcrafted guesthouse has 12 rooms

surrounding a 3O-foot atrium, and 3 rooms elsewhere, mostly doubles,

for men and women, and a suite on the property that can accommodate

1 family; d.elicious velletarian meals with much produce from the farm's

extensive gardens; daily meditation and service with community, with

a special Sund.ay program including lecture; meditat ion instruct ion

available; meclitation retreats, Buddhist study classes, workshoPs, gar-

dening classes, conference facilities; 15-minute walk to beach through

gardens and fields; sauna, pool, library, unique teahouse, hiking trails;

open yeal-round; $55-$120 a day including meals; guest retreatant pro-

gru* $30-$50 a day (work t/2,J.ay). Reservations required for overnight

stay.

Directions: Hwy. 101 to Stinson Beach, H*y' 1 turnoff. Follow Hwy' i

(Shoreline H*y.) 21/z mrles to turnoff for Muir Woods. At this point fol-

low the clotted center line to left (State H*y. 1) for 2 more miles to Creen

Gulch Farm on left.

Immaculate Heart CommunityCenter fo, Spiritual Reneutal-Santa Barbqra, CA

g;'{'T;:..v

The center is located in a large stone manor house and share s 26 acresof beauti ful grounds with La casa de Maria (see page 24) in theMontecito neighborhood just below san ysidro Ranch. A small group ofImmaculate Heart community women live here; the headquarters ofthe 189-member community is in Los Angeles.

In response to the cali for renewal from Vatican II in the late 1960s, theImmaculate Heart Commu'ity tried to adapt to a new form of religiouslife integrating the richness of past history with contemporary circum-stances and understanding. The modifications from past traditionsinclucled a chr:ice of work, a modified dress code, and active involve-ment in social justice. The Cardinal of Los Angeles reacted by issuing adecree to the community requiring uniform dress and set scheduledPrayer' The sisters were shocked and hurt by the authoritarian mandate.rn 1969, a majority of the sisters cleclared independence, announcingthey woulcl become "a noncanonicar community of religious persons.,,The gentle strength of the community is evident as its members lookforward to an ever-changing future. As one said, ,,It is true to say theImmaculate Heart Community is something it always was, and it is alsobecoming something it ner.er was.,,

The center has rooms with private baths for six guests on retreat. Theresident community makes every effort to provide warm hospitality inan atmosphere of gentle silence. community members are available forconversation but otherwise visitors structure their own time. A nonde-nominati.nal evening prayer meeting is scheduled after dinner and

22

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guests are welcome. There is a large selection of tapes and books avail-

able. Breakfast and lunch may be picked up from the well-stocked

kitchen; the evening meal is served family-style with everyone sitting

down together at the large dining table.

The manor house has an elegant wood interior and is comfortably

furnished and carefully maintained. The serene atmosphere is easy to

adjust to and difficult to leave. As one guest wrote: "This is the only

place where I can give in to myself-one of the most valuable gifts of

my life." Another wrote: "Home away from home,like Grandmother'S,

where everything is homemade."

Immsculate Heart Community center for spiritual Renezual

888 San Ysidro Ln.

Santa Barbara, CA 93108

/805) 969-2474

Accommodqtions: 6 lovely, spacious bedrooms n'ith private baths for

men and women in this gracious mansion, and a 3-bedroom hermitage;

delicious pickup breakfast and lunch (with oranges and juice from the

center'S own trees and homemade chocolate chip cookies, for example)

and dinner with the community each evening, followed by an ecu-

menical night prayef together; 26 acres of beautiful grounds for walk-

ing, and a county trall, a 3- to 4-hour walk, adjoining property; nice

books every'where, including a comfortable library; Corita Kent draw-

ings on walls; open year-round Wednesday to Sunday; suggested dona-

tion: $65 a person, $90 for married couples.

Directions: Hwy. 101 to San Ysidro exit. Follow San Ysidro Rd. to E.

Valley Rd. (second light). Tirrn right on E. Valley lor .2 mile to El Bosque

Rd. Turn left on San Ysidro La. and go 1 mile to the center.

La Casa de MariaSanta Barbara, CA

The entrance of this 26-acre retreat winds through the wooded neigh-borhood of Montecito, past o. i t- tg" and lemon trees and one of thelargest eucalyptus trees in the county. The abundance of outstandingand unusual trees and bushes on the grounds includes a monkey puz-zle tree and a star pine. Along a gently curving road,, the buildingsresemble haciendas with white walls and tiled roofs. A strumming gui-tar at siesta time would complete the picture.

This tranquil setting is where an energetic director and staff organizeand run a full program of spiritually oriented single-day and weekendretreats. The topics range from AA to prayer and dance workshops anda "work weekend" when guests help to maintain the facilities bypaint-ing, gardening, and cooking while laughing and praying togethur. thl,is a popular place for people to gather together in a neutral environmentto seek solutions to personal and global problems. There are rooms formore than 150 people in motel-like wings and most have private baths.The dining room with adjoining terrace serves meals buffet-style. By allaccounts, the food gets high marks.

The Casa's history goes back to 1780, when the king of spain grantedthe land to the Franciscan missions and the padres built a way stationfor traveling missionaries. The land came under private ownership inthe 1800s, when citrus groves were planted. La Casa was a grand estatefor the wack family, who raised horses here in the early 1900s. Thesisters of the Immaculate Heart purchased the property and took pos-session on Easter Monday, 7943. A large donation in 1955 made it pos-

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sible to build a 24-room unit where married couples could come for

retreats, the first in the western United States for that specific purpose'

The chapel was also built at that time, and has a window looking out on

a huge gnarled oak with a life-size crucifixion in front of it.

During the 1970s, an independent board of trustees was founded,

with a mandate from the Immaculate Heart Community to keep the

Casa in perpetuity as a retreat center. Every year a donation is received

from a Swiss visitor who on his initial retreat here was asked neither if

he could pay nor his religious affiliation. The money is used for schol-

arships for those who cannot afford to pay.

This is a place of heal ing and conci l iat ion. One of the staff com-

mented, "We urge those in conflict always to listen to the other side;

don't allow rigid idealism to become bmtalization, like the Crusades

and the conflict in the Middle East'"

La Casa de Maria

800 El Bosque Rd.

SantaBarbara, CA931081805) 969-503L

Accommodations: For men and women, 50 double roonts, 42 spacious

rooms with 3 beds and private bath; 2 dorms, one with L2 beds and the

other \^,ith 40 beds and private kitchen; tasty buffet meals; all faiths wel-

come to use chapel; walks, tennis, pool on 26 acres of lush beautiful

grounds, meditation chapel; open year-round; approximately $50 a day;

schedule of fees for groups available.

Directions: Hwy. 101 to San Ysidro Rd. exit. Follow San Ysidro to E'

Valiey Rd. (second light). Turn right on E. Valley fot .2 mile to El Bosque

Rd., and left on El Bosque to La Casa.

Monastery of Mount TaborRedutood Valley, CA

. 4riA

' ^ t , 4

This Eastern rite contemplative community of a dozen monks has livedon these 200 sloping, hi l l top acres in the coastal range of NorthernCalifornia since the mid 1970s. Mount Thbor; named after the mountainwhere tradition says Christ was transfigured, is a Byzantine monasteryof the Ukrainian Catholic church. Their exceptional liturgy r,vith all itsfervol, beauty, and grace is the focal point of each day. The three ser-vices last about five hours in all.

'rhe experience is very powerful: beau-

t i ful ly sung prayers, some prostrat ions, clouds of incense, candleslightecl and extinguished, beardecl monks moving about the altardressed in rnagnificent vestments, rich full voices filling the srnallchurch. There are no distractions; everything, inclucling the eleganticons on the walls, focuses one's attention on the reason for being h".a,profound divine worship.

There are rooms for 16 guests in a guesthouse up the hill from thechurch. The simple, spare rooms har.e a single bed, desk, chair, ancl sinkand share baths. There is a kitchen for making hot drinks or snacks,r.t'hich guests should bring. Regular meals are taken with the monks inthe dining room just below the. church, and in cool rveather there is aroaring fire in the fireplace. The windows look out on the gardens belowand the hills beyond. During the noon meal one of the monks readsalc-rud fr.m a spiritual text. The food is hearty and nutritious. TWice aweek fasting is observed and only bread is available. Everv Fridav themonks pick up leftovers from local food stores, and some neighborssend food regularly.

1 0

'xtVr4,/.''t,1 , ,l i i

C A L I F O R N I A

Guests are expected to attend all services and meals and to help with

some of the work. A monk can be available for spiritual guidance but

this should be prearranged. Hiking on the mountain property is rigor-

ous. The views down the valley are exceptionally peaceful from this

mountain of spirituality.

Monastery of Mount Tabor

P,O. Box 217

1700L Tomki Rd.

Redzuood VaIIey, CA 95470(707) 485-8959

Accornmodations: Guesthouse for men and women with 10 singles,

plus 2 dorms;3 buffet meals in refectory with fireplace and view of hil1s

(L meal a day during Advent and Lent); stunning chapel with frequent

extensive, beautiful services and voices with prostrations at each ser-

vice; 200 acres of mountains and valleys; guests are required to attend

ali services and meals, help monks in their work, and share in their

silence; open yeaf-round except 1 week each month; minimum sug-

gested donation: $30 a day in winter and $20 in summer.

Directions: Hwy. 101 North approximately 6 miles north of Ukiah, to

West Rd. exit. Turn right (east) on West Rd. about 3 miles to end, then

left on Tomki 4-5 miles to monastery on right. You're close when you

get up into the hills.

Mount Caloary Monastery and Retreat HouseSanta Barbara, CA

7".t-:'41

4b&As,-

on a rocky ledge in the foothiils of the santa ynezMountains,l,2S0 feetabove Santa Barbara, Mount Calvary offers breathtaking views of thePacific Coast. on a clear day you can see north 40 miles to pclint Magooand south 25 miles to the Channel Islands. The natural cliffs on one sidego down to Rattlesnake Canyon, on the other to the switchback roadthat winds up through an affluent neighborhood.

The monks are of the order of the Holy cross, an Episcopalianmonastic community in the Benedictine tradition founded in New YorkCity in 1884. They acquired this property in 1947 after searching up anddown the coast. The building was little more than a shell when FatherKarl Tiedemann found it, but he succeeded in raising the money to buyit. Known for his fund-raising ability, he wanted as his epiiaph "And thebeggar died." Father Tiedemann rests peacefulry; a fellow monk notedhe even got a free funeral.

The monastery is superbly constructed, with white stucco walls anda red-tile roof. The main entrance, through a large foyer with polishedwood floors, has spanish colonial antique furnishings under beamedceilings. The room and central corridor are decorated with outstandingreligious art and artifacts, including a carved wooden altar trimmed ingold leaf.

The monks sing the canonical hours in a separate chapel room andguests are welcome. A charming inner courtyard is dominated by alarge sculpted iron cross. Fruit trees and flowering bushes grow in thisprotected area and some of the guest rooms open out onto it, picture

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winclows have glorious views of the Pacific. At night, the lights of Santa

Barbara reach to the ocean's edge.

The monastery was founded as a retreat house and as a seat of spiri-

tuality from which the monks cotrld go out to preach. They regularly

rlescend from their mountain to Trinity Church in downtown Santa

Barbara to prepare and serve meals for the homeless.

There are J.1 double rooms and 8 singles for retreatants. From time to

time a "working retreat" is offered when individuals and groups donate

time and skill to improving the facility. People of every religious

denomination are weicome.

The Great Silence is observed from Compline, the last Prayer service

of the day, until breakfast. This quiet period enhances the experience of

the location, an ocean of limitless sPace.

Mount Calaary Monastery and Retreat House

P.O. Box 1"296

Santa Barbara, CA93102i80il 962-985s

Accommodations: 30 men, women, and children can be accommodated

in 11 doubles and B singles in this stunning mansion high in the hills

overlooking the Pacific; tasty buffet meals in refectory; Eucharist and

prayer 4 times daily; working retreat to donate time and skills to retreat

house is offered; monthly meal for homeless at Trinity Church in town;

mountain hiking in Rattlesnake Canyon, a nature preserve that extends

for 20 miles; library; bookstore 9-5 Monday-Saturday; closed last 2

weeks in August; suggested donation: $55 a day; visits normally limited

to a week.

Directions; San Ysidro exit from Hwy. 101 to 192 West (E' Valley Rd')'

Left at second stoplight and follow 192 West for 4-5 miles over wind-

ing residential roads to El Cielito Rd. Turn right onto El Cielito (and at

first stop sign watch carefully so you stay on El Cielito) to Gibraltar Rd-

and right on Gibraltar .7 mile up mountain to chain-link fence on left

and drive to monastery. New signs are being installed to help you find

your waY.

29

Mount Madonna CenterWatsonaille, CA

on a sloping hilltop with a sweeping, panoramic view of Monterey Bay,the Mount Madonna Center sits on 355 acres of meadows and forests.Situated equidistant between Watsonville and Gilroy, this is an interna-tional community of 70 adults and 30 children. Followers of the yogiBaba Hari Dass acquired the former cattle ranch in the 7970s a1d estab-lished a spiritual community with education as its primary focus andspiritual growth and character development as underlying themes. Thecore component is the study and practice of yoga, which they believe isnot a religion br.rt a spiritual path. "yoga's basic clisciplines are essen-tially the same as Catholicism, Buddhism, or any other great spiritualpathi' a spokesperson said. "Each has its own shadings or variations.we here are concerned with what is basic, true, and timeless; we,re notconcerned with separating ourselves from others or saying we are dif-ferent than others."

The center's 38 buildings were financed as they were built. The red-wood community buiiding, facing the rnajestic western view, is the heartof the complex, with the kitchen and dining room, classrooms for the100-plus students from kindergarten through high school, and adminis-trative offices. It can accommodate 300 peopre. Nearby is the seminarbuilding, which is big enough for groups of 60. The well-stocked andinviting iibrary is in a separate building. Along the winding roadwaysare staff housing and guest facilities interspersed with garciens.

People here are friendly, cheerful, and happy to meet visitors. Theexcellent vegetarian food is served cafeteria-style ancl is carefully pre-

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C A L I F O R N I A

pared rvith trutrition in mind. There is a variety of guest accommoda-

tions in many of the buildings as well as a cottage and a E;uesthouse/ or

you may use your own tent or van. The property has acres of open

meadows and redwood forests for hiking. The center also features a

lake and volley-ball and basketball courts.

Programs during 1995 included Jack Kornfield ar-rd many other inter-

nationally known presenters. The center staff organizes retreats with its

spiritual leacler, Baba Hari Dass, who has obsen ed a vow of silence for

40 years and communicates by writing on a slate. It seems fitting that

this outstanding community has a leader vowed to silence-what a

pleasure to see how clearly silence speaks'

Mount Madonna Center

445 Summit Rd.

Wat s otrzs i lle, CA I 507 6(831) 847-0406

Accommodations: For men, women, and children, everything from pri-

vate rooms with baths to comfortable and pleasant dorms and tents;

breakfast, vegetarian dinner, and a snack with produce from the cen-

ter's own gardens served daily; completely nonsectariatt, r.t'ith pro-

grams including yoga, Judaism, catholic mysticism, sufism; private

day ancl boarding school for staff children and children from local com-

munities from preschooi through high school with emphasis on the arts,

commtmitv service, and positive values; frrll-time staff for a series of

ongoing programs (including work/retreat prograrns); 355 mountain-

top acrcs adjoining (orest preserve with hiking trails, voileyball, tennis,

basketball, small lake for sr,vimming; hot tub and 1Ym; nice library; gen-

eral store; oil massages and herbal steam baths available by appoint-

ment at additional charge; open year-round; private room $65 a day;

doublc- $49; triple $43; dorm $38; center tent $27; own tent $22.

Directions; Hwy. 1 to Watsonville, Airport Blvd. exit; go approximately

3 miles on Airport Blvd., then left on Hwy. 152 East. At the top of the

mountain turn left into Mt. Madonna Cr-runty Park (Pole Line Rd.).

Follow the yellow line through the park and continue onto Summit Rd'

The center is 11/2 miles after park, on the left.

From H*y. 101 take H*y. 152 West at Gilroy. Go approximately 10

miles through Gilroy and up mountain. Turn right at top of mountain

into Mt. Madonna County Park and follow as above.

New Camaldoli HermitageBig Sur, CA

i ' + t , * f

W:,"t tll

The hermitage is located 1,300 feet above the sea in a remote area of theSanta Lucia Mountains overlooking Highway 7, the two*lane scenicroad that traces the California coastlir-re. This 800-acre monastery affordsinspirational r.iews of the ribbons of surf below. The ever-changingweather of the Big Sur region is more pronounced here. on those glori-ous days when the sky is clear, the sea is a startling blue.

In 1958 three Benedictine monks came from Camaldoli in Italy, foundthe' property, and built a monastery based on the contemplative anderemitical lifestyle espoused by their foundeq, st. Romuald: ,,sit in yourcell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watchyour thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish.,,

The Camaldolese monks live here as a community of hermits anclhave their own cells in a private enclosure. They congregate in thechapel four times a day to sing the liturgy (5:45 e.rvr. vigils, 7 t.tr.Lauds,mass at 11 or 11:30 A.M., and vespers at 5 or 6 r,.Ha.). Guests are alwayswelcome. There is a powerful silent meditation period followingVespers in the church rotunda.

There are nine single rooms in a guest building at the end of themonastery road. Each room has a bed, table, and chair, a bathroom, anda garden with a view west to the sea. Food is brought to a separatepantry at mealtimes. Guests help themselves to the simple, hearty soupsand salads accompanied by freshly made bread. Retreatants eat alone intheir rooms and are responsible for keeping plates and utensils clean.Individuals structure their own time, but a monk is available on request.

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C A L I F O R N I A

There are also five trailers on the hillside overlooking Highway 1, each

with full bath, half-kitchen, and sundeck. These are for stays of one

week to one month.

The monks are known for their Hermitage Cakes, which they sell by

mail order. The fruitcake and date-nut cakes are dipped in brandy and

have a very distinctive flavor. There is an excellent bookstore, which

also carries a selection of chalcedony art pieces, pottery, and art in oil

and watercolor created by the monks.

The outstanding setting of this remote spiritual outpost attracts many.

The rooms are usually booked, so plan far ahead'

N era C amaldoli Hermit age

Big Sur, CA93920(831) 667-2456 or 667-234L

Accommodations: t hermitages with baths and private gardens over-

looking the sea from the top of this mountain; 5 trailers for those who

wish to stay a longer time; simple vegetarian meals with homemade

bread are left in the guest kitchen to be picked up and eaten in your

hermitage; Eucharist and 3 prayers daily for those who wish, with a

Vz-hour meditation following Vespers in the evening; 800 mountaintop

acres in a wonderful natural setting overlooking the Pacific, with chang-

ing vistas of sea and sky, fog and mountains, adding to the experience;

ecumenical; excellent book and gift shop; oPen year-round; suggested

offering: $45-$55 a day (reserve far in advance).

Directions; Located on Hwy. 1, 55 miles south of Monterey and Yymlle

south of Lucia. Watch for cross on left and follow winding road to top

of mountain.

Nyingma InstituteBerkeley, CA

Almost at the crest of "Holy HIrl," at the northern edge of the universityof California at Berkeley campus, where every religious persuasionseems to have a building or an office, Tibetan Buddhist Tarthang Tulkuwas able to purchase an old fraternity house in 1973. The large but com-pact house has 25 residential rooms and space for up to 20 guests.Private retreats are available for those who have already attended aweekend workshop. From the entrance porch and the front windows-San Francisco Bay appears like a mirage on the horizon.

The great walls of the building protect the meditation-sitting room onthe lower level against any outside noise or distraction. seven prayerwheels spin here continuously, as do those on the front porch and aseven-ton prayet wheel in the backyard. These revolving copper drumsare etched with mantras and filled with prayers and mantras written on

Paper; as the drums spin, the prayers are sent forth into the world.These are the only electric prayer wheels known-an American versionof this ancient tradition.

Thrthang Tulku was one of the first Tibetans to arrive in this countryin the late 1960s. A brilliant scholar and teacher of the Nyingma, or ,,ord

ones," school of Tibetan Buddhism, he engaged many western psy-chologists in discussion and exploration of Tibetan Buddhist meditationand other practices.

There are classes (some for college credit), programs, workshops, andretreats given throughout the year on Budclhist teachings, Tibetan lan-guage, meditation, and psychology. There is a demanding nine-month

a 4J {

C A L I F O R N I A

work/study program during which the student is involved six days a

week, 12 hours a day, plus some evenings and weekends' The work

includes creating sacred art, maintaining institute facilities, and pro-

ducing Dharma Publishing books and reproductions. Tarthang Tulku's

teaching emphasizes directing energy to contribute something of value,

developing skills to improve the quality of life, and recognizing limiting

patterns in action and learning to break them.

Dharma Publishing, a major publisher of books on Tibetan Bud-

dhism, was conceived when thousands of Tibetans fled their homeland

and brought with them precious texts of their lineage. Tarthang Tulku

found the means and ways to preserve the ancient texts by translating

them for the West. There is an outstanding four-color catalog that lists

these high-quality publications and reproductions of sacred art'

Nyingma Institute

1,875 Highland Pl.

Berkeley, C494709(sID 843-68L2

Accommodations: The institute has 25 residential rooms for men and

women, each with 3 or 4 beds; about 20 guests can join the community

overnigh| mainly vegetarian meais in dining room; all retreats and

workshops have practice as a comPonent, and the community medi-

tates daily at 6 t.rvl.; integrating study and practice is their aim; work-

shops, work/study programs, classes, retreats, artistic projects are all a

part of the challenge to grow; garden with lovely prayer wheel; oPen

year-round; $gS a weekend, $350 a week.

Directions: Take University Ave. exit off I-80. Follow University to end

and turn left on Oxford; take first right onto Hearst and go 1 block past

second stoplight to Highland Pl. Turn left 1 block to 1815 on right.

35

Orr Hot SpringsUkiah, CA

; ,J,

e"4w"w\i--*''h- d 3

This remote retreat is named after Samuel orr, who brought his familyto the west in a covered wagon in 1850 so he could prospect for gold.Eventually he acquired considerable land and settled in the mountainswest of Ukiah to raise cattle and sheep. To utilize the hot springs foundon his property, he built a bathhouse and a hotel with rooms for a dozenpeopie, and opened for business in the late 1850s. The modest resortremained in the orr family until the early 797as.It is now run by peo-ple who maintain it in a delightful r,r'ay.

The winding two-lane road to the retreat is an adventure in Californiamountain driving, over the historic low gap road, which was built fromUkiah along an old Indian trail. Pomo Indians passed through the hotsprings on annual trading expeditions and all tribes agreed to coexistpeaceful ly while stopping here. I t was a rest stop for the ukiah-Mendocino stagecoach line and a popular resort for those seekinghealth and relaxation. A story from a 1906 publication claimed thewaters made "the skin feel like velvet . . . the hair soft and glossy, andthe joints lose their stiffness like magic."

The guest rooms and cottages around the grounds, constructed in the1940s from locally milled redwood, are in remarkably good condition.The bathhouse built in 1863 still stands near the hot springs rvhere fourporcelain Victorian tubs in private rooms are filled with mineral waterat body temperature, then drairred after use and refilled for the next per-son. A large wooden tub, fiiled with hot mineral water, can be used byfive or six people at the same time. There is a large swimming pool built

36

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into the hillside, with cool mineral water, that is easy to plunge into after

a hot bath or sauna.

Guests can choose from a private redwood room or cottage, a group

sleeping loft, or tent sites for camping. Except for the private rooms and

cottages, guests bring their own sleeping bags. All visitors should bring

their own food, which can be prepared in the large community kitchen

complete with cooking utensils and tableware, and eaten in the adjacent

dining room. Refrigerator space and dry storage space are assigned.

The extraordinary care taken with the property demonstrates the res-

ident community's great love for the place. The pathways have colorful

borders of flowers and utility boxes are painted with elegant murals.

There is no religious affiliation, but anyone who wants to observe

silence can wear a necklace of red beads, obtained at the main desk.

The sign near the entrance reads cLoTHING oPTtoNAL ESTABLISHN4ENT . . .you MAy ENcouNTER NUDrry BEyoND THIS PoINT (in summer months,

clothing is rarely seen); but you'll also encounter a respect for nature

and for quiet.

Orr Hot Spfings

13201 Orr Springs Rd.

Ukiah, CA75482(707) 462-6277

Accommodations: For men, women, and children, 16 private rooms and

cottages, simple but very nice, with down quilts, woven area rugs/ queen

or twin beds, private bathrooms, \riews of grassy mountains or the

charming gardens; 1 cabin is a grass-roofed yurt; "The Cottages" (there

are 3) have kitchens arrd woodstoves; also a dorm faciiity; large kitchen

facilities where guests store ancl prepare their own food in a friendiy

atmosphere, and dine in comfortable lodge dining room; "silence beads"

available if you wish to maintain a period of silencei Quiet hours 10 p.v.

to 9 a,.v.; clothing optional in 4 private porcelain hot mineral-water tubs,

8-foot redwood hot tub, swimming pool, and lounging pool; lodge with

piano and classical instruments; massage avai lable; hiking on trai ls,

quiet road, Montgomery Redwoods State Park 1 mile away; oPen yeat-

round; rates range from $25 a day (aduit camping) to $128 a day (adult

"The Cottages"). There are also weekend and midweek rates.

Directiotts; Hwy. 101 North to Ukiah. Take N. State St. exit and turn

right off exit ramp. Follow N. State St. % mile north and turn left onto

Orr Springs Rd. Follow paved roadL3l/zmiles and watch for sign on ieft.

Prince of Peace AbheyOceqnside, CA

As we waited in the dining room at Prince of Peace Abbey, the 83-year-old abbot scurried by us with a nod and disappeared through thekitchen door. Minutes later he reappeared pushing a cart iaden withboxes of food, bread and bananas protruding from them. He swept byus into the lounge. We could see him deiiver the cart to a man who hadbeen sitting, hat in hand, on a sofa. His face brightened as the abbotapproached. The man took the cart and wheeled it away. The abbot thenturned and came back to us. He sat down and apologized for keepingus waiting, explaining that the man was out of work and had a familyto feed. "No\4/," he said, "what can I do for you?"

This compassionate spirit is a hallmark of the abbey. For many years,Brother Benno, one of the monks, took a truck out to gather food andserved meals to the hungry at what came to be called Brother Benno'sKitchen in oceanside. Every week, the monks baked 500loaves of breadfor those meals. In 1991, they opened the Brother Benno Center, where,in addition to providing food and clothing as the kitchen had done,there is space for shower facilities, a mail and message center, anemployment office, a counseling program, and literacy classes. "People

see the abbey trying to do good things," one monk explained, "so theycontribute. The more we help, the more help we get."

The abbey was conceived in 1958 when a small group of Benedictinemonks were invited by the local bishop to come west from St. Meinrad'sArchabbey in Indiana. The bishop was eager to have the benefi t ofmonastic prayers in his diocese. The monks located a 100-acre ranch but

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were staggered by the asking price. Undeterred and resolute, the prior

buried a St. Benedict medal on the grounds and left the problem in the

hands of the Lord, who eventually delivered the ranch to the young

community for some $55,000 less than the original asking price. The

abbey grounds are on a hilltop looking west to Oceanside and the

Pacific Ocean and south and east to the San Luis Valley. There is a local

airport in the valley, and planes take off into the prevailing western

wind and fly by at eye level, but far enough away so there is no intru-

sive noise.

At the monastery, there are single and double rooms available for

retreatants in a large building with a lounge and dining room. Three

meals a day are served cafeteria-style, and friends of the monastery

often drop by to eat there. The magnificent chapel nearby, completed in

7987, has excellent acoustics, and the monks gather there six times a day

to sing the liturgy; mass is celebrated daily at 11 a.v. and on Sunday

mornings at 10:30. There are no formal retreats, but a monk can be avail-

able for discussion if needed.

Prince of Peace Abbey

650 Benet Hill Rd.

Oceanside, CA 92054(76U 430-L305 or (760) 430-L306

Accommodations: 10 plain and pleasant double rooms with private

baths for men and women and 20 singles, some with private baths; cafe-

teria meals with homemade wheat bread (breakfast and lunch for 200

local people in need provided at Brother Benno's Center nearby); prayer

5 times daily plus mass in iovely chapel with beautiful voices; Prayerwalk, peaceful ocean view, large library; open year-round; $35 a night.

Directions; Follow I-5 North from San Diego to Hwy. 76 East to Benet

Rd. Left on Benet Rd., over the two-lane bridge, left on Airport Rd., then

the first paved road on the right with the PRINCE oF PEAcE ABBEY sign.

Drive up winding hill to top.

39

Rancho La PuertaTecate, Baja California, Mexico

Near the southwesternmost corner of the United States, the Baia is an areajust across the Mexican border. There, outside Tecate, Rancho La puerta

sits in a valley surrounded by rock-strewn mountains. The most promi-nent, Mount Cuchuma, is one of the 14 energy vortex points in the world.This valley has long been recognized as a sacred place, a pathway con-necting ocean and desert, and a center of trade and spirituality for theMexican Indians. To Ed and Deborah Szekely, it seemed a perfect place tostart a health camp in 1940 for people interested in simple, nutritious,home-grown food and exercise in the fresh mountain air away from thestress and pressure of everyday life. Szekely had studied and writtenabout the early Christian sect of Essenes, who advocated a life linked tothe land. The Essene School of Life, which started modestly in an adobehut with no running water or electricity, was evenfually renamed RanchoLa Puerta, Ranch of the (Open) DooL after live oaks that arched across theentrance to the property. In the early days, guests such as Aldous Huxleybrought their own tents. Over the years luxurious villas have been builtwith private terraces for sunbathing and enjoying the fine views.

The guest rooms and villas are a few minutes'walk from the centrallylocated dining room, where first-rate chefs prepare a variety of colorful,healthy food at each meal. And adjacent to the various gyms (six in all),there is a separate lounge where on the first day of a weeklong stayguests may begin an optional fast of almond milk and juices.

No private vehicles are permitted on the grounds. The wide brick-paved paths are bordered with sage, rosemary, and parsley. Cactuses

40

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and palm trees thrive and add dimension to the local chaparral. More

than 60 species of birds have been spotted in the winter season, and

numerous hummingbirds dart in and about the flowering bushes'

The ranch has grown in physical size and reputation since its early

days, when it attracted "health nuts" who explored the Essene philoso-

phy of uniting body, mind, and spirit. This philosophy is still followed

in many ways as guests exercise, eat properly, retire early, and awaken

before sunrise to hike on sacred land. To what purpose? Perhaps to be

better people overall, kinder to family, friends, and associates, more

compassionate to those less fortunate, enjoying the blessings we have

rather than grieving over not having more.

As one staff member said, "Many people come just to get away, not for

the exercise progfams but to get in touch with themselves." And it is a

wonderful place for that, whether guests join a group oI not, hike or not.

It is a place of transformation. Here is a retreat devoted to health, a mecca

for fitness where first the mind and body find harmony, then the spirit

comes alive, awareness increases, and the meaning of life is clarified.

Rancho La Puerta

Tecate, Baja California, Mexico

Mailing address: P.O, Box 463057, Escondido, CA92046

$A0) 443-7565 or (760) 744-4222

Accommodations: Lovely villas, haciendas, and rancheros for 150 men/

women, and children; delicious, creative, mainly vegetarian meals (with

much produce from the ranch's gardens; fish twice weekly) of 1,000

calories a day (you can request extra servings at any time); YoEa, medi-

tation, t'ai chi ch'uan, hikes up sacred Mount Cuchuma, a daily "Inner

Journey" class, an optional silent dinner, plus full spa spectrum of exer-

cise, massage, swimming, sauna, 6lighted tennis courts, 6 gyms, weight

training, volleyball, and evening movies and guest programs; open

year-round; $1,200-$1,900 a week depending on accommodation.

Directions; I-5 from San Diego to Rte. 94 turnoff. Drive east on Rte. 94

for 40 miles to Tecate turnoff, Rte. 188 to right. Follow 188 for 2 miles to

international border (open 6 ,\.N4. to midnight). Cross border and pro-

ceed to second stoplight opposite town plaza. Turn right ancl clrive west

for 3 miles to clearly marked RANCHo LA PUERTA sign on r ight.

Arrangements can also be made for guests to be picked up b)'van at the

San Diego Airport.

St. AndreTn's AbbeyValyermo, CA

In 1955, at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains on 710 acres in theAntelope Valley, a group of Benedictine monks who had been expelledfrom Communist China in 7952 settled. The community of 77 priestsand brothers gathers daily in the cl'rapel. They answer the call of thehand-rung bell to sing the canonical hours beginning with 6,r.v. vigilsand ending with Compline at 8:30 p.v. The low-slung, ranch-designchapel is made entirely of wood, and the roads and patirs are borderedby meandering stone walls. Striking designs and architectural featurescan be found throughout the monastery, both inside the buildings andon the grounds. In the chapel, there are tvvo altars: one is made of stoneand wood and sits in the center; the other, to the side, is made of con-crete and seems like a sculpture that focuses our concentration on a cen-tral eye. one section of the grounds is reminiscent of the Far East, witha Chinese pagoda and tea garden set around a pond; another section isa carefully tended lawn in a group of cottonwoods and pines.

Three meals a day are served in the dining room, two buffet-style; atthe noon meal, the monks bring soup to guests at their tables. One wallin this room is completely glass (reinforced by angled struts), offering aview of palm trees and desert chaparral. The guest wing has 17 doublerooms with private baths. These double-entry rooms have floor-lengthsliding glass doors ttut to the desert, and are available to groups or incii-vidual retreatants. The comfortable and spacions lounge, off the diningroom, and the chapel are alwavs open; coffee and tea are ar.ailable at thesnack area.

12

C A L I F O R N I A

Mainly in the summer months, there is a series of workshops on

themes such as the care of self and others, and sacred dance. An impor-

iant part of the priory's year is the Fail Festival, a weekend celebration

that attracts thousands of visitors to dance, drama, and musical events.

Fresh farm produce and ethnic food are available.

In the ceramic studio, the monks produce beautiful works of art that

can be purchased in the monastery gift shop and are available in many

shops throughout the United States.

Outdoor stations of the cross follow a semicircular path through ttre

desert. The monastery grounds offer fine walking with extended views

of the valley and nearby mountains

St. Andrezu's Abbey

31001, N. Valyernto Rd.

Valyermo, CA93563(661) 944-2L78

Accommoclations: 34 beds in doubles with private baths for men,

women, and children; tasty, healthful variety at buffet meals in com-

munity dining room that also has changing exhibits of work of local

artists; mass at noon daily plus prayer 4 times, chapel oPen 24 hours;

710 gardenlike acres at 3,600 feet, with hiking, pond, and tea garden,

prior's garden, apple orchards, library, tasteful lounge,lovely gift shop;

ceramics shop; closecl in September to Prepare for annual Fall Festival

the last weekend in September; $40-$45 weekdays, $90-$110 week-

ends; group rates.

Directions: From Los Angeles, take Rte. 14 to Pearblossom Hwy. exit.

From San Bernardino, take I-15 to Rte. 138 and proceed 30 miles to

Pearblossom. Take Longview Rd. ( ' texaco at corner) to Avenue W

Valyermo Rd. and watch for priory sign. They will send map if you

request it, which will make this somewhat complicated iocation easier

to find.

43

Santa Sabina CenterSan Rafael, CA

occupying a quiet corner of the 100-acre campus of Dominican College,the elegant building that hcluses the Santa Sabina retreat and conferencecenter has many European monastic tor-rches. The arched cloorway leadsinto a dark-wood interior, through one tastefully furnished room afteranother, to an inner courtyard of p;rass, fkrwers, and an orange tree-aninner sanctum where quiet and peace prevail; chairs invite the visitor tosit and reflect to the soft murmur of the fountain. The chapel has tall,narrow windows set in the stucco walls-another special place for quietand contemplation.

There is a community of six nuns who live here coordinating thematicweekly retreats, monthly days of prayer, and evening studies ofScripture and the works of Thomas Merton. There are seasonal concertson Sundav afternoons in the chapel. Private retreats are avaiiable byappointment. A community prayer meeting takes place each day at 6:30a.lt. and retreatants are welcome. Masses are available cln the collegecampus at three different locations; there is also a mass in Spanish at thenearby San Rafael Mission.

There are 60 beds in 37 rooms with community baths for groups thatcome with a spiritual purpose or to attend a directed retreat. The con-ference room can accommodate 100 persons. Individual retreatants usu-ally bring their own food or walk to the college dining room nearby.Though traditionally Roman Catholic, the center is ecumenical in itsphilosophy and outreach. open to the influences of East and west, thesisters believe in the true essence of Thomas Merton's writings. They

44

C A L I F O R N I A

offer a chance for people to see the artist in everyone, the monk in

everyone, and to appreciate the natural beauty of the place itself.

One can wander the entire college campus or hike up a fire trail to a

lookout called the "rim of the wofld," which looks out over the entire

San Francisco Bay, a panolama of city, bridges, and the ocean beyond.

Santa Sabina Center

1-520 Grand Aue.

San Rafael, CA94901(415) 457-7727

Accommodstions: 60 beds in 37 rooms for men and women; meals can

be arranged for grouPs, individual retreatants can do own cooking;

weekend contempiative retreats; Thomas Berry and Thomas Merton

monthly evenings; 100-acre college camPus and hills overlooking bay

for walking; a little Buddha garden; charming, intimate, inner courtyard

and garden (like Santa Sabina's inner cloister garden in Rome); closed 2

weeks at Christmas; $25-$35 a day for private retreat.

Directions: Take H*y. 101 to Central San Rafael exit onto Irwin St.;

right on Mission, left on Grand, right on Acacia to Magnolia to Santa

Sabina Center (with steeple). No entrance on Grand Ave. itself. Center

is on campus of Dominican College.

A J

S elf -ld.e alization E ellow ship Retr e atEncinitas, CA

*-*A-, jf '

il #* *,._,.,-=[i o_.,=.=_ _H$,.i,'$tFf,

bw"'$ilf,'si.--ffi$F

The Hermitage House and its surroundjng property were given to theIndian-born teacher Paramahansa Yogananda in 1937 as a surprise giftwhetr he returned to the United States from travels abroad. The bene-factor; who u'as a devotee, intended the place as a personal retreat forYogananda. But a -vear 7ater, the gum turned it into an open house so allcould enjol, its beauty and serenity'rhe 77-acre property sits on a 400-foot bluff overlooking thc Pacific. There are places for meditation alongthe bluff and therc'is a path down to the beach. To the sicle of the her-mitage ancl abor,'e the main retreat building are the meditatictn gardensand ponds filled with colorful carp; the grounds of this tropical paradiseare maintained r,t ith meticulous and lclving care. At night, the lights ofLa /olla can be seen ten miles south.

ln the study of the hermitage, Yogananda rvrote l-r is classic Auto-biograltltry of n Ytgi. His private rooms are preserved as a shrine wherevisitcirs are welcome Sundarvs from 2 to 5 r.l,r. The rest of the hermitageis now a residence for monerstics of the Self-Realization Fellorvship, u'homanage the property and run the regular retreat and education programs.

There are 20 rooms for retreat.rnts and visitors in a building with acourtvarcl maintained rvith thc same extractrdinarv care as the grounds.The foocl is vegetariau. l 'he'prograrns include structure.ci mecl i tat ionantl classes on the teachings of Yosananda. Retreatants are expectecl toobserve siience.

The rooms are Llsllally filled byone of whorn said, "We all pass

4b

Self-Realization Fellowship members,sooner or later betrt een the lreast and

C A L I F O R N I A

the saint, as different avatars Come back. Here, we examine our attitudes

and behavior and gently turn toward universal laws anchoring our-

selves to that which is changeless-the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible."

Yogananda himself once said, "Every person needs a retreat, a

dynamo of silence, where one can go for the exclusive purpose of being

recharged by the Infinite."

S e If -Re ali z ation F ell ow ship Re tr e at

2L5 K St .

Encinitss, C492024(707) 753-1.811-

Accommodations: 20 single rooms for men and women; nutritious veg-

etarian meals; silence observed in retreat enclosure; Thursday evening

and Sunday morning lecture at temple; all meditations and public ser-

vices end with prayers for world Peace; classes in the teachings of

Paramahansa Yogananda on meditation, reincarnation, health, ener-

gization led by nuns and monks of Self-Realization FellowshiP; 2 med-

itation periods and 1 class scheduled daily; beautiful flower gardens

overlooking Pacific maintained by postulant monks and open to public

Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.u.*5 P.M.; oPen year-round; suggested donation:

$50 a day, $60 a day during conducted weekend retreat Programs.

Directions: Take I-5 to Encinitas (24 miles north of San Diego). Exit on

Encinitas Blvd. and go west to First St.; turn left and proceed through

Encinitas to K St.; turn right 1 block to the center'

Shasta AbheyMount Shasta, CA

, , * **i .a?_: d'

In the very northern reaches of California near the foot of Mount Shasta,where the huge mountain's visage is often shroudeci in mist and fag, agroup of soto Zen Buddhists came in 1920 to found shasta Abbey. Themonastery occupies 20 acres of forested land a few miles from town. Thefirst community members moved into the abandoned motel without anyelectricity, gas, or phone. one winter morning, they awoke to fincl thatseven feet of snow had falien and they were completely isolated. For twoweeks they subsisted on carrot-and-onion soup-the only food they had-until outside help could reach them. Since those early days, an entirecomplex has been built among the tall pines where a thriving commu-nity of 35 monks live. Covered outdoor passageways lead from the din-ing room to the subdued meditation room, where there are magnificentBuddha statues and shrines. The community follows a rigorous schedulethat begins at 5:55 n.v. with zazen, and continues with work and mealsthroughout the day till 10 p.rv. Unlike any other Buddhist abbey, here themorning and evening office is sung in English in four-part harmony,likeCregorian chant, with organ accompaniment.

The abbey was foundeci by Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett, anEnglishwornan who studied soto Zen Buddhism in Japan and came tothe United States following her master's wish that she transmit theteachings to the west. She is the author of several well-known books onBuddhism, including Zen's Eternal Life andrhe witd, white Goose in twovolumes, diaries of her years in Japan.

Shasta Abbey is the headquarters of Buddhist Contemplatives in the

4B

C A L I F O R N I A

Soto Zen school and was founded as a seminary' Kennett-roshi describes

the differences between Buddhism and Christianity thus: "There is no

savior in Buddhism. You have to do it yourself. No one else will medi-

tate for you. At the time of death you will judge yourself' . . . The ability

to die in peace means the abilify to live in peace. . . . We make our own

hell. The only judging that is done is done by ourselves, thus hiding our-

selves from the Cosmic Buddha. Everyone possesses Buddha nature-

or, as Christians call it, the soul. It is hidden from our viewbecause of our

opinion of ourselves. The art of meditation removes that separation so

we can return to our basic nature and truly know it. Meditation has noth-

ing whatever to do with self-improvement. . . . Its Purpose is to become

one with the Cosmic Buddha, or have an experience of God."

There are guest rooms for 20 singles or 50 sharing' The rooms are

clean and efficient. The food is vegetarian. There are retreats throughout

the year from two days to two weeks, and many traditional Buddhist

festival ceremonies are celebrated. This is a serious, sincere community,

helpful and caring. Guests are exPected to stay on the grounds during

their visit. As a monk said, "There is always a schedule to follow' Be

witling to stay where you ale and concentrate on this specific approach

while you're here."

Shasta Abbey

P.O. Box 199

Mount Shasta, CA96067(800) 653-331s

Accommodations: For men and women,2O singles, and uP to 50 can be

accommodated in shared sPace; vegetarian meals with dairy served in

dining foom; recommended that first-time visitors come for an intro-

ductory or weekend retreat, after which other options for retreats and

visits are available; limit your practice to their teaching while here;

work is part of daily schedule; closed Christmas, New Year's, and 2

weeks for monks' retreats during year; $70 introductory retreat Friday-

Sunday; $85 a week, $300 a month; reduced rates for ionger visits.

Directions: 293 miles north of San Francisco, 3 miles north of Mount

Shasta on I-5 to Abrams Lake Rd. exit. Tirrn west on Abrams Lake Rd.

over highway and make first right onto Summit Dr; YzmIle on right are

3 gates marked SHASTA ABBEY; go to northernmost gate, marked VISIToRS'

ENTRANCE.

Sonoma Mountain Zen CenterSanta Rosa, CA

set on 80 sloping, hilltop acres that look over the valley of the Moon,where Jack London lived, the charming buildings of the sonomaMountain Zen Center sit unobtrusively in this quiet section of SonomaCounty. The views across the valley are ever-changing in the mists thatdrift slowly in and out, then sharply clear on bright, sunny days-a nat-ural metaphor for the condition of the mind during Zen practice.

rn 1'973-74, Jakusho Kwong-roshi with seven students formecl thecenter to continue the soto Zen lineage of his teacher, shunryu suzuki-roshi. suzuki was one of the few Buddhist priests in ]apan to publiclyoppose the rise of militarism prior to world war II. He regularly pub-l ished warnings against aggressive mil i tary action. In 1959, suzukicame to San Francisco and brought the stability of his Zen practice intothe chaos of the Beat Generation, a voice of integrity in a society search-ing for values. Many Americans had abandoned their religiousheritagebecause they felt the spirit behind the form was dead. zen was attrac-tive, a ner,l'form, and it felt alirre. "But," as Kwong-roshi points oLtt,,,ifyou only perfect the form without getting the spirit, Zen is just as dead.when the spirit is alive you can see changes in people,s lives and this isexperienced outside the ze do."

There is a community of ten who live here, and other regular practi-tioners live nearby. There is a program of retreats throughout the yearfrom three to seven days, as well as one-day sitting sessions and intro-ductory workshops. There is a year-long resident training program anda month-long Ango Practice in February and July. The rigorous daily

50

C A L I F O R N I A

schedule begins with 5:15 a.v. sitting meditation, balanced by walking

meditation, where each mindful, slow step around the sitting room, fol-

lowing the person in front, helps one to be aware of every breath.

There are rustic cabins and rcloms around the grounds for guests, who

shouid bring their own sleeping bags. Heat is provided by wtlodstoves

or electric heaters. There is a shared bathroom in the rnain building.

Meals are taken with the community in the dining room'

The very avai lable American-born Kwong-roshi encourages the

friendliness and hospitality that are evident here. Kwong approaches

Zen practice in a relaxed way: "The more you practice, you realize it's

not for gain but for gratitude. Gratitude becomes the biggest treasure,

and practice is the way." suzuki-roshi had said to him: "we are the

,u*.." Kwong explained , "He was telling me that the student and the

master are the same . . . we are both Buddha!"

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

Genio-li

6367 Sonoms Mountain Rd.

Santa Rosa, CA 95404(7071 545-8105

Accommodations: 5 cabins for men ancl women, with u'oodstove

and/or electric heater; pickup breakfast and lunch, prepared informal

dinner with the community; daily zazen meditation begins at 5:15 't'tr1l';

community day on Saturday with mecli tat ion, work/practice, medi-

tation instruction, dharma talk, buffet lunch for those who have come

for day;80 acres of rolling hills and mottntains overlooking Valley of

the Moon; resident training program $400 a mgnth, and special pro-

grams from 1 day, a n,eekend, a month; February trnd July practice is

an opportunity for guests to experience a month of dai ly practice;

closed last 2 weeks December; $25 a dav solo retreat, $20 if practicing

with community.

Directions; Take H*y. 101 North past Petaluma to Old Redrvood Hwy'

and Penngrove exit . After 1"1/z miles turn r ight at small PENNCIRovE/

soNoMA STATE UNTVERSTTY sign onto Petaluma HillRd. for 2)/z miles; turn

right on Roberts Rd. for 4 rni les; at fork (stop sign) turn r ight onto

Sonoma Mountain Rd. and go 3 rniles to large red sign on left and gravel

parking area.

51

Tassajara Zen Mountain CenterCarmel Valley, CA

Wx

Deep in the coastal mountain range of central California, in the middleof Los Padres National Forest east of Monterey and up a torturous 14-mile dirt road that ascends and descends more than 5,000 feet fromCarmel Valley, the San Francisco Zen Center and its roshi, Shunryusuzuki, established a monastic community in 1966. closed to visitorsduring the winter for intensive Zen training periods, the remote retreatis open for guests from early May to september. During this period, vis-itors may join residents in sitting meditation, participate in programsand discussions, and attend lectures. The orientation is zen Buddhist,which cultivates mindfulness to explore one's own nature and that ofothers, and awaken to and appreciate the natural beauty of life.

Formerly a resort where people came for the hot baths and seclusion,this area has changed little since the Esalen Indians used it for purifica-tion and healing. The baths are an integral part of community life. Thehot spring area at the edge of a cold creek is divjded so that men anclwomen bathe separately; going from the hot tubs to the cold creek wateris an invigorating experience. There are decks for sunning and relax-ation. Tassajara is the spanish word for "aplace for drying meat.,,

The accommodations are spare but clean and comfortable. A newbathhouse was constructed in 1993. Rooms and pathways are lighted bykerosene lamps. Bring a flashiight and your own tolt,el. Beclding is pro-vided. The cuisine is vegetarian, abundant, and legendary.'rhis ls thehome of Edward Brown's Tassajara Bread Book and rnssajnra Cooking. rfthere is a sensual side to the austere regimen of zen, it is in eating. The

52

C A L I F O R N I A

food itself is a lesson in mindfulness as one looks at it, prepares it, con-

sumes it, and thinks of its benefit, thanking the plants for giving us their

energy and dedicating it for the good of others'

There are programs through which participants can come for five days

to two months and become fully integrated into the community through

meditation, work, and study, or one can visit for just a few days.

The seciusion and Peace, clean air, and magnificent views at Tas-

saiara, the first mountain home of American Buddhist practice, have

made it a popular refuge, so plan far in advance'

Tassajara Zen Mountain Centet

39171 Tassaiara Rd.

CarmelValley, CA93924(83L) 43L-3771 or

Mailing address: Tassaiara Reseroationst zen Center, 300 Page st.,

San Francisco, CA94102. (415) 863-3136

Accommodations: Dorms, cabins, yurts, and suites available for men,

women, and children with linens, blanket, and towels provided (bring

a large extra towel for baths); rustic housing for 2-4 and some family

housing for work/study program participants, who must bring sleep-

ing bags, towels, flashlight, and battery alarm since there is no eleciric-

ity in their accommodations; for private guests rates range from $200 a

night with private bath and deck to $65 for the dorm, minimum stay

z nights; the guest practice costs $45 a day, with a minimum stay of 3

nights; 3 delicious vegetarian meals included; daity meditation sched-

ule, swimming pool, hot springs, hiking trails, classes, lectures, work-

shops, discussions; residency scholarship for work/practice program;

50 summer positions with stipends; open to visitors from early May to

early September.

Directions; Call or write for directions.

Vedanta RetreatOlema, CA

The 2,000 acres of the vedanta Retreat are surrounded by the 62,000-acrePoint Reyes National Seashore, a part of the California coast set aside toremain forever in its naturar state. The drive is bordered by huge euca_lyptus trees and leads to a sanctr.rary of meadows and woods. Thevedanta society of Northern Cali fornia, located in san Francisco,acquired tiris property in the mid 1940s. There are a dozen rooms: fourfor men in the meticulously refurbished main house, built in 1g67; andeight for women in a separate buiJding in a nearby meadow The roomsare comfortable and well furnished. Each guesthouse has its own med_itation room. There is no formar retreat program. Visitors are asked tomake sure that their personal practice does not interfere with others.Those who stay overnight should bring their own linens or a sleepingbag and bring and prepare their own food, cleaning up afterward.

Those interested in stayilrg overnight clr longei should arrange anintervien'with the swami in charge at the Vedanta society headquirtersin San Francisccl. Day visitors are also n,elcome and can use the retreatfrom 10 a.ul. to 6 t'.tvl. with no reservatic-rns required. Spiritual seekers ofany religious persuasion are welcome.

vedanta means the end (nnto) of the vedas (ancient sanskrit texts), orthe culmination of spiritual knowledge. The basic teaching of vedantais that the essence of all beings ancl things, from grass to God, is spiri-tuai, infinite and eternal, ^onchanging and indivisible; that peopie i.,their true nature are divinely spiritual, one reality, one being. As istaught in the Upanishads, "Thou art That.,,

54

C A L I F O R N I A

Swami vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna, brought

vedanta from India to the west in the 1890s. He taught that freedom can

be attaine d "by work, or worship, or psychic control, or philosophy; by

one or more or all of these." He emphasized three teachings as most

appropriate and most needed by the modern world: A person's highest

uihi",r"*"nt and greatest happiness lie in fully manifesting one's own

divinity; one's clearest vision lies in perceiving divinity everywhere;

and one's truest worship is in selfless service to others, for they are in

reality God.

Vedanta Retreat

P.O. Box 215

Olema, CA94950(415) 663-1258; (415) 922-2323 (For first-time ouernight retrestants to

affange interaiew in san Francisco with swami in charge)

Accommodations: Men's guesthouse, B beds in 4 rooms; new women'S

center has 8 rooms they like to keep single, with private baths; bring

your own food to cook; individual meditation (instruction available);

"All sincere men and women spiritual retreatants of whatever religious

persuasion are welcome to use the retreat house during the day for

which no reservations are necessary, T0 a.v.-S f.v. daily"; walking on

their 2,000 acres, surrounded by 62,000-acre Point Reyes National

Seashore; libraries, meeting halls; oPen year-round; donations accepted'

Directions; t hour north of san Francisco. Take Hwy' 101 north to san

Anselmo exit. Thke sir Francis Drake Blvd. west to H*y. 1, turn south

(left) for 2 long blocks and see sign on right'

s5

Villa Maria del MarSanta Cruz, CA

.iL{o

In 1891, the catholic Ladies Aid society of California accepted a gift of20 acres of oceanfront land on Monterey Bay and built a three-storyhotel where "women of limited means could spend a week recuperat-ing from family cares, at little or no cost, and where sisters from teach-ing and nursing orders could afford to come in groups.,, over the years,thousands have benefited from this altruistic attitude. The societyrented half the rooms at prevailing resort rates to balance the costs oftheir charity. In 1963, the sisters of the Holy Names purchased the prop-erty for a retreat center and committed themselves to keeping^viliaMaria a place where hospital i ty prevai ls. There is an old-fashionedcharm here as well as a sweeping view south to Carmel point and northto Santa Cruz. The beach is easily accessible.

There are 20 rooms in the main house, and another 21 rooms innearby siena Hall and the Annex. The rooms are clean and comfortable,most with private baths. A large lobby with cozy places to read is nextto the dining room, where the windows face the bay. The buffet-stylemeals are excellent.

Mass is said daily in star of the sea Chapel a few steps away. Built in1906, the picturesque structure is a vestige of the past. saturday eveningmass is standing-room-only.

To maintain the spiritual mission of the villa, the community of sisterswho live here host a regular schedure of retreats responding to theneeds of today's Church. They are flexible to groups who have theirown agendas. Private retreatants are also welcome. ,,Many who come

56

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are tired," one sister said. "They look out to the expanse of ocean,

unwind, relax, and are healed."

Villa Maria del Mar

2-1-9L8 E. Ctiff Dr.

Santa Cruz, CA95062(837) 475-L236 (ztteekdays 9 A.M.-s p.rvr. P.T.)

Accommodations: 15 homey rooms in twins, and 5 singles, most with

private baths, in the main house, many r.t'ith view of Monterey Bay, just

i f.- feet away; an additional36 beds in 21 rooms in Siena Hall and the

Annex; tasty buffet meals in dining room looking out to water; mass

claily at Stai of the Sea Chapel across the way; swimming, surfing, fish-

ing, state parks nearby, waiking on beach; open September-May, $65 a

day for private room, $55 a day double occupancy'

Directions: The retreat house is located off Hwy. 1 between Santa Ctuz

and Capitola. Ask for detailed directions when you book'

Nada HermitageCrestone, CO

yl -Fj.-rjI " r ' - , " ' j

1L

s . - . . \

Ln,,li

This community of hermits chose its location for solitude and naturalgrandeur. It is situated on the gently sloping eastern edge of the sanJuan valley, r.t hich is the largest alpine valley in North America-thesize of the state of Delaware. The site looks west to the san .IuanMountains some 50 miies away. The community morred here fromArizona in the early 1980s when the 190,000-acre Baca Ranch in south-ern Colorado was being divided into parcels that were donated to reli-gious groups who would imprrcx,'e and live on the land. Nada is in thefoothills of the Sangre de Cristos, where several mountains tower morethan 14,000 feet. visible to the south is Blanca pe.ak, the fourth highestpeak in colorado, one of four mountains sacred to the l{clpi.

This youthful grclup of apostolic hermits, both men and women, wasinspired by the teachings and writings of Father william McNamara,who had been deeply influenced by discr.rssjons r.n,ith Thomas Merton inthe 1950s. They live together, but eaclr has an individtral herniitage andlives a life of solitude, with personal duties and responsibilities to com-munity life. The schedule is a simple one: Lauds at 5 a.x,t. and vespersat 5 p.u. daily except on days of solitucle. orr saturday night there is a1all-night vigil before the Blessecl sacrament in the chapei, each persc.rnsigning up to spend an hour during the night. on sunday there is asullg mass at 9 A.v., followed by a community breakfast in Agape, thelovely main bui lding, which houses a l ibrary, the dining room, themain kitchen, and food supplies. This is a happy, conr,'i ' ial occasionwhen guests and cornmunity members share social t ime and only

58

i-,Tq,

-;:_ 'ii*,.."

C O L O R A D O

one person sPeaks at a time, thus all are able to follow the discussion'

Retreatants come for a week from Thursday afternoon to the follow-

ing Wednesday at noon. A monk is available for spiritual direction if

requested. The artfully designed and constructed adobe hermitages are

heated by passive solar energy and a backup woodstove. Each has elec-

tricity, kitchen facilities and utensils, and a bathroom. The hermitages

are set apart frttm one another and face south with a view of the valiey

and distant mountains. Bedding and food are provided, but each Persor

sleeps when tired and eats when ready-alone'

The chapel is always oPen for prayer and reflection; the high ceilings

over the altar are balanced bv tall windows looking out to the grand

mountains. There is a significant sculpture of Christ crucified that seems

to capture the essence of the suffering. Standing outside alone in the

quiet of that desert, looking at the vast, clear sky filled with stars and

the black outlines of the far-off mountains, one experiences the full

Dower of soliturle.

Nada Hennitage

Spiritual Life Institute

Crestone, CO 8113L(7Lil 256-4778

Accommodations: Approximately B of the 17 hermitages (2 doubles)

are ar.,ailable for men and women guests; a basic wilderness experience

of solitude in lovelv accommodations nestleci arerund the desert ProP-

erty; extra touches like homemade quilts on beds; hermitage. kitchens

fully stockecl with healthful food to rnake own meals; community gath-

ers for supper after Friclay evening mass and breakfast r,r'ith guests after

Sunday mass; retreatants and community work together Saturday

morni.ng; 75 desert acres surrounded by mountains and crisscrossecl by

hiking trails; cross-country skis available; stable nearby; work on Prop-

ertv encouraged; oPen yeal-round; $50 first clay, $40 each adciitional day

for singles; $60 first clay, $55 each additional day for double occllPancy'

Directions; Crestclne is t hour north of Alarnosa or t hour south of

Salida on Colorado Hwy. 77 . By car it is 4 hours south of Denver and 5

hours north of Albuquerque. The Crestone turnoff from Hwy. 17 ("Road

T") is just south of the town of Moffat. Go 12 miies toward Crestone'

Just past a small church on the left is the entrance to Baca Grande.

Continue 1% miles and turn right onto Rendezvous Way' Go down the

hill to the parking lot and walk on the road to the Chapel of the Agape.

St, Benedict's MonasterySnowmnss, CO

rn 1956 a group of Trappist monks from spencer, Massachusetts, chosethis place deep in the Rocky Mountains as the site for their new foun-dation. Seven miles frorn the nearest village, in a valley more than g,000feet above sea level, it is surrounded by the craggy peaks of the majes-tic mountains that run north and south through the state of colorado.one monk mused, "A monastery should be in a place that is hard to getto and difficult to leave." Tiaversing mountain passes on the way fromDenver, one realizes the courage and tenacity necessary to build andlive here. The daily drama of nature is awesome: The wind moves thesnow on the distant mountain peaks, coyotes utter their mournful cries,an owl hoots in the still night air beneath the star-filled sky.

All the more striking are the somberly attired monks who assemblese\ren times each day in the stark, timeiess chapel to sing the canonicalhours. Guests are invited to sit along the walls just behind the monks,chairs, much closer than usual. Hymnals ancrprayer books are availablefor those who wish to join ir-r the liturgy. on Thursday evening, mass iscelebrated at a tabie, like the Last Supper. After the main service, themonks assemble in the foyer and chat amiably with retreatants: ,,we,re

glad you're here; thanks for making the erfort." They see this as anextension of the service. The goodwill these men bring to visitors iswonderful to behold.

This is the home of Father Thomas Keating, the noted writer and pro-ponent of centering praver. The guestmaster is Father Theophane,author of. Tnles of a Magic Monastery, a gem of parables that has helped

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many on their spiritual search. The guesthouses, one a former farm-

house, have facilities for cooking, and visitors should bring and prepare

their own food. The guest facilities are some distance from the chapel,

along a road used only for the monastery, and it is a pleasant walk to

services. The 4,000 acres of monastery Property offer plenty of space for

hiking. In the winter, one can cross-country-ski.

The monastery supports itself by ranching and by baking and selling

the popular Snowmass Monastery Cookies. When the monks began

their cookie business some yeafs ago, they called on Bernard Tetsugen

Glassman , a Zett master in New York, who founded and still runs the

Greyston Bakery, and he helped them get started.

There is a once-a-month intensive retreat often run by Father Keating.

From time to time, groups will meet here, using this quiet, out-of-the-

way spot to concentrate on their own spiritual Program. Private

retreatants can usually be accommodated for a few days or longer'

There is even a six-month program for those interested in living with

the community and. learning the discipline of St. Benedict through "the

bells and the eyes of the brethren."

St. Benedict's Monastery

L0L2 Monastery Rd.

Snowmass, CO 81654

o70) 927-1162

Accommodations: For men and women, a new guesthouse has 4 apart'

ments with kitchenettes;4 hermitages, each stocked with nonperishable

food; meals provided for 10-day " intensives"; canonical hours with

wonderful music and voices; monks meet with attendees after mass (an

extension of mass);4,000 acres for walking, biking, cross-country skiing;

6-month pfoglam for visiting men; open year-round; freewill donation'

Directions; From Denver take I-70 to Glenwood Springs. Then follow

H*y. 82 from Glenwood Springs to Old Snowmass, which is 21/z miles

past Basalt. watch for an intersection with a conoco gas station on the

tignt, and turn right there. Go straight for aboutTVzmlles (bearing right

at the one crossroad) until you see a sign for the monastery on the left

side of the road. Turn left at the sign. (If ,vou run onto an unPaved road

before making a left turn, you have missed the monastery road') After

you make the left, travel 1 mile to the gatehouse, which is next to a large

wooden arch spanning the road.

Abbey of Regina LaudisBethlehem, CT

The original land for this monastery was donated by an industrialistfrom Waterbury who felt that the hilltop was too beautiful for anythingbut the worship of God. rn 1946, nuns of the Catholic Benedictines ofStrict Observance arriv'ed from the French abbey of jouarre anci settledin what is now St. Joseph's, the guesthcluse for men.

The main monastery building, a former factory, has been remodeledto house the 50 nuns. surrounded by wooden fences, the main buildi*gis off limits to all guests, except for the entrance, the guest refectory, anclthe wood-paneied chapei that is connectecl to the convent. Here thenuns gather seven times a day, between 6:45 a.tvt. antl g t.M., and once atnight, at 2 a.nr., to sing the Hours of the l)ir.,ine office. Mass jncregorian chant is sung every day at 7:45 s.xt. The nuns sit behind ascreen, the curtain partecl for most services so the habited singers can beglimpsed through the latticework.

The t;uesthouses are austere-reminiscent of a working farm-butclean and sensible, with great attentiorr to r.t hatever is leecled. St.]oseph's, with sparsely furnishecl (bed, writing table, and chair) singlerooms for men only ar-rd community bath, is like a French farmhouse.The main living/dining area is dominatecl by a stone fireplace, with r.t,in-dows on either side that give balance and light to the clark woocl walls.

st. Gregory's, the women's guesthouse (an authentic 1294 NewEngland farmhouse), is decorated in soft, pale colors. women take theirmeals in the monastery in a separate refectory from the nuns. Men,smeals are brought to st. Joseph's and se.rved by one of the nuns. The

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monastery is a working farm with dairy cows that provide fresh miik

that the nuns make into butter and cheese. They also bake their own

bread, and the food is excellent.

There are no organized retreats, but hospitality is a very important

part of the life here. A nun is assigned to talk with each visitor as the

need arises. The monastery makes no distinction as to race or creed, but

those who come should be willing to observe the monastic lifestyle. The

nuns are rooted in the ancient Benedictine monastic ways, but are still

flexibie to the future. "Come to find peace of mind," one suggested,

"and the strength of a spiritual existence."

The monasterV grounds comprise 300 acres, most of it used for farm-

ing. There is a separate building that houses an 18th-century Neapolitan

crbche. The elegant figures depict individual attitudes toward the infant

Jesus, from devotion and love to indifference. It is fitting that this nativ-

ity scene should be a major point of interest on the grounds of a

monastery in a place called Bethlehem'

Abbey of Regina Laudis

Box 273

Flanders Rd.

Bethlehem, CT 06751,

QAs) 266-7727

Accommodations: 10 small singles for men in the men's guesthouse,

and up to 9 women in doubles and triples in the women's guesthouse;

del iciotrs home-cooked meals (men and women dine separately);

canonical hours, maSS in Latin; meeting with community member arnd

work on property suggested; first Friday and Saturday in August is the

annual fair; open year-round, though guests are discouraged during

Lent; freewiil clonations help the community. Write to the Cuest

Secretary with reason for coming and alternate dates.

Directions: From I-84 East, at Exit 15, take U.S. 6 through Woodbury.

Turn left onto Flanders Rd., where there is a sign for the abbey. In 4

miles, the entrance to the abbey is on your right' From I-84 West, at Exit

17, take Rte. 64 through Middlebury. Turn right onto U.s. 6 in

Woodbury, then proceed as above'

From the north, take Rte. 63 in Litchfield. Turn right onto Rte. 61

through Bethlehem; at the cemetery, bear right and then turn left onto

Flanders Rc1. The abbev is 1 mile farther, on your left.

Vikingsborg Guest HouseConaent of St, BirgittaDarien, CT

This spacious guesthouse is on a cove of Long Island sound, in a quietresidential neighborhood. In 1957 the property was donated bvMargaret Tjader Harris to the Birgittines, an order of nuns founded bysaint Birgitta of sweden in the 14th century. Margaret,s parents, aSwedish father and an American mother, were missionaries, deeply reli-gious people who made their house avai lable to people of al l fai thsexcept Catholics. Margaret, who was curious about all religions, oftentraveled to sweden. There she became a friend and admirer of MotherElisabeth"'who was instrumental in the resurgence of the Birgittines inthe 20th century. Margaret converted to Catholicism, and donated thebeautifui waterfront property to the Catholic nuns who now live here.In her book on the life of Mother Elisabeth, Margaret rvrote, ,,Change isthe iaw of nature, the rhythm of history; the tumult, decline, ,urrrg*..,triumph ancl decline again-the wheel of human life.,,

The sisters, who still wear religious habits with distinctive whitebands securing the veils to their heads like hot-cross buns, have 12 bedsavailable for guests. The furnishings, gathered by the Tjaders duringtheir mission travels, are outstanding, museum-quality pieces. Mealsare served in the grand dining room by the nuns three times a day. oneof the wings of the house, the former trophy room, has been convertedto a chapel where the nuns gather daily to sing liturgy at 6 a.v., noon,

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4 r'.M., and 8 p.u. Mass is said Monday through Friday at 7 a.u. and at

8 on Saturday and Sunday. Guests are welcome.

There is a spacious porch, often used as a meeting room for local

groups who come to worship in the chapel and have a meal. The nuns

do not give retreats, but make their house available for group meetings

and for individuals and couPles seeking a quiet, restful place.

The nine-acle convent grounds, with tall pines and well-tended

lawns, have a feeling of substance and continuity. The seawall has stairs

where missionaries led their followers into the water to be baptized.

There is a small stone chapel, set on a knoll, a former playhouse that has

been converted to a place of prayer and contemplation' At night there is

a wonderful view to the south, across the watel of the twinkling lights

on Long Island.

Vikingsb org Guest HouseConaent of St. Birgitta4 Runkenhage Rd.Darien, CT 06820Quil 6ss-L068

Accommodations: 12 beds in singles and doubles, and a guest cottage

for 4; meals served to guests in formal dining room; daily mass and 4

prayer services; woodland walks and gardens; bathing from private

dock; open year-round; $ZO a night.

Directions: From I-95 N take Exit 12 and turn right onto Tokeneke Rd.

Proceed 1/z mrle on Tokeneke Rd. to an intersection island; bear right

around the island to Old Farm Rd.; drive Vzmile to Tokeneke Trail. Bear

right on Tokeneke Tiail and proceedYz mile to Runkenhage Rd. (Note

green, shield-shaped sign on left.) Turn onto Runkenhage Rd. to the first

driveway on the right (about 50 feet from the turn); drive through 2 sets

of stone posts in the direction of the sign.

Camp Weed and theCerzteny Conference CenterLioe Oak, FL

Located in Suwannee County in north central Florida on 350 acres nextto White Lake, the buildings of this Episcopal center were sited to respectlive oaks of exceptional beauty. The natural wood structures have con-necting walkways and decks that meander in a casual way yet work effi-ciently. There is a beautiful new chapel building constructed on 1ogpilings out over the lake, with high beamed ceilings and windows thatlook out to the water and shoreline. Mandi's Chapel, complete d in r99s,was donated by the Pettway family of Jacksonville in loving memory oftheir daughter. A full-time priest joined the center in 1995.

The first camp experience was held in this diocese on a public beachin 1924 through the influence of Bishop weed. During the decades thatfollowed, the summer experiences were repeated to ever-growingnumbers in different locales. Realizing the benefits and importance ofthe gatherings, the Episcopal diocese acquired this property on whiteLake in 1978, and Camp weed found a permanent horne under theguidance of Bishop Cerveny. In 1982, seven cabins were built near thelake, and a new dining room and kitchen were added in 1983. In 1985the adult conference center was started, and by 19gg first-rate roomswere available. Now there are 40 motel-like rooms with double bedsand private baths, cabins with 150 bunk beds, plus tent sites and RVhookups' The 350 acres of rolling woodlands and recreation fields offerample space. The service roads that wind around the property make forexcellent walking.

Personal retreats start sunday night and go through Friday lunch.

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Those who come are looking for a quiet time in a comfortable, natural

setting. There are also Elderhostel programs dealing with Florida his-

tory, nature, and the environment. The director points out: "Camp Weed

and the Cerveny Conference Center are extensions of the ministry of

each congregation, a Christ-centered place set apart in natural solitude,

enabling worship, renewal, education, enrichment, and education, a

community for all the people of God."

Camp Weed and the Ceraeny Conference Center

Rte.3, Box 140

Liae Oak, FL 32060

@04) 364-5250

Accommodations: For men, women, and children there are 40 lovely,

air-conditioned rooms each with 2 beds, private baths, and decks,

designed by architect John Pappas, looking out to lake and woodlands;

also 7 nice cabins with bunks, RV hookups, and tents for a total capac-

ity of 150; dining room seats 135 for 3 meals with excellent food service;

lovely new chapel built over the water for use by groups and for wed-

dings; swimming pool, ballfield, hiking loop, summer camP/ 744-acre

lake on 350 acres woodlands for fishing, boating, plus tennis and golf at

adjoining club; closed Christmas and Easter; r ,vheelchair-accessible;

fi66.75 per day including meals, with special rates for nonprofits.

Directions: I-10 to the Wellborn exit, located just west of the I-10 and

I-75 intersection. Go south on Hwy. 737 to U.S. 90. Then go west on U.S.

90 approximately 5 miles to Ingram Rd. on the south side of U.S. 90 to

large sign and turn right, following unpromising dirt road over hill and

dale to main parking lot.

67

The Elorida United MethodistLW Enrichment CenterFruitland Park, FL

On the shores of beautiful Lake Griffin, the Florida Conference of theUnited Methodist Church owns 87 acres and has built a most impres-sive adult retreat center. There is housing for 400 persons in four motel-type buildings for year-round use. Each room has two beds and privatebath. There are l-6 specially designed rooms for the handicapped withno steps anywhere on ground level. The cafeteria-style dining room canserve 400. Meeting rooms can handle 200, and smaller rooms as manyas 90. Anew $1.4 million auditorium seats 800. The buildings are spacedaround the dining and conference rooms looking out to the lake.

Through the foresight and energy of former director Warren willis,the land was purchased as parcels became available in the 1950s and1960s. The center is envisioned as an extension of the ministry of JesusChrist providing a setting for church-related groups to hold retreats,planning and study sessions, and other spiritual activities. The center isavailable for the use of all churches. Individuals can be accommodatedon a space-available basis.

People come here attracted by the quiet. Life is unhurried and thereis an opportunity to contemplate and reflect, a place for introspectionand renewal.

we were told that occasionally there are alligators on the grounds,and that if we saw one, we should run zigzag" since they travel only instraight lines. Remarkabry, for all the gators rumored to be in the lake,none showed up during our visit, but serenity, goodwill, and humorwere quite evident.

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The Florida United Methodist Life Enrichment Center

04991. Picciola Rd.

Fruitland Park, FL

Mailing address: P.O. Box 4901,08, Leesburg, FL 34749(35D 787-0313

Accommodations: 4 motel-type buildings with air-conditioning, twin

beds, and private baths wili house 400 women, men, and children, with

a view of the lake or grounds; 54 RV sites, 35 full hookups plus shower

and toilet facilities; 400 more can be housed at the camp across the road,

which is also carpeted and air-conditioned; lovely new auditorium will

hold up to 800; hearty tasty meals in cafeteria, with round tables when

35 or more people are on-site; mainly grouPs, but individuals r,r'elcome

when extra rooms available; 87 wooded acres on shores of Lake Griffin

with lovely semitropical vegetation, shorebirds, swings, benches, docks

along shoreline; walking paths,2 pontoon boats, volleyball, horseshoes,

playground, bal l f ield; closed July and early August; wheelchair-

accessible; $44 a day including meals single occupancy; $35 apiece dou-

ble occupancy; RV sites by reservation, 3-night maximum.

Directions: From I-75 take Wildwood exit to Leesburg on State Rd.

44-E. Watch for sign for downtown Leesburg and take V.S. 27 North

(left) 1-2 miles to County Rd. 4664 and turn right (ABC Liquor Store at

corner). Follow 466A (Picciola Rd.) 3.2 miles and watch for sign and

drive on right. Drive to administration building on right.

Holy Name MonasterySt. Leo, FL

The original Holy Name convent was a three-story frame structure 140feet long and 75 feet wide, and when the sisters acquired 40 acres next toLake Jovita adjoining St. Leo College, they decided to have the entirebuilding moved the half mile to the new land. A steel cable was stretchedaround the building and attached to a "dead-man timber" buried deep inthe ground. The cable was attached to a winch and two oxen were hitchedto it. The oxen walked around the winch, stepping over the cabie, and asthe building inched forward, a half-dozen workers pulled the rollers fromthe rear of the convent and set them down in front. When the conventadvanced 50 feet to the winch, they unhitched the oxen, and reburied the"dead mar." 50 feet farther on. It took six weeks for the convent to roll toits new location. Even more remarkable was that 13 academy studentsand 9 sisters lived in it all the while. "rt was a long time before we hadlight and water," one sister wrote. This was 1911, more than 20 years afterthe first Benedictine sisters arrived from Allegheny, pennsylvania, toteach in local elementary schools and start an academy for young ladies.

By 7967, the original rolling convent died of old age and was replacedby the present building, which is home to 28 sisters who teach and workat the college and go to other occupations, one by motorcycle. The three-story elevator bui lding has guest rooms for 20 with shared baths.Excellent meals are taken with the community in the refectory. The sis-ters gather to pray in the chapel three times a day and guests are wel-come at all services. Mass is celebrated daily.

Directed retreats can be arranged in advance and group retreats are

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scheduled regularly on specific topics such as Discernment, Vocation, or

Monastic Experience. The sisters host Elderhostels on such topics as

How Dreams Are Made, Unsung Heroes, and Myths- They teach

courses in Psychology,the Testaments, Literature, and Music. One

retreatant, arriving late, was concerned about whether there was room

for hirn. The sister assured him that they had a pup tent in the backyard

for him. "Oh, that's okay," he said, "as long as it has water and heat."

This cheerful community makes guests feel welcome and comfort-

able. Surrounded by orange trees near Lake Jovita and sharing the adja-

cent St. Leo College campus, it is a most congenial place to be.

The nearby St. Leo College is run by Benedictine monks who also

have a guesthouse and retreat programs. One of the monks, Brother

Paul, has an art studio on the grounds and is an accomplished artist,

sculptor, and stained-glass worker.

Holy Name Monastery

P.O. Box 2450

33201" State Rd.52

St. Leo, FL 33574(352) 588-8320 (Monastery)

(352) 588-2009 (St. Leo Abbey next door if monastety is full)

Accommodations: 20 air-conditioned singles or doubles for women

and men, with dorms for 40 children at abbey; washer/dryer, kitchen,

lounge, television, plus 3 guesthouses fol longer stays; hearty meals in

dining room with very nice community. (We attended noon prayer with

the monks at the abbey next door, and they invited us, as they invite all

guests at that service, to join them for lunch); prayer, including mass, 3

times daily in monastery chapel;5 times a day at abbey; overlooks Lake

Jovita (Clear Lake), orange groves, adjoins college campus with excei-

lent library, avrary, grotto, pool, racquetball, adjoining golf course, ten-

nis; closed December 2A47;wheelchair-accessible; suggested donation

$25 a day private retreat, $40 a day directed retreat, abbey $32; special

prices for groups, Elderhostels.

Directions; Located 30 miles northeast of Tampa. Take l-75 to Exit 59

(San Antonio, St. Leo, Dade City) to State Rd. 52. Co 4 miles east on 52

following it as it turns, and monastery is green building with pink trim

on left. Use parking lot all the way around, and then enter through front

door facing State Rd. 52. The college is 1/+ mile farther on'

Wakulla Springs Lodgeand Conference CenterWakulla Springs, FL

A*Nffier$ti

only 15 miles south of Thllahassee, Wakulla Springs is like a primevalforest. It is also a haven of peace, beauty, and rest. The 4,000 acres ofunspoiled wilderness is known for the spring that flows from anunderground river at the rate of more than 600,000 gallons per minuteinto the wakulla River, which then flows fifteen miles to the Gulf ofMexico. Mystery surrounds the spring: where does the fresh watercome from, how did the mastodon skeletons end up on its ledge, whokilled "old loe," a 2}}-year-old alligator now stuffed and in a glasscase in the lobby of the lodge? Visitors have plenty of time to solvethese puzzles because aside from good food, comfortable beds in spa-cious rooms, and nature trails, the lodge has no scheduled programs.This is the ultimate natural retreat, where sightings of Florida's exoticand plentiful wildlife abound.

The property was purchased in 1933 by Ed Ball, a tycoon who man-aged the Dupont empire in Florida. Interested in preserving nature andserenity and being able to enjoy it conveniently and comfortably, hebuilt the two-story Spanish-style lodge as a special retreat using marble-mostly from Tennessee-in the floors, on the steps and risers, forbaseboards and bathroom walls. The ceiling beams of the lobby aresouthern cypress decorated with colorful Aztec and Toltec designs.spanish tiles adorn the doorway between porch and lobby. The hugefireplace is set with gigantic logs that burn all day. The iron grillwork onthe stairway feafures herons, ibises, and egrets. The archways and grilldoors are Moorish. The gracious airy dining room is glass-enclosed,

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which enables diners to watch a continual flow of birds visiting the

large feeders just outside. Dining is southern-style with special soups

and hearty dishes, a reminder of earlier plantation days.

The property was placed under the protection of the National

Audubon Society in the 1960s and the area is closed to hunting and fish-

ing. Birds and wildlife sense ihe protection and many fine sights are

avai lable from the lawn, planted with magnolia and hickory trees,

which goes down to the spring. Mullet inmp and alligators glide by,

white ibises nest across the water, and ducks of varying color and spirit

poke around the bank. A pair of pileated woodpeckers work among the

tall pines.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection manages the

park and Florida State University operates the lodge and conference

center. Both are open to the public year-found. One regular visitor said:

"It's the quiet and solitude that bring me back every yeaL"

Wakulla Springs Lodge and Conference Center

1 Springs Dr.

Wakullq Springs, FL 32305

/850) 224-5950

Accommodations: For women, men, and children this lovely lodge has

27 private, comfortable, air-conditioned guest rooms that will house up

to 54 people, with marble baths, phones in each room, many with views

out to spring and abundant water and bird life; full range of conference

and retreat services; 3 delicious, moderately priced meals served in

"The Ballroom" restaurant from full menu created by chef Cernard

Gowdy; also a coffee shop open from 8 a.v. to 5 p.tvl. in the gift shop;

located in heart of Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. The

Wakulla Springs Archaeological and Historic District is listed on the

National Register of Historic Places; nature walk, swimming in springs,

Florida Park Service offers glass-bottom boat tours to see the fabulous

birds, f ish, turt les, and al l igators; open year-round; wheelchair-

accessible; singles $52-$57; doubles $60-$65; larger rooms and suites

from $75-$250; group rates available.

Directions: Located 15 miles south of downtown Tallahassee on Florida

H*y. 26T.FromTallahassee take State Rd.61 at the old State Capitol

Building south to 267, then east on267 to lodge entrance. From the east

or west, U.S. 98 is a good artery.

Abhey of Our Lody of the Holy SpiritConyers, GA

on the feast day of st. Benedict, March 2\, 1944, a small group ofTrappist monks left their monastery at cethsemani, Kentucky, to go tothe Honey Creek Plantation in rural Georgia, 30 miles east of Atlanta.This was to become the first monastery founded in the United States byanother American house of the order of Cistercians of the Str ictobservance, also known as Trappists. These mclnks trace their lineage toan l1th-century reform movement which sought to break away fromworldly entanglements and free the soul for a life of contemplation. Atthat time, monasticism had grown wealthy, comfortable, and woridly.Following the Benedictine Rule, the Trappists stressed the need for a lifeof work and prayer, penance, austerity, and expiation. More than one ofthe original Conyers monks had said why he chose the Trappists:"Because it was the hardest life to be found in the Church.,'

The first monks shared a converted barn with cows and chickens."threatening to compete with a sharecropper's cabin as far as discom-fort was concerned," wn)te Thomas Merton. By December 1944, theyhad built a pine-board monastery. They immediately began the presentmonastery building and church, and in 1960 both were completed. Theguesthouse was opened in 1969.

There are 2,000 acres of monastery property, undulating pastures andfields. The monks produce hay, raise cattle, bake bread, grow bonsai,and produce ornamental stained glass. The windor.t's of the Gothicchurch reflect the orderlirress of transcendent truth and encourage acalm atmosphere for contemplative prayer. The window patterns are

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geometric designs f i t ted together to produce nondistract ing colors.

Blues predominate in the narre rvhile a golden light from white, yeilow,

orange, and red glass dominates the sanctuar;'.

There are 40 rooms for men aud womett n'htt come in small grouPs or

individuai ly. Onc regular retreat offers an orientat ion talk and then

invites retreatants to go into silence and create an atmosphere of Prayer.Meals are served buffet-style and eaten in silence. The feeling here is

ecumenical, it seems a place that transcends religious affiliation and

provides a direct connecticrn to the spirit.

Here are extracts from some of scores of letters received by the guest-

master: "I cannot place a price on the value of my time here." "Ho\ /

much l feel the love of Christ here in the welcome you extend to others,

especially to women and those of other faiths." "Having never been to

a monastery," wrL-tte a Protestant tninister, "and not being Roman

Cathol ic, I was apprehensive. I did not need to worry." "Both as a

Protestant ancl a woman, I feel particularly blessed by your willingness

to open this place of quiet sanctuary tL) me."

Abbey of Our Lady of the HoIy Spirit

2625 Hzay.212 SW

Conyers, G430208(770) 760-0959

Accotntnorlstiotts: For lvomen antl men, 40 hotel-like air-ctlntlitioned

single and double rooms with communitv bath or adjoining baths in 3-

story builcling (with elevator available for those who can't climb stairs);

institutional meals (much canned food), in dining room looking c.tut to

pretty garden, are taken in silence at tables of 8; individuals and small

groups of different religious backgrclund are r,t'elcome; prayer 5 times

daily, including rnass, beginning at 4 a.vt. in cathedrarl- l ike church;

\\'omen sit in back, men maty sit with tnonks in choir; lt'clrk on request;

bonsai shop u,i th lovelv col lcct ion; oid-fashioned l ibrary; huge com-

merical gif t shop with rel igious i tems, books, monastery-made food l ike

jel l ies, fruitcake, cheese, fudge; 2,000 acres, duck pond; wheelchair-

accessible; open year-round; suggcstecl donartiorr $30 a day plus $15 reg-

istrartion feer.

Directions.' From don ntorn'n Atlanta take I-20 Earst to Exit 37. Turn right

onto Panola Rd. and go 2.3 miles to the 4th traffic light. Turn left onto

Bror.r 'ns Mil l Rd. (Rte.212) and proceed9l/z miles to the monastery on

tire left-hand side.

75

Conaent of St. HelennAugr,tsta, GA

The convent complex stands on a ridge of sand hiils which are part of a

prehistoric beach formed eons ago. From the convent windows, you can

look east to South Carolina and imagine you can still see the ocean. This

20-acre property at the end of a road is reached through quiet neigh-

borhood streets. The Episcopal sisters who live here are of the Order of

st. Helena, a religious community for women founded in 1945. The

motherhouse is in Vails Gate, New York. Other convents are located in

New York City and Seattle, Washington. In the order, there are four sis-

ters who are ordained priests.

There are ten single guest roonls with shared baths. Nutritious meals

are served in the refectory and daily prayers are said in the modern

chapel. The community caters to small retreats, individuals, and spiri-

tual direction. Trails lead into the woods where benches are placed for

rest and reflection. This is an oasis of quiet above the bustle of Augusta.

Some reguiar retreatants come annually to coincide with the Masters

Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club not far away.

Although the convent is located in a lovely residential neighborhood,

you feel as though you were in the country. And the four-sided, tentlike

chapel, with its bird's-eye view of the town, beckons you to Prayer.One of the sisters here works as a hospital chaplain and sings with the

Augusta Choral Society. From her mission of Prayef, she's learned to

"listen and try not to fix people." The simplicity of wisdom.

/ o

G E O R G I A

Conaent of St. Helena

3042 Eagle Drioe

P.O. Box 5645

Augusta, GA30916(706) 798-5201-

Accommodations: 10 singles with shared bath for women and men/

each comfortable andcozy with desk,lamp, and window looking out to

grounds; cinder-block walls throughout give a spare monasterY / con-

vent feeling; buffet main meal at noon, in nice dining room with tables

for 8; lovely chapel looking to South Carolina in distance with ptayer

4-5 times a d.ay; Iibrary, walking paths (bring comfortable soft-soled

shoes and warm sweater); open year-round except for one month in

summer; suggested donation of $35 a day (generosity of guests makes

this possible).

Directions: Take I-20 to Exit 64-A (I-520). Take I-520 to Exit 5-B onto U.S.

1 (Dean's Bridge Rd. northbound). At 2nd traffic light turn right onto

Lumpkin Rd. Go 3/a mile to Green Meadows. Turn right and go to end

of Green Meadows. Turn left onto Eagle Drive and continue to end,

which is the top of the convent driveway. Continue down driveway into

parking lot.

Monastery of the Holy CrossChicago, IL

A monastery, according to webster, is a house or place of residenceoccupied by a community of persons, especially monks, living in seclu-sion from the world under religious vows. Usuaily we find monasteriesin rural, bucolic settings with the main buildings set on a hill lookingout on a tranquil scene. so a new monastery on the south side ofChicago in the Bridgeport neighborhood causes eyebrows to raise.

This group of Catholic monks seeks to live the ancient monastic idealof unceasing prayer in a contemporary context, not by withdrawingfrom the world but by bringing their prayer into the city and the cityinto their prayer. Part of a monastic community founded in paris in7975, the Monks of the Holy Cross of jerusalem have five distinctivecharacteristics: They (1) are city dwellers, (2) earn wages, (3) rent theirhousing, (4) have no walled cloister, and (5) are part of the local church.

In the mid 1980s, three American parish priests in Minnesota heardabout the French community. They first visited in 19g6, spent time there,and determined to bring the concept to the united states. During thatsame period, churches were being closed in Chicago, When CardinalBernardin was contacted, he met with the priests, heard their story, andhelped them lease a church from the archdiocese. The priests movedinto the Cothic-style Immaculate conception Church in July 1991 anddid their own renovation. The monastery was established as a canoni-cal entity on December 25,1991r

The church is open for prayer morning, l1oon, and Eucharist in theevening to accommodate a working person's schedule. The chant is

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Byzantine-style written by the contemporary French composer Andr6

Gouze. The monks have jobs as teachers, chaplains, and whatever else

they are able to find. They use computers for data entry with Electronic

Scriptorium, performing services for libraries.

There are 4 rooms with shared baths for retreatants in an upstairs

wing of the monastery. Guests can join the community in the si lent

refectory where food is set out buffet-style. There is a semienclosed yarC

between the buildings. In good weather, grass and lawn chairs make

this a most peaceful place to sit and read or ruminate, and as the sounds

of city life waft over the back wall, }rou think, how appropriate.

Monastery of the Holy Cross

3111 S. Aberdeen St.

Chicago, IL 60608

07il 927-7424

Accommodations: 8 single rooms for men and women with shared

baths; lounge with kitchen; meals with community buffet-style; daily

mass and sung prayer services morning, noon, and evening; city neigh-

borhood; by donation.

Directions; In Chicago, take Lake Shore Dr. to 31st St. exit. Follow 31st

St. about 2 miles west to Aberdeen St., turn left on Aberdeen, and park

in lot behind church. Entrance to monastery is on 31st St'

79

Mary Goodutin Guest HouseSt. M ary - of-the-Wo o ds, IN

on Easter sunday 7979, the Mary Goodwin Guest House was dedicatedso that visitors to the beautiful college campus would have a place tostay. Harold Goodwin, who lived in nearby Terre Haute, donated thefunds in loving memory of his wife, Mary, who died in the late 1960s.The guesthouse has 19 rooms and can accommodate 3g people. Eachroom shares a bath with an adjoining room. The building is on two lev-els, and there is a kitchenette on each floor, visitors can bring their ownfood or take meals cafeteria-style at nearby o'shaughnessy dining hall,where three meals a day are cateredby aprofessional food service.

The guesthouse is on the campus of st. Mary-of-the-woods College, aliberal arts college founded by the Sisters of Providence. In 1840 MotherTheodore Guerin led a group of five sisters from France to southernIndiana' Living as pioneers, they answered the cail to establish schools,work in hospitals and orphanages, and bring aid and spiritual comfortto European immigrants. Mother Theodore was available to every needof those around her, and in july rgg2, the church decreed her"venerable," the first step toward sainthood. There are more than 700Providence sisters in 27 states and in Taiwan, and more than 300 livehere in the motherhouse, a large brick building behind the church. Thecampus is as elegant as they come, with mature trees and lawns, newbuildings blended with old, large with small, and a splashing fountain.The campus Church of the Immaculate Conception was built in the1880s of Italian Renaissance design and many providence sisters prayand worship there daily. Over the main altar, rather than a crucifixion

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scene, there is a smiling, fully clothed Christ, embodying the true mes-

sage of Christianity: renewal and rebirth rather than death.

The sisters seem to understand the power of prayer, and this paradise

of a campus reflects that. There are weekend programs that encourage

people to visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence and seven

other shrines and groupings on the grounds. Retreats are offered

regularly.

Retreat DirectorProaidence CenterSt, Mary -of-the-Woo ds, IN 47876(812) 535-3731,; (81-2) 535-5274

Accommodations: 19 double rooms for men and women with shared

baths; kitchenettes on 2 floors of guesthouse; meals in dining hall

catered by professional staff; daily mass and prayer services in elegant

church; beautiful campus for walking; $30 single, $40 double.

Directions: Located 5 miles northwest of Terre Haute, from I-70 take

Exit 3, north on Darwin Rd., right on u,s. 40, left on U.s. 1-50, then left

on St. Mary's Rd., then right to campus'

81

St. Meinrad Archabb"ySt, Meinrad, IN

--- --:>'

, . t : '

:t:,w',-

In 1854 monks from switzerrand came to southern Indiana to serveGerman-Catholic settlers. They named their new monastery after st.Meinrad, a ninth-century Benedictine monk known for his tLospitaliry,who lived as a hermit deep in the forests and shared his belongings withthe poor and gave spiritual counseling to those who sougnt nim out.Following in the footsteps of their namesake, the monks have a splen-did guesthouse with 25 double rooms, each with a private bath. Mealsare served cafeteria-style in the lower level of the guesthouse. weekendand midweek retreats throughout the year are an ongoing part of theirministry for those seeking renewar and growth through piuy", in a con-ducive atmosphere.

The guesthouse is just a short walk from the abbey church, which wascompleted ]n 7907. A11 the stone for the romanesque church was quar-ried one mile northeast of here by the monks and local workers andbrought to the site in mule-driven wagons. The church windows arepainted glass and were executed by the Royal Bavarian Art Institute ofMunich, Germany. The windows in the north and south walls clepict theeight beatitudes. At the top of each window is a Benedictine saint whoselife exemplified that beatitude. The southeast windows depict the mar-tyrdom of St. Meinrad himself.

The impressive mural of Christ in the apse of the church was com-pleted in 1943 by Dom Gregory de wit, a Bel6;ian monk who alsopainted the murals at st. Joseph Abbey in st. Benedict, Louisiana (seepage 94).

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The monks sing liturgy morning, noon, and evening with mass at

5:15 p.ir,l. Monday to Friday, 8 e.v. Saturday, and 9:30 a.v. Sunday' Times

for all services may vary in the summer'

More than 140 monks live here and many of them teach in the semi-

nary. st. Meinrad's College and school of Theology prepares students

for the priesthood, lay ministry, and christian service. The monastery

owns and operates Abbey Press, which manufactures and distributes

religious and inspirational cards and gifts worldwide' The monks from

St. Meinrad's have founded five other Benedictine monasteries in the

united states located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, south Dakota,

and California.

The monastery property encompasses 2,000 acres, 800 in farmlanc-

and 1,200 wooded. There are hiking and walking trails. Amile down the

road is the shrine of our Lady of Monte Cassino, where pilgrimages are

made twice a year to the century-old chapei'

St.Iude Guesthouse

St. Meinrad ArchabbeY

St. Meinrad,IN 47577

61D 357-6585 ar (800) 58L-6905

Accommodations:25 rooms for 50 men and women, each room with

private bath; meals in guest dining room cafeteria-style; daily mass and

iit.rrgy with monastic community; full retreat program year-round,

closed 1 week in summer; hiking and walking on 2,000 acres; from $35

per day.

Directions: From Evansville, take I-64 east to Exit 63 (Ferdinand) then

south on State Rd. 162 to State Rd. 62 for 4 miles; from Louisville,

Kentucky, take I-64 west to Exrt 72 (Birdseye), then south on State Rd'

145, right on State Rd. 62 for 8 miles.

New Melleray AbbeyPeosta, IA

ewf

ffm,sixteen Trappist monks left Mount Melleray Abbey in Countywaterford, Ireland, in 1849 and sailed across the Atlantic to Neworleans, then up the Mississippi seeking farmland for a new founda-tion. They settled near Dubuque, Iowa, and theirs is probably the lastTrappist monastery dependent solely on farming. Currently the monksraise 1,L00 acres of corn and 200 acres of soybeans on their 1,900 acres.In the early 7990s, they set aside 250 acres from conventional farming tobe certified organic. Their vision statement reads: ,,we commit our_selves to sustainable agriculture that will protect the ecological health ofour environment and provide for the economic and social well-beingof our community. we realize our land provides sustenance not only forourselves but for the generations who will succeed us.,,

visitors to the abbey are accorded the same care and concern as theland. The guesthouse wing is connected to the church and can accom-modate 18 persons, all in rooms with private baths. Men and women ofany race, creed, and color are welcome. The private retreats go fromMonday noon to Friday morning, or any part thereof; weekends withplanned conferences start Friday and go through sunday. The weekendretreats are booked well in advance, so plan accordingly. privateretreatants can meet with a priest on request. Meals are taken cafeteria-style in the guest refectory on the lower le'el of the guesthouse.

The third floor of the guesthouse is set aside as a monastic center forthose who would like to experience the daily life of a contempiativemonk. These retreatants share fully in the life of the monastic commu_

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nity, which begins at 3:15 a.rra. and ends aftet 7:30 p.v. Compline'

Residence in the monastic center requires a minimum stay of four days

and can last several weeks or longer'

The rectangular abbey church, with its high stone walls and beamed

ceilings, ,""*, balanced acoustically, and the voices of the monks'

chanting is soothing, restful, and memorable. The community of 37

monks gathers here seven times a day for liturgy, and guests are wel-

come at all services. A banker who attends regularly said: "I come to

hear myself think. I used to go to the health spa. Now I just sit here and

listen."

New MelleraY AbbeY

6500 MelleraY Circle

Peosta, lA 52068

G1il 588-2379

Accommodations: 25 men or women, some doubles, each room has pri-

vate bath; meals in guest dining room cafeteria-style; monks sing litur-

gical hours; farmland walking; monastic program available for men;

Ip"r1 year-round except Holy Week and between Christmas and the

New Year; by donation.

Directions: From Dubuque, take U.S. 20 (Dodge St.) west toY-27,left or

south on Y-21 toD-41, bear right on D-41 to monastery.

Our Lody of the Mississippi AbbeyDubuque, IA

7' ;-,8

when the 13 Trappistine nuns from wrentham, Massachusetts (see page114), arrived in Iowa in7964 to begin their new foundation, the Trappistnronks at New Melleray held a weicomi.g din'er and rlecorated thedining room with posters that read 'ELC.ME ro rHE wrLD *EST. Theproperty just outside Dubuque had been acquired inJuly that same year-a 585-acre estate with dramatic views of the neighboring states ofwisconsin and Illinois and the Mississippi River. The large Erfihsn-stytecountry house was readily turned into a convent. There were 214 tillableacres and a tree farm of g5,000 Christmas trees. The main house andbuildings were ideally located for privacy a.d quiet and the abbey wasclose to New Melieray, the Father Immediate-the sponsor of a newfoundation-and the monks who would be chaplains to the sisters.

rn 7965, the sisters went into the candy business, and over the yearsthis has become their sustaining source of income. Their chocorate-coated caramels are i*esistible. The chaper was built onto the conventand completed in 196g. During the 7970s, a new wing was added toinclude a library, kitchen, refectory, and dormitory with an individualcell for each nun. There are now 25 sisters livinghere from solemnlyprofessed to n.vice. This is a young, r,igororrlo-*unity that hasevolved in the long-standing traditions of Cistercian life to the circum-stances of its contemporary setting. These developments have seen adifferentiation from wrentham, much rike the relationship of a motherand daughter as it changes over time. As one writer points out: ,,onehopes that the principles and ideals of the mother will be followed bv

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the daughter but their expression will differ in accordance with her

developing character and personality. Thus the ideals of Wrentham

have been adapted to the unique surroundings of a midwestern setting

and to the particular qualities of its own members'"

There are three separate houses for both men and women: In the big

house there are \Abeds, a smaller house has three rooms and a kitchen,

and there is a two-room hermitage for one person' All retreatants Pre-

pare their own meals from food. provided. Guests are welcome to

obr"rrru the liturgy in the chapel with the sisters: Vigils at 3:45 e"v''

Lauds with mass at 6:45 A.M., noon Prayer, veSpers at 5 p.v' , and

Compline at7:15 p.ra. The schedule is slightly different on sunday and

Monday. There are no formai retreats but a sister is availabie for discus-

sion on request. The facilities are suited for those seeking silence, soli-

tude,andptayer .Ac lvanceplanning isrequi red,espec ia l lydur ingthe

summer and on weekends.

Our Lady of the MississiPPi AbbeY

8400 Abbey Hill

Dubuque,LASAAAS

GL9) 582-2595

Accommodations: Stone house has beds fot 14, shared rooms and bath,

kitchen, and living room, Lo-minute walk from abbey, oPen March to

November; retreaihouse has 3 bedrooms; cabin has 2 rooms for 1 per-

son; ali retreatants prePare own meals from food provided; retreat

house open all year except December; cabin unavailable November and

December; sisters follow liturgical hours in chapel; hiking on country

roads; freewill offering.

Directions: From Dubuque take U.S. 151 and 61 (Locust St') south to

u.s. 52, bear left on 52; after passing schuetler Heights Rd', watch for

abbey signs, turn left to abbeY'

Abbey of GethsemaniTrappist, KY

INN!$ l a

--

:-ffiThere are \2 Trappist monasteries in the United states, 5 of which werefounded from Gethsemani-those in Georgi a,IJtah, south Carolina,New York, and California. Gethsemani itself was founded in 1g4g bymonks from Melleray in western France. In the early 1g00s, the unitedstates was divided into four Catholic dioceses: Boston, New york,Philadelphia, and Bardstown, Kentucky. Bishop Flaget of Kentuckyencouraged the 45 founding monks to purchar" u fur- near Bardstownand bring a monastic influence to the Midwest. Those first few years,the monks livecl in log cabins, farmed the land, and began to buiid theabbey buildings on a knoll above a creek that wound ttrrough the prop-erty. Today the white monastery buildings are an impressive ,igirtacross the fields. The monks are perhaps best known for the outstand_ing cheese and fruitcake they produce and sell nationwide.

It was this monastery that Thomas Merton entered in 7947. Mertonwas one of the most influential spiritual writers and thinkers of thetwentieth century, and his classic autobiography, The seuen storeyMountain, describes in vivid detail the seeking, ol a young man andwhat led him to become a Tiappist monk. That book and his other writ_ings on social justice and spiritual formation have influenced and con_tinue to influence countress people throughout the world.

The monastery has recently refurbished its guesthouse adjacent to thechurch. There are now 31 rooms available for guests, each with a privateshower. Meals are taken cafeteria-style in a dining room in the guestwing. Private retreats are scheduled from Monday afternoon to rriday

BB

K E N T U C K I

morning and on weekends from Friday afternoon to Sund'ay afternoon

or Monday morning. The first and third weeks of each month are set

aside for wome.,, u^d the remainder of the month is for men' A monk is

available for consultation and the retreat master conducts conferences

on various topics. Mainly the monastery offers its hospitaiity for those

who desire a place apart "to entertain silence in tl're heart and listen for

the voice of God . . . io pray for your own discovery" (Thomas Merton)'

Retreatants are thus asked to limit talking to the times after meals and

to designated areas. There are many acres of woodlands and fields for

walking.

Guests are welcome to join the 75 monks who meet in the chapel

seven times a day to sing the liturgical hours beginning with 3:15 a'vt'

Vigi ls and ending at7: i0 p.M. Compline. Mass is at 6:15 a.vr ' dai ly,

10:20 A.M. Sundu|. fnu guest facilities are booked months ahead, so

plan well in advance.

Abbey of Gethsemani

Trappist, KY 4005L

60D 549-4133

Accommodations:33 guests housed in 31 rooms (2 doubles), each with

shower, in a newly refurbished guest wing next to the church; women

have 1st and 3rd weeks of each month, men the rest; elevator, ramps'

and some rooms are handicapped-friendly; spacious lounge, guest din-

ing room and excel lent food, extensive l ibrary with periodicals and

tapes; many acres of farmland for walking and reflection; monks sing

liturgical hours daily; payment on freewill basis according to means'

Directions; From Louisville, take I-65 to ExrtTT2,follow state Rd' 245 to

Bardstown, then 31E to Culvertown, then 247 to the abbey'

B9

Center of fesus the LordI{ew Orlesns, LA

on the edge of the French euarter, high walls surround half a city blockwhere in 7877 a group of Catholic Carmelite nuns began a crolsteredexistence of community praver. For armost 100 years, the communityoccasionally added new members and thrived away from the world.The Rampart street parade passed by outside unnoticed; inside, the sis_ters pursued a life of prayer and meditation following a regimen ofstrict observance which began at 4:4s A.M. and ended at 11 p.n. rn1977,the few remaining sisters moved to smaller quarters, and the monasterystood empty.

In 7975, a center of renewal for the catholic Church in theArchdiocese of New orleans was established, lecl by Father EmileLaFranz, using the facilities and church of the former CarmeliteMonastery for mass, prayer meetings, hearing services, retreats, confer-ences/ and individual counseling. Lives are being transformed daily inwhat is a true revival of a vital spirit exernplified by actir,,e works ofcharity such as feeding a'd crotrring the poor, aiding and counseling theaddicted, and deveroping a welcoming communit|. Indeed, the centeris answering the daily Prayers of the cloistered Carmelite sisters forintercession for the city and its people.

These contemplatives-jn-action are the antithesis of cloistered con-templatil'es; if they can't do it themserves, they pray for someone whocan, and energetic religi.us and laypeople are answering the call. A pro_gram at the center trains "companions of jesus the Lord,, in praciical

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discipleship and develops support Sroups for living the Christian

message.

There are a number of rooms avaiiable for visitors interested in a cl0se

examination of this growing charismatic community. In nearby

Ponchatoula, across Lake Pontchartrain, the Magnificat Center of the

Holy Spirit (see page 270 in "other Places") is an associated retreat

setting.

Center of lesus the Lord

1236 N, RamPafi St.

New Orleans, LA7An6(504) 529-1636

Accotnmodations: 40 beds, mainly 2 per room, with shared baths, for

women, men, anci children; each bedroom in this rambling oid convent

decorated by a different community couple; a pickup lunch from their

kitchen, breakfast, and. dinner with community; very vibrant charis-

matic prayer life with full church at Tuesday sen'ices of prayer, public

meeting, mass and praise, plus healing, followed by lunch for all who

attend; Friday .,runi.,g *irr and healing, and Sunday morning and

evening services; chuich and community hottse contained in walled

garden near French Quarter; resident community holds a souP kitchen

ivednesday and Thursday for 140-200 guests; gift shop and bookstore;

open year-round; $SS for weekend retrea| $i30 for 5-day stay'

Directions: I-10 to Esplanade Ave. exit, then right down Esplanade tcr

Rampart, where you turn right for 1 block to parking lot.

Neut Orleans Zen TempleNew Orleqns, LA

In the warehouse district, a few blocks from the French euarter, theNew orleans Zen Temple occupies the top floors of the American ZenAssociation Building. This is a residential Zen trainLng center with ameditation hall on the second floor, resiclent quarters, offices, and workareas on the third, and kitchen and dining and more resident rooms onthe fourth. Following the mandate of the late soto Zen master TaisenDeshimaru, Zen monk Robert Livingston returned to the united statesfrom Europe and in 1983 opened a temple to teach the practi ce of Zen.He came to New orleans because he liked the place, and wanted tomake it possible to practice Zen there.

After graduating from cornel l , Livingston workecl as an interna_tional banker travel ing around Europe. He made some money andplayed in the fast lane, fueled by alcoho j. rn 7972. he found himselfdepressed and in paris and turned to AA. ,,you

must have a spiritualwaf," he was advised, and he picked up a book about Zen. He discov_ered Deshimaru, who had a dojo in paris, and sought him out.Livingston was drawn to the man's charisma, power, and peace. Hebecame an aide to Deshimaru and spent ten years in Zei practice."There were a lot of deep changes,,, Livingston admitt ed., ,,aninteriorrevolution . . . changes, yes, but you're stiil yourserf. Instead of beingconcentrated on oneself, you come to the point where you can forgetyourself." Deshimaru had written: "zazen is the fundamental revolu-tion of our life. Zazen is the adurt form of our rife.,,

Livingston bought the New orleans building in 19gg; the anticipated

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L O U I S I A N A

nine months of renovation stretched into four years. But now the former

studio where Fats Domino and Aaron Neville made hit records offers a

soundproof room for meditation.

Daity sitting is practiced morning and evening. Genmai (soup) is

served for breakfast after zazen every morning' One-day retreats are

held every month and sesshin-a period of concentrated Zen practice

and teaching-is held four times a year. There is room for 30 retreatants'

Zen has come to the Big EasY.

Nezo Orleans Zen TemPle

748 Camp St,

Nezu Orleans, LA70130

(504) 523-12L3

Accommodations: singles or doubles for 30 women or men in this

downtown, newly renovated building 7 blocks from French Quarter,

filled with lovely paintings by Elizabeth Polchow Livingston; daily

zazen sittings r.no.r'rirrg and evening, with genmai (soup) served after

morning practice; lunch follows Saturday zazert; simple meals during

retreats with a feast to celebrate at end; 1-day retreat monthly; 3-day

sesshin every third month with work required; open yeal-round; costs

vary,but a typical 3-day sesshin might be $150 for visitors, $120 for

members of the American Zen Association'

Directions: I-10 to CBD (downtown) St. Charles Ave' exit; U-turn on St'

Charles at Lee Circle; right onto Howard, then first left onto Camp St'

(white l ighthouse is across street).

St, loseph AbbeySt. Benedict, LA

A group .f Benedictine monks traveled from st. Meinrad Abbey,Indiana, during 1889 and began a new fou*clation in st. Tammanyparish. Their main purpose was to found a seminary to train American_born priests f.r this growing regi.n. They came at the request ofArchbishop Francis Janssens of New Orleans, ln 1901 the monksacquired 1,200 acres a few miles outside co'ington. Building began andschool opened in 7902 with 22 stuclents. By lgoo, there were 135 stu_dents. A fire in1907 put the monks back to square one, but when the di_saster was reported in the .ational press, help came from everywhere.Andrert' Carnegie gave a trainload of steer. The Fabacher famiiy, own_ers of the Jackson Brewery, Cardinal Gibbons .f Baltimore, anclCovernor Blanchard of Louisiana provided and facilitated financialsupport. The school was rebuilt, ancr monks ancr priests were educatedto found and serve parishes, build churches and schools, ancl providefor the spiritual needs of the area.

Through the decades, bui ldings were added as needs arose andfinances permitted. The magnificent church was completed in 1932. Anew gym opened in 19s2, new seminary buildings were completed in1960. Renovations to the monastery were done in the 197}s.Aseparatebuilding a short distance from the church, the Abbey Christian LifeCenter, was completed in 1965 so the monks could ofier hospitaiity toretreat groups in a monastic setting. There are 40 neat and efficientrooms with baths in this self-contained building with a dining room,

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ancl retreats are held throughout the year for men, women, and couples'

There are also a number of annual retreats for priests.

The gracious and welcoming monks gather for communal prayer in

the church four times a day. Weekday mass is at 11:15 R.v., Sunday at

11. The interior church and the monks' dining room have magnificent

murals painted- by Dom Gregory de wit between \946 and 1955' The

artist made his own paint mixtures to withstand the Louisiana humid-

ity, and the paintings are still as sharp and bright as the day he com-

pleted them.

The monastery land is part of the Mississippi delta and the creeks on

the property flow into Lake Pontchartrain. The swamps, marshes, bay-

ous, and old-growth trees adorned with Spanish moss attract a variety

of birdlife. Walker Percy, the noted writer who lived in nearby

Covington, was an oblate of the abbey in his later years and is buried on

the grounds.

St. loseph AbbeY

Christian Life Center

Riaer Rd.

St. Benedict, LA70457

(504) 892-1800

Accommodations: The monastery guesthouse has 10 singles for men;

the retreat house has 40 singles with private bath for women and men;

meals for monastery guests are taken in the guest dining room; retreat

house guests dine there; homemade breads are served, 1,500 loaves of

which are donated to the Pennies for Bread and the Abbey fund-raising

program; services 4 times daily in abbey church; lovely college camPus/

*"Jitution chapel, sculpture, murals, 7,200 acres of pine forest and live

oaks, ponds, 7l/z-mlIe Bogue Falava River borders property with won-

derful birdlife and ancient artifacts; library with 73,000 volumes, use of

college facilities by speciai affangement; gift shop; open year-round

except Christmas week; $40 a night.

Direct ions; From Covington, take state Rd. 25 North. just past the

H-y. 90 turnoff watch for Airport Rd. on right. Follow it to River Rd'

and go left. watch for monastery sign on right in a block or so. If you

miss Airport Rd., go on a mile or so to Sr. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE sign at the

other end of River Rd, (sign apPears exactly at turn), turn right and fol-

low River Rd. to the right until monastery sign appears on the left'

95

St, Mary's Dominican Conference CenterNew Oileans, LA

Along st. Charles Avenue, where elegant homes and mansions reflect thegrandeur of this flamboyant and appealing city, there is a section wherethe Loyola and Tulane campuses armost adjoin. Just down Broadway, ash.rt distance from st. Charles where streetcars run, the Dominicancenter sits within the university neighborhood. Formerly Dominicancollege, the well-maintained and efficient building was refocused in1985 as a retreat ministry. Directed retreats are available for individuals,as are spiritual directiory counseling, and days of renewal, a place forrespite from family demands. sabbatical housing is also available.

The center can be used for seminars, workshops, conferences, andcommunity-building. There is one large conference room and 31 com_fortable rooms for 62 persons in the elevator building. There is a patioand inner courtyard neatly planted with flowers, a quiet spot for relax-ation. The recreation complex at nearby Loyola university can be vis-ited with adequate notice. The Audubon park and Zoo are just twoblocks away. The Loyola Law schooi cafeteria is next doot, and a fewblocks down St. Charles the Camellia Grill and other New Orleans-stylerestaurants are plentiful.

The center offers intellectually stimulating seminar series discussingthe works of r. s. Eliot, Flannery o'Connor, and Thomas Merton, andmystics such as Meister Eckhart and Teresa of Avila. Other series arethematic on Lent and Advent and there are periodic progoff IntensiveJournal retreats.

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St. Mary's Dominican Conference Center

580 BroadwayNeza Orleans, LA70178

6Aq 8ffi-8711

Accommoilations: For men and women 31 rooms with 62 beds and a

bathroom between every 2 rooms; rooms are nicely designed for 2, with

2 desks, 2 dressers, 2 closets, and 2 sinks; kitchen and sitting room on

each floor; washer and dryer available; meals available for groups of 20

or more; individuals may dine at Loyola Law School Pine St' Caf6 or

fabulous New Orleans restaurants nearby; chapel available for groups,

or daily 11:15 e.u. mass with community; adjoins Loyola and has open

patio looking out to gardens; hosts only nonprofit groups for retreats;

private retreats available with a mandatory meeting with a spiritual

director; not available to those who are only tourists; offers some Pro-

grams on the mystics, journaling, dreams; Audubon Park nearby with

fosgi"g path, golf course; with 2 weeks'notice use of Loyola pool and

recreation center can be arranged; open year-round; $20 single, $20 per

person in doubles.

Directions: I-10 through city to Carrollton exit; take S' Carrollton Ave'

to St. Charles Ave. and turn left to first light (Broadway); right on

Broadway for 1 block. Airport shuttle to and from front door' Parking

available.

97

Marie foseph Spiritual CenterBiddeford, ME

In 1948 the sisters of the presentation of Mary acquired the ocean viewHotel as their provincial house. They operated a boarding school for 24years, then ran a day-care center and held evening education classesuntil 1976, when they concentrated their efforts into the spiritualCenter. The center is less than 100 yards from a low, sandy shore thatoffers miles of beach walking.

The imposing gray building is home to 18 sisters, and has additionalrooms for 70 retreatants. Guests can join the community in morningpraJ/er at 7:30, daily mass at 8, midd ay prayers at 77:45, and vespers at4:30 p.rr,r. Inside the chapel, one feels as though one is at sea; windows onboth sides look onto the ocean north and south.

The rooms are comfortable and clean, and there is an elevator to allfloors. There are sitting rooms and other places for quiet reading andreflection. Meals are taken in the large dining room, where coffee, tea,and snacks are always available.

The sisters are followers of Blessed Anne Marie Rivier, whose desireto make Jesus Christ known to all inspires and sustains the endeavorsof the group. The center offers programs to persons of all faiths, cul-tures, and l i festyles. Private and directed retreats are also avai lableupon request.

This is a perfect place for those seeking a quietchapel looking out to sea or seated at the tablessmelling the salt air and feeling the ocean breezes.

9B

time alone-in theabove the dunes,

M A I N E

Marie loseph Spiritual CenterRFD 2Biddeford, ME 04005(207) 284-5671

Accommodations: 70 men and women are housed in 46 rooms; cafete-ria meals; daily mass and morning and evening prayer; directly onbeach and ocean; closed first 2 weeks of both June and September; ratesvary.

Directions: From I-95, take Biddeford exit off Maine Turnpike to Rte. 111East; go straight at the traffic lights past Rite Aid Pharmacy and AlexPizza, and then right on Rte. 9 /208 (the Pool Rd.); go 6 miles to Rte. 208(bear left at water tower) and follow the winding road across a smallbridge to a stop sign; turn left onto Beach Rd.; pass the fire station andwatch for the sign on the right. The center is in a large building at theend of a long drive.

All Saints Episcopnl ConaentCatonsaille, MD

This 88-acre Episcopai retreat is at the end of a neighborhood road,about 7 miles from Baltimore and 40 miles from Washington, D,C.Surrounded by Patapsco Valiey State Park lands, the driveway windsgently up to the crest of a hill where the stone convent stands. Thechapel was built in 1920-the first part of this impressive, ramblingcomplex-and wings and sections were added in the 1940s and 1950s.

A community of All Saints Sisters of the Poor li 'u'e here and cometogether in the chapel for Eucharist at 7 t,.w. and Vespers at 5 nv.Retreatants are required to attend all services and meals. The sisters arethe only community in the Episcopal Chr.rrch who still wear the wimpleor white breast plate. Some people don't realize that there are Episcopalnllns and convents; this was illustrated at a recent Episcopal retreat inFlorida, when an elderly Episcopalian woman came up to one of the sis-ters who was dressed in the traditional wimple, black veil, and longblack habit, and said: "f'm so glad that relations between our churcheshave improved so we can be together like this." The sister said, "I'm anEpiscopal nun." "Oh no," the woman insisted, "we don't have sisters.""But I am an Episcopal sister," the nun said again. The woman lookedat her sternly and concluded: "I've been an Episcopalian for fifty years.You're mistaken."

The sisterhood was founded in 1851 in England, and in 1872 threeEnglish sisters came to Baltimore at the request of the Reverend joseph

Richey, rector of Mount Calvary Episcopal Church. The sisters foundedand ran orphanages for the poor and saw the community grow as

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American women entered. They came to Catonsville in 1885. Over the

years, the ministry changed, and in 1972 the buildings were converted

to provide retreats for adults in need of spiritual sustenance.

There are two weekend retreats per month from early September to

mid July. There are three buildings on the property: the convent with

rooms for 9 women guests, a small monastery building which can

accommodate 3 men. and St. Gabriel's Retreat House with rooms for 24

men and women.

There are thousands of people who come here every year for spiritual

renewal and the homemade breads and excel lent food. Recently a

phone call came from the Defense Department in nearby Washington

requesting rooms for a group to consider "some exceedingly important

decisions" and explaining that "they would like to make them in a place

surrounded by prayer." They couldn't have made a better choice.

AII Saints Episcopal Conaent, P.O. Box 3L27, (410) 747-4104

Annunciation Monastery, P.O. Box 21238, (410) 747-6L40

St. Gabriel's Retreat House, P.O. Box 3106, (410) 747-6767

Catonsaille, MD 21228

Accommodations: The retreat house has 2l rooms (4 doubles) with

shared baths, and a 3-room apartment; there are private rooms for 9

women in the convent; the monastery has rooms for 3 men; buffet meals

are provided in an elegant dining room in the convent, and in a more

informal dining room at the retreat house; breakfast is in silence; prayer

7 times daily with required attendance at mass and Vespers in the beau-

tiful chapel; Creat Silence observed from 8 p.M. to 9:45 a..vr.; there is a

library in each house, a card shop with their own cards and books, and

a boutique to help support their hospice; 88 acres, adjoining Patapsco

Valley State Park, of woods, paths, gardens, with abundant birdlife,

some of it shared in a wonderful book about the resident bluebirds;

wheeichair-accessible; open from early September unti l mid JuIy;freewill offering (average donation fi75 a night including 3 meals).

Directions; From the Beltway (695) go to Exit 13; if heading toward

Towson, turn left on Frederick Rd. (Rte. 144) and go about 4 traffic lights

to Rolling Rd. and turn left. Hilton Ave. goes straight ahead, beginning

l block down at the cement island ending at the convent grounds, about

2 miles from Brook Ave. The first building in the grounds is St. Gabriel's,

with parking on the playground side; the convent is on top of the next

hill. Stay right for front door, parking in back of convent.

101

SanctuflryBeallsuille, MD

This 28 acres on a high point of Maryland countryside has been the

home of religious communities since 7959. First, cloistered nuns of the

Religious of the Eucharist, then for 22 years the Crozier Fathers, canons

regular of the Holy Cross,lived here. From 1993 until 7997, a Carpatho-

Russian Orthodox community used it as an adjunct to its Washington,

D.C., monastery and then sold it to an Episcopal priest and his family,

who continue to make the property available for small groups and indi-

viduals looking for a place to go.

The Civil War-era farmhouse, attached chapel, guesthouse, and cot-

tage surrounded by neat fields are less than an hour by car from down-

town Washington and make this accessible and attractive for those

seeking a quiet place removed from the bustle of city life.

There are four rooms, each with two beds in the guesthouse, which

has a full kitchen and dining area; the cottage also has a kitchen and a

living room, with fireplace and beds for five. Small groups such as

vestries, altar guilds, and parish groups who come have their own

progams and agendas. There have been as many as 20 to 30 for day

meetings.

The chapel has been recently reclecorated: Clear windows have

replaced the colored glass allowing in the light and feeling of nature. A

fountain bubbles in one corner and the soft sound of the water brings

the outdoors inside. The chapel space is surrounded by plants and flow-

ers and has small, movable benches that can be arranged for a variety of

uses. Native Panamanian art adorns the walls and tells the story of cre-

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ation. The books of common prayer and hymnals are specif ical ly

Christian, but Sanctuary itself is nondenominational and all seekers are

welcome.

Episcopal priest Guy Fouts and his wife, Barbara, a practicing psy-

chotherapist, had both been looking for a place like this. Their profes-

sions helped them to understand that people's lives are so full that they

needed and would welcome somewhere to rest and gain perspective.

Though the name and those who l ive here have changed over four

decades, the purpose remains the same.

Sanctuary

19520 Darnestown Rd.

Beallsz:ille, MD 20839(307.) 407-0662

Accommodations: Beds for 8 in 4 rooms in guesthouse with 2 bath-

rooms; 5 beds in cottage with shared bathroom. Guesthouse and cottage

have kitchens but meals are available; walking path through woods on

the 28-acre property, which is on a high point above the surrounding

countryside; wheelchair-accessible; $38 to $60 donation per person per

day; weekly rates from $30 to $36 per night; work options are available.

Directions.' From the Washington, D.C., Beltway (495) take l-270 North

to Exit 68 (Rte. 28 West/Darnestown Rd.). Follow 28W and at the 15-

mile point watch for lrwrs oRCHARDS sign on right, then within 2 miles,

srocK NURSERv on right. Sanctuary driveway is the immediate next left.

If you get to Rte. 109, youi've gone too far.

103

Eastern Point Retreat HouseGloucester, MA

.-..--

This magnificent granite mansion was built in 7927, and looks out on

Brace's Cove and the back shore of Gloucester. The Jesuit Fathers of

New England acquired it rn 1957 and added a wing to provide single

rooms for 50 retreatants, some with a dramatic view of the sea. There is

a large foyer where mass is said during retreats, and a variety of rooms

are available for reading and meditation. Retreatants appreciate the

many nooks and crannies inside the house and along the rocks by the

shore. The dining room has bay windows looking out over the ocean.

Each evening, taped classical music accompanies the buffet supper. Tea,

coffee, and snacks are available all day.

There is a full schedule of guided and directed retreats throughout the

year, facllitated by the staff of Jesuits and other qualified women and

men directors. The length of the retreats varies from a weekend to a full

month. Some weekends are reserved for AA retreats.

The aim of the programs is to help people discover where they are

now and enable them to proceed to the next stage in their development,

using scripture, prayer, and meditation. The 30-day retreats are con-

ducted primarily in silence, with two "break" days. The atmosphere of

silence and the closeness to the sea facilitate the process. "The longest

journey," one staff member said, "is from the head to the gutt."

People may come with problems or unresolved decisions, but here

they have a chance to leave all this baggage at the gate and concentrate

on strengthening and deepening their relationship with the Lord.

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Eastern Point Retreat House

Gonzaga

Gloucester, MA10930

G51) 283-001,3

Accommodations: Private rooms for 48-52 men and women retreatants(not vacationers) in this great mansion and attached wing; plain, buffet-

style meals, in silence, in a dining room overlooking the sea; daily mass;

country lanes for walking; open year-round; $SO a night.

Direct ions: About an hour north of Boston, Eastern Point can be

reached via Rte. 128 North to the very end, proceeding through the 2

traffic circles and2 sets of traffic lights. Proceed straight through at the

last light, and up a hill to the left. Follow East Main St. past Niles Beach

on your right, and between 2 stone pillars marked PRIVATE: EASTERNporNT. Follow this little road through twists and turns until you see signs

to the retreat house.

105

Emery HouseWest Newbury, MA

In 1635, the Emery family arrived by ship from England; they acquiredthis property in 1680. It remained in the family until 7954, when thelast Emery died and bequeathed it to the Anglican Society of St. Johnthe Evangelist. This beautifully rustic 120 acres is at the confluence ofthe Merrimack and Artichoke rivers, down a quiet road on the out-skirts of West Newbury. The main house dates from 7745.It has beencarefully refurbished and retains its original quality and charm. A lateraddition is the stunning chapel with windows that look over the fieldsto the rivers beyond. The monks meet here to pray four times a day.After the last service, Compline, at9 rr.M., silence is observed until9 a.la.the next day.

There are five lovely, modern hermitages nestled together some dis-tance below the main house. Each is self-sufficient, with a kitchenettewhere basics are provided for a pickup breakfast, a private bath, wood-burning stove, and comfortable bed and furnishings. The hermitagesare just a few minutes' walk from the main house, where meals areserved; lunch is provided after Eucharist, and soup and salad after theevening prayer. The food is delicious.

The monks are a community of priests and brothers who take lifetimevows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. The order was founded inEngland in 1866 by Father Richard Meux Benson, the r.icar of Cowley;thus they are often referred to as the Cowley Monks, and are the oldestAnglican religious order for men. Their main monastery in the UnitedStates is St. Mary and St. John, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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Emery House is not only a retreat sanctuary for the Cowley Monks; it

also offers regular weekend programs to laypeople and couples of any

faith who seek to deepen their spiritual lives. Private retreatants are

welcome. The beautifully maintained house and hermitages, the con-

siderate and friendly staff, and the peaceful quality of the place serve its

pu(pose well. Guests are expected to share the silence and to join the

monks for the regular round of offices and celebrations of the Eucharist.

Emery House

The Society of St.lohn the Euangelist

Emery Ln,

WestNewbury, MA0L985(35L) 462-7940

Accomrnodations: Rooms for 11 men and wolnen or 8 couples in the

1Sth-century main house and 5 beautiful herrnitages with kitchenettes;

delicious mainly vegetarian meals served with the community in the

main house; prayer 4 times daily; birding, boating on rivers, fishing,

hiking on extensive property; closed 2 plv. Sunday to 4:30 n ir,t. Monday,

as r,vell as first 3 weeks of June and month of September; suggested

donation: $45 a night for seif-directed retreat and $55 for individually

directed retreat.

Direct ions: Emery House is about an hour's drive from downtown

Boston. Take I-95 North to Exit 57 (Rte. 113, Newburyport/West

Newbury). Drive west on Rte. 113 tor,t,ard West Newbury for 1 mile. The

turn for Emery House is marked by a gray sign on the right side of the

road as you go up a small hill.

Glastonbury AbbeyHingham, MA

The Benedictine monks first came to this quiet neighborhood in 7954,when they acquired an old estate with 25 acres of woodlands borderedby stone fences. They currentiy own about 60 acres of very appealinglandscape. The abbey buildings are dominated by a stone tower, whichthe original owners built for ornamental purposes and used as a giantgazebo for entertaining. All of the original buildings have been adaptedfor monastery use: The administration building was formerly a barnand stable; Whiting Ffouse, now one of the guesthouses, was the homeof the groundskeeper; and Stonecrest, the other guesthouse, was that ofa Methodist missionary.

The modern chapel, tucked away behind the monastery, is the onlynew building. The architect was a friend of the monks and looked on theproject as a labor of love. He designed the freestanding altar, the trian-gular windows, the benches, and even the candlesticks. Much of the art-work is brightly colored acrylic or plaster on wood, and there aredignified, though cartoonlike, Stations of the Cross. Here the monkssing the canonical hours five times a day from 6:30 A.M. to 7:45 r'.x,t. Massis said at noon, except on Sunday, when it is at 9:30 e.lr. About tenmonks sing the liturgy in deep, rich tones, and guests are invited to join

in the singing. Much of the organ music that accompanies the singingwas composed by one of the resident brothers. Known as BlackBenedictines because of their black, cowled habits, the monks say theoffice in the vernacular and devote at least three hours a day to prayer.

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During the course of a week,75 psalrns will be chanted. The chapel isopen from 6:30 R.u. to 9 p.v.

Private retreatants are welcome for one night, but a few days' stay ispreferable. Monks are available on request for individual guidance orthe Sacrament of Reconciliation. People are also encouraged to come fora weekend of spiritual restoration. These weekends begin Fnday at 7p.u. and conclude Sunday afternoon. All retreatants are requested toobserve silence in the retreat houses.

Glastonbury Abbey

The Retreat House

16 HuIl St.

Hingham, MA 02043(781) 749-2L55 [changing to (339)]

Accommodations: 30 private rooms for men and women, in 2 comfort-able guesthouses; pickup breakfasts; lunch and dinner with monks, ordelivered to a guesthouse if more than 6 are dining; canonical hourswith lovely singing;60 wooded acres with some marked trails; weedingvolunteers needed; open year-round, except for personal retreats ofmonks (closed sunday nights, September to May); suggested donation.$45 a night.

Directions.' From Boston, take I-93 south (southeast Expressway) toRte. 3 South (toward Cape Cod) to Exit 14 (Rte. 22g, Rockland/Hingham); follow Rte. 228 North (Main St., Hingham) about 7 miles tothe abbey.

Instgftt Meditation SocietyBArye, MA

In 1975 a group of Americans who had studied Vipassana (insight med-

itation) in Southeast Asia realized that it would be beneficial to have a

center in the United States, used exclusively for Vipassana retreats. In

1976 they acquired a Georgian brick mansion built by a prominent

Boston family in the early 1900s. Located on B0 acres of secluded land in

central Massachusetts, near Wcrrcester, the mansion was used as a rest

home in the 1940s, and as a novitiate for Blessed Sacrament priests and

brothers in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Buddha said, "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what

we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows, like a shadow that never

leaves." Vipassana meditation aims to free the mind of greed, hatred,

and delusion. The meditation practice at IMS is an investigation of the

mind-body process through focused awareness. The student learns to

observe from a place of stillness, seeing life as a constantly changing

process, and seeking to accept whatever takes place with equanimity

and balance.

Retreats can be as short as two days or as long as 12 weeks. Silence is

observed at all times. There is a nightly discourse given by the retreat

director, and individuals have ar-r interview every other day. The single

and double rooms are spartan, with foam pads for sleeping. Bring your

own i inens or sleeping bag. There are separate f loors for men and

women, with community washrooms.

A typical day on retreat begins at 5 a.r"l. and ends at 10 t'.v. There are

alternating periods of sitting (four per day) and rvalking rneditation.

1 1 0

M A S S A C H U S E T T S

There is also a 4S-minute work period devoted to tasks such as cleaning

or helping with meal preparation. (Al l food served is vegetarian.)

Students are asked to refrain from reading, writing, phone calls, and

any other distractions from meditation practice.

It is an extraordinary experience to join a group of people who do not

talk, l isten to the radio, watch television, or escape into some other

activity, but are simply content to meditate. As one retreatant expressed

it, "A great feeling of bliss comes over you, and a oneness with others,

a pure feeling of love." Not surprisingly, retreats at IMS are generally

fully booked, so it is best to plan far ahead.

Insight Me dit ation S o ciety

1-230 Pleasant St.

Barre, M401005(978) 355-4378 [changing to (35L)]

Accommodafions: For men and women, 100 singles and doubles (a

family course is given in summer); buffet-styie vegetarian meals are

served in the large dining room; sitting and walking meditation daily;

courses run from 2 days on a weekend to 3 months; silence is main-

tained except for teacher interviews and evening discourse; 4S-minute

work period daily; open year-round; $9S for 2-day weekend retreat;

Ionger retreats and self-retreats approximately $30 per day; resident

work/study programs are available.

Directions.' From Worcester, take Rte. 122A North 23 miles to Barre;Insight Meditation Society is 2 miles north of Barre on Pleasant St.

Kripnlu Center forYoga and HealthLenox, MA

In the early 1980s the followers of Yogi Amrit Desai acquired this huge

building located next to the Tanglewood Music Festival grounds. It was

built in the 1950s by the Jesuits as a seminary with a capacity for 600,

but very few novices materiahzed, and the property was left vacant for

ten years until Kripalu took it over. It is so large that four acres of car-

pet were purchased to cover the floors. Named after Yogi Amrit Desai's

teacher, Swami Kripalvananda, the center offers a wide range of pro-

grams focusing on hol ist ic health education t yoga, and meditat ion.

There are rest and renewal programs for those who need time to catch

up with themselves, a great variety of workshops, and a three-month

Spiritual Lifestyle Tiaining Program.

There is a wide choice of accommodations from dormitory to private

single or double rooms with bath. Vegetarian food is provided in the

large dining hall. Meals are generally eaten in silence. There is a staff

and student body of 300, and rooms for 270 guests, which are usually

filled. Yet, despite the number of people coming and going, there is a

lively spirit of helpfuiness and consideration, and the flow of people is

quiet and purposeful.

The former chapel has been turned into a large meditation hali by tak-

ing out the pews and carpeting the floor. The mosaic on the back wall of

St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, provides an

interesting backdrop to the platform in front of it.

Tiaditional religion has a dogma and creed suggesting that believers

will be saved. In yogic practice, the spiritual and the practical go hand

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M A S S A C H U S E T T S

in hand; one lives the practice by sharing it: Show a better way; do not

talk a better way. Through diet, exercise, and meditation, Kripalu

attempts to quicken the spiritual energy of those who are ready. This is

an invitation to discover through personal experience and experimenta-

tion what the rules of life really are. The supportive atmosphere of love

and acceptance allows guests and students to observe themselves hon-

estly, to start to cleanse their lives through attention to detail, and to

handle reality in a compassionate way. The staff is available for coun-

seling, but considerate of the need for solitude. There is also a holistic

doctor and a large team of massage and other bodywork therapists;

appointments with these are very popular, so bookings should be made

at the time of reservation.

In1994 Yogi Amrit Desai resigned after allegations of misconduct,

and the Kripalu community is now learning to be more self-reliant and

less dependent on a guru.

The center looks over a lake, a short walk downhill, which has a pub-

lic beach. There are many hiking trails through the pines and the

Tanglewood grounds nearby,

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

P.O. Box 793

Lenox, MA 01240(413) 448-3400

Accommodations: Rooms for 270 men, women, and supervised chil-

dren in singles, doubles, and dorms; vegetarian meals, usually taken in

silence; daily meditation, yoga, a variety of courses for rest and renewal;

lake, hiking trails; child care sometimes available; open year-round;

$70-9770 a night.

Directions; From I-90, take Exit 83 (Rte. 22, Austerlitz/New Lebanon).

Follow Rte. 22 South forTAomile and turn left onto Rte. 102 East. Stay on

Rte. 102 for Z\/zmiles into West Stockbridge. Continue another 3% miles

to the junction of rtes. 102 and 183; turn left onto 183. The entrance to

Kripalu Center is 3.8 miles north of this intersection, on the left, Vzrnlle

past the Berkshire Country Day School and just before the intersection

of Rte. 183 and Richmond Mountain Rd.

Wrenthflfti, MAMount St, Mary's Abbey

Forty miles west of Boston, a group of 50 Trappistine nuns live in a clois-

tered community, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. With traditions

similar to those of Tiappist monks, they devote their lives to work and

prayer. The monastery dates back to the 1940s, when Cardinal Cushing

wanted to have Trappistine nuns in the Boston diocese, and helped

them find the property. The original 300 acres were bought from busi-

nessman John McMahon, who later canceled the mortgage and left an

adioining 300 acres and his substantial summer house to the nuns.

The front wing of the main monastery building was completed in

1949, and the community, started by 13 nuns from lreland, has flour-

ished and sent groups to create other foundations in the United States.

Initially, the main source of income came from dairy cows, but in 1956

the nuns began to make Trappistine Quality Candy, which has proved

very popular. The Butter Nut-Munch, a hard toffee hand-dipped in milk

chocolate and rolled in ground nuts, is a confection inspired by heaven.

The monastery no longer has dairy cows but raises and sells heifers.

About eight guests can stay on the second floor of the monastery,

above the gift shop where convent-made candy, monastery-made arti-

cles, and greeting cards are always available. Fresh bread is sold twice a

week, and the sweet smell of the loaves is in the air on baking days.

Guest rooms are taken care of by the nuns, who have access through a

maze of doors that would baffle and perplex even the most astute

burglar.

The McMahon house. across the road from the monasterv has been

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M A S S A C H U S E T T S

refurbished recently, and the rooms there are clean and comfortable.Guests help themselves at mealtimes from the stocked kitchens in bothguest areas.

The nuns meet to pray together eight times a day, from 3 n.tr. to 7 r,.rr,r.The sound of those 50 voices raised in song is unforgettable. Guests arewelcome to attend the services, but may not join in the rigorous work ofthe community. There is a sense of great happiness and contentment inthis abbey. As one nun said, "When I entered, I thought I was giving upmy liberty, but I've found more real freedom here than I have everknown."

Mount St. Mary's Abbey

300 Arnold Rd.

Wrentham, MA 02093(508) 528-L282 fchanging to (7741]

Accommodations: For married couples, single women, children, andgroups up to 15, there are 6 rooms with 8 beds, including a 2-bedroomapartment, in the monastery, with a fully stocked kitchen, includinghomemade bread, fresh eggs, and milk; McMahon House, a mansion onthe property, can accommodate 12 guests in 9 singles and doubles;canonical hours; homemade candy for sale; open year-round; freewilldonation.

Directions: The abbey is located halfway between Boston andWorcester. At Worcester, take I-495 South to Exit 16 (Franklin/King St.),second exit. Turn right off the exit ramp and make an immediate leftturn onto Union St., which becomes Arnold St. The abbey sign is onyour left in about 2 miles. If you reach the Big Apple fruit store, you've

iust missed the turn.

St, loseph's AbbeySpencer, MA

The monastic buildings of this Cistercian-Trappist abbey may have a

medieval look but they date only from the early 1950s. The monks took

much of the stone for the construction from the surrounding fields. The

abbey is the home of more than70 monks who sing the daily mass and

divine office in the dimly lighted church to which the public is

welcomed.

The property consists of 1,800 acres, 1,000 of which are wooded and

the rest farmland, some of which is rented to neighboring farmers for

alfaifa and field corn. The main income is derived from the famous

Trappist Preserves (jams and jellies) that are made here by 15 of the

monks and distributed nationwide. Another important source of

income is the Holy Rood Guild, which makes liturgical vestments.

There are guest facilities for men only, in a separate wing across from

the chapel. These are single rooms with private bath, furnished with

bed, desk, chair, and reading lamp. Meals are taken in the guests' din-

ing room, and coffee, tea, and snacks are ar.ailable all day. Retreatants

schedule their own time, are welcome at all chapel services, and may

talk with the guest master each day about monastic life or for spiritual

counseling.

There are two regular guest programs for men: on weekends from

Friday afternoon to Sunday following lunch; and in midweek from

Monday afternoon to Friday morninp;. Guests are not in direct contact

with the monastic community, but the guest facilities and schedule fol-

low the contemplative way of life.

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This is a formal monastic community, popular with anyone seeking a

close look at the Tiappist lifestyle or a place of silence and prayer.

St.loseph's Abbey

Spencet, MA0L562(508) 885-8710 [changing to (774)l

Accommodations: Men only, in 11 private guest rooms; oak dining

room for retreatants; 2 weekly retreats, for which reservations must be

made far in advance; prayer, rest, reading in conformity with the

Trappist way of life; daily conference available; canonical hours; 1,800

acres; open year-round; freewill offering (average donation has been $60-$150 a weekend and $150-$300 for a midweek retreat).

Also in Spencer, for women and couples, is Mary House. See page 273

in "Other Places" for the address.

Directions.' From I-90 (Massachusetts Tirrnpike), take the Sturbridge

exit to Rte. 20 East. Follow Rte. 20 East 1 mile to Rte. 49 to Spencer. Turn

right at the T (Rte. 9) and take the very first left turn (7+ mile) onto

Meadow St., then turn left on Rte. 31. On the left, after 3 miles, is a small

sign for the abbey.

The HermitageThree Riaers, Ml

TWo hours from both Chicago and Detroit, this Mennonite retreat is theantithesis of city life. Set on 65 acres of gently rolling hills, just down theroad from St. Gregory's Episcopal Monastery, this serene and beautifulplace truly fulfills the purpose for which it was founded: uninterruptedresearch and thought in a setting of quiet and prayer. There are eightrooms for 72 people in a reconditioned barn with rooms on four levelswith shared bathrooms. Windows in each room look out to the fields.The artful reconstruction is a credit to Mennonite craftsmanship. Theattention to detail and comfort makes you feel as though you're in awell-kept home. Meals are taken family-style in the dining room.

Morning and evening prayers are held in the chapel each day.

There are three hermitages weli secluded by trees. Furnishings areadequate and suitable. Retreatants can either prepare their own food or

go to the dining room.

Cene and Mary Herr bought the property in the mid 1980s because it

was near a long-established monastery. The barn took more than four

years to redo with the help of a spiritually oriented carpenter who

shared the call to contemplation. The Herrs are both ordainedMennonite pastors and available for spiritual counseling. They are

endorsed by the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference as a sign ofaffirmation for their retreat work.

As you leave the property, there is a small hand-lettered sign thatreads RETURN slowly. After spending a day at the Hermitage, the signinspired a pastor to write: "Return slowly. It could mean drive slowly,

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but I don't think so. It was a reminder that, after time spent in worship,

prayer, and silence, the world was all too ready to sweep me back into

the pace of doing this and going there . . . much of it needful and good'

Much of it necessary. Just don't be too quick to resume it all."

The Hermitage

11321 Dutch S ettlement Rd.

Three Riaers, M[49093

rc70 244-8696

Accommodations: 8 rooms fot 12 men and women in renovated barn

with shared bathrooms; 3 secluded hermitages; meals family-style;

lounge, library, chapel; internships and sabbaticals; 65 acres with walk-

ing trails; work available according to strength, a1Q, and health; $35 per

night, declining scale.

Directions; From north or south on U.S. 131 in Three Rivers, turn west

on Hoffman Rd., follow Hoffman to Abbey Rd., then to Dutch

Settlement Rd; see the hermitage sign on the left.

St. Augustine's HouseOxford, MI

In Mt1 Brother's Place, a history of this Lutheran monastery, GeorgeWeckman examines whether monasticism is a legitimate lifestyle for

practicing Lutherans. He compares the usefulness of a monastery tothat of music or the theater. The impulse to defend monasticism comesfrom Martin Luther himself, who wrote that monasteries should have

some measurable, practical purpose. This att i tude is so deep that a

Lutheran monastery is thought of as an oxymoron, a contradictory and

unnecessary adjunct for a spiritual life. Yet here it is, a small but thriv-

ing community offering spiritual sustenance for those who seek it.

St. Augustine's House was founded by Father Arthur Kreinheder, an

American who was ordained a Lutheran priest in Sweden in 1956, thenassigned "for ecumenical work in the United States among Lutherans."

Father Arthur returned to Michigan and began the monastery on prop-

erty he owned in Oxford, a suburb of Detroit. After a fire destroyed the

original building, a new structure was completed in 1965. The mainhouse has five single rooms for guests, a large living/dining room with

a balcony that looks across the lawn to the tops of the trees. If the feeder

is empty, the local chickadees will remind you to add some food. The

monastery buildings are down a tree-lined drive off a country road in a

quiet and restful setting. The Quonset hut chapel, erected in 1958, has a

charm enhanced by decades of prayer. Services are held there seven

times daily following the liturgical office, beginning at 5:10 4.v.,

Eucharist at 8:30 A.M., and the last service, Compline, at 8:30 p.rrt. Time

spent in daily prayer is about three hours with a slow, deliberate pace

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that helps toward reflection and meditation. Time between services is

spent in reading, meditation, and work, preferably involving some

physical effort or house maintenance.

Silence is the watchword here. It is observed from the end of

Compline at about 9 p.tra. until after Terce or the Eucharist, almost 12

hours. Another period of silence is after noon meal until None prayer.

There is plenty of time for conversation at appropriate times and, as was

pointed out, there is no sense in being rigid about this or any other reg-

ulation, but silence is a mechanism for turning inward and achievingthe full benefits of the fundamental monastic activity of prayer.

The Fellowship of St. Augustine is a group that supports the activitiesof the monastery, visits when possible, retreats there regularly, and real-

izes how valuable a place like this can be.

St. Augustine's House

P.O. Box 125

Oxford, Ml4837L(24$ 628-2604

Accommodations: 5 single rooms with shared bathrooms for men and

women; meals with community, Wednesday and Friday are fast days;

comfortable lounge and porch; liturgical hours observed daily;40 acres

of woodlands; walking on country road; $30 fee or as possible.

Directions.' From Detroit take I-75 north to Exit 81 M24 Lake Orion/

Oxford, then north on M24 through Lake Orion to Drahner Rd., turn

right (east); after 21/z miles road becomes dirt and after Barr Rd. watch

for monastery sign on left.

St, Gregory's AbbeyThree Riaers, MI

This is the oldest Episcopal Benedictine monastery in the United States.

Founded by a group of American seminarians who went to study in

England at Nashdom Abbey, the monks returned in the late 1930s to

serve at missions in Indiana. Two of the monks were scouting south-

western Michigan for a suitable place for a monastery, became lost, and

asked directions at a farmhouse. They liked what they saw and offered

to buy the farm from the couple living there, but their offer was refused.

The monks went back and said a novena to St. ]oseph. After the novena,

the farm couple accepted their offer, and the 604-acre farm was acquired

in 7946. St. Cregory's became an independent abbey in 1969.

The monks emphasize being faithfui to a monastic l i festyle rather

than telling others how to iive. St. Benedict taught the middle way: eat

enough, but not too much; sleep adequateiy, but not too much; be

involved in community life, but reserve time for solitude and praye(;

and participate in the rhythm of worship, study, and prayer. The

timetable of the monastery is scheduled around prayer. The monks rise

at 4 e.u. for Matins and follow the canonical hours through the day to

Compiine at 7:45 p.tl,l. During a normal week, the monks sing or chant

all of the psalms.

There is room for 12 maie retreatants in the guesthouse and 8 men

and women can stav in St. Denys, a former farm building with a com-

fortable living/dining room and rooms on two levels with shared bath-

rooms. Male guests eat in the refectory in the enclosure with the monks;

women prepare their food in the kitchen at St. Denys. This arrangement

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will change when a new building is completed and women guests willaiso eat with the monks.

People of all faiths are welcome. Only the desire for a deeper spiritu-ality is necessary. Guests are required to attend daily mass and Vespers.A monk is available for discussion on request.

There is a summer vocation pro€iram from june through Augustwhen men can come for two weeks or so and follow the daily scheduleof the monks' routine. Individuals attend the liturgy, work on thegrounds, and perform domestic chores to maintain the monastery. Thepurpose is to allow individuals the chance to examine their lives in aspiritual context, to reflect on a possible religious vocation, or to seemore clearly the direction of their lives.

This is a beautiful, peaceful setting with a lake and hundreds of acresfor walking.

St. Gregory's Abbey

56500 Abbey Rd.

Three Riuers, ML49093(616) 244-5893 (9:30-11:15 a.m.,2:154:30 p,v. E.T.)

Accommodations: 12 single rooms for rnen with private baths in guest-house, 8 single rooms for men and women with shared baths in St.Denys; men eat with monks in refectory, r.n'omen prepare their own foodin kitchen at St. Denys; extensive library; monks sing liturgical hours inchapel; summer program for men; hiking on hundreds of acres andswimming in lake; by donation according to means.

Directions: From north, fol low U.S. 131 toward Three Rivers toHoffman Rcl., right on Hoffman to Rte. 105, follow around to Abbey Rd.to abbey. From south, follow U.S. 131 or Rte. 60 north to Three Rivers,then left on Hoffman Rd. to Rte. 105 as above.

Upland Hills Ecological Autareness CenterOxford, MI

Inspired by Buckminster Fuller's World Game Conference held tn1970,

where the premise was "to make the world rn'ork for 100% of humanity

without disadvantaging the natural world," Philip Moore settled in

suburban Detroit and became the director of the Upland School.

In 7974, the Upland Hills Awareness Center was built on the school

grounds by dedicated volunteers as a demonstration of wind and solar

power. The berm-designed building has a sod roof, a heat-retaining rock

wall, and south-facing windows, a good example of energy conserva-

tion, alternative technology that works in the Great Lakes bioregion.

Four times a year the center sponsors weekend retreats for people

interested in developing, improving, and integrating programs that

promote a responsible role toward the natural world. There have been

retreats led by Matthew Fox, Elisabeth Ktibler-Ross, Thomas Moore,

and Wendell Berry. In1995, Senator Thomas Hayden looked at how the

old pol i t ical paradigm based on vanquishing enemies is fading, as a

new attitude emerges whereby one's heart turns enemies into allies

and words into gifts to bring an enlivened compassion into political

life. There are other programs throughout the year that celebrate the

solstices and equinoxes, consecutive weekly meetings on environmen-

tal core studies, Native American influences, and a Junior World Game-an adaptation of Fuller's ideas to enable children to increase their

world view.

Retreatants are housed a short distance from the center at St. Benedict

Monastery, a community of Catholic Benedictine monks. The monks

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come together four times a day in their chapel for liturgy and daily

mass. The Benedictines came to this region in 1960 and own 285 acres, a

serene setting on the edge of a small lake where there is a view south to

Pontiac and Detroit some 30 miles away.

Upland Hills Ecolagical Awareness Center

2575lndian Lake Rd.

Oxford, MI 48370(810) 693-L021

Accommodations: 40 beds (4 to 6 persons per room) for men and

women with community bathrooms in guesthouse at St. Benedict

Monastery, 277I E. Drahner Rd., a few miles from Upland Hills (see

page 275). Meals arranged in guesthouse kitchen. Monastery has 285

acres at edge of a lake; hiking and walking on country road; monks

meet four times daily in chapel for liturgy and mass; $95 for weekend

retreat.

Directions; From Detroit, take I-75 north toM24, north to Silverbell Rd.,

right on Silverbell to Adams, left on Adams to end, follow signs to

Upland Hills Farm; at farm turn left on Indian Lake Rd. for 72 mile, then

left at sign.

Zen BuddhistTempleAnn Arbor, Ml

Soon after Venerable Samu Sunim, a Korean-born Zen monk based in

Toronto, came to Ann Arbor in the early 1980s to set up a new temple,

he got a phone cal l from a distraught woman seeking a temporary

refuge from her personal concerns. The woman spent two nights, then

was able to return to her responsibilities, refreshed by her retreat. Sunim

felt that being able to offer a sanctuary \vas one of the r,vays that

Buddhism could reach out in the West. I{e believes that social responsi-

bi l i ty must accompanv expansion and recognit ion, and states:

"Buddhism in the VVest will witness the transformation of monastic

Buddhism into social Buddhism."

It became possible to acquire a rambling Vctorian house with a large

backyard surrounded by a brick wall. The house emanates a tremen-

dous sense of peace. The resident priest, Sukha Linda Murrayi ordained

in 7989, has p;uided the development of spiritual practice here during

the 1990s in a most ren'arding rl, ay. A single mother with two young

daughters, she balances her ternple responsibilities with long days of

organized activity, keeping in mind that "there is nothing to protect, no

end in mind, and no desire to control things."

There are more than 100 temple members, and 60 to 70 attend services

eacir week. Some rnembers stay for a ferv weeks or months at a time,

then move on.

Buddhism is immensely practical. Mental concentration developed

from meditation is meant to be applied to every moment of the day, sc>

everything becomes meditation. A local physician and longtime group

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member extols the benefits he's received: " A very pure, simple, and

straightforward practice. If you are persistent, the results are definite

and remarkable. For me, peacefulness at first, then greater understand-

ing of myself and the beauty of each moment."

A dozen guests share rooms with communal baths. Meals are taken in

the basement dining room and are usually vegetarian. There is daily

meditat ion morning and evening. Introductory meditat ion courses,

workshops, lecture series, and retreats are scheduled throughout the

year. There is an ongoing visitors'program for those who would like to

pursue a serious spiritual path.

Zen Buddhist Temple

L214 Packard Rd.

Ann Arbor, ML48104(73il 761-6520

Accommodations: J.2 men and women in 4 singles or dormitory-style

with communal baths; meals in basement dining room; about an acre of

enclosed property; garden in season; morning and evening meditation;

ongoing visitors'program; from $35 one night, $180 per week, siiding

scale.

Directions: In Ann Arbor, follow Main St. to downtown, turn onto

Packard St. for 172 miles to temple.

St, lohn's Abb"yCoIIegeuiIIe, MN

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A few years after the Minnesota Territory opened for settlement,Benedictine monks from St. Vincent Abbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania,took a circuitous route through St. Cloud, Minnesota, and eventuallysettled in an area between Lake Sagatagan and the watab Creek. Themonks set up a school for boys and young men. By 1860, in addition tothe school, the monks were serving more than 50 communities in cen-tral Minnesota, reaching the scattered settlements by horseback. Fromthis modest beginning, one of the most developed Benedictine commu-nities has evolved. St. John's Abbey and University now occupy 2,400acres. The monastery and campus are situated around Lake Sagataganand Strumpf Lake, with other lakes reached by 72 miles of hiking trailswinding throughout the property. More than 1,500 acres are in forestwith 24 species of hardwoods. In 7894, the monks planted the first pineplantation in Minnesota. Since pine is not native to this area, any pineyou see must have been planted by past or present monks or be adescendent of those trees. Observers can discover dee1, foxes, squirrels,rabbits, beavers, and mink, and more than 90 species of birds have beenidentified. During our 7995 visit, a panther was sighted by two unim-peachable sources-a monk and a security guard.

one of the most notable features here is the abbey church. Designedby Marcel Breuer in the late 1950s and completed in196r, this magnifi-cent edifice stands in stark contrast to the original brick European quad-rangle and the upper-Midwest "frontier gothic" of the old campus. Oneperson used a flight analogy: "It's like having the Concorde sit next to a

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DC-3." The award-winning design has attracted worldwide interest andcritical comment. opinions were and still are "as absolute and colorfulas the spectrum itself." The interior was brilliantly conceived: No postsmar the view of the altar and close to 2,000 people can be seated.

The community of monks gathers in this great church four times aday to observe liturgy: 7 t.trt. morning prayer, noon prayeL and mass at5 p.tr,t. Monday to Friday (on weekends, morning mass is said). Eveningprayer ts at 7 p.tra. Visitors are invited to all services.

Group and private retreats are organized by the spiritual LifeProgram. There is a Monastic Experience Program through which mencan follow the life of a monk for extended periods to determine whetherthey have a vocation to this demanding life which st. Benedictdescribed as a journey and a "labor of obedience." There is a House ofPrayer on campus that schedules daily and weekend retreats on medi-tation themes for the curious, skeptical, and experienced. In 1994 therewere Programs for physicians and law-enforcement officers to help inte-grate their faith and spirituality with their professional responsibilities.The monastery has a dozen private rooms contiguous to the churcheach with private bath. Meals are taken in the guest dining room.

St. f ohn's Abbey

Collegeaille, MN 56321(s20) 363-2s73

Accommodations: 12 single rooms with private bath for men andwomen in monastery guest wing; meals in guest dining room; variousday and weekend retreat options with Spiritual Life Program or Houseof Prayer at above address; 2,400-acre campus; miles of marked hikingtrails; extensive library; from $35 per night.

Directions; From Minneapolis take I-94 West to Exit 156. Follow signsto st. ]ohn's university to Great Hall Reception next to abbey church.

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Maria Eonte SalitudeHigh Ridge, MO

This retreat is perched on a hilltop about an hour south of St. Louis.

Retreatants stay in single hermitages that cling to the sides of the hill,

cozy and small and just right for one person. The only way to reach the

hermitage is by holding on to ropes which are slung between the trees.

Each cabin has its own special place a short distance from the next. The

winter night we stayed, an ice storm swept through and we couldn't

leave our cabins until late morning when ashes were scattered on the

path. The ground slopes down like a barn roof and it was a sheet of ice.

Jack remembers that forced incarceration wistfully, the pure solitude

and quiet, the bright blue sky through the trees. Richard Lovelace's

poem came to mind: "Stone walls do not a prison make, / Nor iron bars

a cage; / Minds innocent and quiet take / That for an hermitage."

A community of Catholic brothers and sisters live on this ridgetop,

each in his or her own hermitage in a cloistered area of the grounds.

They convene in the chapel for community prayer four times a day

beginning at 7:1.5 n.tr., followed by mass at 7:30. Retreatants are wel-

come at all services. Meals may be collected in baskets from the dining

room and taken to one's hermitage. Retreatants never mingle with the

community, but a spiritual advisor is available on request. Individuals

generally plan their own program of solitude and silence.

There is a library with books and tapes for use while here. There are

three separate shrines to Mary on the property. Retreatants should bring

sturdy walking shoes to hike the 100 acres of monastery land, seasonal

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clothing, alarm clock, immersion heater for hot drinks, and flashlight.Linens are provided.

As one member pointed out: "we do not look upon the hermitage asa place simply for privacy or space to breathe, but a place which exem-plifies and nourishes the starkness of the desert: not its harshness, butits uncompromising refusal to provide distractions." There are no dis-tractions here.

Maria Fonte SolitudeP.O. Box 322

High Ridge, MO 63049(6s6) 677-s235

Accommodations: 6 guest cabins with toi let, heated and air-condi-tioned, for individual men or women; meals from dining room takenprivately; join community in chapel for daily mass and liturgy;Ilbrary;100 acres with marked hiking trails; by donation according to means.

Directions; Call or write for directions.

AryalokaNewmarket, Nff

Aryaloka is a small Buddhist retreat center tucked away in a thicket of

New England bushes and trees. The main building is constructed of two

connecting geodesic domes. The property was acquired in the mid-

1980s from a craftsman who had built the domes for his family's per-

sonal use. The design and execution of the doors make one appreciate

how elegantly wood can be worked with.

Aryaloka (which means Noble World) is run by the Friends of the

Western Buddhist Order (FWBO), which is an international Buddhist

movement founded by an Englishman in 1967. The founder,

Sangharakshita, has developed the practice and study of Buddhism to

provide for the needs of those in the West who wish to explore the tra-

dit ions of, and commit themselves to, the Buddhist way of l i fe.

Meditation is the cornerstone of Buddhist practice, and Aryaloka

teaches two basic techniques: Mindfulness of Breathing, which is con-

cerned with the development of awareness and concentrat ion; and

Development of Universal Loving-Kindness, which helps to foster pos-

itive feelings of friendliness and love for all human beings.

Each member of the community must contribute in some way to the

group by working in the woodshop or performing household tasks or

grounds maintenance. Each person also has a financial commitment to

meet, and some do outside work such as carpentry and renovations.

Aryaloka offers classes in meditation, yoga, and Buddhist studies.

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Reguiar retreats are scheduled, as well as visitors days, which offer anopportunity to meet the people involved and just look around.

There is a beautiful meditation hall on the top floor, and variousniches where one can sit quietly to read and reflect. There are footpathscleared around the 13 acres of surrounding property, so one can enjoythe clear New Hampshire air.

Aryaloka

Friends of the Western Buddhist OrderHeartzuood CircleNewmarket, NH 03857

rcB) 659-5456

Accommodations: Currently only the hermitage (single occupancy) isavailable on a self-catering basis; library of reference books and tapes,bookstore; open year-round; $20 a day, $55 a weekend, or $120 a week.

Directions.' Newmarket is 70 miles north of Boston and 15 miles fromPortsmouth, New Hampshire. From the north, take I-95 to Rte. 101west, then Rte. 108 North toward Newmarket. From the south, take I-95 to Rte. 51 west, then Rte. 108 North to Newmarket. FromManchester, take Rte. 101 East to Rte. 125 North (left off the exit ramp),then Rte. 155. Turn right at the junction of Rte. 155 with Rte. 152.

The CommonPeterborough, NH

In 1.738, ten acres of this hilltop were designated as the site of the

Peterborough town center or common, but the town grew in the valley

below and eventually the property became a private farm. In 1898 it was

acquired by the Cheney family, who built an imposing mansion with an

outdoor pool and tennis court. In the 1950s it became a girls' school, and

then in 1.966 it was bought by the Carmelites for use as a seminary, and

converted into a retreat center in 1968.

The mansion has been lovingly restored, with beautiful guest rooms.

The main floor has two chapels, conference rooms, a large dining room

off the kitchen, and a study that displays historical information about

the mansion and the surrounding area. Carved into the fireplace mantel

in the dining room is the following message: "They eat, they drink and

in common sweet-Quaff immortality and joy."

The center has splendid views to the west and southwest, looking

across a valley to Mount Monadnock, which reportedly was climbed by

both Thoreau and Emerson. Beyond the tennis court and pool is the

cemetery that Thornton Wilder used as a setting for his play Our Towrt.

The three priests and two brothers who give retreats and care for the

property live in a separate monastery a short distance from the mansion.

The Common is a retreat center for people and groups of all beliefs.

There are retreats scheduled regularly throughout the year, and private

retreatants are welcome. The Carmelites are available for consultation.

There are 773 acres of woods and meadows that make up the grounds.

TWo herrnitages are available, set apart from the other buildings'

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Traditionally, New Englanders gathered at the common to sharedreams and concerns. It seems fitting that carmelites, named for her-mits who lived on Mount Carmel in palestine, should be living on thismountain, ministering to those who are on their own spiritual journeys.

The Common

182 Old Street Rd.Peterborough, NH 03458(603) 924-6060 (Mon.-Fri., I e.rw.-I p.u. E.T.)

Accommodations: 18 lovely bedrooms for 33 men and women; goodcommunity meals in the dining room; mass, morning and eveningprayer; tennis court, swimming pool, 173 acres for hiking; open year-round except during the week of preparations for "The Faire," held thesunday after Labor Day;9115 a weekend; z fulry equipped hermitages$140 a weekend.

Directions.' Take Rte. 101 to the junction of Rte. 123 on the east side ofPeterborough at the yellow blinking light. Do not follow Rte. 123, how-ever; instead, drive north on old Street Rd. for 1 mile. An oval signreading THE coMMoN hangs in the woods on the left; turn left into thewoods. If you reach Peterborough on Rte. 202, turn east on Rte. 101 andfollow the preceding instructions.

St. Anselm AbbeyManchester, NIf

In 1889 the Benedictines came to New Hampshire and established a

monastery and school on 300 acres of high ground overlooking the

town of Manchester. The school is a liberal arts college with an enroll-

ment now close to 2,000 students. The grounds are exceptionally well

maintained, with expansive lawns leading up to the main buildings.

The most prominent is the Abbey-College Church, which is connected

to the monastery. The 35 to 40 monks who live here assemble daily in

the splendid chapel to sing the canonical hours.

In the Benedictine tradition, the monks are self-supporting from the

school and make rooms available for retreatants. Men are accommo-

dated in the monastery, where they are expected to follow the routine of

the monks; the hallways are hushed, the monks' cells comfortable but

plain. There are large, arched windows surrounding a silent courtyard

in which one catches an occasional glimpse of a cowled monk' At the

monastery noon meal there ts a lectio (Latin for "readtng"), during

which one can reflect on the words read.

The aim of the Benedictine rule is to devote every aspect of one's life

to the service of God, and the atmosphere at St. Anselm is indeed one of

active prayer.

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St. Anselm Abbey100 St. Anselm DnManchester, NH 03102rcffi) 641-7000

Accommodations: A few men, with a recommendation, are welcomefor private retreats in the monastery itself as rooms are available; eat insilence with the monks; canonical hours are sung by a choir of 35-40 ina beautiful chapel; 300 acres of campus, woods, trails; college libraryand facilities; open year-round; freewill donation.

Directions; The abbey is located 50 miles north of Boston. Take I-93North to Rte. 293 North, exit left to Rte, 101 West (Bedford/Goffstown).At junction of rtes. 101 and 114, take Rte. 114 North. Continue throughthe traffic lights (minigolf and restaurant on right) to saint Anselm'sDrive. Turn right onto the drive. The campus is approximately 1 mile onthe right.

Carmel RetreatMahwah, NI

Nestled at the foot of the Ramapo Mountains, less than an hour from

New York City, this gracious estate was built as a summer home by

Clarence Chapman, a New York financier, in about 1905. A long, curv-

ing drive leads to the beautiful, newly restored mansion, which is sur-

rounded by 35 wooded acres, abounding in native stone fences. The

property, with its ponds and tall, old trees, adjoins a state park,

Campgaw Reservation, so guests can gl impse the occasional wi ld

turkey and deer while wandering the forest paths.

In 7911, the original owners added a formal garden for their daugh-

ter's wedding, and this i.s where the stations of the cross are located. In

1965, fol lowing Pope Paul 's plea for peace at the United Nations, a

rosary garden was built as a place of prayer for international peace.

The Carmelites come from a rich tradition of desert spirituality. In the

late 1100s hermits from the desert came together at Mount Carmel for

mutual support in following in the footsteps of Jesus. From this begin-

ning blossomed such 16th-century mystics as St. Teresa of Avila and St.

John of the Cross, and later St. Th6rbse of Lisieux.

In 1954 the Carmelites bought the estate for use as a retreat center.

The five Carmelites who now lir.e here share the riches of their order's

tradition, and are committed to providing an atmosphere that will nur-

ture the reaching of God through prayer. They go out of their way to be

hospitable and inclusive in welcoming both private retreatants and

groups, and will organize retreats on request. Guests are invited to join

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thern daily in the chapel for morning prayer at Eucharist at11:30 A.M., and evening prayer at 5 p.rvr.! r q L J 1 . 1 \ r .

carmel Retreat has accommodations for up to (r0 people tn 29 com-fortable rooms in three houses. The main house is the restorecl mansion,the "middle house" is a natir,'e stone carriage house with 3 bedroomsand a kitchen, available if one wants to cook, ancl the "lower house" has10 bedrooms and its own kitchen. Delicious home-cooked meals areserved family-style in the main house with the community, or in soli-tude if desired.

Maura Rossi in "A visit to Carmel" said she comes to Carmel andwanders the property to "breathe in the beauty and peace of sky andearth . . . or to head for the serene, shadowy chapel to sit and listen forcod." This is a place for people "who are looking for time and space toseek their own answers."

Carmel Retreat

1071 Ramapo Valley Rd.Mahzuah, NI 07430(201) 327-7090

Accommodations: Beds for 60 men and women (children come on sep-arate retreats) in 29 newly renovated rooms in 3 houses on the property(16 rooms in the main house; 10 rooms and a kitchen in another; and3 rooms and kitchen in a third); 3 home-cooked meals daily in mainhouse; daily mass, morning and evening prayer; 35 acres for walking;stations of the cross and rosary garden; open year-round; $32 a night;day rates available.

Directions; From Manhattan, take the George washington Bridge toRte. 4 West, to Rte. 208 North. Get otT at oakland and follow 202 North(also called Ramapo valley Rd.) for 4 miles; watch for Carmel Retreatentrance sign on right.

St, Marguerite's Retreat House

Mendham, Nl

The Episcopalian nuns of the Community of St. John Baptist came to the

United States from England in 7874. Their rule is based on the

Augustinian tradition of combining active work with contemplative

prayer. The rambling brick building that is now St. Marguerite's Retreat

House was once an orphanage that the nuns administered for almost

40 years.In 7960 the house became a retreat and conference center used

mainly by Episcopalian groups, but there are also some Methodists and

Lutherans who return year after year. There is a fine professional cook

in charge of the kitchen-a rare treat in such surroundings. The wood

paneling and the generous bedrooms and meeting rooms bespeak 19th-

century charm, so one really does feel as though one has retreated from

today's world.

Across the front lawn is the Convent of St. john Baptist, the home of

the nine sisters who administer the retreat house. This impressive white

French Gothic structure was built in 1976 and designed by a student of

architect Ralph Adams Crane. The charming interior of tile flclors and

stucco walls with deep inset windows has a distinctly southern-

European flavor. There are beautiful religious artifacts throughout. The

main chapel, with its arched ceiling, contains a perfect example of an

umbrella pillar. There is another, smaller chapel on the second floor,

where the sisters gather daiiy to pray a fivefold office beginning with

Lauds at 6:30 e.vt. and ending with Compline at 8:30 p.tr,t.

Ninety-three acres of woodlands surround the buildings and deepen

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the sense of seclusion. There is a neatly kept graveyard, reminiscent ofa European churchyard, near the drive at the side of the convent.

Private retreatants are always welcome at the convent, and take theirmeals with the nuns. This is a small community with a deep commit-ment to an interior life of prayer and devotion. The nuns work to "keepa sparkle in the communityi' as their foundress used to say, and to sharethe joy of religious life.

St. Marguerite's Retreat HouseConaent of St. lohn BaptistP.O. Box 240

Mendham, NI 07945(973) 543-4641

Accommodations: Simple singles for 29 men and women; home-cooked buffet meals; prayer 5 times daily at the convent; 93 acres forwalking; open Labor Day to mid December, and January to mid june;

$45 a night.

Directions.' From I-80, take r-287 South to the first Morristown exit.Proceed past the railway station to Park Ave. and the town square; goaround 2 sides of the square and turn right on Rte. 24 west. Followthrough 2 traffrc lights in Mendham and continue Vz mlle to a left turninto the entrance, marked by a sign. Bear right at the fork in the road,and continue past "The Steps" building to the end of the road. Theretreat house is the large red brick mansion on the left, iust beyond thewhite stucco convent.

St, Mary's Abbey -Delbarton

Morristown, Nl

The former Kountze estate, Delbarton, was purchased in 1926 by

Benedictine monks from Newark as a house of studies for its young

monks. According to legend, another site was almost chosen, but the

prior who favored Delbarton went there and planted Benedictine

medals in the ground, convinced that once St. Benedict had taken root

there, he would guide the choice of the community. And, indeed, the

final vote was for the 400-acre Kountze property. Through the late 1920s

and the 1930s, the rnonks farmed the land and modified the S0-room

mansion for their community's needs. The armor room was trans-

forrned into the chapel (swords into piowshares) and the music studio

into the refectory. In those early years, the full-scale farm helped the

monks become self-sufficient.

Then the bishop, corlcerned with the lack of Catholic schools in the

diocese, urged the Benedictines to start a boys' prep school. The first 12

sttrdents matriculated in 1939. Since that time the number of students

has grown to 500, and the farrnland has been turned into playing fields

for soccer, lacrosse, football, and baseball. The Delbarton School has

become one of the'most dist inguished Cathol ic prep schools in the

United States. The school has evolved into a day school, and a former

dormitory is now used as a retreat house, particularly for graduating

and confirmation classes of teenagers.

The back lawn of the mansion, callecl Old Main, is an Italian garden

with marble columns and statues; two of the latter, by Bernini, are now

on loan to the Metropolitan Museum. The growth of both the school and

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the community necessitated the building of a new abbey. This church-which can seat 7OO-reflects the spirit of the Benedictines; it is enteredthrough huge portals defining the worship area and marking the pas-sage into the temple of God. The circular floor slopes gradually towardthe center, focusing attention on the altar and encouraging participationin the liturgy. The stark simplicity of tl're design is complemented by theAmish-made pews. The monks meet here daily for mass and to sing thecanonical hours. Retreatants and guests are welcome.

Some private retreatants are accommodated in the monastery. Mealsare taken cafeteria-style with the monks, who have an excellent chef.The ordered prayer life of the community amid the spacious groundsmakes this a very appealing place. on celebrating the opening of thenew abbey church in 7966, one of the monks wrote, "You must in allthings take your brother into account . . . never come to a halt; go for-ward with your brothers, run toward the goal in the footprints ofChrist."

St. Mary's Abb ey -D elb arton230 Mendham Rd.

Morristown, NI 07960

O73) 538-3231 ext.2100

Accommodations: For 50 men, women, and teenagers, 32 rooms in amodern retreat center cln the grounds of a 100-year-old estate; deliciousfood served in the cafeteria; prayer 4 times daily in a stark chapel withAmish-made pews; orchards, tennis, playing fields, extensive propertyfor walking; open year-round; call for rates.

Directions; Take I-80 to r-287 South. Take Exit 29 (Harter Rd.) andfollow Rte. 24 west through town, around the town square, and on pastthe Burnham Park swimming pools on the left. Watch for St. Mary'sAbbey-Delbarton on your left within a few minutes.

Center fo, Action and ContemplationAlbuquerque, NM

The Center for Action and Contemplation was founded in 7987 by a

Franciscan priest, Father Richard Rohr, who saw a need for a formation

center that would serve as a place of discernment and growth for peace

activists and those involved in ministries of social service. There they

would come, be still, and share in the center's vision, goals, and com-

mitment to its mission: networking to promote a consistent ethic of life

and the work of justice and peace; educating toward and living nonvi-

olently, precariously, and contemplatively; actively engaging in trans-

forming society from a faith perspective; and collaborating with other

organizations endorsing a similar vision and philosophy.

Through the years, thousands of people have participated in CAC-

sponsored retreats, programs, and events. They come from several

countries of the world, reflect a variety of religious traditions, and rep-

resent a wide range of ages, professions, interests, and concerns. One of

the most intensive of these programs is the six-week residential intern-

ship. While at the center, interns join the staff for daily PrayeL partici-

pate in seminars on social activism and contemplative prayer, volunteer

service at one of several social service agencies, usually visit the United

States-Mexico border, spend at least three days in retreat, and are aided

in reflecting on their experience through one-on-one and grouP

interaction.

In June 7990, the center purchased the former motherhouse of the

Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Located in the largely

Hispanic South Valley section of Albuquerque, this adobe house,

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called Tepeyac, is within walking distance of the CAC. A residence for

a core staff group, interns, and guests, Tepeyac has a communal livingand dining room and shared bedroom and bathroom space for about20 people.

People come to Tepeyac for a variety of reasons. The Tepeyac staff

attempts to create a contemplative atmosphere of quiet, safety, and sup-

port for whatever individual quests bring visitors to the center. Neither

the CAC nor Tepeyac is an intentional community. However, staff mem-bers participate in and invite others to participate in the fostering of ahomelike, communal environment.

Center for Action and Contemplation

P.O. Box 12464

Albuquerque, NM 87195(505) 242-9588 (Information on CAC)(505) 242-L846 (Resentations at Tepeyac)

Accommadations: 11 rooms for up to 20 men, women, and children,including staff, interns, guests, and those temporarily without a home;residents share cooking for dinner together, and vegetarian food is

available for those who wish to prepare their own breakfast and lunch;

guests are welcome to participate in CAC programs (some require a

fee), to utilize the library, and to spend time in the chapel, joining the

staff for their daily 7:40 p,.w. or 1:30 p.M. prayer. Tepeyac is open most ofthe year, but space is very limited during internships and weekend pro-

grams; $30 a day, based on ability to pay.

Directions: South on I-25 to approximately 3 miles south of junction

with I-40, exit on Stadium Blvd. and turn right (west) for 3Vz miles to

Five Points Rd. Turn right on Five Points Rd. and go% mile to Tepeyac:1705 Five Points Rd.

1,45

Ghost RanchAbiquiu, NM

Kit* , -

Chost Ranch, with its towering mesas, is located on 21,000 acres of mag-

nif icent high desert, 6,500 feet above sea level. Dr:nated to the

Presbyterian church by the Pack family in7955, it operates as a spiritu-

ally oriented conference center and antidote to the dangers inherent in

a technologically oriented and mechanized society. Since the early1970s, regular seminars have been offered to all those interested in pale-

ontology, sociology, theology, education, history, literature, music, psy-

chology, and environmental concerns.

This area was a swamp 250 million years ago, and after important fos-

sil remains were found, the ranch was designated a Registered NaturalLandmark because "the site possesses exceptional value as an illustra-

tion of the nation's heritage and contributes to a better understanding

of man's environment."

The spectacular landscape attracted the artist Georgia O'Keeffe in the

1930s. She bought land nearby in 1940 and lived here until her death in

1986 painting the cliffs and sky, bones, trees, and mountains. Her well-

known masterpieces embody the grandeur, simplicity, and amazing col-

ors of this part of the Southwest.

There is a blend of cultures in the area: the Jicari l la-Apache and

Navajo in nearby pueblos, the Hispanic community, and the recently

arrived Anglo-Americans. Each group lives with shared concerns for

the fragile ecology.

The ranch receives an annual average of only ten inches of rain, so the

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land is managed with exceptional care. Neighbors can use the pasture-

land to graze 400 to 600 cattle as conservation practices permit.

The guest facilities can accommodate up to 350 persons in plain but

comfortable rooms with community washrooms. Meals are taken in a

centrally located dining hall. During the summer season, due to the

many programs offered, the rooms are often fully booked. During therest of the year, there are conferences for smaller groups and month-

long courses in photography, pottery, and the like. Private retreatants

are welcomed. There is an excellent library and chapel. The real magic

here is the setting for hiking and observation: seeing the early sun

accenfuate Chimney Rock, looking across the desert to the rock mesas

outlined in the bluer-than-blue sky, and gazing at the stars in the clear

New Mexican air.

Ghost Ranch

HC 77, Box 11-

Abiquiu, NM 87510(505) 685-4333

Accommodations: Simple accommodations fclr 350 men, women, and

children late spring, summer (during the summer months space is

reserved for seminar participants and their families), and early fall, 130

during the winter months in singles, doubles, bunks, adobe casitas, and

2 campgrounds accommodating 100 campers; cafeteria meals with veg-

etarian selections; swimming pools, hiking trails through stunning ter-

rain, courses in Bible, ethics, theology, pottery, photography, riding,

spiritual retreats, social justice, anthropology paleontokrgy; children's

programs; solar housing program,local land-Llse programs; unique geo-logicai formations and archeological areas of interest on property and

nearby; 21,000 acres, 6,500-foot altitude; open l-L months of the year(closed December); $a0-$55 a day, plus course price if taking one; spe-

cial January term is $935 for the month ail-inclusive, plus course mate-

rials for various courses.

Directions: Northwest of Santa Fe, some 40 miles beyond Espanola on

U.S. 84. Watch for the GHosr RANCH sign on the entrance gate between

mileposts 224 and225.

Lama EoundationSan Cristobal, NM

5+--

The Lama Foundation is located 19 miles from Taos at 8,600 feet in the

Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The complex of buildings sits on the side

of Lama Mountain looking west across the broad expanse of the Rio

Crande Gorge. In the late 1960s a group of hippie activists came here to

start a community following the teachings of the Indian guru MeherBaba. They were aided and encouraged by several American teachers

such as Pir Vilayat Khan, Ram Dass, and Sarn Lewis, who cornmingledtheir visions to establish a place that would serve to draw all religions

together to celebrate the one truth . . . many paths but one mountain.

The 100 acres of pine woocls, bordering the Kit Carson National

Forest, is approached along a winding dirt road that slowly works its

way up the mountain. Cars are parked below the buildings and living

quarters and camping areas are reached on foot. A community of about20 hardy people live here year-round and take their meals together in

the central ly posit ioned dining room-a rustic, charming wooden

building that also serves as a meeting place. The bells on the rack out-

side were made from the nose cones of ballistic missiles. Just a short dis-tance away sits the main temple or meditation hall, with its 44-foot

geodesic dome, where large groups gather. There is a library in one sec-tion and a smaller cavelike meditation chamber where groups of 10 to12 can share the synergy of their spiritual force.

There are A-frames and smali domed buildings throughout thewoods and an adobe structure with kitchen, dining room, prayer room,

and 12 rooms for guests built around a central courtyard. Buildings are

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lighted by kerosene lamps and heated by wood-burning stoves, and

there are outdoor privies. Community members must attend a commu-

nity meditation session daily in addition to performing another practice

of their own choice such as yoga or t'ai chi ch'uan. Each person has a

daily work commitment such as cleaning, cooking, or wood gathering.

There are cottage industries that make and sell colorful prayer flags,

banners, and T-shirts, and there is also a book service. The summer sea-

son sees the community double in size to put on the summer programs,

which begin about mid May and continue through September. The top-

ics of the weekend and week-long sessions deal with spiritual develop-

ment and awakening, music, ecology, and dance.

In the early 1980s, Father Thomas Keating held a retreat here with a

group that evolved into the Chrysalis Movement, a network of Catholic

lay communities that focus on community service, centering prayer,

and contemplative l iving. In 7970, Ram Dass col laborated with the

Lama community to produce his famous book, Be Here Noru. Up the

mountain, above the dwellings, is the final resting place of Samuel

Lewis, affectionately remembered as "Sufi Sam."

The community is evolving and is a way station where pilgrims find

shelter from outer-world distraction and a greenhouse where early spir-

itual awakening is protected and nurtured . . . it is a blending of East

and West and a place of hope for peace on earth.

Lama Foundation

P.O. Box 240

San Cristobal, NM 87564(505) 586-1269 (1-0 A.M.-noon M.T.)

Monastery of Christ in the DesertAbiquiu, NM

,l 'WtV,l,,

The stories of the difficulties encountered reaching this spiritual outpostare legion. Many have driven partway, become mired in the mud, andhad to walk in. But once there, near the river deep in Chama Canyon,

one can feel the difference in the air, "saturated in peace," as one visitornoted, "like bread soaked in wine. The obvious stillness, so striking in

contrast to most other places, has a lot to do with the spectacular loca-

tion . . . remote and beautiful by any standard." The monastery wasfounded by Father Aelred Wall, a Benedictine priest who came herewith two other monks in 7964 from Mount Saviour Monastery in Pine

City, NY (see page 772). George Nakashima, the famous Japanese-American woodworker, was enlisted as architect. His approach to thefunctional use of structure that blends with surroundings is among thehighest forms of artistic achievement.

Hundreds of people come each year for a day or more, joining the 20

or so monks in the routine of their monastic iife. Guests join the com-munity for common prayer in the chapel, where the windows look out

on the red cl i f fs of the mesa and the whole canyon appears to be a

chapel.

Meals are taken with the monks in the refectory. One of the monksreads aloud at lunch and the evening meal is accompanied by tapedclassical music. The food is vegetarian, nourishing, and delicious.

There are no formal retreats, but guests can affange ahead to speakwith one of the monks. Those who come are encouraged to seek Christin the desert in their own way. The monks offer hospitality and the shar-

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ing of their Benedictine way of life. The key elements are love for one

another, prayer, reading, study, and manual labor. Visitors are encour-

aged to work at least some of the time. There are stations of the cross

that zigzag up the side of one of the mesas. I'he 12th station, the

Crucifixion, looks over the entire monastery.

An extra amount of preparation is necessary for a visit here, such as

bringing proper clothing, since the snowy winters are very cold. Guest

rooms are heated with woodstoves and l ighted by kerosene lamps.

Plans are underway to change to a solar heating system. Summer days

are warm, but cool in the mornings. Shorts are not permitted in chapel,refectory, or guesthouse areas. A flashlight is useful, as are sturdy walk-

ing or hiking shoes. Musical instruments, tape and CD players, and

radios should be left at home. There is no telephone-the nearest is 15

miles away at Ghost Ranch (see page 746)-but one can glory in givingup the trappings of civilization for just a little while to encounter Christ,who waits for us in the desert.

Monastery of Christ in the Desert

Abiquiu, NM 87510

Accommodations: 15 beds for men and women in singles and doubles,with wood-burning stoves and kerosene lamps; hot and cold running

water in the bathrooms; nonmeat meals in silence in refectory with

music or table reading; dai ly Eucharist and prayer services with

Gregorian chant; located in an isolated and beautiful desert canyon

6,000 feet above sea level, adjoining a federal wilderness area for hiking;

nearest telephone 15 miles away; open year-round; no fixed charge-

$30 a night covers expenses but each guest must decide what she or he

can afford.

Directions: 75 miles north of Santa Fe, and 53 miles south of Chama, off

U.S. 84. About 1 mile south of the entrance sip;n for Echo Amphitheater,

or 1 mile north of the Chost Ranch Visitors' Center of the Carson

National Forest (not to be confused with Ghost Ranch itself), the road

for the monastery leaves U.S. 84 toward the west (from Santa Fe turn

left) onto Forest Service Rd. 151. It is a winding, steep, and narrow road,with a dirt and clay surface that becomes very slippery when wet.Drivers should allow time for the road to dry after a rain; in winter it's

safest when frozen (during the night and early morning before sunrise).Don't take chances-this 13-mile road has been walked bv manv

stranded drivers.

Pecos Benedictine MonasteryPecos, NM

*=1.L.

The adobe buildings of this monastery located in the Pecos River valleyblend perfectly with the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This900-acre property was acquired by Catholic Benedictine monks who

came here in 1955 seeking a place where solitude and space were read-ily available. From its very beginnings, the monastery has served as a

center for retreats and church renewal. The first cursillo in the UnitedStates was held here, and the community has been consistentlyinvolved with marriage encounter and family retreats.

One of the distinguishing marks of this monastery, perhaps a precur-sor in monastic evolution, is that in7969 the community weicomed fourmonks from Benet Lake, Wisconsin, who shared a vision of establishinga Charismatic Benedictine way of life. This has become a reality here

and the monastery enjoys a wide reputation for Charismatic renewal.TWice a year there are month-long training sessions called School for

Charismatic Spiritual Directors, at which individuals are trained to

serve their home communities. Directed and private retreats are wei-come. The community gathers four times a day for prayer in the chapel,and there is daily mass. The rooms are snug and comfortable. Corridors

connect the guest quarters with the dining room and the chapel. This is

a bonus in the wintet when heavy snow accumulates.Another distinguishing mark of Pecos is that monastic men and

women live together following five promises: obedience, conversion of

life, stability, poverty, and chastity. Men and women living together as

one community has long been sanctioned by the Church. As this com-

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munal call unfolded, Pecos realized the need to join a congregation that

would nurture this vision. So in 1985, after a three-year trial period,

Pecos officially became part of the Olivetan Congregation of Siena, Italy.

This group, founded by Blessed Father Bernard Tolamel in 1319, hasfrom its beginning been composed of men and women.

The Pecos community believes the golden thread that holds it

together is stated by St. Benedict's Rule: "Let all guests to the monastery

be received as Christ Himself." The community concentrates on mysti-

cal experiences, cultivating an experientiai approach rather than teach-

ing. As one monk stated, "Religion is caught, not taught. In ten years the

Catholic Church will be very different, more experiential and less based

on the service station approach, more responsive and participatory. We

can't afford to be myopic . . . luy ministry has to be drawn in."

P eco s Bene dictine Monasten4

Pecos, NM 87552/505) 757-6415

Accammodations: Double and triple rooms r,^,'ith private baths for 65

men and women; healthful family-style meals at tables of 8 with com-

munity; daily mass plus prayer 4 times daily; Charismatic healing and

other renewal retreats and school for spiritual directors; 900 acres in

Pecos River valley surrounded by 13,000-foot mountains; hiking trails;

open year-round; suggested donation: $35 a day.

Directions: I-25 North from Santa Fe 18 miles to Glorieta (Exit 299); fol-

low sign to Pecos 7 miles and take Rte. 63 North to the monastery.

Abbey of the GeneseePiffard, NY

I' i l ' l

) *

",,\'.

In the early 1950s an aff luent couple offered this land to the localCathol ic diocese for the purpose of founding a monastery. The

Cistercian order at Gethsemani, where Thornas Merton lived, sent agroup of Trappist monks to Piffard to develop a monastic community.The 500 original acres were already a working farm with a main houseand barns, and over the years the property has gro\l'n to approximately2,200 acres.

The first monks modified the house to suit their communal style.They farmed the land to raise wheat, corn, and soybeans, following theRule of St. Benedict, which demands that its followers earn their livingby their own hands and make enough also to help the poor. Duringthose early days, the cook, an ex-navy chef, made bread for the com-munity. Visitors were so impressed with the bread's taste and qualitythat they wanted to take some home. So a business was started, andtoday the highly mechanized bakerl'turns out 30,000 loaves of Monk'sBreacl a week, on a three-day work schedule, and this is sufficient tosupport the community. The monks donate 1,000 loaves a week to the

poor, using their own truck to del iver them to various distr ibutionpclints in the Rochester area. They alscl make delicious fruitcakes in avariety of flavors, including an extraordinary butterscotch.

The monks lead a rigorous life that begins with prayers at 2:25 t.t:,t.Throughout the day, they meet to sing the canonical hours and spendabout three hours in community prayer and song. Msitors are welcomeat these services, held in the main chapel, which was built with rocks

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found on the monastery land and in the Genesee River. The somberwood-and-stone interior, with its simple religious decorations andjewel-like stained-glass windows, has a naturai dignity, as though acave had been modified for worship.

There are three separate guesthouses about one-half mile from thechapel. The original monastery, called Bethlehem ("house of bread"),has single rooms, former monks'cells, each with a single bed, chair, anddesk, and communal washrooms. Meals, provided by the staff, arepickup breakfasts of cereal and monk's bread, with hot water availablefor coffee or tea. The main meal at noon is usually a hearty stew or pastawith salads and vegetables and simple desserts. Supper is often just

soup and salad, but snacks of peanut butter and jelly sandr,r'iches, fruit,and hot drinks are always available. At the other guesthouses, Bethanyand Cana, guests cook for themselves. Visitors can help with mealpreparations and cleanup. Occasionally, men may work in the bakery.

This is, by reputation, one of the strictest Cistercian communities inthe United States, and various monks are available for discussion andcounseling.As one of the monks said, "This place allows people to lookinside and examine the rhythms they are living by. Often those whocome are in transition. This place allows them to step off the merry-go-round of today's fast world and take a look at their internal show"

Abbey of the Genesee

3258 Riaer Rd.

Piffard, NY 14533(716) 243-2220 (Mon,, Wed., Fri.,9 a.rvt.-noon E.T.)

Accommodations: 3 guesthouses with 51 beds, mainly simple singles;buffet in silence with guest communitv or self-cooked meals; canonicalhours; 2,200 acres; work option; excellent bookstore; open year-round.Freewil l donation.

Directions: Pif fard is 35 miles south of Rochester, 6 miles west ofGeneseo on Rte. 63. Watch for the abbey sign on the right.

Abode of the MessageNew Lebanon, NY

Located on 430 acres in the Berkshire Mountains, on property bought

from Shakers, the Sufi Order in the West has a thriving community of

close to 100 adults and children. The Abode of the Message was

founded in 1975 by Pir Vilayat Khan to provide a supportive environ-

ment for self-discovery.

The community fol lows the tradit ions of Sufism, in which l i fe is

seen as a garden where al l possibi l i t ies exist for creativi ty and the

expression of beauty. By continual ly developing, expanding, and

refining one's ideals and overcoming self-imposed limitations, one

gains a new perspective on life as one becomes a\ /are that we are all

one family, one body.

The community has restored the l8th-century Shaker buildings to

serve the needs of the group. Families have apartments and meet in the

main dining room for meals. The food is prepared by a rotating kitchen

staff, and varies from gourmet vegetarian to cheese sandwiches. The

atmosphere is cheerful and open, and visi tors feel welcome and

comfortable.

Meditation sessions are held every day in the meditation hall, a large,

barnlike structure that can accommodate the entire community. There

are regular evening sessions of special breathing techniques and exer-

cises, conducted by the more experienced members. Services and classes

are open to all, and are regularly attended by neighbors and guests.

Individuals and couples can come for visits of up to three days and

live with the community. The rooms are simply but comfortably fur-

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nished. There are separate community washrooms for men and women.

On the second floor of the main building is a large reading foom with

sofas, easy chairs, and good reading lights.

On a hi l l above the community bui ldings are hermitage retreats

where individuals can spend from one to ten nights. These simple,

one-room huts, each in a private natural setting, have commanding

views of the valley below. Retreatants should bring sleeping bags and

be prepared to use an outhouse. Food is avai lable from the main

kitchen. One spends time completely alone, except for a daily visit

from the retreat master.

The community does not promote a particular creed or church, but

works to unite the followers of different religions and faiths in wisdom.

It believes a greater trust and confidence wili be established among

people in this way.

Abode of the Message

Box 1030D, Shaker Rd.

New Lebanon, NY L2L25(s18) 794-s090

Accommodations: Men, women, and children are welcome aS SPace iS

available in community housing or simple hermitages; community veg-

etarian meals; daily meditation;430 acres; open year-round; $30 a night

single, $50 double.

Directions: East from Albany on U.S. 20, go through New Lebanon

toward Pittsfield. About 2 miles outside New Lebanon, watch for the

white sign (unlit) on the right for Darrow School. Enter this small road

and continue on past the school for another mile. You will see the Abode

on the left, at the sign MoUNTAIN RoAD scHool.

Chapel HouseHnmilton, NY

In the mid 1950s, an anonymous donation made it possible to build andendow Chapel F{ouse. The concept was to establish a place where any-one with initiative and interest could come to stay, have access to booksof religious insight and recordings of liturgical music, be surrounded bysacred art, and have the time and space pror.ided by a chapel for medi-tation and spiritual devotion.

The beautiful building is on a high point of the Colgate Universitygrounds, away from the bustle of campus iife and just across from thegreat lawns that used to serve as golf fairways. The chapel is simply aquiet space for prayer and contemplation. Next door is a reception roomleading to the library, which holds several thousand volumes of significant books on every religion. There are comfortable reading chairs andtables for serious study. Wclrks of aft, ir-rcluding a Tibetan ptayer man-tle, grace the walls between the bookshelves, and over the stone fire-piace hangs a fine sculpture of intricate brasswork depicting key themesfrom arrcient Israel. C)n the other side of the reception room is a musicroom with a high-quality sound system and a large selection of records.The music was chosen for its religious or spiritual nature and includesworks not only by Beethoven and Bach but also by those r,n'ho would notgenerally be considered composers of sacred music. The room is deco-rated withzen calligraphy, a crucifix, a superb Buddha, and many othermarvelous artifacts.

Beyond the music room is the dining room, r,r'here three meals a dayare served by the resident supervisor. Downstairs are seven single

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rooms, each with private bath, single bed, chair, desk, and more than 20

books as part of the basic furnishings. The windows look out on a quiet

woodland setting.

Guests are requested to observe silence except during mealtimes. The

only other requirement is that visitors use the facilities for their personal

religious research and that they do not disturb the privacy of others.

The chapel has been used as a place of worship by Christians, ]ews,

Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims. There is no guru or master teacher

here. Visitors are expected to seek guidance in the books, music, and

works of art that have been proven by time to be great teachers. The

anonymous benefactor of Chapel House once said with a twinkle in her

eye, "If one person a year comes and uses it for the purposes we have

in mind . . . we will have a good income from our investment."

Chapel House

Colgate Uniaersity

Hamilton, NY 13346(315) 824-7675

Accornmodatiotts: 7 private rooms with bath for men and women;

meals served in guest dining room; chapel; silence strictly observed,

except at meals; extensive religious book, music, and art collection;

guests are requested to stay a minimum of 2 nights and are asked to

confine themselves to Chapel House property above the campus during

their stay; open year-round; modest fee charged.

Directions: From I-87 (New York State Thruway), take Exit 24

(Northway). Proceed west on U.S. 20. At Madison, turn south on Rte.

128 to Hamilton. Once on the Colgate camPus, go uphill, bearing to the

right, to reach Chapel House.

Ch aut au q u n I n stituti onChautauquat NY

In7874 a summer school was held on the shores of Lake Chautauqua toinstruct Sunday-school teachers in organization, management, andteaching methods. From this modest beginning the programs wereexpanded to include political concepts, economics, literature, science,and music study. Hotels and rooming houses \^rere built to house theever-increasing numbers of visitors. By the early 1900s a grand hotelwas built, and the summer-camp concept of a few weeks in a tent madea transition to a more genteel approach to education, which includedclean sheets and an elegant dining room. Business leaders of the day,such as Henry Ford, attended, and Thomas Edison and his family cameregularly.

Many religious groups either built or acquired good-sized houses andcreated as many rooms as possible, which they made-and still make-available for rent, with community kitchen facilities. Before the end ofthe 19th century, Chautauqua had become a national force as a way toreach thousands of people interested in personai growth through edu-cation. Here, in one place, grew a culture camp on the shores of a clean,clear lake where one could swim, boat, fish, and be entertained bynightly concerts and lectures from prominent speakers.

By the early 20th century, many more private homes were built on thegrounds, and the 270-acre setting became a typical small town of theera. And it remains so today: an almost classic community in a sylvansetting; beautifully kept, Victorian-style houses with lush green lawnsand ciipped hedges, large porches with comfortable sitting arrange-

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ments, flowers growing along walkways. Many of the houses have gin-gerbread decorations, are painted in light pastel shades, and are in goodcondition and well maintained. Auto access is limited, so one can walkthe streets or ride a bicycle and slow the pace of physical movement toallow the mind to rest and wonder.

The Chautauqua Program runs for nine weeks, from mid-June to theend of August. After Labor Day, things are really quiet, but there aremore than 200 regular residents who stay year-round, and many of therooming houses and some hotels are available. The fine library onBestor Plaza remains open, as do the post office and newsstand/book-and-gift shop.

This community is a piece of Americana, an outdoor museum of late19th- and early 20th-century life-style. One can wander for hours admir-ing the fine houses, look out to the lake that is never far away, sit on thewell-situated benches, and be undisturbed for hours or days at a time.A perfect place to read, relax, ruminate, and get one's internal wheelsbalanced.

Ch aut auqu a InstitutionP.O. Box 28Chautauqua, NY 14722(800) 836-ARTS

Accommodations: A wide range of accommodations is available fromnew luxury condominiums to the grande dame Athenaeum Hotel (17161357-4444) and rooming houses and inns reminiscent of Chautauqua'searly days. The Accommodations Referral Service provides currentavailability (1716) 357-6204). Various vacation packages are available.

Directions; The Chautauqua Institution is located between Buffalo,New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania. It is easily accessible from the north,east, or west via I-90, Rte. 394, or the Southern Tier Expressway (Rte. 17).Chautauqua is served by airports in Jamestown and Buffalo, New York,and Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania.

Cormaria CenterSog Harbor,l/Y

-rA,r-.7

Set on 17 acres fronting Northwest Bay is the Catholic retreat housecalled Cormaria. The main section was built in the early 1900s by a seacaptain for his private residence. The story goes that the captain got hisship's carpenter to do the fine interior woodwork, and it is splendid.There is elegant Tiffany glass around the dining room ceiling and win-dows, which command a spectacular uninterrupted view of the bay.

Off the main entrance is the chapel, decorated in a nautical motif. Aback corner is hung with fishing nets and shells placed on the wall;boatoars separate the altar from the pews. The windows offer a glimpse ofthe sea. To the other side of the entrance foyer is the large dining room,a section added to the original house, where home-cooked meals areserved cafeteria-style. There is a residence wing for up to 75 persons inclean, comfortable single rooms with community washrooms. Meetingand crafts rooms are on the lower level.

The nuns of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary see hospitalityto a large variety of guests as a natural part of their mission. Their reg-ular retreat programs cover every need, including continuous spiritualdirection.

At the edge of the property is a small building that has two separatehermitages for those who prefer to spend their time alone.

Cormaria, in its tranquil setting, offers a variety of opportunities forspiritual sustenance and rebirth. One retreatant, a Brahmin, wrote athank you note to the director in which he said, "The peace that I foundhasn't left me."

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Cormaria Center

Bay St.

Sag Harbor, NY 11-963(63D 725-4206

Accommodations: 30-35 men and women in singles, or 80 in doubles;

daily prayers; 17 bayfront acres and quiet lanes of Sag Harbor for walk-

ing; open year-round except over Christmas holidays; $35 a day.

Directions: From the Long Island Expressway, take Exit 70. Turn right

off the exit ramp and continue to the end of the road; continue east on

Rte.27 (following the Montauk signs) into Bridgehampton. Turn left at

the Bridgehampton monument onto the Sag Harbor Turnpike, and pro-

ceed about 4 miles into Sag Harbor, continuing through the village to

the foot of Main St. (windmill). Turn right onto Bay St.; 3,000 feet past

the yacht basin and the oil tanks, the sign for Cormaria is on the left.

Dai Bosatsu ZendoLiaingston Manor, NY

''za.?

The approach to the zendo winds along a narrow road for 20 miles, and

by the time you reach it, it is as though you have passed through a time

warp and come upon a place deep in the mountains of Japan; only there,

it seems, could one find such a magnificent temple. The monastery is at

the edge of Beecher Lake, the l-righest lake in the Catskill Mountains,

which the naturalist john Burroughs described in 1868: "As beautiful as

a dream . . . the mind is delighted as an escaped bird, and darts gleefullyfrom point to point." The 30-acre lake has changed little since then, or

even since the time it was revered by the Leni-Lenape Indians, who

believed that the mountain waters restored vitality to both mind and

body. The monastery was completed inl976, and since then has offeredstudents the opportunity for intensive training in a traditional Zen

monastery environment. As authentic inside as out, the quality of its

construction is evident from the gleaming oak floors to the windows

that act as picture frames for the forest, the lake, and the abundantwildlife.

As part of the Zen Studies Society established to aid D. T. Suzuki in

his efforts to introduce Zen Buddhism to the West, this zendo, onlythree hours from New York City, has a full schedule of retreats rangingfrom weekends to full weeks. Anyone is welcome to visit the monastery

or guesthouses and to join in the daily sitting sessions in the meditation

room. In twice-weekly classes, the 17 monks and students in residence

ponder how to become a stronger and more compassionate Buddhist

community. One way has been to invite outside groups, such as AA, to

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come to meetings. The program that began in 1988 was so successful ithas more than doubled in size. Participants who came with no knowl-edge or experience of Zen training have returned again and again, andmany now sit regularly.

As a result of reaching out to this and other groups, the monks havebecome less isolated, and the awareness of Zen practice is growing inthe world. As one monk wrote, "Real Zen practice opens out. It is wis-dom and compassion in action. . . . If compassion in action is present insociety, it will become clearly evident in the actions of that society."

In addition to the monastery and the 14-room lakeside guesthouse,there is also a lovely cottage for one or two in the woods.

Dai Bosatsu Zendo

I{CR 1, Box 171

Liaingston Manor, NY L2758(845) 439-4566 (9 A.M.-noott E.T.)

Accommodations: Monastery comfortably houses 75 men and womenin singles and doubles; guesthouse holds 20; meals are vegetarian andtaken in silence at the monastery; separate kitchen at the guesthouse;cottage in woods for 1 or 2; optional zazen with the community; workrequirement for those staying at the monastery; 2,000-volume library;lake, hiking on 1,400 acres; open year-round; suggested donation: 950 anight work/study students, $75 guests.

Directions: From New York City, follow Palisades Pkwy. to Rte. 6 West,to Rte. 17 West. From Rte. 17 West, take Exit 96 (Livingston Manor). Goright under Rte. 17. At the stop sign, turn right toward Lew Beach. Turnright again just past King's Katering, on Beaverkill Rd. After 12.6 miles,bear right at the Y intersection and go straight over the bridge, pastTurnwood. Follow the winding road past the white chateau on the right,which is 18.2 miles from Exit 96. In just under a mile, turn left into theentrance gate, and continue 2 miles to the monastery.

Elat ChayyimAccord, NY

'1

t l

Nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, Elat Chayyim, "tree of

life" in Hebrew, is located on 35 acres along a quiet country lane lined

with sheltering trees. Founded in7992by two Reconstructionist rabbis,

this center, once a ]ewish bungalow colony called Chait's Hotel, cele-

brates Jewish renewal and welcomes people from all branches of

Judaism-Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, Post-

Modern, and secular.

Rabbi Joanna Katz and Rabbi Jeff Roth have created the first realjewish retreat as a sanctuary to promote what they feel is a much

needed transformation in Jewish practice and spirituality. They, along

with others in this movement for Jewish renewal, bring the teachings of

Jewish mysticism to the center, rather than leaving them on the periph-

ery. They are building on contemporary spiritual sensibiiities inciuding

the experiences of women, and their programs reflect humanism,

transpersonal psychology, and an openness to other spiritual traditions.

They aim to develop an authentic Jewish practice for our time and for

those who feel alienated from their Jewish roots. This will, they hope,

have a healing effect on the individual, the family, the community, and

the planet.

The centerpiece of the main lodge is a ceiling-high stone fireplace sur-

rounded by picture windows that look out over the flower and veg-

etable gardens to the Catskills beyond. The spirit here is warm and

welcoming, and guests gather in front of the fireplace after dinner to

share stories, songs, poems, and dancing. Those who prefer quiet may

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!\,'ear a special button to indicate that they are observing silence, andmay dine in a separate room. No matter which dining room guestschoose, they will savor the gourmet vegetarian meals made with home-grown produce of which the center is justly proud.

Friday night and Saturday Shabbat services are held with much joy-ful singing and prayer, using a new Or Chadash, a prayer book withcompletely revised Psalms and prayers. Lovely walks are availablealong country roads and through surrounding fields, and quiet placesinside and out abound for reflection and contemplation.

A variety of retreats are held here throughout the year, in addition tothose for the Jewish holidays, including unique meditation retreats withvisiting Buddhist teachers, a men's retreat, a retreat for singles, and atraining for spiritual facilitators. separate children's programs are pro-vided as part of the weekend Shabbaton.

Elat Chayyim

A Center for Healing and Renewal99 Mill Hook Rd.Accord, NY 12404(800) 398-2630 or (914) 626-0157

Accommodations: 150 women, men, and chi ldren can be accommo-dated in singles, doubles, and quadruples, with private or shared baths,plus camping space for 20-30; delicious vegetarian, kosher food is pro-vided buffet-style in the spacious dining room looking out over thecountryside; Shabbat, all Jewish holidays, unique ]ewish programmingtailored to the needs of the group; available for b'nai mitzvahs, specialfamily celebrations, weddings, and group retreats; tennis, swimmingpool, hot tub, walking, pond on 35 country acres; help with meals,cleanup, and work on property welcomed; large yurt available for med-itation and meetings; open year-round; $50-$100 a day.

Directions: EIat Chayyim is 2 hours north of New York City via theNew York State Thruway to Exit 18. Complete directions will be mailedwhen reservations are made.

Park,Holy Cross Monastery.lNest

Park, NY

From the entrance plaque, which reads Crux est mundi medicina ("The

Cross is the healing of the world"), to the request that guests offer a

ptayer for the person who will next occupy their room, this monastery

reaches out to offer solace and comfort to all who come here.

Holy Cross Monastery is an Episcopalian community of monks who

follow the Benedictine traditions of monasticism. The monastery is

perched on26 acres bordering the Hudson River. The original building,

a large, rambling brick mansion, was completed in7904, and there have

been additions and modifications over the years. The refectory is of

superb design, with seven large arched windows looking out to mead-

ows and woods with the river beyond, an ever-changing art gallery of

the Hudson River School, painted daily by nature.

The guest rooms are generous by monastic standards, and can be

reached by elevator. They are clean, neat, and comfortable, many with a

river view. The monks observe a daily schedule of community prayer in

the chapel beginning at 6 4.u., with the last prayer service at 7:30 p.u.

The Great Silence begins at 9 p.v. and is observed until 8:15 the next

morning.

There is a regular series of retreats that explore subjects such as the

spiritual dimensions of writing and art, and examine the Benedictine

monastic experience, which emphasizes a balanced life of work, prayer,

and relaxation. Another program focuses onhealing and reaching out to

those in recovery.

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There is an ongoing artist-in-residence program in which serious,accomplished artists are given room and board and a place to work,based on their talent and need.

Below the chapel is the crypt where the founder of the community isinterred. There is a magnificent folk-art icon donated by two artists, freespirits who had borrowed the car of an Episcopal priest in Michigan,and were grounded nearby. Rather than returning to the Midwest toexplain their lengthy absence and the condition of the vehicle, whichthey had crashed into a tree, the artists agreed to take refuge at HolyCross and donate their artistic talents, which were considerable, to mak-ing icons for all of the monasteries in the order. This one depicts Father

James Huntington, the founder of the Order of the Holy Cross, withscenes of New York City, where the order began.

In any season, this is a lovely place to be. From the solitary walksalong the river to the many quiet nooks inside, where one can read qui-etly, the monks maintain a warm and inviting hospitality.

HoIy Cross Monastery

Box 99, Rte.9W

West Park, NY 12493(845) 384-6660

Accommadations: For men and women,39 rooms including 7 doubles;delicious, homemade communal meals and snacks served in a beautifuldining room overlooking the Hudson River; canonical hours;Elderhostels; walking trails through meadows and along the river; nicebookstore; "Creat Silence" 9 p.tr.-8:15 e.v.; closed Mondays and monthof August; write for prices.

Directions; From I-87 (New York State Thruway), take Exit 18 (New

PaItz). From the exit, turn right onto Rte. 299 East; take Rte. 299 to theend, where it meets Rte. 9W. Thke Rte. 9W North about 4 miles into thevillage of West Park. The monastery is in the center of the village onthe river side (right) of the road. Large signs are visible at the entranceto the drive.

Mount lrenaeusEranciscfln Mountain RetreatWest Clarksaille, NY

This mountain retreat, named after a revered Franciscan friar, is a 228-

acre farm high in the Allegheny Mountains, with views to the south and

east over the magnificently wooded western edges of the Appalachian

Range. The main house, which has a large living room with fireplace

and adjoining dining room and sun porch, is a gathering space for

meals. Cabins, off in the woods a respectable distance from the main

house and from each other, have kitchens where visitors can cook and

fend for themselves. Self-sufficiency in the context of community is

encouraged at Mount Irenaeus, and pitching a tent is also possible if vis-

itors are so inclined.

The chapel was framed in one weekend by a loyal grolrp of people

who wanted to contribute their energy by helping to build a communal

house of worship. The lovely structure was raised in a nondenomina-

tional spirit for the enjoyment of people of all religious persuasions. Set

apart from the main house and cabins, on one of the highest spots on the

farm, it looks down over the hills and valley.

The altar is in the center of the chapel; low steps lead down to i t .

Window seats are built beneath the large, clear windows which frame

the vistas beyond. Pillows are scattered about, as though someone's

comfortable home were temporarily being used as a place of worship.

The lower level of the chapel is a library where one may choose a book

to read.

Many of the programs are inspired by the thoughts and actions of St.

Francis of Assisi, who, with his early followers, went to the' n'oods and

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mountains to seek a clearer vision of life. There are also evenings ofprayer and reflection from the writings of Thomas Merton, who taughtat St. Bonaventure University before becoming a Ti'appist.

There is mucir to be done at this young retreat haven, and help isalways appreciated, whether it is weeding the garden, clearing brush,helping to cook or clean, chopping wood, or maintaining the hikingtrails. Yet none of this is required. The earnest hope of Mount Irenaeusis tl'rat people will come to enjoy the serenity ancl peace that is there, andthus find it within themselves. This is a contemplative community thatinvites people to share its life and prayer.

Maunt Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain RetreatP. O. Box 100

West Clarksaille, NY 1.4786

Q10 97s-2470

Accommodations: For 18 men, women, and chilclren. A new main housewith 3 guest rooms with commur-rity meals, tnanv made with vegetablesand fruit from their own garden, plus a 2-bedroom cabin and 5 her-mitages, most with plumbing, all with heating; daily mass, morning andevening prayer; potluck brunch following Sunday hturgy;228 moun-taintop acres for hiking, camping, working; open year-round; suggesteddonation: $25 a nieht.

Directiotts.' Located in western New York State near West Clarksville,172 hours southwest of Buffalo. From the northwest or west, take Rte.17 (Southern Tier Expressway) to Exit 28 (Cuba). Go south on Rte. 305to County Rte. 1. Turn left and drive 41/z miles. Take the secondunpaved road to the r ight ( iook for the MoUNT TRENAEUS sign). Bearright. Turn right at Robert's Rd. (sign is on the left). Go to the top of thehill on the left.

From the southeast or southwest, take I{te. .117 to Portvi l le. AtPortville, take Rte. 305 Nortir. Just past West Clarksville, turn right atCounty Rte. 1 and take the second unpaved ro.rc1 to tire right as above.

Mount Saaiour MonasteryPine City, NY

+I -'--I

----

The tree-lined road to Mount Saviour winds through long, rolling green

fields, dotted with grazing sheep, almost as if an artist had painted

them there to add color and poignancy. The Catholic Benedictine monks

first came to the top of this mountain, near Elmira, in 7951. They

acquired a farrn, and now hold close to 1,000 acres, about 250 of which

are cleared and fenced to maintain 600 sheep. To keep the monastery

self-sufficient, the wool is sold as yarn, rugs, and sleeping pads. The

spring shearing is an exciting time, when the monks round up the balky

flock to relieve them of their winter coats.

The monastery compiex is buiit around an octagonal chapel whose

tall spire rises above the central altar. The monks sing the canonical

hours here, and guests are welcome at all services. A bell is rung to call

all to worship, and the monks file in, wearing gray cowled habits. The

liturgy sung by these devout men is a moving and holy experience. At

the conclusion of Compline, the last service of the day, the monks

descend to the crypt, guests following, to sing the final prayer around

the candlelit 14th-century statue of Our Lady, Queen of Peace.

Single men stay in St. Joseph's, which was the first monastery build-

ing. Each room has a cot, a desk, a chair, and a small closet. The com-

mon washroom is at the end of the corridor. On the lower level is a

library and a large living room with chairs grouped or set singly by win-

dows that look onto the lawns and pastu.res. Coffee and tea can be made

in the kitchen, and meals are taken with the monks in the new

monastery nearby.

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Women and couples stay at St. Gertrude's, a refurbished farmhouse15 minutes'walk up the road from the chapel. This charming house has

clean, fresh rooms, watercolors of monastery scenes hung on the walls,

and homelike furnishings. Meals are served family-style in a glass-enclosed porch.

Guests are expected to structure their own time in a way that suits theirneed for quiet and reflection. There are many places on the property,indoors and out, to find solitude. One can wander into the fields and in

the evening look down to the Elmira Airport and watch the lights of thefar-off planes, or sit on lawn chairs, looking to the south, and see theglow from the villages in the valley below. The chapel is open all day,and in the crypt there are several altars, with clne section set apart forthe Blessed Sacrament.

Mount S az;iour Monastery

23l Monastery Rd.

Pine City, NY 14871(607) 734-1688 (10-10:30 a.m., 5-5:30 p.rtr. E.T.)

Accommodations: St. Gertrude's farmhouse has 3 doubles and 3 sin-gles for women and couples; 2 private cottages have 2 beds each, andkitchens; 15 men's singles are in St. Joseph's, in the original monastery;

community meals; n'ork opportunities on the farm; beautiful gift andbook shop. Open all year for stays of 2 nights or more; suggested dona-tion: $30 a night.

Directions; The monastery is just south of Elmira. From the east, on Rte.17 , take the second Elmira exit (Church St. / Rte . 352) . Follow Church St.thrcrugh the city to Rte. 225.Turn left on Rte. 225 and proceed 4 miles toMonastery Rd.

From the west, Rte. i 7 passes through Corning. Just past CorningHospital, at the last traffic light in town, turn right onto Rte. 225 andbear left. Proceed about 10-11 miles on Rte. 225 until you see the uouNr

sAVIouR sign on your left, directing you up the hill to the monastery.

Ngrw Skete CommunitiesCambridge,IJY

I

The term skete, originally the name of a remote settlement in theEgyptian desert, has come to mean a small, family-styie monastic com-

munity with one spiritual father. New Skete beiongs to the Orthodox

Church in America led by His Beatitude, Theodosius, Archbishop ofWashington and Metropolitan of All America and Canada.

In 7967, New Skete moved to 500 remote acres of steep, rocky land innorthern New York State. The monks have built two beautifully craftedtemples, both of unfinished wood. The first, erected in 7970, is topped

by gold cupolas or "onion" domes, giving the feeling of eastern Europe.

The interior is adorned with Byzantine icons, many painted by themonks. This temple is always open to visitors. A few steps away is the

second temple, dedicated in 1983 to Christ, the Wisdom of God. The

floors are of Italian marble, and the furniture and altar screen are carved

from ash, zebrawood, basswood, white oak, English brown oak-eachpiece a work of art. In the center of the altar stands the holy table of red

oak, in which relics of rnartyrs are sealed as a reminder of the Church's

baptism in blood. The high white walls give a sense of light-filled open-ness, and the acoustics are perfect. Given the rusticity of the outer struc-

ture and the remoteness of the iocation, this temple is like a iewel on amountaintop.

New Skete is three separate communities governed by one spiritualleader. Each community has separate quarters and works to contributeits skills for the good of the whole. The monks have their living quartersnext to the main temple. Nearby is a separate guesthouse with room for

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six. Visitors are expected to join the community for prayer and meals.

They can help with grounds maintenance, office, and kennel work (see

below), but this is not required. The nuns of New Skete have their or,r,n

convent a few miles away, where they bake world-class cheesecake that

is sold in their shop or by mail order. The Companions of New Skete,

the third group, are married couples who lir.e in Emmaus House, a sep-

arate residence on the property. They follow a religious rule, living and

working in community, worshiping daily with the monks and nuns

and support themselves by sewing, wear.ing, and some outside jobs.

For years New Skete monks have bred, raised, and trained German

shepherd dogs, for which they are known worldwide. Their definitive

book, Horu to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, has sold thousands of copies. The

monks also run a thriving mail-order business selling cured meats like

ham, bacon, and sausage, plus cheeses and condiments.The quality of their food products is reflected in their meals. Eating

properly is as important at New Skete as praying and working well. The

communities believe and practice that spirituality is a lived experience

rather than a perceived one. As one monk said, "Having to care for

other human beings roots you in spirituality."

New Skete Communities

P.O. Box 128

Cambridge, NY 128L6(518) 677-3928

Accornmodations: 6 men, women, and children can be housed here, but

only by reservation in advance with the guestmaster; delicious food;

attendance at services and meals required; 500 acres; closed Mondays

and for community retreats; $50 a night.

Direct ions: Cambridge is t hour northeast of Albany. From I-87(Northway) take Exit 7 and drive east to Hoosic Falls, to Rte. 22 Northto the town of Cambridge. Turn right at the only traffic light in town

onto East Main St.; drive 3 miles east, and turn right onto Chestnut Hill

Rd. Drive 1 mile and turn left onto New Skete Rd. Take this to the top

of the mountain; the road ends at the monastery church and gift shop.

Our Lady of the Resuruection MonasteryLa Grangeaille, NY

In a secluded area of Dutchess County, 22 acres of hilltop land are the site

of a rambling wooden Benedictine monastery. It was founded by Brother

Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourette, who had a vision of how a monk

should live. The resuit is a beautiful and simple place that continually

reminds one of man's connection to prayer, nature, art, and spirituality.

A small flock of sheep keep the grass under control around the

monastery and guesthouse; an herb and flower garden provides joy to

the eye and zest to the cooking; the bedrooms are decorated with warm

colors, and the living and dining rooms resemble a French country farm-

house. The chapel was constructed from stones found in the fields.

Brother Victor, who holds degrees in music, psychology, and educa-tion, was inspired by Father Peter Minard, a hermit and ascetic who

seemed to him a living icon. Victor felt called to this simple way of life,

following the duties and obligations of the Benedictine rules of hospi-

tality, counsel, compassion, and concern for the environment.

The chapel has a European flavor, and the design and decorative

touches are those of a master. Daily prayer services are held here,

morning, noon, and evening. Both Gregorian chant and High Church

Slavonic are used in the services. Meals are taken in the refectory,

whose windows and skylight look out to the trees and grounds. The

food is del icious, and many of the recipes can be found in Brother

Victor's popular cookbook, From a Monastery Kitchen Guests can stay

either in the monastery, where there are six single rooms, or in the plain

St. Scholastica Guest Flouse, which has a separate kitchen for pickup

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breakfast and snacks. Guesthouse visitors come to the monastery for

lunch and supper. An excellent library is available. There is one her-

mitage set off in the woods for anyone wanting to be completely alone.

The monastery is devoted to contemplation and simplicity. Each per-

son will approach this in a different way,but the monastery provides an

opportunity for all to rest and withdraw for a while, to escape the noise

and busy-ness of their lives.

Our Lady of the Resurrection Monastery

Barmore Rd.

La Grangeaille, NY 1.2540

Accommodations: For men and women, 6 beds in the guesthouse and

6 in the main house, plus a hermitage. Delicious meals (usually vege-

tarian) prepared by the author of From a Monastery Kitchen cookbook; 5

cats,2 dogs, 12 sheep; walks on rural roads; work possible on the farm

or in the gardens; nice gift shop; guesthouse closed January and first

half of February.

Write to the guestmaster for reservations, price, and directions 6

weeks in advance. Send stamped, self-addressed envelope.

St, Cuthbert's Retreat HouseBrewster, lr{Y

in 1959 a group of Episcopalian nuns of the Community of the HolySpirit discovered this property on a quiet country road with drystonewalls. The nuns had been seaching for a country retreat house wherethey could find some respite from the strenuous life of teaching andadministering their New York City school. The neighbors soon becameused to seeing the nuns go back and forth in Beulah, their old Buick con-vertible with the gleaming chrome teeth. The car had a leaky top, sowhen it rained the nuns would open up their umbrellas inside the car tokeep their habits dry.

On this 127 acres of woods and f ields is the original farm-nowcalled St. Cuthbglf/s-s147ned by the Sears family from 1810 to 1940. Inthe mid-1800s, after a trip to the West Indies, the senior Sears decided tobuild a veranda and a mansard roof, which meant adding a third story.The spacious and well-made house was ideal for the nuns, and it hasbeen beautifully restored. The rooms still have 19th-century furnish-ings, and there are rumors of a friendly ghclst who can be heard occa-sionally walking up the stairs during the day.

It seemed a natural step to open a day school here, as a means of sup-porting the country place, and to carry out the order's mission to edu-cate. In the early 1960s the nuns founded Melrose, with a few grades ofelementary school, and by 1970 they had to construct an entire buildingto accommodate more than 100 students, from kindergarten to eighthgrade. A convent wing was added to the new school building, and thenuns now live there.

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Just across the road is the more modern St. Aidan's, which is used for

smaller groups and private retreatants who want a few days in a beau-

tiful country setting.

Morning and evening prayers are offered by the community in two

chapels: one, used year-round, is in the school; the other, just behind St.

Cuthbert's and used mainly in mild weather, is a charming wooden

prayer house, built like a giant gazebo.

The nuns who live and work here have managed to establish a suc-

cessful educational program for the young while fulfilling their desire

for a spiritual life. It is this place and time for meditation and prayer that

they share with retreatants.

They also have a retreat house in New York City that welcomes those

who seek quiet.

St. Cuthbert's Retreat House

Federal Hill Rd.

Brewstet NY 10509

o1_q 278-26L0St. Hilda's House in Neut York Cita: (2L2) 932-8098 ext. 305

Accommodations: Singles and doubles for men and women, 17 beds at

St. Cuthbert 's and 8 at St. Aidan's; meals prepared at St. Cuthbert 's;

community prayer; 1.27 acres; can arrange work on property; open year-

round; suggested donation: $55 a night.

Directions; From New York City, take the Saw Mill River Pkwy. where

it merges with I-684 North. Follow I-684 to Rte. 22 (as if to Pawling, not

the first Brewster exit). After passing Heidi's Motel and a temple, at the

traffic light turn right onto Milltown Rd. Pass a cemetery and a small

bridge, then turn right immediately onto Federal Hill Rd. (watch for

MELRosE scHool sign). The retreat house is on the right.

Springwater CenterSpringwater,lfY

The Springwater Center began in7982, when Toni Packer, then a teacherat the Rochester Zen Center, left with a group of students to form theCenesee Valley Zen Center. Subsequently, the name was changed toSpringwater Center for Meditative Inquiry and Retreats. The new cen-te4, as Toni Packer explains, was born out of the need to question theforms of inherited Zen practice and the authority vested in religiousteachers and traditions. This process of inquiry has continued to shapethe activity of the center, responding to the needs of people workingtogether, both in and out of retreats. The traditional zen forms havebeen dropped. Toni is available to meet with people, both individualiyand in groups, during seven-day retreats and when she is in residence.

There is a spacious meditation room with tall windows that bathe thewood floors and walls in generous light. There is a solarium and a largekitchen as well as a room set aside for exercise, listening to taped talks,and reading. There are sleeping quarters for up to 40 people, many indormitory style, and guests bring their own linens or a sleeping bag.

Retreats lasting from four to ten days are scheduled regularly. Silenceis observed throughout to provide the opportunity for introspectionthat is so difficult in an active, busy life. There are sitting periods, a dailytalk, and individual and group meetings with Toni Packer, as well ascommunal work (meal preparation, housecleaning, and grounds main-tenance). Except for the work periods, all activities are optional. Time isset aside for exercise and rest. It is also possible to visit as a guest out-side of retreat times.

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The property has ample space for walking, hiking, or cross-country

skiing. One can explore the old farm ponds or just find a quiet place

beneath a tree. The center is on 200 acres in a beautifully remote section

of western New York, yet within an hour's drive of Rochester. It has

superb views of the surrounding hills and valley.

Springwater Center

71.79 Mill St.

Springwater, NY 1,4560(716) 669-2741_

Accommodations: Room for 40 men and women on retreat; partici-

pants are house d 2-4 in a room during retreats; at other times guests

usually have private rooms; rooms are simple with shared bathrooms;

vegetarian meals; hot tub; hiking; open year-round; call or write for

retreat schedule and fees, which range from $21.50 to $50 a night.

Directions: The Springwater Center is located about 40 miles south of

Rochester. From I-90, take I-390 South. At Exit 9 (Lakeville/Conesus),

drive south on Rte. 15 for about 18 miles; at this point there is a sign

with flashing yellow lights at the side of the road. Take the next left off

Rte. 15, which is Mil1 St. The center is the third driveway on your left.

Still Point HouseStillwater, NY

Taking the name "Still Point" from T. S. Eliot's Four Quartets, in 1972Dominican sister Sylvia Rosell wrote a proposal to her order for a houseof prayel, seeking support for one year. After only six months, the ven-ture became self-sufficient, and her ministry of bringing life and prayercloser together continues to grow. Her directed and guided retreats arecombined with holistic health programs, yoga, meditation (the jesusprayer), and zazen, with some time for winter and summer sports.

still Point is one of the quietest places imaginable. The 3O-acre prop-erty appears neighborless, a spot cclmpletely overlooked by the rest ofthe world. The main building, Hospitality House-a reconditionedfarmhouse-has space for seven to sleep in small, comfortable rooms.There is a chapel with a circular window behind the altar that looksout on the woods. Morning and evening prayer sessions includeMatins at7:30 R.v. and Vespers and meditation in the late afternoon,just before supper. A priest comes to say mass three t imes a week.Down the hall from the chapel is the dining/living room where guestsmeet to share an evening vegetarian meal. Breakfast and lunch arepickup styie in the kitchen.

There are five small hermitages off in the woods, a short walk fromthe main house. Those on hermitage retreat can take food back or jointhe other guests at the evening meal. Just beiow the main house is atranquil pond next to Meditation Park, a landscaped area with benchesfor quiet contemplation. Beyond the park, on a little hill, are outdoorstations of the cross and a Native American medicine wheel.

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Still Point's focus is spiritual growth through the heaiing process of

meditation, prayer, solitude, and quiet. The name of the community

truly reflects its purpose. As Sister Sylvia says, "As soon as you stop the

train, you can see what cargo you're cartytng."

Still Point House of Prayer

R D l

Stillzuater, NY 12170(518) 587-4967

Accommodations: Open to men, women, and chi ldren as extended

family; 7 in the main house, 5 hermits in 4 hermitages; pickup breakfast

and lunch and vegetarian dinner with the community; prayer, medita-

tion, yoga; 30 acres with meditation park and Native American medi-

cine wheel, pond; open year-round; suggested donation: $25 a night in

the main house and $30 in the hermitages.

Directions: Still Point ts 2.2 miles south of Saratoga Lake. From I-87

(Northway), take Exit 12 to U.S. 9 North, then take Rte. 9P East to Rte.

423, right on Rte. 423 for about 2.2 rniles, then right on Land Fill Rd. to

the end. Turn right up the drive.

Tr ansfigur ati o n Mo n a ste ryWindsor, NY

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rn 7979 three Benedictine nuns joined together to live a simple monas-tic iife on 100 acres of fields and woodland in the Susquehanna Valley,near Binghamton. one of these three, Sister Mary Placid, remembersback in 1930 meeting two young American boys who were takingappies from her backyard in her native France. The boys subsequentlybecame her friends, and after she entered the convent she continued topray for them. Years Later, when she read The Seuen storey Mountain, shediscovered that her childhood friends were Thomas Merton and hisbrother John Paul.

Both the monastery and the cozy guesthouse are built of logs andheated by woodstoves. The guesthouse has a kitchen where visitorsmay prepare their own breakfast with the basics provided. Preparedfood is brought to the guesthouse kitchen in a picnic basket for lunchand supper. Sometimes, on Sundays and other special occasions, guestseat with the community in the monastery refectory.

The community meets four times a day to sing the liturgy in thechapel, which is decorated with extraordinary icons. Guests are wel-come at all services.

There is a golf course adjacent to the property, where one of the nunsregularly strolls the border, a good place to pray. If she finds a golf ball,she brings it back and adds it to the monastery's collection. These ballsare cleaned, put into egg cartons, and sold back to the world, labeled"Holy in One." The sisters have a winery with wine bottled under theSt. Benedict Winery label. One sister does superb icon painting, and

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periodically the monastery sponsors retreats and conferences. For a

while the nuns operated a catering business, but this took them away

from home too much. However, they still provide delicious food and it's

worth a visit iust for that. But there's more here. As one nun said, "A

monastery is a sacred space for sacred time. People are attracted for that

reason."

Tr an sfi gur ati o n M on a stery

701N,Y. Rte.79

Windsor, NY 13865(607) 655-2366

Accommodations: For men, women, and children, singles and dou-

bles for 6-8 in a guesthouse and a hermitage on 100 acres in the

Susquehanna Valley; delicious cooking; prayer 4 times daily; monastery

shop sells monastery's wine, homemade jams, and salsa, and religious

books and articles; open year-round; $3S a night, or freewill donation.

Directions: Located near Binghamton. From Rte. 17 take Exit 79 onto

Rte. 79 South for 3 miles. The driveway for the monastery is just before

the golf course sign on the right before you reach the course itself.

Zen Mountain MonasteryMount kemper, NY

Located deep in the Catskill Mountains, the 200 acres of nature sanctu-ary that make up the monastery grounds are bordered by the Beaverkilland Esopus rivers. The property is surrounded by thousands of acres ofNer,l'York State Forest preserve and has miles of hiking trails. The mainbuilding, a well-crafted four-story stone structure built in the early 20thcentury, contains a iarge meditation hall, classrooms, a dining room,and a library. Here too are the sleeping quarters for guests andretreatants, in dormitories with communal bathrooms. Visitors shouldbring a sleeping bag or blanket, a towel, and loose, comfortabie clothingfor sitting and outside work.

Since the monasterv opened ten years ago, it has become known forone of the most rigorous and authentic Zen training programs in theunited States. Retreatants for weekend or week-long programs enterthe routine of the monastery itself. The emphasis here is on practicerather than on formal teaching. Each activity provides a mirror to studythe self, from the moment the r,r'ake-up bell sounds for eariy-morningzazen, foilowed by chanting and a ceremonial breakfast that providesan opportunity to observe the effect of the foods on the body, and so onthroughout the day. Staff and guests work silently together doing care-taking, a practice of giving back to the buildings and grounds some ofthe benefits received from them.

All meals are taken buffet-style in the dining hall, and each personhelps to clean up afterward. The afternoons are spent according to theretreat schedule, either with continuing work practice, classical Zen art

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and contemporary art, martial arts, or reading. The focus of each and

every moment is the "still point" of Zen; the ultimate aim, to make of

one's life an expression of one's practice.

The concentrated simplicity c:f Zen is more than a philosoph!; it is a

way of life tracing back to the Buddha himself. The path of concentra-

tion development, through sitting zazen, helps bring body, breathing,

and mind into harmony so that we may realize that we are not separate

from other people. Neither are we limited to any one religion or cultural

tradition. From this understanding, compassion and empathy for all

human beings arises naturally.

Zen Mountain Monastery

Box 197 RB, South Plank Rd.

Mount Tremper, NY 12457(914) 688-2228

Accommodations: For 45 men and women. Cuests stay in dormitories

in the monastery. Private rooms and cabins are for monks, staff, and

long-term program attendees. Vegetarian meais; work required of all

guests; open year-round; from $165 for a weekend to $325 for a week.

Directions: Located 120 miles north of New York City and 80 miies

south of Albany. From I-87 (New York State Thruway) take Exit 19

(Kingston). At the traffic circle, take Rte. 28 West (Pine Hill) for 20 miles

to the junction of Rte. 212 on the right. Take Rte. 212 to the first 4-way

intersection; turn left. The monastery gate is on the right, a block after

the turn.

Aaila Retreat CenterDurham, NC

Original ly founded in 1958 as a Carmeli te monastery for cloisterednuns, Avila is noln' owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese ofRaleigh as an ecumenical retreat center. A one-mile meditation trailwinds through the gently sloping 51 acres of woods and meadows.Named after St. Teresa of Avila, who lived in Spain during the 16th cen-tury, the original building was designed like a European monastery. Themain building acts as a buffer from the outside worid, protecting thepeaceful inner courtyard of landscaped lawns, bushes, and flowers.Walkways lead back to comfortable cottages built a short distance fromthe main building, which has a dining room (the food is excellent),meeting rooms (with cushioned rocking chairs), and a chapel. A smallcommunity of sisters lives here and, with the help of many local voiun-teers, offers groups and individuals a place of hospitality, healing, andunity. "There is a healing process here, a spiritual energy noticed bylr.arty," said the director, Sister Damian Jackson.

The center was the first in the diocese to offer retreats for separated,divorced, and widowed persons, charismatic retreats, and one called"The Joyful Christ" which focuses on humor in religion. There are avariety of programs for people of all denominations including specialprograms for abused women and adult children of alcoholics, refresherdays for young mothers, and retreats for teenagers, disabied people,teachers, families, and senior adults. They have "programs that touchevery human need." Directed and private retreats are available onrequest. Since 7983, more than 20,000 people have spent time here.

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Many put away their watches and follow the rhythm of the bells that

call to meals, meetings, and praver.

Avila's ecumenism may have peaked recently when the sisters were

invited to be spiritual leaders at another retreat center. One described it:"So here were Catholic nuns giving a retreat to Methodists at a Baptist

retreat center!"

Sister Damian has won wide recognition for her efforts here. She has

been nominated two consecutive years for Durham's Woman of

Achievement Silver Medallion Award and honored as "a role model

and inspiration to the women of Durham community, dernonstrating

unusual and extraordinary accomplishments in her chosen field." Avila

reflects that.

Aztila Retreat Center

71L Mason Rd.

Durham, NC 27712(919) 477-'t285

Accommodations: Rooms for 54 men and women in 7 cottages all with

private patios front and back leading to gardens, very comfortable,

lovely singles and doubles, with shared baths; rocking chairs, VCR, TV

overhead projector in conference rooms; home-cooked meals served in

pretty dining room decorated with original art including Sister

Damian's nature photographs; famous for their ravioli and vegetable

beef soup; kitchen open to guests all night; picnic tables outside for

warm-weather dining; chapel and small prayer chapel available; 51

landscaped and wooded acres with meditation traTl; gazebo will hold

up to 25; hammock; gift shop; library; open year-round; wheelchair-

accessible; donation of $45 a night with 3 meals.

Directions; From Raleigh take I-40 West to Freeway North. Exit at Duke

St./U.S. 501 North Bypass, which becomes Duke St. From Chapel Hill

take U.S. 75/U.5.501 North Bypass. From Greensboro take I-85 North

and exit at U.S. 15/U.S. 501 North. Duke St. in Durham becomes

Roxboro Rd. Go about 10 miles on Duke and Roxboro and move to the

left lane when you see the grass median. Turn left on Mason Rd. In 1'6

miles you will see the AVILA sign. Turn left and drive into parking lot.

Southern Dharmfl Retreat CenterHot Springs, NC

About one and a half hours north of Asheville, in the rugged and remote

mountains of western North Carolina, at the end of a long, winding dirt

drive, is an upper valley of Hap Mountain. The center is located in a

place far removed from the distractions of everyday life. Here individ-

uals can come to nurture a sense of peace and uncover the truth within

the heart, to study and practice the dharma and do the inner work we

are all sooner or later called to do.

In the late 1970s, after some time studying in California, Elizabeth

Kent and Melinda Guyol shared the idea of starting; a retreat center

somewhere in the mountains. Thev both wanted to work at something

they believed in and felt was worthwhile. The land was acquired in 1978

and five years were spent ciearing, buildirrg, rernodeling, and improv-

ing roads. During this phase, a few programs were sponsored, and

gradually the new retreat center became known. More and more people

visited, offering help, caring about the place, and in 1995 there were 22

retreats scheduled.

A small community lives here, maintains the buildings, and prepares

for retreatants. Individuals can come for their own spiritual purposes in

between scheduied groups. There are a few private rooms with shared

baths and a dormitory in a finely constructed main house. The kitchen

is off the dining room where a potbelly stove warms the body and the

heart. The meditation hall with polished wood floors is a short distance

from the main house and was being modified in 1995 to be accessible to

the handicapped.

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This is not a facility that follows one tradition or follows a single spir-

itual leader. Teachers from a variety of traditions are invited to give

meditation retreats. The facility is maintained as a supportive environ-

ment where trutl-l is expressed in many forms, acknowledging that spir-

i tual growth is individual, each person's response is unique, and

different spir i tual paths answer dif ferent needs. The unifying theme

here is an emphasis on meditation, contemplation, and silence.

Southern Dhsrms Retreat Center

1661West Rd.

Hot Sprines, NC 28743(828) 622-7112

Accommodations: Shared rooms and lovely dorm with skylights for up

to 32 women and men, pius hermitages for private retreats with nearby

outhouses; vegetarian meals prepared by staff and served in dining

room not far from comfortable sitting room with wood-burning fire-

pla:e; zendo open at all times for meditation;22 retreats a year of siience

and meditation from 3-10 da1's with a variety of teachers (Zen, Vipas-

sana, Tibetan, Ta<list); strong women's influence-founded by women,

one manager must be a woman; remote mountainous location, great

hiking, comfort.rble gathering place, good library; private retreatants

$30 a night; retreat costs vary depending on length from $40-$55 a night

including meals; work exchanse ar.ailable.

Directions; Retreat is 11/2 hours north of Asheville. Ask to have direc-

tions to this remote place sent to you when you make yollr reservation.

Arrangements can be made to pick you up at Asheville airport.

Annunciation PrioryBismarck, ND

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In June 1944, sisters from St. Benedict 's Convent in St. Joseph,Minnesota (see page 277), gathered in the Bismarck, North Dakota, dio-cese to start an independent foundation. They committed themselvesto serve the people of the region. As Kathleen Norris wrote tn Dakota,"The High Plains, the beginning of the desert west, often act as a cru-cible for those who inhabit them. Like Jacob's angel, the region requiresthat you wrestle with it before it bestows a blessing." Ftfty years later,the blessings are evident: a hospital, a medical center, and the Uni-versity of Mary.

In the 1950s, the sisters acquired land a few miles south of Bismarck,on a bluff looking over the Missouri River and the plains beyond. They

were able to persuade Marcel Breuer, who was working on the designfor St. John's Abbey church (see page 128) in Collegeville, Minnesota, tobe the architect. Internationally known, Breuer designed the UNESCObuilding in Paris and the Whitney Museum in New York. One sisterremembers him sitting alone for hclurs on the spot where the priorynow stands, allowing his imagination to express "in static materials-stone, concrete, glass-the drive toward the spiritual." He mused: "The

inanimate structure should reflect vibration of thought, emotion, andbelief." The design also reflects Benedictine values of permanence, sta-bility, and simplicity. Breuer used sun and shadow as metaphors toblend oppositions without diminishing either. He worked fieldstoneand flagstone, reinforced concrete, and cantilevered stairways into aunified whole. The 1O0-foot-high bell banner makes a distinctive

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silhouette on the landscape and marks the approach to the chapel. TheV-shaped concrete supports for the cloister walkway rest on native flag-

stone, and the flue tiles across the building front give a sense of enclo-

sure. Breuer suggested that no trees or bushes be allowed to interferewith the lines of the structure. Carpets of grass are carefully tended. The

hand of a master designer is evident everywhere outside and in. The

main chapel has a west window predominantly amber and violet (set-

ting of the sun), and the east window is rose with blue (rising sun).The sisters have a few rooms for guests who share cafeteria-style

meals with the community. There is morning, noon, and evening prayer

and daily mass with times varying according to the season. Private and

directed retreats can be arranged for both men and women. The 9O-acreproperty, which includes the University of Mary campus, offers manypleasant walks with serene views from the bluff down and across thewide Missouri.

Annunciation Priory

7250 Uniaersity Dn

Bismarck, ND 58504(701) 255-1520

Accommodations: A few rooms in the guest wing of the priory for men

and women interested in private or directed retreats; meals with com-munity cafeteria-style in dining room; daily mass and community

prayer morning, noon, and evening; library; indoor pool at university;

campus walking on 90 acres; $25 per night.

Directions; Take l-94 to Exit 83, then left at stop sign; follow State St. to7thSt., take left on 7th to end, then right on University Dr. past airport;just beyond university buildings, right to priory.

Assumption AbheyRichardton,l'ID

In1993, Assumption Abbey celebrated its 100th anniversary as a monas-t ic community. Back in \899, Benedict ine monks from Devil 's Lake,

North Dakota, moved here and became an integral part of the settlingclf the Dakota Territory. The pioneer spirit and zeal of the missionary

monks, soon joined by Native Americans, developed a strength andcharacter still exemplified by their work. The monks purchased land onthe edge of the viilage, served as missionary priests to the German-Russian and German-Hungarian settlers, founded schools that became

a college and seminary, suffered through financial difficulties in the

1920s brought on by overexpansion, then stuck it out with resourceful-

ness. Today the school has closed, and the monks work as farmers and

printers, as pastors to local churches, and as teachers at midwestern

colleges.

The abbey has 2,000 acres on which the monks raise cattle for market

and ducks and geese for their own table. They sell wine under their ownlabel, produce their own honey, grow their own vegetables, and bake

their own bread. Visitors take meals cafeteria-style with the monks inthe dining room, where a wall of windows looks north across the prairie40 miles to the Killdeer Mountains. The monastery sits on a bluff at theedge of the prairie sea. At night, the lights of an occasional car along aroad a few miles west look like a small boat crossing.

The communitv and guests pray together in the church morning,

noon, and evening and mass is at 5 Ll,t. Monastery g;uests can join the

monks in the choir stalls.

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There are seven guest rooms in the monastery with private baths. Aguesthouse has room for another 20 with shared bathrooms, and from

June through October there is a dormitory that can accommodate a largegroup. There are no organized retreats, so individuals should be pre-pared to plan their own time. A monk is available for discussion ifrequested. There is a program for single men who would like to experi-ence the Benedictine way of life.

There are many advantages to living on the northern Great Plains,one monk explained: "We have four distinct seasons here, and we geteach one several times a year." No matter what the weather, it's a fineplace to visit. In between sleep, prayer, and meals, there are acres ofprairie to explore. Author Kathleen Norris, who wrote much of Dakotahere, advises: "Check where the bulls are before hiking the pastures!"

Assumption Abbey

P.O. Box A

Richardton, ND 58652(701) 974-331-5

Accommodations: 7 rooms for men and women, each with privatebath, in monastery guest wing; guesthouse has room for 20 with com-munity bathrooms; 46 doubles for groups ]une-October; mealscafeteria-style in community dining room; daily mass and morning,noon, and evening prayer with monks; gift shop; prairie hiking on 2,000acres; $25 per night.

Directions; From Bismarck take I-94 West to Richardton exit, go intotown and look for church steeples.

fesuit Retreat HouseCleaeland, OH

In the Cleveland suburb of Parma, there are 50 acres of forest, much of

it native hardwoods, a substantial part in old-grort'th oak trees, sur-

rounded by fences that mark this 1O0-year-old retreat. The property was

acquired in 1893 to be used for Jesuit schoiars. In 1898, three laymen

came seeking spiritual direction in the Exercises of St. Ignatius. This was

the first lay retreat given here and probably one of the first in the

Midwest. Since then, the retreat programs have grown and evolved fol-

Iowing the Jesuit philosophy of "finding God in ail things."

Until 1967, the facilities had a dual function as a seminary and retreat

house. In that year, the seminary program was moved to Colombiere,

Michigan, and the mission of the retreat house evolved more fully.

Maintaining the ministry of St. Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises, the pro-

grams foster spiritual and personal growth in men, women, and chil-

dren, religious and clergy. The first women's retreat was held in 7968,

and in the following year, 1,500 high school students attended. In addi-

tion, there are individually directed weekend retreats, 6-, 8-, and 30-day

retreats, and weekly meetings over an eight-month period that offer the

19th Annotation form of the Spiritual Exercises.

There are days of recollection for senior citizens, priests, and teachers;

many programs that encourage spiritual self-expression through poetry,journaling, and autobiography. There are family-oriented weekends

such as Engaged Encounter, Mother-Daughter Retreats, and Couples

Night Out. There are programs specifically for women, and others such

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as Strategy: Planning from a Business Perspective with God's Approval.Here you feel as though you've entered an oasis, buffered from the

outside world by the trees; the beauty of the well-tended landscape, thepaths through the woods, the comfortable rooms and generous food, allcombine for an opportunity for spiritual sustenance.

lesuit Retreat House

5629 State Rd.

Cleveland, OH 44134(440) 884-9300

Accommodations: Rooms for 60 men and women, common baths;dining room with professional staff; scheduled retreats throughoutyear; daily mass; wheelchair access by elevator; walking trails through50 acres of woods; open year-round; retreats have set fees, scholarshipsavailable; overnight $30-$40.

Directions.' From downtown Cleveland take I-77 south to I-480 west,exit on State Rd., turn left and go about 2 miles, then left onto grounds.

Osage+Monastery Eorest of PeaceSand Springs, OK

This is a community founded with the specific purpose of uniting the

spiritual traditions of East and West. The concept took visible shape in

1975 when Sister Pascaline Coff, a former prioress general of the

Benedictine Congregation, along with other sisters, acquired 40 acres of

secluded, wooded property 25 miles west of Tillsa, Oklahoma. Named

Osage Monastery, after the American Indian territory it is in, its initials,

OM, form the sacred Eastern word for the Divine.

This American Christian ashram has drawn a composite from many

spiritual paths. The chapel has icons and symbols from Native

American, Flindu, Jewish, and Buddhist traditions. A transparent taber-

nacle is in the front corner of the room with a lighted candle marking

the resting place for the Eucharist. The large windows look out to the

forest, and there are warm wooden floors and a sunken circle which

holds the polished wood-slab altar. One can sit on the circle's edge or

use meditation znfus or mats. The community meets here for medita-

tion, prayer services, satsang, and daily Eucharist. Visitors and guests

are welcome at all services.

Retreatants stay in individual cabins with showers and toilets. Meals

are self-serve breakfast with dinner and supper taken with the commu-

nity in the Long House. Food can be arranged for those who wish for

complete solitude. f'here are no formal retreats, but spiritual direction is

available if requested.

The pattern of each day follows the goals of the founding members.

First is to give priority to contemplative prayer for the community and

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those who come to pray; second, a process that is ongoing to create amonastic ashram community, which is a place of simple lifestyle andintense spiritual exercises, open to all religions; third, to adore as a wayof life, not just a period of time but the whole of life; and fourth, "to seekafter peace and pursue it," to reaiistically pursue peace and justice, andwhat's fitting for this particular lifestyle.

The noted writer Father Bede Griffiths spent a month here in 1992,and he called it the most peaceful place he'd ever been. This astonishedthe community since they felt he had been a gift and joy for them. Onesister was asked , "What are your dreams for the future?" She laughedand replied: "This is it. We're not dreaming. We're living." Here thefuture is now, and what a beautiful future it is.

Osage+Monastery Forest of Peace

18701W. Monastery Rd.

Sand Springs, OK 74063(918) 245-2734

Accommodations: Single-room cabins with toilets and showers for 6men and women; except for self-serve breakfast, meals with communityin Long House; daily meditation morning, noon, afternoon, and com-munion service; library; walking trails on 40 acres; open year-roundexcept 2 weeks in spring for community solitude; freewill offering.

Directions.' From Tulsa take U.S. 64 West beyond Sand Springs to exitat777 West Ave.; turn right on777 West Ave. for 1 mile to Anderson Rd.,left on Anderson Rd. for 1/2 mlle to Ridge Ave. (entrance to Shell CreekWest), right on Ridge Rd. to Lakeview Dr., a gravel road into the woods;right on Lakeview to monastery sign.

Breitenbush Hot SpringsDetroit, OR

;::;:4;-;.7;:;:a='t#i#fr!ilt&

Named after Peter Breitenbush, who explored the Willamette Valley in

the 1840s, these hot springs were used by Native Americans for cen-

turies. The different tribes set aside their rivalries ano feuds during their

time here, recognizing this to be a sacred place for healing. Located in

the Cascade Mountains, the springs are surrounded by the Willamette

National Forest with its mountains, canyons, cascading streams, and

rivers. The Breitenbush River flows through the 86 acres of the retreat,

and these rushing waters, through the use of an ingenious hydroelectric

plant, provide the electricity for the center; geothermal heat is taken

from the same source that provides the artesian-flow hot springs.

A group of 45 people lives on the grounds, maintains the more than 40

rustic cabins, provides three well-prepared vegetarian meals a day, and

organizes an array of programs and services that satisfy the most eclec-

tic tastes. The community is committed to sharing its spiritual practice

with all guests. There is daily morning meditation, a yoga session, and a

spiritual spinal-maintenance program called EDGU-a series of upper-

body movements that is excellent for rehabilitating the back.

The scheduled events, usually around weekends, offer courses in

relationships, including men's and women's issues, healing arts, mas-

sage and bodywork, the environment, and self-transformation such as

holotropic breathwork. Evening activities include concerts, storytelling,

drumming circles, sing-alongs, and dancing. There is a monthly sweat

lodge ceremony. Elderhostel courses are also offered through Western

Oregon State College.

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There is a parking arca at the edge of the property where you trans-fer bags into a cart in order to reach the snug wooden cabins, all ofwhich have heat and electricity and basic furnishings but only abouthalf of which have plumbing. There are community bathhouses nearby.Bedding can be rented or you can bring your own sleeping bag.

The staff offers full-body or focused-area massage, as well ashydrotherapy and herbal wrap. The several hot springs are a delight toslip into on a cold night, with only the sounds of the river flowing nearby,the outline of the mountains delineated against the clear, star-marked sky

"Breitenbush," as founder Alex Beamer wrote, "is a grand experimentto find better ways for people to live, work, and play together. Weexplore and practice helping others evolve to their highest potential,through psychological processing, spiritual practice, having fun, serv-ing others, and taking good care of the body. We honor all paths respect-ful of people and the earth."

Breitenbush Hot Springs

P.O. Box 578

Detroit, OR 97342(503) 854-331-4

Accommodations: More than 40 rustic cabins with electricity and heatfor men, women, and children, some with private baths, some with 2bedrooms, all with double bed plus l or 2 other beds or bunks; platformtents with mattresses June to September; tasty home-cooked vegetarianmeals; daily well-being programs, morning circle (in Sanctuary), EDGU,yoga; property surrounded by 1.6-million-acre Willamette NationalForest; weekend programs from ancient forest hikes to expanding yourinner light; cross-country skiing, journal-writing workshops, massageavaiiable; swimming hole, 3 geothermal hot tubs and 1 coid plungewith bathing suits optional, meadow pools with natural hot springsoverlooking river, mountains; hot mineral steam sauna with cold watertub; evening storytelling in front of fire, jam sessions, etc.; open yeabround; $50 a day per person with 2 in a room, $60-$70 per person in pri-vate cabin, includes 3 meals; bedding and towel rental available if youdon't bring your own.

Directions: I-5 North to Hwy. 22 East to Detroit. At only gas station intown, turn left onto Hwy. 46 (see BRETTENBUsU 10 MrLES sign). 100 feetpast Cleator Bend Campground, take a right over bridge and followsigns, taking every left turn after bridge to Breitenbush parking lot.

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Menucha Retreat and Confereflce CenterCorbett, OR

One of the approaches to Menucha from Portland, only 22 miles to the

west, is along the old scenic highway that follows the contour of the

Columbia River past waterfalls that tumble from heights of more than

100 feet. This 99-acre retreat is on a bluff 800 feet above the river where

the views east and west of the great gorge are awesome. The site was

purchased in 1950 by Portland's First Presbyterian Church as a place

where individuals and groups could get away for a while to study,

reflect, and renew. The Hebrew word nrcnucha means rest, peace, or

repose-an apt description for this inspirational location. One can't

help but be calmed and quieted by the vast panoramas.

This was once the private home of Jul ius L. Meier, governor of

Oregon from 1930 to 7934, and presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin

Delano Roosevelt were guests here. The building, now called Wright

Hall, was completed in 1927 and contains the central dining room as

well as a meeting area. The great hall, with its huge stone fireplace, is

large enough to hold 100 people. There are also eight dormitory rooms

with adjoining bathrooms for up to 48 persons in this pleasant building.

Other facilities on the property offer homelike accommodations from an

apartment for individuals or families to dormitory sleeping arrange-

ments. There is an array of group meeting spaces for 10 to 50 in eight

different buildings.

The professional staff that manages the facility seems unflappable

while maintaining a coulltry home atmosphere and making it possible

for many to come and share the place. The spirituality of the setting

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seems to touch all who visit. As one guest noted, "This is the most nur-turing center I've ever been in, ancl I've been in a bunch of 'em!"

There are trails through the woods and different viewpoints for look-ing across the gorge to the far mountains. Here tensions decrease andthe mind becomes still. On the wall of the manager's office hangs areminder: "What I do today is very important, because I am exchanginga day of my life for it."

Menucha Retreat and Conference Center38711- E. Crozun Point Hwa.

P.O. Box I

Corbett, OR 97019(503) 695-2243

Accommodations: 160 beds for mL-n, \^/omen, and children in semi-private rooms and dorms, in B separate sleeping areas; delicious home-cooked meals with homemade bread and cookies;99 acres on bluff

overlooking the Ccllumbia River gorge with hiking, swirnming, tennis;open year-round except for a few days at Christmas; $33 a day, with

special rates for longer stays or private room or cottage.

Directions; 22 miles east of Portland via I-84 to Corbett, Exit 22. Driveup Corbett Hill Rd. to the Scenic H*'y. Turn left and drive 17a miles eastto the gate on the left.

Mount Angel Abbey Retreat HouseSt, Benedict, OR

4'd

In the lush Willarnette Valley, between the Cascades and the Coast Range,

there has been a community of Benedictine monks for more than 100

years. In 1882, a contingent from Engelberg, Switzerland, came to the lit-

tle town of Fillmore-the name was later changed to Mount Angel-and

acquired more than 1,000 acres of land. The buildings of the abbey were

eventually constructed on a butte overlooking the valley to meet the

needs of the growing community, whose history as a place of education

is an integral part ot the Northwest. TWice major fires destroyed part cif

the complex, but now the hilltop resembles a college campus where the

main church is the focal point. Here the 55 monks sing the canonical

hours. The church has a high vaulted roof over the altar and a choir sec-

tion where the monks' doubie-row pews face each other, one sideresponding to the other during the sung liturgy. There is seating for hun-

dreds in the main section, and Sunday services are very popular.

In 1970, the library buiiding was completed. This 44,000-square-foot

three-story structure was designed by the Finnish architect Alvar

Aaito. Made possible by a donation from the Vollum family, which

founded Tektronix, the library hcluses more than 250,000 r'olumes in

theology, language, philosophy, the arts, social sciences, and natural

history. Designed to be user-friendly, the collection is on a state-of-the-art computer system and there are 70 nooks for individual study.There is a comfortable reading room with 600 current periodicals,a music iistening room, and an auditorium that is an acousticaliy per-fect space. There are more than 100 seminary students who l ive at

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the abbey and are engaged in undergraduate and graduate studies.A few steps from the church is a retreat and guesthouse with 30

rooms, each with private batl'r. 'fhe

rooms are nicely furnished and wellmaintained. A ior.r'er lounge has a snack area where hot drinks arealways available. Meals are provided here or in the seminary diningrooln across the lawn. There is a chapel for quiet meditation and prayer.

The retreat programs are designed for contemporary spiritual needs,

and reach out to mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, married cou-ples, professionai groups, and groups from other religious denomina-tions. Private retreatants are accommodated.

Years ago, stone seats were found on top of the hill where the buildingsnow stand. Local Indians reveaied that their ancestors had used thesestones when they wanted to speak with the Great Spirit. In those days thebutte was called Thp-a-Lam-a-Flo, the Mount of Communion. "You call itMount Angel," one Indian said, "and you built a more elaborate structurethan the stone seats of the natives, but its purpose will forever be the same-a mount of communion and prayer for unknown ages."

Down the road is the Shalom Prayer Cerrter at Queen of AngelsMonastery, a smaller center run by Benedictine nuns. See page 289 in"Other Irlaces" fclr details.

Mount Angel Abbey Retreat House

St. Benedict, OR 973731503) 845-3025

Accommodations: 30 private rooms with twin beds, bath, and telephonein each for men, women, and children; cafeteria meals; mass plus prayer6 times daily in substantial church; self-guided walking tour map; "Glad

for What He Has Made," a lovely guide to the trees, shrubs, flowers, andbirds of Mount Angel Abbey; special retreat weekends including annualBach Festival, artists' retreat, flight attendants' retreat; Easter retreatincludes a Passover dinner and wonderful Easter ceiebrations; outsiderscan attend courses at the theological graduate school; beautiful library;closed 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving; suggested donation: $35 aday per person. The retreat house is often booked to capacity.

Directions: From the south, take I-5 to Salem, Market St./Sih,'erton exit.Follow signs to Mount Angel (Market to Lancaster to Silverton). Abbeyis on the right on the far edE;e of town of Mount Angel on Rte. 213. Fromthe north, take Woodburn/Si lverton exit and foi low Rte. 214 to theabbey on the left.

Our Lody of Guadalupe Trappist AbbeyLafayette, OR

In 1955, after seven years in New Mexico, this community moved to

Oregon seeking greater seclusion. Their property is 900 acres of woods

and 400 acres of farmland. The long driveway winds through the fieids to

the monastery cornplex, which sits alone on the hilltop. The church over-

looks a large courtyard, the guest refectory, and the bookstore. A pas-

sageway from the refectory leads to the four duplex guest cottages, which

share a bath at midlevel. They are beautiftilly designed and connected by

wooden decks, and look out over ponds and woods. The rooms are very

comfortable with sinp;le bed, desk, reading lamp, and rocking chair. Meals

are serr.ed in the refectory, n'here the monks set the tables and clear away

after-ward, kindly discouraging would-be helpers. The food is hearty, veg-

etarian, and delicious (especially the home-baked bread). Dinner, when

we visited, was cooked by a doctor on their sabbatical residency program.

Coffee and tea are always available in the dining area.

The 37 monks in the community-77 priests and 20 brothers-meet

in the chapel to sing the canonical hours five times a day, with mass fol-

lowing 6:30 n.v. Lauds. On Sunda),, mass is at 9:15 n.rr,l. The excellent

acoustics of the wooden interior of the church accentuate the organ or

guitar accompaniment; two monks can play the organ, two others are

guitarists. The liturgy is beautifully;rrranged and sung.

Visitors are expected to structure their own time, but monks are avail-

able for discussion by appointment. There is a small library and tape

selection in a pleasant reading room. Thomas Merton once wrote:"There is an advantage to the monastery by inviting people in ancl being

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in touch." The guestmaster paraphrased that statement by saying,"Guests have been an enrichment to us."

Retreatants can come for one to seven days. "It really takes two daysto wind down," one monk noted, "stress being one of the main addic-tions of our society. Visitors should leave their books at home; whateverthey need for security, leave it behind. Tiy to let it go and accept that it's

okay without anything to do. Don't just do something, stand there!Many who come have reached a point in life where they have to change.Once they admit that, they'll be able to accept the process, let the trans-formation happen. As people work prayer into their schedule, then

everything is prayer, all the time."The main business of the monastery is bookbinding. About 20 of the

monks produce as many as 1,000 volumes a week. More than 1,000Douglas fir trees are planted on the property every year to replace theaging trees, and the community tends an extensive vegetable garden.There is also a mail-order fruitcake business and a wine warehouse.

The grounds are exceptionally peaceful to wander through. Trailslead past a large cottonwood tree and to ponds, and from the top of oneof tl're hills the frosty peak of Mount Hood is visible. At night, frogs,coyotes, and hoot owls can be heard chanting their own litany.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist AbbeyP.O. Box 97

Lafayette, OR 97127(503) 852-0107

Accommodatiotrs: Loveiy duplex hermitages for men and women (4

units with 2 rooms each) looking out on pond or grounds; beautifullydesigned for space, tranquillity, ease of reading, prayer, comfort (each

has heat and some a woodstove); buffet meals in retreatant dining room,homemade bread, large garden; prayer 5 t imes dai ly with lovelysinging; 900 acres of hills, woods, hiking trails; library; new facility onhi l lside for group meditat ion, another room overlooking pond foradded quiet space; work can be arranged; residency program wheremen can live with community for 2 months; open year-round; $2S a day

plus freewill donations; reserve far in advance.

Directions; From Portland, drive south on I-5 to the Tigard/Hwy.99Wexit. Tlrrn right and stay on Hwy. 99W for 26 miles to Lafayette. At thewest end of town, turn right onto Bridge St. and go north 3 miles on thesurfaced road to the abbey on the right.

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Daylesford AbbeyPaoli, PA

------/ =t"''':

At the center of 120 acres of beautiful lawns and fields is a large, mod-

ern abbey church where well-attended Sunday services are held. There

is a small chapel beside the main church where the Norbertine monks

pray morning and evening and guests are welcome. Behind the churchand connected to it is a three-story building that has several large meet-

ing rooms on the first floor, and 57 rooms for guests on the second and

third floors.

There is a small house called Emmaus for private retreats or small

groups, set away from the main complex. It has a small chapel, a

kitchen-dining area stocked with basics, five bedrooms with three baths

and two parlors. Nearby, through the trees and across a meadow, is a

lovely hermitage, and behind that a pond with an exquisite stone chapel

for prayer and meditation.

The abbey serves the community by administering and teaching in

local schools, providing parish priests, and support ing faci l i t ies in

Philadelphia for homeless men and women. It also sends chaplains to

local hospitals and conducts retreats and programs declicated to reli-

gious and cultural renewal.

While making their facilities available for private retreats and outside

groups, the Norbertines themselves offer a series of retreat evenings and

weekends ranging from programs of investigative reading on works of

Christian mystics to workshops on the Enneagram, exploring the moti-

vation of thought and action.

The Order of Premontre, founded by St. Norbert in 12th-century

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France, established its first successful American community inWisconsin, working with immigrants from Holland, Belgium, andFrance. The Norbertines founded parishes and schools and soonattracted young Americans into their communities. From these newmonks a group moved to Delaware in 7932, and two years later, at therequest of the diocese, the Norbertines came to Philadeiphia as teachers.In L954 a group came to Paoli and founded Daylesford Abbey. TheseCatholic priests and brothers are sworn to seek Christ through commu-nity living, poverty, obedience, celibacy, and a dedication to the min-istry. The underlying belief is that an active religious life needs anascetic and contemplative haven, and this is what the abbey offers, notonly to its residents but to visitors as well.

Daylesford Abbey220 S. Valley Rd.Paoli, PA L930L(6L0) 647-2530

Accommodations: 57 singles and doubles in the abbey for men andwomen;S-bedroom guesthouse; hermitage; dining with the communityin the abbey; morning praye4 mass, Vespers dally;120 beautifully land-scaped acres; suggested donation: $40 a night.

Directions: From Washington, D.C., take I-95 to 320 North nearWilmington, Delaware, to Rte. 252 North; turn left through Media, RoseTree, past Delaware County Community College, across Rte. 3, thenSVzlrriles; turn left on Waynesborough Rd. Abbey is just beyond the 1ststop sign. From Philadelphia, take I-76 West to Rte. 202 South. Take thisto exit for Paoli. This is Rte. 252 South. Continue until intersection withRte. 30 (Lancaster Pike). Turn right onto Rte. 30 and left onto S. ValleyRd. at the 2nd traffic light. The abbey is 1 mile farther on the right.

Pendle HillWallingford, PA

A Quaker center for study and contemplation, Pendle Hill offers anopportunity to live in an educational community, attend classes, wor-ship daily, and do cooperative work. It was founded in 1930 by mem-bers of the Religious Society of Friends, and its philosophy comes fromthe four basic social testimonies of the Friends: equality of opportunity,simplicity of environment, harmony of inward and outward action, andcommunity of daiiy interdependence of individuals and the spirit.

Pendle Hil l is made up of 16 bui ldings on 23 acres in a suburbanneighborhood outside Philadelphia. The quiet campus is planted withmore than 140 different kinds of trees and shrubs that make it seem likea family compound. The community gathers in the dining room forthree meals a day, sitting together at long tables. The food is servedbuffet-style and is delicious; there is often freshly baked bread andalways attention to a balanced diet. The staff of 30 come from differentprofessional backgrounds, and are highly qualified to present diversecourses in Quaker faith and practice, Bible studies, pottery, poetry, andweaving, as well as exploring one's vocation, looking to answer ques-tions like What am I called to do now? How can I find the place to doit? and Who am I becoming?

There are rooms for 30 to 35 students who range in age fromteenagers to youngsters of 75. The serious, committed students and staffdemonstrate a spirit of fellowship in everything from their interplay atmealtime to their singing together as they clean up the kitchen.

Each morning there is a meeting for worship in silence, which may be

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broken by spoken ministry as the spirit moves those gathered together.

The tradition is that ritual of service and place is unnecessary; one

should live fully in the present, with iruth and love.

One visitor observed that the spiritual should draw one into the

world and be combined with regular life; people come here to develop

spiritually and intellectually and take that to the home, office, and com-

munity. Even though "we often walk the lonesome valley by ourselves,

we can learn to walk cheerfully over the earth, responding to the Cod

in everyone. . . . Religion is not only a beatific vision, it is getting on

with it."

Pendle Hill

338 Plush Mill Rd.

Wallingford, PA19086(670) 566-4507; (800) 742-3L50 (Reseraations: Ireni Ramsay)

Accommodstions: 4 rooms for "sojottrners," men and women, who can

participate in resident programs from a few days to 3 weeks; guest-

houses for groups can accommodate 30; 2 hermitages; fully catered and

delicious vegetarian and nonvegetarian meals; kitchens in guesthouses

if one wants to do one's own cooking; silent worship daily; 23 acres of

lawn and woods; open year-round, although no guests are admitted for

the last 2 weeks in August; $45 a night with breakfast; lunch $4.50; din-

ner $7 (rates are available for longer stays).

Directions; From the north, take I-476 off the Pennsyivania Turnpike;

from the south, take Exit 7 off I-95 to I-476 North. Exit from I-476 ar

Media/Swarthmore (Exit 2). Go west on the Baltimore Pike and take the

1st left onto Turner Rd. (where median strip ends). Go about .4 mile to

Plush Mill Rd. Turn left and Pendle Hill is 200 yards on the right.

St. Raphaela Mary Retreat HouseHaaerford, PA

This three-story stone mansion was built in a quiet suburban neighbor-hood of Philadelphia's Main Line in the early 20th century. Catholicnuns acquired ltin1957 and immediately started a retreat center that, inits first year, had 360 retreatants. The center now receives 3,600 annuallyand is self-supporting. The nuns make their facilities available to anydenomination or group seeking a quiet, restful place to concentrate inrelaxed surroundings. Their service is hospitality, and they celebratepeople's desire to be renewed and refreshed.

Major renovations were compieted in 1989. The stunningiy beautifulmain rooms have a soothing and harmonious blend of colors and tex-tures that invite tranquillity and reflect the vision of the community andarchitect Agnes Kan. Up to 70 persons can be accommodated in com-fortable single and double rooms. New washrooms were added, as wellas sinks in each room, new plumbing ancl electricity, and air-conditioning.

The sisters are called Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Theirorder was founded in 7877 in spain by St. Raphaela Mary. Following therule of St. Ignatius Loyola, their main mission is to educate. Theirschools for wealthy chi ldren support those for the poor. They wereattracted to this property because of the nearby Cathol ic col leges,Rosemont and Villanova, which make it easier for community membersto continue their education.

The grounds behind the house are spacious and well kept. Some 70yards back is a grotto, a statue of Blessed Mary with a covering built by

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a group of young men who came for a retreat and donated their time

and skill.

The resident community has morning and evening Prayer sessions

that retreatants are welcome to attend. The nuns have an obligation to

sit before the Blessed Sacrament an hour a day, and this they perform

according to their individual schedules. When asked if there were spe-

cial prayers to say at this time, one nun replied: "Ah, no . . . I just look

at Him and He looks at me."

St. Raphaela Mary Retreat House

616 Coopertown Rd.

Haverford, PA1"9041

rc10 642-571-5

Accommodations: For men, women, and children, 50 beds in singles,

doubles, and triples; community meals; daily mass and evening prayer;

library; 8 acres; open year-rollnd; $37 a night.

Direct ions: From Philadelphia, using City Line Ave., turn r ight on

Haverford Rd. Proceed 3 miles and turn left on Cotlege Ave' (watch for

the Rsrnpal HousE sign on the right in less than 1 mile).

From Delaware County, take Darby Rd.to Coopertown Rd. Tirrn right

to College Ave., and continue until the nrrnsnr HoUSE sign appears on

the left.

Portsmouth AbheyPortsmouth, RI

Portsmouth Abbey is a community of Benedictine monks located on 500acres of shorefront on Narragansett Bay. The monastery, just seven milesnorth of Newport, was founded in 1918. Fol lowing the EnglishBenedictine tradition, in 1926 the monks opened a college prep schoolfor boys modeled on the British boarding-school system. The school hasnow become coeducational and aims to develop informed and open-minded leaders educated in the Christiar-r traclition and prepared tomeet the challenges and responsibilities of life. The school has grownfrom a student body of 20 to its current number of more than 300 stu-dents, 80 percent of whom are Catholic. All students go on to college.

There are several rooms available for male guests. Meals are takenwith the monks. During the summer, group retreats are held for up to80 people, using the boys' dormitory and cafeteria. This is one of themost traditional of the Benedictine communities in the United States.The monks still observe the rule of requesting permission from theabbot before they leave the property; they also observe the Chapter ofFaults, every wednesday evening, when monks acknowledge before thecommunity any transgression of monastery rules.

The monks sing the canonical hours beginning at 5:45 a.v., andassemble six times a day in the magnificent stone and wood chapel. Thechurch is octagonal, with a tall spire. Inside there is seating for severalhundred arranged in tiers facing the central altar, above which a goldcrucifix, designed by sculptor Richard Lippold, is suspended from amultitude of fine wires radiating out like beams of light. The solemnity

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and power of the liturgy seem to take on a new dimension in such a dra-

matic setting.

Even when school is in session, this is a good place for reflective time:

the lovely chapel, the example of the monks' prayerful life, and the spa-

cious grounds to wander in.

To celebrate the graduation of his son, American artist Harry Jackson

donated a sculpture that is in the main lobby. The bronze statue, a cow-

boy on horseback swinging a lariat, is inscribed "When you rope a

dream, tie hard 'n fast'n never turn it loose."

Portsmouth Abbey

Portsmouth, R[02871

@0D 683-2000

Accommodations: A few rooms for men and friends of the abbey in the

monastery during school year; in summer the abbey can accommodate

retreats of up to 80 people; tasty meals in the cafeteria or with the

monks; sung praver services and mass daily in a stunning chapel;500

acres overlooking Narragansett Bay; al l sports faci l i t ies; oPen year-

round; guests are asked to make an offering commensurate with their

means. $20-$25 per day is suggested" Special rates for groups.

Directions; From t-95, take Exit 3 to Rte. 138 East. Fol low signs to

Jamestown and Newport bridges; take the 2nd exit after Newport

Bridge (Admiral Kalbfus Rd.). Turn left off the exit, and left again at the

2nd stoplight (Rte. 114). After 9 miles on Rte. 114, there is a green high-

way sign on the right, PoIITSMOUTH ABBEY. Turn left onto CorV's Lane,

and drive 1 mile to the scl'rool entrance, on the right.

St, Paul's Priory Guest HouseIrJewport, Rl

= _ - _ - J _ - : _ - :

A ten-foot-high wall surrounds this three-and-one-half-acre estate in aneighborhood of grand Newport mansions. The property was acquiredrn 7962 by the Roman Catholic sisters of Jesus Crucified. In 1930,Mother Marie des Douleurs established this French order of contempla-tive nuns in order to provide monastic life for sick, infirm, and handi-capped women who wanted to live a religious tife but were not readilyaccepted into other orders. The sisters follow the Benedictine tradition:a dedication to silence, prayeL simple enclosure, and celebration of thecanonical hours. The nuns meet six times a day in the large, high-ceilinged chapel, which has pews for a few dozen guests. The liturgy isoften accompanied on the organ by one of the nuns. The peace and joyradiating from these dedicated women is almost palpable.

Guests stay in a converted stable on the property. There is room for 11year-round, 9 in summer. The rooms are cozy and quiet, and there is acommunity kitchen stocked with basics.

This elegant neighborhood has one huge mansion after another. SalveRegina University is ten minutes away, near the famous Cliff Walk.There one can walk for hours above the ocean breaking on the rocksbelow.

Retreatants appreciate the quiet and the opportunity to join the nunsin their daily liturgy. The peace, contentment, and charity they embodybenefits all who give it, receive it, and see it. As one nun said, "No hanci-icap is an obstacle to helping others spiritually, intellectually, emotion-ally, and materially, even financially, by skills or professional work. The

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Chinese character for man looks as though it is one man suPPorting

another. This is reality for me."

St. Paul's Priory Guest House

6L Nanagansett Aae.

Newport, RL02840(401) 847-2423

Accommodations: Men, women, and children in 3 doubles and 5

singles in this former stable; well-stocked kitchen; Prayer 6 times daily;

2 blocks from ocean and Cliff Walk; open year-round; $gO a night, $35

for one night only.

Directions: From Rte. 95, take Exit 3 East to Rte. 138 East. Follow signs

to lamestown and Newport bridges. Turn right onto Farewell St.; at the

2nd traffic light, take a right onto America's Cup Ave. Stay in the left

lane, which turns up Memorial Blvd.; at the 1st traffic light, turn right

onto Bellevue and proceed to Narragansett Ave. Turn right. The priory

is the 1st house on the left, with a small sign on the wall; ring the bell.

Mepkin AbbeyMoncks Corner, SC

-*.\'YEsq I

rn 7949 Tiappist monks came from Gethsemani, Kentucky, to the lowcountry of South Carolina, along the banks of the Cooper River. TheCatholic Diocese of Charleston had been given 3,000 acres of land by theHenry Luce family, and Bishop walsh, seeking a contemplative presencein the regiory invited the Tiappists. This lancl was originally a rice plan-tation, and now there are 1,400 acres in forest, 1,000 acres clear, and 600acres under water (the former rice fields). The Mepkin method of flood-ing the fields along a tidal river was once the model of rice cultivation.The technique was copied by other plantations, but now that growingrice as a commercial crop is no longer viable for them, the monks raisechickens whose eggs they sell as their main source of income.

A long avenue of Spanish moss-clad oaks border the drir.e into themonastery grounds. The road winds around to the refectory next to thechurch and bell tower. Recently remodeled after severe damage fromHurricane Hugo, the church is the e.ssence of understatement and prac-ticality, a most appealir-rg sancturn where the monks gather six times aday to sing the catronical hours. Retreatants are invited to join the monksin the prayer stalls and sing the liturgy. A guitar carries the melod y tormost services and sometimes the abbot, a graduate of the Juilliard Schoolof Music, plays the organ.

Meals are taken in an alcove off the monks' dining room, so partici-pation in monastic life is very real. Home-produced eggs are servedevery day for breakfast and the noon main meal is shared with themonks; guests foliow them in line for the buffet and eat in silence while

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a rnonk reads from a spiritual book (during our visit

Kathleen Norris).

was Dakota by

There areT}guest rooms for men and women in two different houses,

a short walk from the refectory and church. You design your own pro-

gram within the monastery routine. Spiritual counseling is availabie on

request. There is a 30-day monastic guest Program for men only, during

which participants follow the schedule of the monastery, working four

hotrrs a day, attending services, and observing places and t imes of

monastic silence. TV radio, alcohoi, and tobacco are not allowed.

"These are the places that keep the whclle world together," one guest

observed. And a monk explained his feelings this way: "All creation is

praising God, but you couidn't pay me to do this."

In the Serene terraced gardens near the r iver-remnants of past

splendor-Henry and Clare Boothe Luce are laid to rest with other fam-

ily members. Their marble headstone has a live-oak carving.

Mepkin Abbey

1-098 Mepkin Abbey Rd.

Moncks Corner, SC 2946L(843) 761-8509

Accornmodations: 12 private rooms for men and women and a maxi-

mum stay of a week; noon meal cooked by a different monk daily

(Friday is a fast duy); potluck breakfast and supper from kitchen in din-

ing room which includes hornemade bread, cheeses, and eggs from

abbey farm; daily prayer begins at 3:20 a.v. with Vigils and ends with

Compline at 7:35 P.tv{.; guests are invited to ioin monks in the choir;

extended monastic guest program offered for men; 3,000 acres of former

rice f ields atrd beauti ful gardens on edge of the Cooper and Ashley

rivers, which fiow to Charleston Harbor; oPen year-round; wheelchair-

accessible; suggested minimum donation of $35.

Directions: Driving ttortheast out of Moncks Corner on U.S. 52 (77A)

you come to a high bridge, the Tai l Race Canal, or Dennis Bishop

Bridge. One third of a mile beyond the bridge turn right onto a ramp

approach to Rte. 402. Follow 402for about 2 miles until you reach a pub-

lic boat landing/recreation area: Rembert Dennis, a tiny bridge Wadioo,

and a MEpKTN ABBEv sign. Turn right immediately after you cross the tiny

bridge and you are on River Rd. (If you cross a railroad track on 402,

you've missed the turn.) Follow River Rd. for 6 miles and watch for a

sign at the entrance to Mepkin Abbey on your right.

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St. Christopher Camp and Conference CenterSeabrook Islqnd, SC

on the beauti ful barr ier island of seabrook, just 25 miles fromCharleston, the St. Christopher Center has 308 acres of oceanfront,marsh, and river dotted with centr,rry-old oaks and stately palmettos. In7684, the Stono Indians tradecl the island for beads, trinkets, and clothto the government of South Carolina, which distributed the land to set-t lers. Bri t ish soldiers landed here during the Revolut ionary War. In795r, the widow of victor Morawetz gave 1,1108 acres to the EpiscopalChurch, ancl in 7970 the Church sold 1,100 acres to finance the presentcenter on the remaining acreage.

The weathered wood bui ldings can house 60 and are designed toblend with the island setting. The conference accommodations are first-rate and the 60 rooms all have private bath and are well furnished. Therustic cabins for the young are functional and snug. Bring sleeping gearfor the cabins. Food is prepared by chef stephen Boyle, recipient ofCharleston's 1989 Chef-of-the-Year Award. There are annual retreats forfamilies and individuals at Tharrksgivinp;, Lent, and Advent. Some fam-ilies have been coming for years. Private retreatants should plan theirown proE rams.

The director and staff of six give Elclerhostel programs on the environ-ment and the Civil war. september through May, there are educationalprograms for school groups, and Jurre through August summer campprograms encourage the young to learn respect for all life and to com-mune with nature. The pristine mile-long beach where bottlenose dol-phins come within 20 feet of the shore adds to the pleasure of being here.

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St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center

281,0 Seabrook Island Rd.

lohns Island, SC 29455(843) 768-0429

Accommodations: For r,r'omen, men, and children in 28 lovely, modern

motel-type accommodations with private bath and beachfront cabins

for chi ldren's groups. Can house up to 60 adults and 150 chi lclren;

award-winning chef serves meals cafeteria-style with cuisine to suit the

groupi private retreats available for families or reunions the last week of

june and first week of july; group retreats from nonprofit organizations;

summer camp offered for children; 2 chapels on property, one looking

toward the water; 308 acres includes beachfront, swamps, marit ime

forest with tropical vegetation; Barrier Island education program for

children from Septernber to May; swimming, tennis; deer, bobcats, pel-

icans, bottlenose dolphins abound; oPen year-round except Christmas;

$55 a day.

Directions: Located 25 miles from Charleston, the center is actually on

Seabrook Island (with a Johns Island mailing address). From Charleston

over the Ashley River Rte. SC-700, take the 1st right after crossing the

wappoo cut Bridge (you will still be on sc-700). Follow sc-700 through

Riverland Terrace over Stono Bridge to johns lsland and continue on

700 to Bohicket Rd. (McDonalds on left) and turn left. Follow Bohicket

Rd. to the Seabrook Island security gate and check in there, telling them

you are a guest at St. Christopher (you must have a reservation to do

this, so your name will be on their list). St. Christopher is approximately

2% mrles from the gatehouse on your right. Please observe the 25-mph

is land speed I imi t .

Springbank Retreat CenterKingstree, SC

This 65-acre retreat is part of a southern plantation of thousands of acreswhich were given to John Burgess by the king of England in 1773 andremained in the Burp;ess family for five generations. In 1931 it wasbought by Edward Hadden, the co-founder of Time, Inc., as a weddinggift for his wife, Agnes. The grounds r.vere plantecl as gardens. All werewelcome, rich and poor, black and white. At christmastime, the drive-way was filled with people who came to receive Mrs. Hadden's foodbaskets. In 1955 after her husband died, Mrs. Hadden donated the prop-erty to the Dominican order. She lived here till she died and is burieclnext to her husband on the grounds under a favorite live oak tree.

In the early 1980s, a committed group clf Catholic sisters from variousorders began the process of developing a retreat center, using the grandmansion where the chapel is as the focal point. Behind the mansion,there is a separate building with large rvindows looking out onto anopen f ield with old-growth trees, draped with spanish moss. otherbuildings are used as studios for painting, pottery, and weaving. Thephilosophy here centers on the power of creative energy and the impor-tance of spiritual, mental, and physical health.

The retreats range from weekend specialty topics to 60-clay sabbaticalprograms open to anyone seeking renewal and revitalization. Topicsinclude journal writing, Native American spirituality, poetry, men-onlyinner journey, and a women's weekend that focuses on the creative artsas meditation. A sweat lodge ceremony is held ten times a year.

There are walking trails through the grounds where live oaks,

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camelias, and azaleas abound. As one sister pointed out: "In the past,

people didn't lt'ant to waste their vacation going on retreat. Now peo-

ple don't want to waste their vacation getting worn out. They appreci-

ate the time for rest and soiitude." And that's reflected in the growth

here. The mailing list has swelled from 700 to 5,000.

The center is owned and run by an ecumenical board of clergy and

laypeople including Methodist and Baptist ministers, a bank officer, and

a lawyer, each of whom has a strong commitment to Springbank's

future.

Springb ank Retre at Center

Rte.2, Box 1,80

Kingstree, SC 29556(843) 382-9778 (Retreats); (843) 382-9777 (Sabbaticals)

Accotntnodations: For men and women there are 11 singles in the large

retreat house, 6 singles in the small retreat house, and 3 doubles and 3

singles in the main house on this beautiful oid plantation; hclme-cooked

meals with freshness and nutrition in mind; daily morning prayer, with

mass and ritual prayer twice a week during retreats; lovely art center ior

pottery, basketry', and painting; 55 acres with trails, sweat lodge, medi-

cine wheel, magnolias, azaleas, dogwood, l ive oaks; closed mid

December through January; $40 a day with meals; "veekend

$90.

Directions; Located 20 minutes north of Kingstree, off H*'y. 527 on

County Rd. 545-114. Ask for specif ic direct ions rvhen making

reservations.

St. Mary's Episcopal Retreatand Conference CenterSezaanee, TN

In 1888, the Episcopal sisters of st. Mary opened a girls' school on thissecluded 200 acres on a ridgetop in the Cumberland plateau. The schoolclosed in 1968 and the sisters directed their mission to retreat and con-ference work using the school buildings. In 1985, they arranged the saleof the property to the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee and the nearbyUniversity of the South, which jointly manage and operate the center.The laypeople who work here feel it's a sacred mountain. As they driveout the gate, they touch the car roof to take an angel with them. whenthey come back, they return the angel because, they explain, you don'tneed it when you're on the grounds.

From the lawn, the view over the peaceful, rolling Tennessee hills andwide valley below is magnificent. There are nature trails windingthrough the woods down to the valley.

Croups of varying sizes up to 100 can stay in the efficient and comfort-able rooms. Meals are provided for groups but individuals need to bringtheir own food or drive to the restaurants in Sewanee only z1/2 milesdown the hill. There is a separate building for use as a hermitage.

The sisters live in a convent at the end of the road. They cometogether for morning and evening prayer in a stunning chapel, and vis-itors are welcome-

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St. Mary's Episcopal Retreat and Conference Center

P.O. Box 1.88

Setaanee, TN 37375(800) 728-1659 or (931) 598-5342

Accommodations: For 100 women, men, and children in singles, dou-

bles, and suites; shared baths except in suite; hermitage also available;

home-cooked meals provided for groups of 10 or more; college town of

Sewanee just down the road has many restaurants; services 4 times

daily at lovely convent chapel looking out to mountains; university

domain has 20,000 acres with hiking trails; the center has 200 acres atop

Monteagle Mountain; pastures, fishing pond (bring your own equip-

ment, they provide poles), wooded bluff view, croquet, horseshoes, vol-

leyball, use of University of the South golf course, tennis and other

facilities; wheelchair-accessible; open year-round; rates range from

$48-$63 a night depending on accommodations and arrangements.

Directians: Located 90 miles southeast of Nashville. Take l-24 to

Monteagle/Sewanee exit and turn toward University of the South, past

H*y. 156, University of the South, and Sewanee Pharmacy & Market

turnoffs to Hwy. 56. Turn ieft toward Sherwood on H*y. 56. Go L mile,

watch for cemetery on the right, then turn into St. Mary's Lane on the

right. Go to the end of the lane, which curves right, to the largest build-

ing on the property (has sr. MARy's on the door).

Corpus Christi AbbeySandia, TX

Benedictine monks from Arkansas came to Corpus Christi diocese in the7920s at the request of the locai bishop to establish a school, which theyran until 7972. The community relocated in 1974 to their present loca-tion on the shores of Lake Corpus Christi with a new mission. The abbotoutlined the hopes of the relocating community: "This monastery is tobe a house of prayer, a liturgical center, a house of personal, spiritualrenewal." The outreach started at the previous monastery-the first tointroduce retreats to laypeople in southern Texas-has expanded inmany directions. The monks welcome anyone regardless of race, creed,or national origin. They have seen the charismatic group that startedhere in 1985 with a handful of people grow to hundreds which meet reg-ularly. They offer a variety of retreats in English and Spanish to accom-modate the large Hispanic population, and use earthy analogies to putspiritual life into an easily understood perspective. Their early retreatliterature used the analop;y of a football game: "In the game of life, aretreat is a timeout period away from the hurly-burly of the game. Moreimportantly, it is a huddle with Jesus Christ, the greatest coach ever . . .many games are won not on the field but in the huddle of the timeoutperiod."

Located 50 miles northwest of Corpus Christi, the abbey groundshave 110 lakeside acres with a pier and observation deck. Lake CorpusChristi is noted for catfish, bass, gaspergon, and perch. This region ofTexas has a moderate climate, with temperatures in the mid 80s most of

L 1 0

T E X A S

the year and in the mid 50s during winter. The area is primarily used for

growing corn, milo, and cotton, and for grazing cattie.

The abbey buildings are Quonset-style, a practical adaptation for a

growing community. There is the abbey church, an extensive library, a

newly renovated dining room, conference rooms, and space for 50

retreatants in double rooms, most with private baths. A11 are air-

conditioned.

The monks have a daily prayer schedule starting with 6:20 morning

prayer and mass, midday prayer just before lunch, Vespers at 5:20 p.vt.,

and Compline at 7:20 p.tvt., followed by the Creat Silence. Retreatants are

welcome at all services. Programs include weekend retreats, days of

reflection, prayer groups, and private and directed retreats. One week-

end in October there is the annual "medieval" Abbeyfest with local food

and entertainment put on by the Society for Creative Anachronism.

Corpus Christi Abbey

HCR2, Box 6300

Sandia, TX 78383(36D 547-3257

Accornmodations: Retreat center and guesthouse have single rooms for

50 men and women, with private and community bathrooms; meals in

guest dining room; daily mass and prayer schedule; retreat Programsthroughout the year; 110 acres on Lake Corpus Christi; freewill

donation.

Directions: From Corpus Christ i take I-37 North to Exit 34, fol low

TX-359 South about 10 miles to FM-534 (see sign to abbey). Turn right

on FM-534 for about 8 miles to FM-3162, then right for about 2 miles. At

bottom of the hill see entv (sic) sign, turn right for TVzmiles, at fork turn

left for 7a mile to the abbey.

Abhey of Our Lady of the Holy TrinityHuntsaille, UT

lnThe Waters of Siloe, Thomas Merton described how the Trappist scoutDom Frederic discovered the piace for a new foundation in Utah:"Finally he came upon a ranch which seemed to have been created forcontemplative monks. Eighteen miles east of Ogden, after a long climbthrough Ogden Canyon, the valley opened out into a mile-wide bowlbetween mountains. The clean air of high altitudes breathed silentlyover these fields. Not a home was in sight. The snowy ridge of Mountogden stood up stark against the sky, as if it were the sentinel of thiswilderness. Eastward was a no-man's land of snow and sagebrush, andthere were deer tracks in the snow There were 1,60a acres of land withgood springs . . . the very silence of the place cried out for Trappists."

The ranch was purchased in March 1947 and a group of monks fromCethsemani, Kentucky, arrived in July that same year. Almost imme-diately they began to assemble their Quonset monasterv. The quad-rangle of Quonset bui ldings is functional and unique to monasticarchitecture. The exterior surfaces have been sprayed with urethanefoam insulation and painted off-white with brown trim. Today the 22monks sell liquid and creamed honey by mail and in their gift shop,and raise chickens and beef commercially. They farm 750 acres of irri-gated fields raising alfalfa, barley, and wheat, and make whole-wheatand raisin bread in their bakery from their own wheat. The remainingacreage is pasture. Cuests f ind hiking at 6,000 feet above sea levelinvigorating and the views rewarding.

There are 12 roorns for men only, all of which have private baths.

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Meals are provided in the guest dining room. The guest wing also has a

lounge and library. The monks celebrate the liturgy of the hours daily in

the chapel, starting with Lauds at 6 a.v., followed by mass; Compline at

7:30 p.u. is the last service of the day. Guests and visitors are welcome at

all services.

The descript ion of a monk's l i fe, writ ten by the l2th-century

Cistercian St. Aelred, still seems apt today: "You have chosen solitude

and silence, a life of fraternal love and voluntary poverty; you have

escaped, in fact, the tumult of the world." For men interested in listen-

ing to the silence of the mountains, this is a place well suited for seclu-

sion, giving orle a chance to sort things out, or just come away and rest

a while.

Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity

1250 5 .9500 E .

Huntsaille, UT 84317(801) 745-3784

Accommodations: 12 single rooms, each with private bath, for men

only; meals in guest dining room; llbrary; cattle and grain farm, bees for

honey, which is sold; monks sing liturgical hours; hiking on hill pas-

tureland; payment by donation.

Directions; Abbey is northeast of Salt Lake City. Take I-15 North to

Ogden and exit at 12th St. Turn left on 12th St. for 5 miles through town(becomes Ogden Canyon Rd.) toward Huntsville. At the state highway

sign that indicates the left for Huntsville, turn right for the monastery

and go 2 miles to end, then turn right. After about 1 mile, look for the

monastery gate on the left, follow the road 2/z mIIe to reception center.

Karm6-ChiilingBarnet, W

About one hour north of White River Junction in northern Vermont, just

outside the town of Barnet, is Karm6-Choling (Tail of the Tiger), a

Tibetan Buddhist meditation and retreat center. Founded in the early

1970s by the late Chogyam Tiungpa, Rinpoche, this r,t'as one of the first

Vajrayana centers outside of India. Guidance is offered in meditation

practice, the study of Buddhist phi losophy and psychology, and theapplication of those teachings in daily life.

The center is on 540 acres of wooded country. As you approach, youlook across a pond to buildings with an unmistakable Tibetan design-

one of which is emblazoned with a large red and gold circle. The main

buildings house the staff, a large dining room where meals are taken

cafeteria-style, plus the sitting hall, conference rooms, guest rooms, andprivate meditation rooms.

There are many levels of meditation practice available: introductory

weekends for those with l i t t le or no experience; the dotl t iut or one-month group meditation retreat; Shambhala training; and in-house orresidence retreats where visitors may come for any length of time andfollow the daily schedule of fir.,e hours of meditation and three and a

half hours of work, plus evening classes. This has the benefit of groupsupport and close contact n'ith a meditation instructor. The center alsoowns a charming hotel in the town of Barnet, usually used for groups.

This is a bustling, well-organized and well-managed school that can

deal with large numbers of students and practitioners. Child care is

available at a moderate charge for children two years and older. There

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is plenty of space to wander on the property, especially for the condi-tioned hiker. From the main buildings a dirt road winds up the hill with

small shrines along the way, past the concealed hermitages to an open

field where there is a large outdoor shrine. Convocations are held herein the summer, and hundreds gather for special events.

Karm6-Chdling

Barnet, W 05821(802) 633-2384 (1:00-5:30 p.M. E.T. seaen daus a u)eek)

Accommodations: Well over 100 men, women, and chi ldren can be

housed in a variety of private, semiprivate, cabin, tent, and shrine-room

accommodations, plus a small hotel in town; delicious vegetarian and

nonvegetarian food in cafeteria-style dining room; daily meditation;work periods required; 540 acres; open year-round; weekend programsfrom $70; week-long programs with special meditation teacher from

$200; programs include accommodation in dormitory or sharing a tent;

private room $20 a night for singles and 930 for doubles; prices for room

and board in addition to prices for programs; there is also a daily retreat

cost; free meditation instruction; child care is sometimes available.

Directions: Located in northern Vermont, t hour north of White River

Junction, 1/2-mile west of Exit 18 on I-91.

Weston PrioryWeston, W

Weston Priory, a community of Benedictine monks, is located at theedge of the Green Mountain National Forest, four miles north ofWeston. It was founded in 1953 by a brother from Lormition Abbey in

Jerusalem, and other brothers have come from all parts of the UnitedStates, Canada, and Latin America. The many recordings of themonastery's extraordinary choir are sold as a means of financial supportand a way to share the joy of community spirit. The monks also createwoodcrafts and greeting cards and have a gallery of high-quality the-matic pieces that demonstrate their social conscience. In 1984 themonastery was declared a public sanctuary for Central Americanrefugees. The monks have given sanctuary to one Guatemalan familyfor over eleven years.

Down a quiet, tree-lined road are three guesthouses, each accommo-dating from three to six adults. These beautifully furnished houses areset off from one another only a few minutes' walk from the chapel.Cuests bring their own food and prepare it in the kitchen of their guest-house. Utensils and linens are provided, and guests take care of theirown cleaning. Individual men stay in the priory guesthouse; individual

women stay in a separate building called Morningside. These gueststake their meals with the monks.

Retreatants are expected to plan their own time. There are regulardaily services at the chapel beginning at 5 or 6 a.tvt. morning vigils, theneither two or three other prayer services, ending with Compline around8 p.tr,t. The contemporary orientation of the services makes them very

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popular. The monks are available by arrangement for informal discus-

sions on specific topics such as community life or social justice.

The monastery is deep in the Green Mountains, offering an opporfu-

nity to explore the woodlands and follow the nature trails that the

monks maintain. The monastery grounds are tended meticulously.

The Weston community has established a joint retreat effort with a

community of Mexican Benedictine sisters in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Retreatants can go for ten days at a reasonable cost to experience the his-

torical, social, and cultural context of Mexican iife, under the care and

direction of Mexican nuns who actively work with the poor. The Weston

brothers sponsor the House of Sabbath, a retreat house in nearby

Weston, to serve the poor, the homeless, and those working with them.

Weston Priory

58 Priory Hill Rd.

Weston, W 05161(802) 824-5409; (802) 824-6976 (House of Sabbath)

Accommodations: Up to 18 men and women can be accommodated in

3 guesthouses with kitchens, plus private rooms for 5 or 6 men at Priory

Guest House, and 5 women in Morningside (meals taken with the

brothers); ordinary length of stay at the priory is from 3 days to 1 week;

common prayer 4 or 5 times daily, and Eucharist 5 times a week; 500

acres adjoining Green Mountain National Forest; closed 2 weeks follow-

ing Labor Day, 2 weeks in June, and during occasional community

retreats in January and February; freewill offering.

Directions; North on Rte. 100 to Rte. 155 for Vq mile. First left to priory.

From Rockingham, take I-91 North. Take Exit 6 and go north on Rte.

103. Then take Rte. lL West to Rte. 100 North. Continue on Rte. 100

North to Weston, then af.ter 31/zmiles take Rte. 155 for % mile. The first

left is the priory.

Holy Cross AbbeyBerryaille, VA

The Trappist monks came in 1950 to this 1,200-acre farm along theShenandoah River, the site of the Battle of Cool Spring during the CivilWar. Only an hour from the nation's capital, it is a welcome respite forthe world-weary. As one visitor said: "You begin to care less about thedestination and more about the journey." People of all faiths or none arewelcome. The Benedictine tradition of welcoming guests as Christ is amajor part of the monks'ministry. Visitors stay in the relativcly new andquite elegant guesthouse a short distance from the monastery. There are15 single rooms for men and women, each with private bath, bed, desk,and reading chair. Meals are served family-style in the guesthouse din-ing room. There is a chapel with windows looking out to the hills orguests join the monks in the main church where the community gatherssix times a day for mass and sung liturgy. There are no requirementshere except to be considerate of others and respect the silence. A monkis available for discussicln, if requested, but otherwise visitors are ontheir own.

The 21 monks who live here support their community in a number ofways/ and perhaps they are best known for the excellent fruitcakes theyproduce and sell some 24,000 each year.

It takes about 24 hours to adjust to the serenity and order of the place.There is no TV or radio, and the quiet is magnified by the occasionalbells for worship ar-rd the calls of the birds. Traffic and crowds of peoplebecome a distant memory, and the sense of who you are, where you aregoing, and the purpose of it all begins to appear.

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The prayers of monasteries throughout the world do more for peace

than presidents or princes. As the saying goes, If you want a peaceful

wor1d, start with yourself. The Gospel of St. John asks: "How can you

say you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your brother

whom you see?"

Holy Cross Abbey

Rte.2, Box 3870

Berryaille, UA22617(540) e55-3124

Accommodations: 15 singles with private bath for women and men;

meals served in guesthouse dining room; lovely chapel in guesthouse,

designed by Frank Kasmarcik, or guests can join the monks at prayer

5 times daily in their chapel; 1,200 acres on which Brother James has

found arrowheads from 8000 n.c. when the valley was rich in game and

many tribes came through; Civil War Battle of Cool Spring was on this

property; bring flashlight, raingear, and comfortable shoes; open yea?

round; wheelchair-accessible; Monday*Thursday weekday retreat $60-

$160; weekend retreat $60-$90.

Directions; The abbey is 60 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., on

Rte. 7. Turn left immediately before crossing the Shenandoah River onto

Rte. 603. Watch for sign in about a mile.

S atchi dan an d a Ashr am -Yo gao illeBuckingham, VA

One of the outstanding features of this ashram is the Light of TiuthUniversal Shrine or LOTUS, an ecumenical shrine which celebrates theunity behind all religious beliefs. It is constructed in the shape of theIotus flower, a symbol of enlightenment. There are 72 altars inside, eachone dedicated to a major spir i tual bel ief: Native American, Afr ican,Sikhism, Islam, Christ ianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, Judaism,Hinduism, Other Known Religions, and Those Still Unknown. Thebuilding is as elegant as the Taj Mahal, a breathtaking sight as oneapproaches through arched gates or views it from a hilltop.

This grand design of ecumenism is the guiding principle of Sri SwamiSatchidananda. He teaches that practicing yoga and meditation allows apeaceful mind and an easeful body, and leads to a useful life. Born inIndia in1974, he came to the west in the 1960s as a guest of devotees. Hismethod, which is known as Integral Hatha Yoga, appealed to the NewAge movement in the United States. He believes the root of all pain andsuffering is the ignorance of our spiritual oneness. Through selflessne.ss,the individual can experience inner peace and express it in all he or shedoes. others learn from example and ultimately'the peace and harmonvestablished by the selfless actions of a handful of individuals can trans-form comrnunities, then nations, and ultimately the world.

The ashram has 750 acres in the central Virginia countryside with allthe services that a thriving community of more than 100 rnonastics, fam-ilies, and individuals require. There are guest facilities so couples,families, and individuais can attend the regular programs. There are three

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daily meditation sessions, one at the Lotus Shrine. Yoga classes are held

twice daily. There is a daily satsnng. Workshops and retreats are sched-

uled throughout the year, as are month-long certification programs for

yoga teachers.

Satchidananda has stated: "The purpose of anv religion is to educate

us about spiritual unity. . . . Some people make use of religion for their

own benefit and literally divide humanity in the name of that which is

supposed to unite us. Real unity means accepting al l the various

approaches and that is what ecumenism means. Ultimately we all aim

for the same truth while walking different paths. Essentially we are one

appearing as many. We look different but we are one in spirit. Hello

Brother, Hello Sister. Care and share, love and give. Apply it in your

own life."

S at chi d an an d a Aslr a m-Yo g aa ill eBuckingham, VA23921(804) 969-3121 or (800) 858-9642

Accomrnodations: Women, men, ancl children are welcome at the Lotus

Inn, which has comfortable motel-style rooms with kitchenettes; pleas-

ant dorm rooms for 4 or 6 can accommodate 60 people; camping space

for 10; vegetarian buffet meals in main dining hall; Lotus Cafe serves

international specials dai ly; yoga and meditat ion dai ly (at beauti ful

Lotus Shrine at noon) and other classes and tour daily; stttsang Saturday

night, lecture Sunday; work options (karma yoga) available on request;

750 natural acres near Blue Ridge Mountains, on bank of James River;

gift shop, bookstore, organic gardens; open year-round; wheelchair-

accessible; Lotus Inn $90 a night for double; dorms $55*$60; tenters and

campers fi22, fi1.0 for children ages 3-11.

Directions; From Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, North Carolina, take

U.S. i5 North to the outskirts of Farrnville, Virginia. Take 15 Bypass and

follow 15 North to the stoplight at Sprouse's Corner, then left onto

U.S. 60 West. Follow 60 West approximately 8 miles and take a right

onto Rte. 56 at Gaita's (gas station and restaurant). Follow Rte. 56 about

9 miles, pass Rte. 604 on the ieft, and then about .6 mile later turn right

onto 604. Contintre 4 miles on Rte. 604 and turn left at the sign s,trcHtu-

ANANDA ASFTRAM*yoGAVrLLE, vrsrroRs. Proceed to Sivananda Hall recep-

tion area.

Chinook Learning CenterClinton, WA

The center is located on Whidby Island, a 20-minute car ferry ride frommainland Washington aboltt an hour north of Seattle, or accessible fromthe north by the bridge at Deception Pass, named by early explorers whowere deceived into thinking this was the Northwest Passage to Europe.Part of the island network of Puget Sound in the Strait clf Juan de Fuca,Whidby is the largest of the eight islands that make up Island Countyand one of only three that are inhabitecl. Although it is largely rural,there are a few small villages like Clinton that provide basic services.

Chinook Learning Center, a few miles outside Clinton, is on 72 acresof meadows and evergreen trees, a remote outpost that was, in the early1900s, a homestead of Finnish farmers. In1972, Vivienne and Fritz Hullacquired the property for use as a place to examine the basic question ofwhy we are here. They were inspired by the sixth-century CelticChristian monastic school on Iona, an island off the coast of Scotland,where thousands were drawn for a special kind of education and train-ing and then were deeply influential in Er-rrope. Like lona, Chinookseeks to be a center for study and teaching to create an understandingof the meaning and purpose of life, linking humanity and the earth andthe concomitant spiritual values.

Chinoclk offers year-round courses, workshops, retreats, conferences,and training programs in religion, ecology, psychology, and culturalchange. There is room for 20 people in a variety of accommodations.The recondit ioned farmhouse and "Granny'si ' a house that wasdonated and moved to the property, have comfortable rooms with

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indoor ptumbing and kitchens. TWo rustic cabins, heated with wood-

burning stoves, are set in the woods. There is a community bathhouse

and outhouses nearby. Larger groups make use of the open meadows

for camping. Private retreatants are accommodated according to space

available and can use the kitchen to prepare their own food.

A small group of caretakers lives here and is aided by members of the

Chinook community, who live nearby and help to keep the facility in

good repair and functioning smoothly. There is a great appreciation for

the land and the lifestyle demonstrated by the rustic neatness of the

buildings and the well-tended flower and vegetable gardens. A number

of marked trails wind through the second-growth fir and cedars.

Chinook is an Indian word meaning "warm wind blowing," describ-

ing a warm winter wind that suggests the coming of spring. The name

of this remote retreat expresses its raison d'6tre perfectly: Like a fresh

wind, it summons people to meet the challenges confronting all of us to

work for a better world. "Nothing is outside the arena of what we call

spiritual," Vivienne Hull writes. "fJnderstanding that all of life is sacred

changes your economics, your politics, and your relationships."

Chino ok Le arning Center

P.O. Box 57

Clinton, WA98236(s60) 341-3153

Accommodations: Can accommodate 20 men, women, and chi ldren

indoors using the farmhouse,2 cabins, and "Granny's"; summer camp-

ing for up to 100; delicious, hearty vegetarian meals for groups or Pro-grams the center runs, use of kitchen if no groups there; Sunday service

at Dodge Building in town; 1st Sunday of each month is a children's ser-

vice at the farmhouse; many spiritual traditions from Celtic Christian to

Native American earth-based paths; seasonal festivals throughout the

yea\ sauna, hiking trails, 72 acres of fir and cedar forest and meadows,

great swamp; wonderful gardens; open year-round; $25-$30 per person

with breakfast, $40*$45 per couple; dinner $5 each when available;

work/exchange retreat $15 a night plus 4 hours work.

Directions: Take I-5 North from Seattle to Mukilteo exit and follow signs

to the ferry. Thke the ferry to Clinto,r, then drive onto Hwy. 525 North, a

4-Iane, then 2-1ane, road, and turn left onto Campbell to the stop sign. Go1/zmiIe beyond and see the Chinook sign and drive on the left.

Cloud Mountain Retreat CenterCastle Rock, WA

David and Anna Branscomb, he a carpenter and artist, she a systemsanalyst, were Jooking for a u'ay to work with spiritual friends. Theirmeditation practice-Anna trained in Vipassana and David in Zen-helped them to decide to use land they had received as a gift as a placewhere Buddhist groups and individuals could come to meditate andstudy. Since 7984, the center has made the faci l i t ies avai lable toBuddhist groups regardless of tradition or sect. In cooperation with theNorthwest Dharma Association, there are regularly scheduled retreats,classes, sittings, and special er.ents throughout the year, and privateretreatants are welcome.

The charming wooden buildings are on five acres of sloping, forestedland and were sited according to the earth's energy flow. There is noelectricity. Light is provided by propane lamps as easy to use as strikinga match; heat comes from wclodstoves and propane heaters. Communalshowers with hot water are in a separate building; there are a few flushtoilets as well as outhouses. There are accommodations for 34 people intwo buildings, some in private rooms, otl-rers dormitory-style with twoto five beds per room. A large dining room in the main house offersthree vegetarian meals a day. Guests help to clean up after meals. Teaand fruit are available throughout the day. Retreatants should brinsbedding, pillow, towels, and a flashlight (essential).

There are two meditation halis on the property as well as a pond, gar-den, p;reenhouse, and sauna. The buildings, each in its or.r.n woodlandsetting, are reached by neat pathways. At night, the overhanging trees

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merge into the dark l ike an Ad Reinhardt paint ing. The occasional

squawk of a roosting peacock lends a mysterious air. On a clear day, the

snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier can be seen 50 miles north.

Cloud Mountain Retreat Center

373 Agren Rd.

P.O. Box 807

Castle Rock, W498611(360) 274-48s9

Accommodations: 34 beds for men, women, and children in 2 heated

(n,ith propane and wood), rustic, but comfortable sleeping buildings

with 2-5 in a room, and several private rooms in another building; cen-

tral bathhouse with hot water and flush toilets in addition to outhouses

on this beautiful wooded property; bring own bedding, towels, and

flashlight; 3 delicious vegetarian meals a day; private retreats and

retreats with meditation teachers; walking paths, organic garden, green-

house, sauna, small lake, fish pond, view of Mount Rainier and Mount

St. Helens; resident cats, chickens, goldfish, peacocks; guests help with

meal preparation and cleanup; oPen year-round; $30 a day'

Directiotts: From Seattle, go south orr I-5 (about 2% hours) and take Exit

59 (Vader/Ryderwood). You will intersect Hwy. 506 at the stop sign;

turn right onto 506. Go 3 miles to the crossroads and Rte. 411. Turn left

on 411 and go ZVz rnlles to Agren Rd. (just beyond the overpass for the

railroad). Turn right on Agren f.or l/amile and watch for the mailbox on

left, across from the red barn.

From Portland, go t hour north on I-5 to Exit 59 (Vader/Ryderwood

exit, which is beyond the Castle Rock exit). Follow the sharp cutback

under the bridge (west side) to H*.y. 506, tttrn left on 506, and then fol-

low the directions given above.

HoldenVillageChelan, WA

If retreats were judged on remoteness and inaccessibility, HoldenVillage would be at the top of the list. The adventure unfolds in stagesstarting from the village of Chelan at the southern tip of Lake Chelan,which lies within an 8O-mile-long glacial valley near washington,s geo-graphic center, and the ferry for the 16-mile trip to Holden,s dock atLucerne. A few miles above Chelan, both sides of the narrow lakebecome part of the National Forest preserve and there are no roads-only trails for grazing deer and white-coated mountain goats that climbthe high ridges. In some places the rugged shoreline is fjordlike, and thesnow-capped peaks of the northern Cascade Mountains rise more than7,000 feet in the distance. A bus from Holden Village meets the ferry andtransports guests the iast 12 miles up the single-lane road deep into therugged terrain to the base of Copper Mountain.

Holden Village was built in the 1930s as a settlement for copper minersand their families with all the conveniences of small-town life. The mineceased operation in 7957.lVes prieb, then in Alaska, read about the clos-ing and wrote to inquire the asking price of the property, which was$100,000. The next year he wrote again and got the same response. In7960, while a student at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle, he wroteagain. This time the reply came by telephone that the mining companywas donating the property to the Lutheran Bible Institute and asked thatWes be responsible for it. That summer when a group came to evaluatethe property, one church official advised, "No more camps are needed bythe Lutheran church"; another said, "Holden should be turned over to the

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U.S. government as a center for training spies." In the fall, when Wes was

living at Holden as a caretaker, he prayed one afternoon that Holden

would be taken over and rebuilt, and every stone and timber there be

dedicated to the honor and glory of God, that many people would come

to help, and that young peoPle would find Christ here and emerge with

changed lives. In that spirit, Holden has been rebuilt and is now a thriv-

ing reuewai community where 70 men, women, and children live year-

round. Others come for a few months in the Summer, Some for a year,

taking a sabbatical to evaluate where they are and where they're going'

The community celebrates the wide variety of gifts and skills that people

of all races, cultures, and beliefs can bring. Hospitality is a central theme,

for the people of Holden Village feel that this wonderfully remote and

inspiring place is not to be owned but shared.

There are plain but comfortable guest fooms. Meals are family-style

in the large dining room, which is quickly transformed into a theater for

an evening's festivities. VespeIS are held daily, and community mem-

bers with the resident chaplain take turns being responsible for the ser-

vice. Aside from the busy summer schedule, there are weekend and

midweek retreats throughout the year that offer a time of study and

interaction around specific spiritual topics.

Holden ViIIage

Chelan, WA98816

Accommodations: Room for 250 men, women, and children in comfort-

able, simple rooms for 2-4 in old hotel and other buildings; tasty, family-

style meals with limited use of meat, and 1 meal a week of bread, rice, or

potatcles only, to reflect worlcl hunger concerns; worship attendance

iequired at daily Vespers ancl Eucharist on Sunday; hiking, climbing, fish-

ing, snowshoeing, cfoss-country skiing; famous ptlol hall, library, book-

store, cra{t and pottery area, museum, Sauna, bowling alley; programs for

children and adults all summer; volunteer staff positions available for

those 18 ancl ovet from 3 weeks to 2years, depending on job; open yeal-

round; $|32-$40 a day depending on length of stay and age of children'

Directions: Onlv by ferry boat from the town of Chelan. Abus from the

vi l lage wil l meet Vou at the ferry landing. There is no telephone, so

arrangements and deposit must be made by letter. Good place to stay in

Chelan is the Parkway Motel, (509) 6S2-2822.If you stay there coming

and going, lou can leave your car with them, and they will deliver you

to and pick you up at the ferrY.

1 1 4L + , )

IndralnyaEastsound, WA

The 76 acres of this remote retreat are on orcas Island, at the end clf along, unpaved road where almost a mile of shorefront borders the edgeof the property. The heavily r,vo.ded site has a thr.ee-acre meadow andorchard inhabited by families of wild rabbits. Facing the meadow is thecommunity center, a large inviting structure built of unfinished r.t ooclwhose kitchen/dining area and meeting room with stone f ireplacemake it the hub of activity. Meals are served buffet-style, taken to longtables or outside in good weather, ancl each person is responsible forcleanup. Hot drinks are available throughout the day. The large win-dows at the back of the building look out to the r,r,oods and water below.

Around the meadow, tuckecl beneath tall cedars and firs, are rusticcabins, each in its own setting. The cabins are furnished rryith bed, table,and chair, and heated with a wood-burning stove; the woodpiles areeasily accessible. For those cabins without piumbing, there are .separatebathhouses for men and women.

lndralayn is a sanskrit word sup;gesting the home or resting place ofthe spiritual forces in nature. rn 1927, the Theosophical society acquiredthe property as a place where members and friends could come tcrinvestigate the workings of nature and man, to encourage the study ofscience and comparative religions. Theosophy, called the ageless wis-dom or wisdom religion, is concerned with that which is hidden. notobvious. It deals with nature's Llnseen processes and 1ar.t,s that standbehind and beyond science arrd is concerned with living harmoniously

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in the world with nature and all beings. Consistent with this approach,

vegetarianism and harmlessness to all life are practiced.

There is a traditional summer camp during July and August oriented

to families and campers of all ages with a morning lecture and an

evening campfire. During the spring, falI, and winter there are work

weekends when visitors help with grounds maintenance, trec pruning,

and cabin rehabilitation. There are other weekends for seminars and

r,r'orkshops on topics of Theosophical interest. Private retreatants who

share the values espoused here can be accommodated.

A trail winds above and along the shoreline leading to benches and

grassy slopes that afford secluded outlooks across the bay. Attracted by

the isolation and quiet of the island, bald eagles nest in the tall trees.

Loons and otters-those solitary creatures-are also frequently seen.

lndralaya

Rte. L, Box 86

Eastsound, WA 98245(364) 376-4526

Accommodations: 30 cabins for 2 or more men, women, and children,

some with plumbing, the rest with facilities nearby; bring your own

sheets, towels, flashiight; t.rsty lacto-vegetarian meals served in large

community dining room; summer camp for 2 months opened each sea-

son by Dora Knnz with a meditational retreaU she also teaches thera-

peutic touch in Junc'; a variety of programs during season with a

morning discussion in apple orchard on science, philosophy, religion,

ethics, creativity, healing; outstanding spiritual library; 76 acres of lawn,

woods, and waterfront rvith hiking trails, beach, badminton; abundant

wildlife, from bald eagles overhead to rabbits everywhere; 11o smoking

has been allowc'd on the property since 7927, except in your own car;

open year-roLlnd; $35*$50 a day per person, off-season meditational

retreat with work exchange is $25 a day with own food.

Directions; Take the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. Follow the

road to the left as you leave the ferry and drive 71/2mrles. ]ust past the golf

course (and the blue-and-white CLASS IIEUNIoN sign) is the TNDRALAYA/

ottCAS ISLAND FoUNDAnoN sign. Turn right onto the dirt road to the camp

at the end of the road.

Kairos House of PrayerSpokane, WA

This 27 acres of wooded hilltop is a sanctuary for people seeking peaceaud quiet. At the end of a private lane, 2,300 feet above sea level, thereare splendid views to the east and west. A iarge house, barn, and sevenhermitages are nestled among Ponderosa pines and glacier rocks.

rn 7970, with the encouragement and blessing of Bishop BernardTopel of Spokane, Sister Florence Leone established a place of contem-plative experience. Following the advice of Brother David Steindl-Rast,who suggested a more experiential approach, she studied Buddhistmeditation and yoga, to enlarge the traditional form of prayer. She real-ized that Benedictine monasticism was experiential and tirat centeringprayer was an integral part of Catholicism centuries ago. She practicedmeditatirre sitting and rcalized that "East" and "Wes t" afe only in ourminds. The aim is to become aware that all things are united in the One,a realm where there is neither gentile nor Jew, servant nor free, black norwhite, red nor yellow. Spiritual life is participation in the Wholeness ofBe-ing. We need to cultivate the Eastern concept of ietting go-with theemphasis on being rather than doing-tapping into yoga breathingtechniques, postures, relaxation, awareness of a conscious presence.

Thking the Greek work kairos, n'hich means "the present time, now,"as a guiding directive, this contemplative community has established arhythm of prayer, work, and study. They come together for meditationat B:00 a.rr,t., 11:30 e.M., and 5 r.u. There are one-day, week-long, andextended retreats; individuals can stay in the main building or in her-mitages, which are very comfortable, private, and overlook the hillside.

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The wind sighs through the pines and the "rrnrl:;:I}li:;

Vegetarian meals are served in silence. Meat may be served for dietary

reasons.People who come here are grateful for the very existence of a place

where they can reconnect with their innermost selves, and explore the

meaning of life. Many people return regularly, as if coming home to a

welcoming spirit, a climate of love and security.

Kairos House of PrayerW.1714 Stearns Rd.Spokane, W499208(s09) 466-2187

Accommodations: 9 private rooms in main house and barn, and 7 her-mitages, all comfortable, with electricity; hermitages have chemical toi-

lets (or short walk to shared baths), hot plates, refrigerators, and bottled

water; meals with community, eaten in silence in main house; 3 daily

centering meditations, deep relaxation and concentration, breathingmethods, physical postures; 27 acres and country roads for walking;

open year-round; $28.50 a day.

Directions; Exit 281 (Newport/Colvi l le) from I-90. Drive north on

Division St. (U.S. 2/395). Continue straight on U.S. 395 approximately

10 miles. At Wandermere Rd., take right exit, turn left on Dartford Rd'

(across from Wandermere Country Club) and go .7 mile to Hazard Rd.

and turn left; go 17+ miles to Stearns Rd. and turn left, then .4 mile and

turn right. KAIRos and Rro BARN RANCHETTT signs wili be on your right as

you proceed up the drive to Kairos to the big brown barn on the left and

the brick house on the right.

. , 4 " 7

St, Martin's Abbey GuesthouseLacey, WA

on the 350-acre campus of St. Martin's College there is a charming brickbuilcling, used as a guesthouse, at the edge of the large ptraying field,just a short distance from the abbey church. There are 8 double rooms,comfortably furnished with twin beds, that are available for visitors tospend time in spiritual reflection. In a separate parlor, hot drinks arealways available, ancl meals are taken in the student dining room in thebasement of Old Main nearby.

st. Martin's Abbey was founded in 1895 by Benedictine monks whocame from Minnesota at the request of the bishop of Seattle to ministerto cerman sett lers. st. Mart in's College was startecl as a grammarschool, and by 1900 col lege-level courses were added. In 1940, theIiberal arts school became fully accredited. There are now more than500 students, and about 150 live on the south side of the campus.

only three miles from olympia, the state capital of washington, theabbey setting retains a rural atmosphere, a buffer zone of tranquil openfields, surrounded by full-growth pine and fir trees. The huge cone ofMount Rainier is visible on the horizon.

The monks meet daily in the church for morning, noon, and eveningsung prayet, and mass is celebrated during the week at 5 r'.v., in themorning on weekends. Guests are welcome to attend all services. Thefine details of the church are worth close inspection-from the intri-cately carved doors to the superb wooden statues and the lectern in theform of an eagle. Banners hang from the high walls behind the altar andjust meet the tops of the windows-a most unusual and stunning fea-

248

ture. Concerts and lectures are held in the church r"tHilil:::Iout the year. There are no formal retreat programs, but a monk is avail-

able for consultation. Visitors are left to their own devices to enjoy the

peaceful setting and to roam the meadows and unspoiled woods.

The abbey was named after the fourth-century Italian soldier-saint

who cut his cloak in half to give to a freezing beggar. The abbey and

the coilege foster an educational attitude of creativity and originality

in thinking with a strong sense of values in personal and social

responsibility.

St. Martin's Abbey Guesthouse

5300 Pacific Ave. SE

Lacey, WA98503(360) 438-4457 or (360) 491-4700

Accommodations: 16 twin beds in 8 rooms {or men and womerr in this

very pleasant guesthouse with parlor; tasty meals in student cafeteria

for families; men alone dine with monks in refectory adjoining; prayer

in church 4 times daily; church and monastery filled with lovely art,

banners, windows, sculpture, gates; 350 acres of campus and grounds

with view of Mount Rainier; tennis, field sports; beautiful new local

library nearby; open year-round; $ZS a day.

Directions; I-5 from the south to Exit 108, right at light (College St.) and

left at next light into St. Martin's Abbey Rd. to the large red brick build-

ing to check in at information center/switchboard. From the north, take

I-5 to Exit 109, go right on Martin Way and left at the 1st stoplight onto

College St. Follow College St. to the 2nd stoplight and take a left into St.

Martin's campus to check in as above.

Bhaaana SocieUHigh View, WV

In 1982 Bhante Henepola Gunaratana was in a restaurant describing toa friend his desire to find a quiet place where land was cheap. Anotherdiner overheard the conversation and brought them to this 32 acresdeep in the west Virginia woods but only two hours from washington,D.C. This remote, wooded setting fit into Gunaratana's plan to build aplace to teach meditation and found a community. Born in 7927 in SriLanka, Gunaratana became a monk at the age of 12. During the 1950s,he worked with untouchables in India, then came to the United Statesin 1968. He served as Honorary General Secretary of the Buddhistvihara society, an urban monastery in Washington, D.C., and earned hisPh.D. in philosophy from American University where he served asBuddhist chaplain.

The first retreats were held here in 1985 and a community began togrow. Currently there are three monks and two sisters plus a cook whomake it possible to hold 13 scheduled retreats a year for those interestedin Theravadan Buddhist meditation, which is called vipassana orinsight meditation. The practice emphasizes a calm, centered awarenessof mind and body which encourages a fresh personal perspective. Thisenables the individual to transcend personal conflict, confusion, andmental and physical suffering. As peace gradually develops from med-itation, compassion to oneself and all beings rises naturally and anger,feaL and greed drop away.

This is a relaxed, casual, and friendly community that meditates twicea day for an hour: 5:30 to 6:30 e.u., andT to B p.rvl. There are two meals

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a day: breakfast at7 a.v. and the main meal at 11:15 A.M. Tea is available

near the woodstove that heats a side porch where one can sit and relax.

There are separate dormitories for 13 men and 12 women with commu-

nity washrooms. During formal retreats, a yoga session is given at 5 p.tr.l.

"The monastic path is better for spiritual growth," Gunaratana said in

a recent interview published in Tricycle magazine. "You have to have a

place to grow, to improve your spiritual practice. That is why the

Buddha said: Have few duties. The purpose of monasticism is to give

people a chance to discipline themselves. It's like a laboratory. There

have to be some laboratories-some sort of controlled atmosphere for a

person to grow-if that person really wants to be disciplined for his or

her own inner peace. Morality is no longer an important issue in some

places, some societies, because people do not want to discipline them-

selves. They do not want to be responsible, honest, sincere. But honesty,

sincerity, responsibility never become out-of-date. We want to preserve

that essence."

Bhauana Society

A F orest Meditation Center

Rte,1, Box 2L8-3

High View, WV 26808(304) 856-3241.

Accommodations: Shared rooms or ktttis (cabins) with woodstoves for

25 women, men, and children; 72 formal retreats a year (6 are week-

ends, 6 are 10-day retreats) plus a young people's retreat and a work

retreat;7 a.w. breakfas| 11:15.q,.u. main meal of the day; meditat ion

5:30-6:30 a.v. and 7-8 p.xt, . ;32 wooded acres with spring; 2-3 hours

work a day; library and small bookstore which carries Mindfulness in

Plain English, an excellent meditation book by the founder; yoga and

meditation instruction; newsletter; open year-round; dana (donation);

residency possible.

Directions: Though oniy about 2 hours west of Washington, D.C., this

center is remote. Request written directions when you make your

reservation.

DeKoaen CenterRacine, WI

when you enter the quadrangle at DeKoverr Center, its seems as thoughyou've been transported to England. The weathered stone Gothic build-ings, dating from the 1800s, were built as Racine College, an Episcopalprep school for boys. The center was renamed after the Reverend JamesDeKoven, a revered headmaster of the col lege from 1g59 to lg79.rn1986, the ownership of the 34-acre property was transferred to theEpiscopal Diocese of Milwaukee. A11 of the buildings are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places. This is the only 19th-century quad-rangle in the United States.

The current mission of the center is to host a variety of activitiesincluding retreats and conferences, which are given in Taylor Hall. Builtin7867, the hall was originally designed for classrooms, library, and liv-ing quarters for students. It now houses retreatants in charming roomsin an old-world atmosphere. Programs include silerrt retreats duringAdvent, Lent, and the summer. workshops focus on current issues intoday's Church. All DeKovcrn programs have a perspective of prayet,spirituality, and theological reflection. Part of Taylor Hall is a separateliving space called the Hermitage. It has four bedrooms, bathroom, liv-ing and dining rooms, and a kitchen where individuals and smallgroups can find space fclr private time ancl solitude.

There are n,alkways on the grounds n here full-growth trees and well-kept lawns invite wandering to picnic tables and benches. LakeMichigan is just across the road.

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The center also has a gymnasium with parquet floors for basketball

and volleyball. In this same building, an indoor swimming pool hasrecently been renovated and the Italian mosaic tile lining the pool,

walls, and deck has been restored. The pool was added to the gym in1913 and has six-foot-high windows looking out to the grounds.

St. John's Chapel has stood at the center of the quadrangle since 1.864.

The high interior beamed and vaulted ceiling, stained-glass Belgianwindows, and carved wooden choir pews are striking examples of goodtaste and an inviting space for meditation and prayer. A chapel in Thylor

Hall is used for daily prayer and Eucharist celebration by the resident

priest.

DeKoaen Center

600 2Lst StreetRacine, WA 53403(262) 633-640L

Accommodations: 38 rooms for 60 men and women in singles and dou-bles; meals arranged for groups; retreats and programs throughout theyear;34 acres of campuslike setting; indoor pool and gymnasium; Lake

Michigan across the road; $25 per night plus food,

Directions: From Milwaukee take I-94 South to Washington Ave.; fol-low Washington east to Ohio St., turn right on Ohio to 16th, turn left on16th to Wisconsin Ave., then right on Wisconsin to the center.

Siena CenterRacine, WI

- -, --;a-,;=-,/rry'

Built on the shores of Lake Michigan, this huge complex of buildings

has four wings off a connecting center that serve many purposes. The

center is the motherhouse of tl're Racine Dominicans, home to more than

150 sisters, and the site of the community's main offices. It includes St.

Catherine's Infirmary, a senior companion program, an adult learning

program, and a retreat center. There are76 private bedrooms (singie and

double) in the retreat center with common bath facilities for guests.

Meals are served cafeteria-style and taken with the community. The

food is home-cooked and delicious. The dining room is especially cheer-

ful, reflecting the ambience of the community.

The retreat ministry of the Dominican sisters is shaped by their pursuit

of truth and their dedication to justice for all; their programs seek to face

the issues of today's world: thematic retreats for Advent, special

evenings with supper to suit busy schedules, days of prayer, retreats for

men only, an annual weekend for lawyers at which they scrutinize their

professional and spiritual identity, weekends for couples, weekends for

single mothers, and a discerning time for individuals to explore a possi-

ble religious vocation. Directed retreats can be scheduled and private

retreatants who want time alone for reflection are encouraged to inquire.

The center was built in 1960 and named after St. Catherine of Siena, a

14th-century Dominican who integrated contemplation with activity,

developing a prayer life of dialogue and imagery. More than 3,000 peo-

ple come annually. The goal of the director is to help participants and

guests feel renewed, refreshed, and revitalized.

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W I S C O N S I N

Those who come regularly see visiting the center as "an opportunity

to get away from telephones, television, and the other distractions

around the house. We are spiritually energized. We need that . . . to be

drawn back into some sort of vision of sanity." A regular attendee of the

lawyers' retreat said: "Really, what we're doing is recharging our bat-

teries, looking for inspiration, and learning that other people have the

same problems we do." In essence, people are looking to find directionin their lives. "Life is crazy these days," the center's director said. "If it

isn't reflected on, we're missing the heart of it. We need to quiet down,

let go of it all, and reflect."

Siena Center

Racine Dominican Retreat Program

5635 Erie St.

Racine, WI 53402(262) 639-4L00

Accommodations: 84 beds in single and double rooms, for men and

women; common baths; well-prepared cafeteria-style meals with com-

munity; daily mass in large chapei; full schedule of retreat programs;

open year-round except 3 weeks in August; wheelchair-accessible;

43 acres on Lake Michigan, walking, swimming, natural wildlife area;

$35-$45 per night includes meals.

Directions: From Chicago take I-94 North to Hwy. 20; turn right on20 East to Hwy. 31; turn left on 31 to Four Mile Rd., then right on Four

Mile for 3 miles to Erie St. and left on Erie to the center.

From Milwaukee take I-94 to H*y. 100 (Ryan Rd.); turn left on H*y.

100 to H*y. 32, then right on Hwy.32 to Four Mile Rd.; left on Four Mile

Rd. to Erie St., and then left on Erie St. to the center.

Other Places

AlabamaHargis Christian Retreat, 251 Hargis Dr., Chelsea, AL 35043. (205) 678-651,2Alabama 4-H Cente\ 892 4H Rd,, Columbiana, AL 35051. (205) 669-4241St. Bernard Retreat Center, 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman, AL 35055.

(205) 734-3946Mystic |ourney Retreat, P.O. Box 1021, Guntersville, AL 35976. (256) 582-

5745Blessed Tiinity Shrine, I07 Holy Tiinity Rd., Holy Tiinity, AL 36859. (334)

855-4474

AlaskaHoly Spirit Retreat Flouse, 10980 Hillside Dr., Anchorage, AK 99576. PA7)

346-2343Khawachen Dharma Center, 1520 Orca St., Anchorage, AK 99501. (907) 279-

0377St. John Orthodox Cathedral, P.O. Box771108, 18936 Monastery Dr., Eagle

Rive4, AK 99577. (907) 696-2002Shrine of St. Therese, 5933 Lund St., |uneau, AK 99801 . (907)780-6712Meier Lake Conference Center, H.C. 33, Box 3181, Wasilla, AK99654. (907)

376-0594

ArizonaChapel Rock, Arizona Church Conference Center, 1131 Country Club Dr.,

Prescott, A286303. (520) 445-3499Prescott Pines Baptist Camp, P.O. Box 1226, Prescott, AZ 86302. (520) 445-

5225Franciscan Renewal Center,5802 E. Lincoln Dr., ScottsdaLe, A285253. (480)

948-7460

256

O T H E R P L A C E S

Sedona Dahn Retreat Center, P.O. Box 2283, Sedona, AZ 86339. (520) 282-

4300

Santa Rita Abbey, HC 1, Box929, Sonoita, A285637. (520)455-5595

Benedictine Monastery, 800 N. Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716. (520)

325-8444

Picture Rocks Retreat, P.O. Box 569, Tucson, AZ 85652. (520) 744-3400

ArkansasDevachan Temple, 5 Dickey St., Eureka Springs, AR72632. (501) 253-6685Little Portion Retreat, Rte. 7, Box 688, Eureka Springs, AR72632. (501) 253-

7718Mount Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center, 150 NW Skyline Dr.,

Fayetteville, AR 72707. (501) 443-4531St. Scholastica Center, P.O. 8ox3489, Fort Smith, AR729\3. (501) 783-7135Holy Angels Convent, P.O. Drawer 130, fonesboro, AR 72403. (870) 933-

5661,Dimensions of Evolvement, Inc., Box 456,Melbourne, AR72556. (870) 368-

4468The Abbey Retreat, Coury Flouse, Subiaco Abbey, 100 College St., Subiaco,

AR 72865. (50r) 934-4477Ozark Theosophical Camp, 704 Broadview, Sulphur Springs, AR 72768.

(501) 2e8-3594Shiloh Communi ty, P.O. Box 97, Sulphur Springs, AR 7 27 68. (501) 29 8-3299

CaliforniaSacred Heart Retreat Center, 920 E. Alhambra Rd., Alhambra, CA 91801.

(626) 289-13seCamp Sky Meadows, 3LgL Radford Rd., Angelus Oaks, CA 92305. (909)

866-2268

Quaker Center, P.O. Box 686, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. (831) 336-8333Incarnation Monastery,7369 La Loma, Berkeley, CA94708. (510) 845-0601Incarnation Priory, 1601 Oxford St., Berkeley, CA94709. (510) 548-3406Ruach Ha'Aretz, c/o Marty Potrop, 2519 Derby St., Berkeley, C494705.

(51,0) 549-0441Sacred Heart Retreat Camp, P.O. Box 7795, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. (909)

866-5696Esalen Institute, Big Suq, CA 93920. (408) 667-3005 (Reservations), (831)

667 -3000 (General Information)Alpine Covenant Conference Center, P.O. Box 155, Blue lay,CA92377. (909)

337-6287Commonweal Center, P.O. Box 316, Bolinas, CA 94924. (415) 868-0970

O T H E R P L A C E S

Thungpulu Kaba-Aye Monastery, 18335 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA95006.

Vajrapani Institute, P.O. Box 2730, Boulder Creek, CA 95006. (831) 338-6654Brandeis Bardin Institute, A Jewish Educational Camp, 1101 Peppertree

Ln., Brandeis, CA 93064. (805) 582-4450Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010. (650) 340-7474Rainbow Ranch, 3975 Mountain Home Rd., Calistoga, CA 94515. (707) 942-

5727

St. Dorothy's Rest, P.O. Box B, Camp Meeke4, CA95479. (707) 574-3379Avery Ranch, P.O. Box 1186, Columbia, CA 95310. (209) 533-2851Madonna of Peace Renewal Center, P.O. Box 71, Copperopolis,- CA95228.

(20e) 785-2rs7Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center, 2013 Eureka Canyon Rd., Corralitos, CA

95076. (831) 767-6266

San Damiano Retreat House, 710 Highland Dr., P.O. Box 767,Danville, CA94526. (925) 837-9741

Pyramid of Health 9pa,66563 E. Fifth St., Desert Hot Springs, CA92240.(760) 32e-5652

Sky Valley Retreat Center, 732 Dillon Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA92240.(760) 329-6e94

Madre Grande Monastery of the Paracelsian Order, 78372 H*y. 94,D ulzur a, C A 9 L9 17 . (619) 468-3810, (619) 468-3006

Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316LanaiRd., Encino, CA 97436. (818)784-4515Christ the victor Lutheran Retreat, 26?6 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax,

cA e4930. (415) 454-6365Our Lady of Trust Spirituality Center, 205 S. Pine Dr., Fullerton, CA92633.

(7r4) e56-r020Heartwood Institute,22A Harmony Ln., Garberville, CA 95440. (707) 923-

2021

Isis Oasis, 20889 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, CA 95447. (707) 857-3524Star Foundation, P.O. Box 516, Geyserville, CA 95441. 1-888-857-STARSivananda Ashram, Vrindavan Yoga Farm,14657 Ballantree Ln., Grass val-

ley, CA 95949. (916) 272-9322, (800) 4MY-YOGASilver Spring Mountain Retreat, P.O. Box 1331, Hayfork, CA 96041. (530)

628-5489

El Rancho del Obispo (The Bishop's Ranch), 5297 Westside Rd., Healds-burg, CA 95448. (707) 433-2440

Riverrun Retreat Hermitage, c/o Simon Jeremiah, 1569 Fitch Mountain,Healdsburg, CA 95448. (707) 433-6754

St. Columba Retreat F{ouse, Box 430, Inverness , CA94937. (415) 669-1039Astral Mountain Retreat, Box 1881, Dept. tf, fulian, CA 92036. (619) 765-7225

258

O T H E R P L A C E S

Rigzin Lit g, P.O. Box 279,lunction City, CA 96048. (916) 623-2774

Far Horizons, Inc., P.O. Box 857, Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633.

(209) 56s-3692

Villa Maria House of Prayeq, 1252 N. Citrus, La Habra, CA 90631. (562) 697-

5838

Double D Ranch, 3212F-.8th St., Long Beach, CA 98084. (56?) 434-3453

Jesuit Retreat House, 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA94022. (650) 948-4497

Claretian Renewal Center, 1119 Westchester Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90019.

(213) 737-8464

Metivta, A Center for Jewish Wisdom, 2001 South Barrington Ave., #706,

Los Angeles, CA 90025. (310) 477-5370jikoji, 12100 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA 95030. (408) 74I-9562

Presentation Center, 79480 Bear Creek Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95030. (408) 354-

2346

Serra Retreat, P.O. Box 727,Malibu, CA 90265. (562) 456-6631,

Harbin Hot Springs, P.O. Box782, Middletown, CA 9546L (707) 987-2477

Ralston L. \Alhite Retreat, 2 El Capitan Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941'. (41,5)

388-0858

DePaul Center, 1105 Bluff Rd., Montebello, CA 90640. (213) 723-7343

Mount Baldy Zen Center, P.O. Box 429, Mount Baldy, CA9I759. (909) 985-

641.0

Zen Mountain Center, P.O. Box 43, Mountain Center, CA92361,. (909) 659-

5272

Las Brisas Retreat Center, 43500 Camino de Las Brisas, Murrieta, CA92562.

(909) 677-4544

Ananda Seclusion Retreat, 14618 Tyler Foote Rd., Nevada City, CA 95959.

(800) 346-5350

California Vipassana Center, P.O. Box 1167, North Fork, CA 93643. (209)

877-4386

Episcopal Conference Center, 43803 H*y. 41, Oakhurst. CA 93644. (209)

683-8762

Holy Redeemer Center, 8945 Golf Links Rd., P.O. Box 5427, Oakland, CA

94605. (s70) 635-6347

Carmelite House of Prayer, Oakville Grade Rd., Oakville, CA 94562. (707)

944-2454

Chagdud Gonpa Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 90, Oakville, CA 94562. (707)

944-1907

Krotona Irrstitute of Theosophy,2 Krotona Hill, Ojai, CA93023. (805) 646-2653

The Ojai Foundation, P.O. Box1620, Ojai, CA 93023. (805) 646-8343

Center for Spiritual Development, 4345. Batavia, Orange, CA92668. (714)

744-3175

259

O T H E R P L A C E S

House of Prayer for Priests,7734 santiago Canyon Rd., orange, CA 92669.(774) 639-e740

Asilomar Conference Center, P.O. Box s37, pacific Grove, CA 93950. (931)372-8016

Aldersgate Retreat Center, 925 Haverford Ave., pacific palisades, CAe0272. (370) 454-6699

Aldersgate Retreat Center, P.o. Box 6006, pasadena, cA 91102. (626) g7z-4300

silver Penny Farm, 5215 old Lakeville Rd. #1, petaluma, cAg4g54. (207\762-1498

walker Creek Ranch, 1700 Marshall/petah-rm-a R-d-., petaluma, CAg49sz.(707) 491-6600

Shenoa Retreat Centeq, P.O. Box 43, Philo, CA95466. (707) g95-g156weilspring Renewal Center, P.o. Box 332, philo , cA9s466. (707) g95-3g93Mary and Joseph Retreat Center,5300 crest Rd., Rancho palos verdes, CA

e0274. (370) 377-4867El Carmelo Retreat House, 926 E. Highland Ave., Redlands, cA g2z7z.

(909) 7e2-7047MountAlvemo Conference Center, P.o. Box 1028,3910 Bret Harte Dr., Red-

wood City, CA 94064. (650) 369-0298Christian Brothers Retreat House, 2233 Sulphur Springs Ave., st. Helena,

c A 9 457 4. (7 07) 9 63-1,477spirituai Ministry Center, 4822Del Mar Ave., san Diego, cA9zr07. (g5g)

224-9444Zen Centex, 300 Page street, san Francisco, cAg470z. (415) g63-3136Mission san Luis Rey Retreat, P.o. Box 409, san Luis Rey, CA 92069. (760)

757-3659United Camps, conferences, & Retreats, 199 Greenfield, san Rafael, CA

94901. (415) 456-5102St. Mary's Retreat House,505 E. Los olivos, santa Barbara, cA93105. (661)

682-4177white Lotus Foundation, 2500 san Marcos Pass, santa Barbara, cA 93105.

(667) 964-1e44Angela Cente4, 535 AngelaDr., Santa Rosa, CA 95401. (707) S2S-gSTgsan Loren zo Friary, P.o. Box 247 , 1802 sky Dr., santa ynez, cA 93460. (g05)

688-1993westerbeke Ranch & Conference Center, 2300 Grove st., sonoma, cA

9s476. (707) 996-7546Land of Medicine Buddha,5800 Prescott Rd., soquel, CA 95073. (g3L) 462-

8383

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O T H E R P L A C E S

st. Clare's Retreat,2381 Laurel Glen Rd., Soquel, CA 95073. (831) 423-8093

Odiyan, P.O. Box 176, Stewarts Point, CA 95480' (707) 785-2537

city of 10,000 Buddhas, P.o. Box 217,Talmage, CA 95481. (707) 462-0939

Vifla de Lestonnac Ministry Center, 39300 De Portola Rd., Temecula, CA

92s92. (957) 6e5-2786St. Anthony Retreat Center, 4381.6 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers, CA93277. (559)

561-4595Blue Mountain Center, Box 256, Tomales, CA 94971. (707) 878-2369

saratoga springs, 10243 Saratoga Springs Rd., Upperlake, cA95485. (707)

?75-9503St. Francis Salesian Retreat, 24008. Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076. (831)

722-0[5Stewart Mineral Springs, 4617 Stewart Spring

9"R-?) ) )

Weed, CA96094. (530)

Wilbur Hot Springs, Star Route, Williams, CA95987. (530) 473-2306

spirit Rock Center, P.O. Box 909, Woodacre, CA 94973. (415) 488-0164

Camp Mariastella, P.O. Box99, Wrightwood, CA 92397. (760)733-7208

Luther Glen Conference Center, 39736 Harris Rd., Yucaipa, CA 92399. (909)

797-9183

ColoradoEldorado Mount Yoga Ashr arn, 2875 County Rd. 67, Boulder, CO 80303.

(303) 4e4-3051Holy Cross Abbey, P.O. Box 1510, Canon City, co 81215. (7L9) 275-8637

Benet Hill Monastery, St. Benedict's Retreat House, 2577 N. Chelton Rd.,

Colorado Springs, CO 80909' (719) 473-6784

Benet Pines Retreat Center, 15780 Hwy. 83, Colorado Springs, CO 80921'

(77e) 4e5-2574Franciscan Center, Mount St. Francis,7665 Assisi

co 80919. U79\ 598-5486

Colorado Springs,

Mercy Center, 926 Farragut Ave., Colorado springs, co 80909 . (719) 633-

2302Haidakhandi Universal Ashram, 184 Moonlight Overlook, P.O. Box 9, Cre-

stone, CO 81131. (779) 256-4108Denver Zen Center,7233 Columbine St. #T1,

4844

Queen of Peace Oratory, 5360 Columbine Rd.,

9L39Regis Retreat center, 3333 Regis U. Blvd., Denver, co 80221. (303) 458-

4100

Denver, CO 80206. (303) 333-

Denver, CO 80221. (303) 477-

O T H E R P L A C E S

Estes Park center/YMCA, 2s7s runnel Rd., Estes park, co g0511. (920)586-3341

Thra Mandala Retreat Center, p.o. Box 3040, pagosa springs, Co g7747.(e70) 264-6177

Rocky Mountain shambhala Center, 4921 County Rd. 6gC, Red FeatherLakes, CO 80545. (970) SB1-2754

Shoshoni Yoga Retreat, P.o. Box 410, Rollinsville, Co g0474. (30j) 642-0176Jesuit Retreat House, P.o. Box 185, sedalia, CO g0135. (303) 6gs-419gsanctuary House, 1591 Gateway Rd., snowmass , co g76s4. (970) 9zr-36s6snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA, p.o. Box769,winter park, co g04g2. (920)

887-2t52Templed Hills Camp and Retreat center, 7364 co. Rd. 25, woodland park,

co 80866. (719) 687-e038

Connecticutspirituai Life center, st. Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloom-

Iield, CT 06002. Day groups only. (860) 243-2374Ingraham/Peck spiritr.ral Renewal Centel, 156 summer st., Bristol, CT

06010. (860)582-5422Camp Isabella Freedman, 116 ]ohnson Rd., Falls village, CT 06031. ulA-

owned summer camp for seniors. (860) gZ4-5991our Lady of Calvary Retreat House, 31 Colton st., Farmington, cr 06032.

(860) 677-851eoratory of the Little way, Box 22r, south Kent Rd., Gaylordsville, cr

06755. (86U 354-82e4Episcopal Camp and Conference Center, Bushy Hill Rd., p.o. Box s77,

Ivoryton, CT 06442. (560)767-0848All saints Conference Center, Camp washington, 190 Kenyon Rd., Lake-

side, CT 06758. (860) 567-9629Montfort Retreat Centel, P.o. Box 667,Litchtield, CT 06759. (g60) 567-g434wisdom House, 229 E. Litchfield Rd., Litchfield, cr 06759. (g60) 567-3163Mercy center, 167 Neck Rd., Box 19r, Madison, CT 0644g. (202) z4s-0401,My Fatlrer's House, 39 N. Moodus Rd., Box 22, Moodus, CT 06469. (g60)

873-1581Edmundite Apostolate and Conference Center, Enders Island, Mystic, CT

06355. (860) 536-0565Trinita Ecumenical Center, Town Hill Rd., New Hartford, CT 060s2. (g60)

379-8733villa Maria Retreat Center, 159 sky Meadow Dr., stamford, cT 06903. (203)

322-A7A7

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O T H E R P L A C E S

Emmaus-Diocesan Spiritual Life Center, 24 Maple Ave., Uncasville, CT

06382. (860) 848-3427

Holy Family Retreat House, 303 Tunxis Rd., West Hartford, cT 06107. (860)

521-0440

Benedictine Grange, Dorethy Rd., West Redding, cT 06896. (203) 938-

3689

Immaculata Retreat House, Windham Rd., willimantic, cT 06226. (860)

423-8484

Delaware

Virden Retreat Center, University of Delaware,700 Pilottown

DE 1e958. {f,02\ 645-4100

St. Francis Renewal Center, 1901 Prior Rd', Wilmington, DE

798-7454

District of ColumbiaMonastery of the Holy cros s,1.302 Quincy st. NE, Washington, D.c. 20077 .

(202) 832-857e

st. Anselm's Abbey, 4501 s. Dakota Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20077. (202)

269-2300

Tibetan Meditation Center,5603 16th St. NW Washington, D.C. 20011. (202)

829-0005

V/ashington Retreat House, 4000 Harewood Rd. NE, Washington, D'C.

20017. (202) 529-17rr

Florida

Mother of God House of Prayer, 17800 cypress Creek Rd., Alva, FL 33920.

(941,) 728-3674

Zacchaeus House, 27043kdAve. w, Bradenton,FL34205. (941) 755-5812

The Pines Retreat Center, 7029 Cedar Ln., Brooksville, FL 34601. (352) 796-

4457

Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer, T)ZBayview Ave', Clear-

water, FL 34679. (727) 797 -7 472

Living Waters, 11450 SW 16th St., Davie, FL 33325. (954) 476-7466

Duncan Conference Center, 15820 S. Military Tiail, Delray Beach, FL 33484.

(561) 496-4730

Dayspring Episcopal Conference Center, P.O. Box 661, Ellenton, FL 34222-

(941)776-10t8

Gainesvill e Zen Circle, 562 NE 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601,. (352) 373-

7567

Rd., Lewes,

1e8oe. (302)

O T H E R P L A C E S

church of the Brethren, p.o. Box 74, Gotha,FL34TZ4. (407) zgz-g4gILoretto House of Prayer,41L8 Loretto Rd., Jacksonville, FL gzzzgMarywood, 1714-5 st. Rd. 13, facksonville, FL32zs9. (904) 2g7-zszscenacle spiritual Life Center,1,400 s. Dixie Hwy., Lantana, FL3g462. (s61)

582-2534vision Farms, P.o. Box 154, Mclntosh, FL 326&. AA meditation center.

(3s2) 5e7-47e1Dominican Retreat House, 727ssw rz4thst., Miami, FL 33156. (g0s)zgg-z7llJohn Paul II Retreat House,720 NE z7thst., Miami, FL33lg7. (305) 576-

2748our Ladv of Florida spiritr.ral Center, 1300 u.s. Hr^.'yr 1, North palm Beach,

FL 33408. (561) 626-1300Dunklin Memorial Camp, 3342 sw Hosannah Ln., okeechobee, FL g4g74.

(863) s97-2841Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, 1601 Alfaya Tiail, oviedo, FL

32765. (407) 365-5577St. Leo Abbey, P.O. Box 2369, St. Leo, FL33574. (352) 5gg-2000Buddha sasana vihara, 1085 Plaza Comercio Dr. NE, st. petersburg, FL

33702. (727) 576-9209Montgomery Conference Center, Rte. 3, Box 1102, starke, FL 32091. (904)

473-4516Cypress Tiee Zen Center, P.O. Box 1856, Thllahassee, FLgZ302.St. John Neumann Center,685 Miccosukee Rd., Tallahassee, FL 3230g. (g50)

224-2971Thmpa Karma Tiiyana Dharmachakra (KTC), 820 s. MacDill, Thmpa, FL

3360e. (813)870-2904our Lady of Perpetual Help spirituality Center, 1000 pinebrook Rd

Venice, FL34292. (947) 454-9549San Pedro Spiritual Centeq,2400 Dike Rd., winter park, FL327gz. (gzl) 67r-

6322

GeorgiaGreen Bough House of Prayer, Rte. 1, Box 65.{, Adrian, GA 31002. (4zg)

668-4758Koinonia Partners, 1-324 Georgia Hwy. 49s., Americus, G A 977 0g . (229) g24-

0391Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Dr. N\A{, Atlanta, GA 3032g. (404) 255-0503God's Country Farm, H*y. 325, Blairsville, GA 30512. May-oct. (706) 74s-

1560Monastery of our Lady of the Holy spirit, z6zs Hwy. z72, conyers, GA

30208. g7q 760-0959.

264

O T H E R P L A C E S

Cohutta Springs Conference Centet 1175 Cohutta Springs Rd., Crandall,

GA 30711. (706) 695-9093

Calvin Camp and Conference Center, 13550 Woolsey Rd., Hampton, GA

30228. (770) 946-4276

Center for Spiritual Awareness, Lakemont, GA 30552. May-Sept ' (706) 782-

4723

Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center, 4511 Jonesbridge Cir. NW,

Norcross, GA 30092. (770) 447-1177

Epworth by the sea, P.o. Box 20407, st. simons Island, GA 31522. (972)

638-8688

Covecrest, Rte. L, Box 3717, Tige4 G A 3057 6. (7 06) 7 82'59 67

Four Winds Village, Gt. Spirit Retreat, P.O. Box 112,Tiget, GA30576. (706)

782-6939

Mikell Camp & Conference center, Rte. 3, Box 343, Toccoa, GA30577. (706)

886-7515

Georgia Episcopal Camp and Conference Center, "Honey Creek," RR L,

Box94, Waverly, GA 31565. (912)265-9218

Hawaii

Soto Mission of Aiea, P.O. Box 926, Aiea,HI96701.. (808) 488-6794

Hawaii International Conference Center, 7208 Laukahi St., Honolulu, HI

96827

Honolulu Diamond Sangha, 2747 Waiomao Rd., Honolulu,HI96816. (808)

735-1347

Mantra Meditation of Hawaii,169 S. Kukui St., Honolulu, HI 96813' (808)

533-0277

Nichiren Mission of Hawaii, 33 Pulelehua Way, Honolulu,H.l96817. (808)

595-3517

Spiritual Life CenteL2TIT Pamoa Rd., Honolulu, HI 96827. (808) 988-7800

vipassana Hawaii, 380 Portlock Rd., Honolulu,Ir].I96825. (808) 395-5301

Kalani Honua, P.O. Box 4500, Kalapana, HI96778. (808) 965-7828

spiritual Life Cente+ 6407 Pai Hwy., Kaneohe, HI96744. (808) 263-8844

Kahuna Retreats, Aloha Internatioual, P.O. Box 599, Kapaa,HI96746' (808)

822-9272

Kalani Honua Conference and Retreat Center, RR 2 Box 4500, Kehena

Beach, HI96778. (800) 800-6886, (808) 965-7828

Manulani,515 S. Kihei Rd. #c-105, Kihei, HI96753. (800)772-7899 ext. 656/,4

Kai Mana, P.O. Box 612, Kilauea, HI 96754- (800) 837-1782

Hui Ho'olana, P.O. Box99, Kualapuu,HI95757' (808) 567-6430

St. Isaac Hermitage, P.O. Box 731, Mountain View, HI96771" Nearest phone

7 miles. Rustic.

265

O T H E R P L A C E S

Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, wood valley Retreat Center, p.o. Box 250,Pahala, HI96777. (808) 928-8539

Hale Mauli ola FIou, aka Re-Creation Center, p.o. Box 1653, pahoa, HI96778. (808) 965-9880

Karma Rimary osal Ling, p.o. Box r0?9, paia, H19677g. (g0g) s79-g076

IdahoNazareth Retreat center, 4450 N. 5 Mile Rd., Boise ,ID gi704. (20g) 37s-2gi2Monastery of st. Gertrude, HC 3, Box\zr,cottonwood,ID g3szz. (z0g\962-

3224Ascension Prior;z and Ministry, Center, E4t E.10cth s., ]erorr,e, iD g33sg.

(20$ 324-2377Marymount Hermitage, 2150 Hermitage Ln., Mesa, rD g3643. (20g) 2s6-

4354

IllinoisUnited Charities Camp Algonquin, 18g9 Cary Rc1., Algonquin, rL 601,02.

(847) 658-8212Bellarmine Hall, P.o. Box 263,Barrington,IL 60010. (g4z) gg7-1261st. Benedict Abbey, 7567 w. Lancaster Rd., Bartonville, rL 61607.(309) 633-

0057King's House Retreat and Renewal center, 200 N. 66th st., Belleville, IL

62223. (618) 397-0584National shrine of our Lady of the snows, Missionary oblates of Mary

Immaculate, 9500 w. state Rte. 15, Belleville,rL6222g. (6rg\ g97-6700Emani F{ouse, 1340E.72ndSt., Chicago, rL60679. (773) 643-0359Convent crf st. Anne, 1125 N. La salle, chicago,IL 60610. (3rz) 642-z6zgour House of Prayer, BTLB pauline st., chicag o,rL 60620. (773) zgz-s60gPriory of Christ the King, 4334 N. Hazel st., #110, chicago, rL 60613 (773)

404-2767Resurrection Retrea t s, 7 432 w Thlcott Ave., chicago, rL 6062r. (77 3) 7 92-6g62vivekananda vedanta society, 5423 S. Hyde park Blvd., chicago, IL 60615.

(773) 363-0027wat Dhammaram, 70s9 w. Tsthst., Chicago, IL 6063g. (TT3) sg4-ua}Toddhall Retreat & Conference Center, 350 Todd Center Dr., columbia, IL

62236. (618) 28i-8180, (618) 28r_756eAyiesford Carmelite spirituai Center, g433 Bailey Rd., Darien, IL 60561.

(708) e69-4741Cabrini Retreat Center, 9430 Golf Rd., Des plaines,IL 60016, (g47) 297-6s20st. Joseph Retreat center, 353 N. River Rd., Des plaines, IL 60016. (g4T) zgg-

4070

266

O T H E R P L A C E S

Siloam Retreat, 18 N. 600 W. Hil1Rd., Dundee, iL 60118. (847) 428-6949

Burmese Buddhist Association, 15 W. 110 Forest Ln., Elmhurst, IL 6A126.

rc3}\ 947-7608Chicago Zen Center,2029 Ridge, Evanston,IL 60201. (847) 475-3015

Portiuncula Center for Prayer, 9263W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfott,IL 60423.

(81s) 46e-4880

La Salette Retreat Center, RR 1, Box 403, Georgetown (Olivet), IL 61846.

(277) 662-6677

Villa Redeemer Redemptorist Center, 1111 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview,

IL 60025, {847) 724-7804

King's House of Retreats, P.O. Box 165, Henry, IL 61537. (309) 364-3084

Buddha Dharma Meditation Center, 8910 S. Kingerly Hwy., Hinsdale, IL

60527. (630) 78e-8866

St. Mary's Retreat Flouse, 1400 Main St., Box 608, Lemont, IL 60439. (630)

257-51,02

Marytown-Kolbe Shrine, 1600 W Park Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048. (847)

367-7800

Cardinal Stritch Retreat House, P.O. Box 455, Mundelein, IL 60060. (847)

566-6060

Center for Development in Ministry, University of St. Mary of the Lake,

Mundelein, IL 60060. (847) 566-8290

Christian Brothers LaSalle Manor, 12480 Galena Rd., Plano,IL 60545. (630)

552-3224

Oasis Place of Prayer, 77175 Galena Rd., Plano ,IL 60545. (630) 552-8201

Dominican Conference Center, 7200W. Divisicn St., River Forest,IL 60305'

(708) 771-3030

Dominican Renewal Center-Benincasa, 7th and Adams, P'O- Box 679,

Riverton, IL 62561,. (217) 629 -8469

Bishop Lane Retreat Center, 7708 E. McGregor Rd., Rockford, IL 61102.

(815) e6s-s011Sacred Heart House of Prayer, 2810 Fifth Ave., Rock Island, IL 61201. (309)

786-6785

Sacred Heart Seminary, 3800 W. Division St., Stone Park, IL 60165- (708)

345-8270

Divine Word International, 2001 Waukegan Rd., P.O. Box 176, Techny' IL

60082. (847)272-7100

Plow Creek Fellowship, Rte. 2, Box 2A, Tiskilwa, IL 61368. (815) 640-4730.

Retreat cabin.

Cenacle Retreat House, P.O. Box 797,Wanenville, IL 60555. (630) 393-1231'

Resurrection Center. 77105. Countrv Club Rd., Woodstock,IL 60098. (815)

338-1032

267

O T H E R P L A C E S

IndianaBenedict Inn and conference center, 1402 Southern Ave., Beech Grove,IN

46107. (3r7) 788-7581Lindenwood, PHJC Ministry center, Donaldson,IN 46sr}. (2rg) gzs-1790Open Spaces, 115 W Cleveland Ave., Elkhart,IN 46516. (Z7g) SZZ-5250sarto Retreat Flouse, P.o. Box 4169, Evansville,rN 47724. (912) 424-ss36Kordes Enrichment center, 847 E.14th st., Ferdinand ,rN 47s32. (g00) sgO-

2777Monastery Immaculate conception, 802 E. 10th st., Ferdinand, IN 47532.

(872) 367-741rPope Joh:r- XXIII Center, 407 rN.l\{cDcnaic st., Hartford Cifv; II..l 4734g.

(377) 348-4008Fatima Retreat House,5353 E. 56th st., Indianapolis, IN 46226. (317) s4s-

7687American Camping Association, 5000 state Rd. 67 N,, Martinsville, IN

46157. (765) 342-8456 ext, 312Mount st. Francis Retreat Center and St. Mary of the Angels Hermitage, 101

Anthony Dr., Mount St. Francis,IN 47146. (572\ 923-8877Epworth Forest Conference Center, P.o. Box 16, N. webstel,IN 46555. (219)

834-2212Fatima Retreat Center, P.o. Box 929, Notre Dame,IN 46556. (z1g) 627-g2ggMary's Solitude, St. Mary's, Notre Dame,IN 46556. (2I9) Zg4-SS9gsisters of st. Francis convent, Main st., olsenburg,IN 42063. (g72) 934-

2475

Quaker Hill Conference Center, 10 Quaker Hill Dr., Richmond , rN 47274.(765) 962-s741

Geneva Center, 5282 N. old u.s. 31, Rochestel, IN 4697s. (zr9) 2zg-697sHandmaids of the Most Holy Trinity, Monastery-Hermitage,230g9 Adams

Rd., s. Bend, IN 46628. Groups only. (279) 272-942s (before z:45 r,.ru. E.T.)Little Noddfa, RR 3, P.O. Box 291A, Tipton, IN 46022. (765) 675-3950

IozuaBeacon Flouse Ministries, 915 N. 3rd st., Burlington, IA s2601. (919) 7s2-

2127American Martyrs Retreat House, p.o. Box 605, Cedar Falls,IA50613. (319)

266-3543shalom Retreat Flouse, 1001 Davis Ave., Dubuque,IA52001. (919) sgz-zsgzCreighton University Retreat centel, 76493 Contrail Ave., Griswold, IA

s1s3s. (712) 278-2466wakonda House of Prayer, Box 370, Griswold, IA 51535. (7r2) z7}- gzsCamp wesley woods, 1086 Nixon st., Indianola, IA 50125. (5i,s) 96r-4529

268

O T H E R P T A C E S

Christian Conference Center, Rte. 3, Box 70, Newton, IA 50208. (515) 792-

1266

Kansas

The Mount Conference Center,801 South 8th St., Atchison, KS 66002. (913)

367-6170

St. Benedict's Abbey, 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison, KS 66002. (913) 367-7853

Sophia Center,801 S. 8th St., Atchison, KS 66002. (973) 367-6770

Hollis Renewal Center, P.O. Box 402, Bonner Springs, KS 66012. (913) 441-

0451

Manna House of Prayeg P.O. Box 675,323 E. sth St., Concordia, KS 66901'.

(785) 243-4428

Shantivanam,220l,9 Meagher Rd., Easton, KS 66020. (973)773-8255

Rock springs 4-H Center, 5405 W. Hwy, K-157, function City, KS 66441,.

(785) 257-322r

Kansas Zen Cente r, 1115 Ohio, Lawrence, KS 66044. (785) 842-8909

Thll oaks Conference center, 1,2797 189th St., P.O. Box 116, Linwood, KS

66052. (9r3) 723-3307, (91.3) 723-3273

ursuline Retreat Center, 901 East Miami, Paola, KS 66077. (9I3) 294-2349

Acuto Center, 1165 Southwest Blvd., Wichita, KS 67213. (376) 945-2542

spiritual Life Center,7L00 East 45th St. N., Wichita, KS 67226. (376) 744'

0167

KentuckyFurnace Mountain, P.O. Box 545, Clay City, KY 40312' (606) 438-3066Foxhollow,8909 Hwy. 329, Crestwood, KY 40014' (502) 241-5473Kavanaugh Life Enrichment Center, 7505 Kavanaugh Rd., Crestwood, KY

40014. (502) 241-1279, (5OZ) 24L-9491

Marydale Retreat Center, 945 Donaldson Hwy., Erlangel, KY 41018. (800)

995-4863

Kentucky Leadership Center, HC 66, Box 4075, Faubush, KY 42532. (502)

866-4275

The Close, P.O. Box 610, Lexington, KY 40586. (606) 252-6527

Lexington Zen Center,345 Jesselin Dr., Lexington, KY 40503. (606)277-2438

st. Agnes House, 635 Maxwelton Ct., Lexington, KY 40508. (606) 254-7241

Flaget Center, 1935 Lewiston Pl., Louisville, KY 40216. (502) 448-8581

Mount St. Joseph Center, 8001 Cummings Rd., Maple Mount, KY 42356.

(502) 229-4103

The Dwelling Place, 150 Mt. Tabor Rd., Martin, KY 47649. (606) 886-9624

Moye Spiritual Life Center, St. Anne Convent, Melbourne, KY 41'059' (606)

441-0679

269

O T H E R P L A C E S

cleftrock Retreat center, Rte. 1, Box 297, Mt. vernon, Ky 404s6. rcafi) zs6-2336

Catherine spalding Center, P.o. Box 24, Nazareth, Ky 40048. $a\ 34g-rs46Knobs Haven, Loretto Motherhouse, Nerinx, Ky 40049. (s}z) g6s-2621,Bethany Spring, 115 Dee Head Rd., New Haven, Ky 40051. (S0Z) 549-gZ7Tst. walburg Monastery', 2500 Amsterdam Rd., villa Hills , Ky 47077. (d06)

337-6324

LouisianaManresa Retreat House, P.o. Box 89, Convent, LA T0zzg. gaq s6z-gsg6,

(80u 782-9437Regina Coeli Retreat Ce.nter, 17225 Regina Coeli Rd., Covington, LAT04I3.

(504) 892-4710Iesuit spirituality Cente4 st. charles College, p,o. Box C, Grand Coteau,

L A 7 0541. (337) 662-5257our Lady of the oaks Retreat House, P.o. Box D, Grand Coteau, LA70s47.

(3r8) 662-547ACalcasieu Center for Catholic studies, 920 Seventh St., Lake charles, LA

70601. (318) 439-7432Ave Maria Retreat House, RR 1, Box 036g, Marrero, LA 70072. (504) 6s9-

3837Maryhill Renewal Centeq, 600 Maryhill Rd., pineville, LA77360. (319) 640-

1378Magnificat Center of the Holy spirit, Lee's Landing Rd., Hwy. 445, poncha-

toula, LA7O454. (504\ 529-7636Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, Star Rte., 39003 Rosaryville Rd., poncha-

toula, LA70454. (504) 294-5039, (504) 466-1476, (800) 627-9183The Episcopal Conference Center, P.o. Box 779, Robert, LA 20455. (504)

748-6634Lumen Christi Retreat Center, 100 Lumen Christi Ln., schriever, LA 703gs.

(504) 868-1523

MaineNotre Dame spiritual Center, Alfred, ME 04002. (207) 324-6160, (207) sz4-

6612 (Monday-Friday,9 *v.4 r.v. E.T.)st. Paul's Retreat House and cursillo Center, 136 state st., Augusta, ME

44330. (207) 622-6235China Lake Conference Center, Rte. 3, Box 149, China, ME 04926. (207\ 96g-

2107Rockcraft Retreat Center, P.O.

onIy. (207) 787-2876

270

Box 198, East Sebago, ME 04029. Groups

O T H E R P T A C E S

St. Benedict's House, Rte. 105, Hope, ME 04847. (207) 763-4020

Franciscan Guest House, P.O. Box 980, Kennebunkport, ME 04046- (207)

967-2017

Oceanwood, P.O. Box 338, Ocean Park, ME 04063. (207) 934-9655

Mother of the Good Shepherd Monastery by the Sea, 235 Pleasant

Peaks Island, ME 04108. (207)766-2717

Northern Pines, 599 Rte. 85, Raymond, ME 04077. (207) 655-7624

Bay View Villa Guest and Retreat House by the Sea, Rte. 9 /187 Bay View

Rd., Saco, ME 04072. (207) 283-3636

Ferry Beach Park Association, 5 Morris Ave., Saco, ME 04072. (207) 282-

4J.89

Hersey Retreat,Ir.O. Box 1183, Stockton Springs, ME 04982. (207) 567-3420.

Winter: P.O. Box 810, Brooks, ME A4921,. QAn722-3405

Goose Cove Lodge, Deer Isle, Sunset, ME 04683. (207) 348-2508. Winter:

(207)767-3003

Morgan Bay Zendo, P.O. Box 188, Surry, ME 04684 ' (207) 667-5428, (207)

677-7170

Hermitage Arts, RR1, Box 398, Thorndike,ME 04986' (207) 568-3731. One

hermitage.

Sky-Hy Conference and Retreat Center, RR 2, Box 85A Meadow Rd., Top-

sham, ME 04086. (207) 725-7577

MarylandChristian Brothers Spiritual Center, P.O. Box 29, Adamstown, MD 21770.

(301) 874-s180

Annunciation Monastery, P.O. Box 21238, Catonsville, MD (410)

Our Lady's Center, 3301 Rodgers Ave., Ellicott City, MD 2IA43.

5066

Seton Retreat Center, 333 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

6027

Loyola Retreat House, P.O. Box 9, Popes Creek Faulkner, MD 20632.

(301) 934-8862American Zen College, 16815 Germantown Germantown, MD 20784.

(301) 428-066s

Dayspring, 11301 Neelsville Church Rd., Germantown, MD 20876. (301)

428-9348

Camp Maria, RFD L, Box 59-1, Leonardtown, MD 20650' (301) 475-8330

Retreat Center Sisters of Bon Secours, 1525 Marriottsville Rd., Mar-

riottsville, MD 21104. (470) 442-1,320

New Windsor Conference Center,500 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor,

MD 21776. (410) 635-8715

747-61.40(301) 461-

(301) 447-

O T H E R P L A C E S

Charter Hall Church Center, 499 Charter Hall Rd., perryrrille, MD 2rg03..(307) 642-2500

Kunzang Palyul choling, 18400 River Rd., poolesville, MD 20932. Day vis-its (301) 428-8776

Chesapeake Center, 50 Happy valley Rd., port Deposit, MD 21904. (410)378-2267

Berg Center, st. Gertrude's Monastery, 742s9 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely,MD 21660. (410) 634-2497

Raven Rock Lutheran Camp, 77972 Harbaugh valley Rd., Box 136, sabil-Iasville, MD 21780. (717) 794-2667

shepherei's Sprin-g, PO. Box 369, sh-arpsburg, MD 2r7gz. (301) zz3-gtgzCambodian Buddhist society Inc., 13800 New Hampshire Ave., silver

Spring, MD 20902. (301) 622-6544CYO Retreat F{ouse, 15523 York Rd., Sparks, MD 21152. (30I) 472-2400Theravada Buddhist Meditation, IMC-usA, 438 Bankard Rd., westminsteq,

MD 21158. (41,0) 346-7889Drayton Retreat Center, 72657 coopers Ln., worton, MD 21678. (470) 779-

2869

MassachusettsThe Kindling Point,80 Concord St., Ashland, }y'rA0772r. workshops and

intentional visits. (508) 8S1-4984La salette Center for Christian Living,947 Park st., p.o. Box296s, Atile-

boro, MA 02703. (508) 222-8530Becket-Chimney corners YMCA Camps, 248 Hamilton Rd., Becket, MA

07223. (473) 523-8991Cenacle Retreat House,200 Lake st., Brighton, MA 02135. (617) zs4-3rs0Adelynrood,46Elm St., Byfield, MA 01922. (S0B) 462-6727society of st. John the Evangelist, Monastery of ss. Mary and John, 9g0

Memorial Dr., Cambridge, MA 02138. (617) 8764A37Pioneer valley Zendo, 263 warnerhill Rd., Charlemont, MA 01339. (413)

339-4000

Bement Camp and Conference Center, Drawer T Charlton Depot, MA01509. (508)248-7877

Sisters of St. Joseph Retreat Center, 339 Jerusalem Rd., Cohasset, MA 02025.(781) 383-6029

Craigville Conference Center, Craigville, MA 02696. (s}s) 778-126sst. stephen Priory Spiritual Life center, 20 Glen st., Box 270, Dover, MA

02030. (508) 785-0124 (Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.rvr.-4:30 r.rra. E.T.)Miramar Retreat Center, PO. Box M, Duxbury,MA02331,. (617) 595-2460

272

St. Margaret's Convent, 71 Washington

(677) e34-s6e6

O T H E R P L A C E S

Box C, Duxbury MA 02331.

St. Marina's Guest House and Bertram Conference Center, Harden Hill Rd.,

Duxbury, MA (617) M5-896IThe Marist House,518 Pleasant St., Framingham, MA01701. (508) 879-7620

United Church of Christ Conference Center, Salem End and Badger Rds.,

Box2246, Framingham, MA 01701,. (508) 875-5233Grotonwood, T6T Prescott St., Groton, MA 01450. (508) 448-5763

Mount Marie Conference Center, Lower Westfield Rd', Holyoke, MA

01040. (413) s36-0853National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 315 Topsfield Ipswich, MA

01938. (e78)356-3266Sacred Heart Retreat House, Route LA, Box 567, Ipswich, MA 01938. (978)

356-3838Order of St. Anne, 18 Cambridge Tumpike, Lincoln,MA01773. (617) 259-9800

New England Keswick Youth Camp, Adult Conference and Retreat Center,

Chestnut Hill Rd., P.O. Box 156, Monterey, MA 01,245. (413) 528-3604

Briarwood Conference Center, Shore Rd., P.O. Box 315, Monument Beach,

MA 02s32. (508) 75e-3476Rolling Ridge Conference Center,660 Great Pond Rd., North Andover, MA

01845. (978) 682-8875Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill, North Andove1 MA 01845. (978) 682-7072

St. ]oseph's Convent,2T Mount Pleasant St. N., North Brookfield, MA

01s35. (508) 867-681iHoly Cross Fathers Retreat, 824 Tucker

(508) 993-2238

St. Joseph's Hall,800 Tircker Rd., North

center for priests. (508) 996-2413

Holy Cross Fathers Retreat House, 409

02356. (so8) 238-2051

North Dartmouth, MA 02747.

Foyer of Charity, 74 Hollett St., North Scituate, MA 02060. (677) 545-1080

The Community of ]esus, Inc., 5 Bay View Dr., Box 1094, Orleans, MA

026s3. (508) 255-1094Most Holy Trinity Monastery Guesthouse,6T Dugway Rd., Petersham, MA

01366 (e78) 724-3347St. Scholastica Priory, P.O. Box 606, Petersham, MA 01366 . (978) 724-3227

St. Margaret's Convent, \7 Highland Park St., Roxbury MA 02119. (617)

445-3895Rowe Camp and Conference Center, Kings Highway Rd., Rowe, MA 01367-

(413) 33e-4216

Dartmouth, MA 02747. Retirement

Washington St., North Easton, MA

O T H E R P L A C E S

salvation Army, Hillcrest Conference center, 10 Capen Hill Rd., sharon, I

MA 02067. (781) 784-8924vipassana Meditation center, P.o. Box 24, shelburne Falls, MA 01320.

(473) 625-2160Calvary Retreat Center, 59 soutl'r st., shrewsbury, MA 0154s. (508) 842-sg21Sirius, T2Baker Rd., Shutesbury, MA01072. (4Ig) 259-I2SITemenos,65 Mount Mineral Rd., Shutesbury, MA 01072. (4i3) 967-9779Blairhaven Retreat center, P.O. Box 1414, south Duxbury MA 02332. (617)

837-6144. Mailing address: Massachusetts New Church union, 175 New-bury St., Boston, MA 021i5.

Mary House, P.O. Box 20, Spencer,llA Arc52. (508) BS5-5450St. Benedict Priory, 252 st'll Rir.er Rd., Box 67, stiil Rive4, MA 01467. (50s)

456-3227Packard Manse,583 Plain St., Stoughton, MA 02072. (7BI) 344-9634Espousal Retreat and Conference Center, 554 Lexington st., waltham, MA

021.54.081\ 893-3465Cenesis Spiritual Life Center,53 Mill St., westfield, MA01085. (4r3)562-3627stump sprouts Lodge, west Hill Rd., west Hawley, MA 01339. (413) gg9-

4265Campion Renewal center, 319 concord Rd., weston, MA 02493 . (Tgr\ 7sg-

6810Mount carmel Retreat House, oblong Rd., Box 613, williamstown, MA

07267. (413) 458-3164Esther House of Spiritual Renewal, 1015 Pleasant St., worcester, MA 01602.

One room available. (508) 757-6053

Michiganweber Center, 7257 E. siena Heights Dr., Adrian, MI 49221. (sr7) 26z-7099Heart Center KTC, 315 Marion Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307. (616) 796-239sManresa Retreat House, 1390 Quarton Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.

(248) 564-6455Emrich Conference Center, 7380 Teahen Rd., Brighton, MI48116. (810) 231-

1060Camp Friedenswald, Rte. 3, Cassopolis, MI 49730. (616) 476-2426colombiere Center, 9075 Big Lake Rd., Clarkston, MI48348 . (z4B) 620-zsg4Augustine Center, The sacramentine Monastery, p.o. Box 84, Conway, MI

49722. (616) 347-3657Mariannhill Retreat Center, 23715 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, MI

48127. (373) 278-9461st. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 schoolcraft, Detroit, Mr 4gzzg.

(313) 535-9563

274

O T H E R P L A C E S

St. Francis Retreat Center, 703 E. Main, P.O. Box 250, DeWitt, MI 48820.

(sr7) 669-8321,Marygrove Retreat Center, P.O. Box 38, 1000 State St., Garden, MI 49835.

(906) 641-2771

Camp Concordia, Rte. 1, Pinewood Rd., Gowen, MI 49326. (616) 754-3785

Dominican Center at Marywoad, 2025 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI

4e503. (616) 454-r24rMichindoh Conference Center, 4545 E. Bacon Rd., Hillsdale, MI 49242.

(s77) 523-3516

Maryville Youth Center, 78307 Taylor Lake Rd., Holly, l|l4I48442. (313) 634-

5566

Kennedy Center, 1875 Eager Rd., Howell, MI 48843. (577) 546-4440

St. joseph Home Retreat Center, i000 E. Porter, jackson, MI 49202. (577)

787-3320

Cedar Bend Farm, 1021 Doerr Rd., Mancelona, MI49659. (6L6) 587-8176

St. Mary Conference Center, 502 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI48161. (373) 247-

3990 ext. 13

Visitation,52g Stewart Rd., Monroe, MI48161. (313) 242-5520

Transformations, Sisters of St. Joseph Life Center, 3427 Gull Rd., Nazareth,

Mr 4907 4. (61 6) 381-62e0

Camp Holiday, 569 Grange HallRd., Ortonville, .ll4.l48462. (31'3) 627-2558

St. Benedict Monastery,2771, E. Drahner Rd,, Oxford, MI 48370. (248) 628-2249

St. Mary's Retreat House, 775 W. Drahner Rd., Box 767 , Oxford, MI 48377.

(870) 628-3894

Full Circle House of Prayer, 25325. Blvd., Port Huron, MI48060. (810) 364-

3326

Camp Chickagami, Lake Esau, Presque Isle, MI 49777. (517) 595-6752

Dormition of the Mother of God Orthodox Monastery, 3389 Rives Eaton

Rd., Rives |unction, Ml49277. (517) 569-2873

Ralph A. Macmullan Conference Center, 104 Conservation Dr., Roscom-

mon, MI48653. (517) 82I-6200

Diocesan Ministries Institute, 705 Hoyt, Saginaw, MI 48607 . (577) 799-7977

Queen of Angels Retreat, 3400 S. Washington St. Box 2026, Saginaw, MI

48605. (577)755-2149

Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church, 27700 Northwestern

H*y. #1200, Southfield,MI48075. (248) 559-7000 ext.62

St.LazareRetreat House, 18600 W. Spring Lake Rd., Spring Lake, MI49456.

(616\ 842-3370

Kettunen Center,2859 Camp Kett Rd., Tustin, MI49688. (676) 829-3427

The Song of the Morning Ranch, 9607 E. Sturgeon Valley Rd., Vanderbilt,

Mr 49795. (517) 983-4rA7

275

O T H E R P L A C E S

Emmaus Community,7007 E. Tamarack, Vesterberg, MI 48891. (5i,7) 268-5494

capuchin Retreat, 62460 Mount Vernon Rd. Box 188, washingtory MI48094(313) 651-4826

MinnesotaLuther Crest Bible camp, 8231 county Rd. 11 NE, Alexandria, MN 56308.

(320) 846-2437Angle outpost Resort, Lake of the woods, Angle Inlet, MN 56211. For reli-

gious clergy. (218) 223-8701Clare's ty'/ell, 135-a7 47th st. IvI,^/, Annandale, Ir.4l.J 55302. (320) 224-3sr2Faith Haven Youth Lodge, Battle Lake, MN 56515. (218) 864-5303Center for Spiritual Development, P.o. Box 538,27r Tenth St., Bird Island,

MN 55310. (320) 365-3644Christ the King Retreat Center, 627 s. First Ave., Buffalo, MN 55313. (612)

682-3453Center for Spiritual Growth, 35197 Wakenen Dr. NE, Cambridge, MN

55008. (61,2) 689-5502Hazelden Renewal Center, P.o. Box 11, center city, MN ss}Lz. (6lz)zs7-4arcHospitality House, 18 E. Golden Lake Rd., Circle Pines, MN 55104. (612)

784-5177House of Prayer, P.O. Box 5888, Collegeville, MN 5632l. (320) 263-3299Mount St. Benedict Center, 620 E. Summit Ave., Crookston, MN 56776.

(278) 281-3441McCabe Renewal Center, 2125 Abbotsford Ave., Duluth, MN 55s03. (2j,8)

724-5266St. Scholastica Monastery, 1200 Kenwood Ave., Duluth, MN 55811. (218)

723-6763Mount olivet Retreat Center, 7984 257th st. w., Farmington, MN 55024.

(612) 469-2175villa Maria center, 29847 County Rd. 2 Blvd., Frontenac, MN ss0z6. (612)

345-4582wildemess Canoe Base, Center for Life Education, 940 Gunflint Trail,

Grand Marais, MN 55604. (218) 388-2247Lutheran Island Camp, RR1, Henning MN 56551. (218) 583-2905Space for Spirit, RR 2 Box 23B,Laporte, MN 56461. (275) 224-2408St. Francis Center, 116 8th Ave. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345. (320) 632-069s or

(612) 632-2981Cathedral of the Pines, Lutsen, MN 55612. (ZIB) 663-7ZSsGood Counsel Education Center, 150 Good Counsel Dr., Mankato, MN

56001. (507)38e-4287

276

O T H E R P L A C E S

St. Paul's Priory, 2675 E. Larpenteur Ave., Maplewood, MN 551'09. (612)

777-7251

Dunrovin, 15525 St. Croix Trail N., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047. (672)

433-2486

Wilder Forest, 14189 Ostlund Trail N., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047.

rcrz) 433-5798The Dwelling in the Woods, HCR 2,8ox54, McGrath, MN 56350. (320)592-

3708

Hudson Flouse, 3201 First Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408. (61,2) 825-2993

Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, 3343 E. Calhoun Pkwy., Minneapolis,

MN 55408. (612) 822-53L3

Skete of St. Seraphim, 1201 Hathaway Ln., Minneapolis, MN 55432. (612)

574-7001

St. Andrew Village, New London, MN 56273. (320) 354-2240

Nazareth House, 1225 Hallmark Ct. N., Oakdale, MN 55728. (672) 730-6797

Northern Pines United Methodist Assembly Grounds, HC 06, Box 464,

Park Rapids, MN 56470. (218) 732-4713

Franciscan Retreat Center, 16385 St. Francis Lane, Prior Lake, MN 55372.

(612) 447-2182.

Assisi Community Center, 1001 14th St. NW Box 4900, Rochesteq, MN

55903. (507)289-0821

Pacem in Terris, P.O. Box 418, St. Francis, MN 55070. (612) 444-6408

Spirituality Center, Sisters of St. Benedict, 104 Chapel Lane, St. joseph, MN

56374. (320) 363-7174

Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 . (612) 696-7750

Maryhill Retreat House, 260 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102. (612) 224-

3615, (612) 224-8566

St. Paul's Priory, Benedictine Center, 2575E. LarpenteurAve., St. Paul, MN

5s10e. (612)777-7257

The Dwelling Place, 216 Third Ave. S., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. (320) 253-3656

Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp, Keeley Island 1, Rte. 2, Slayton, MN 56772.

(507) 763-3567

Koinonia Retreat Center, 7768 Pilger Ave. NW South Haven, MN 55382.

(320) 236-7746

Green Lake Bible Camp, 99L6LakeAve. S., Spicer, MN 56288. (320) 796-5467

ARC Ecumenical Retreat Community, RR 2, Box 354, Stanchfield, MN

55080. (320) 68e-3540

Camp Omega, Rte. 2, BoxI77B, Waterville, MN 56096. (507) 685-4266

Cenacle Retreat House, L227tNayzata Blvd., Vrlayzata, MN 55391. (612) 473-

7308

Tau Center, 511 Hilbert St., Winona, MN 55987. (507) 454-2993

O T H E R P L A C E S

MississippiSt. Augustine Retreat Center, 199 Seminary Dr., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

1601) 467-e837

Seashore United Methodist Assembly, 14'10 Leggett Dr., Biloxi, MS 39530(601) 436-6767

Blue Mountain Coliege,201, West Main St., Blue Mountain, MS 38610. (601)685-4771,

The Dwelling Place, HC 01, Box726, Brooksville, MS 39739. (601) 738-5343St. Mary of the Pines, P.O. Box 38, Chatawa, MS 39632. (507) 783-3494Camp Garaywa, Box 1014, Clinton, MS 39056. (607) 924-7034, (607) 968-

3800 ext. 3920

Renewal Center Diocese of Iackson, 2225(601) 366-4452

Gulfshore Baptist Assembly, 100 First St.,452-7261

Henry S. Jacobs Camp, P.O. Drawer C, Utica,MS 39175. (601) 362-6357

MissouriFresh Renewal Center, P.O. Box 279, Augusta, MO 63332. (314) 225-4548Assumption Abbey, Rte. 5 Box 1056, Ava, MO 65608. (477) 683-5110Benedictine Monastery, RR1, Box 101, Clyde, MO 64432. (816) 944-2227Our Lady of Peace Monastery, 3770 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203.

(573) 446-2300

Retreat and Conference Center, Conception Abbey, P.O. Box 501, Concep-tion, MO 64433. (816) 944-2278

Il Ritiro, The Little Retreat, P.O. Box 38 Eime Rd., Dittmer, MO 63029. (3I4)

285-3759

RES Forest Monastery,3704 H*y. 13, Dunnegan, MO 65640. (417)754-2562Marianist Retreat & Conference Center, 4000 Hwy. 109, Box 718, Eureka,

MO 63025. (314) e3B-5390Pallottine Renewal Centet

63034. (3r4) 837-7700Shining Waters Ashram, Rte.

783-6775

15270 Old Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO

3, Box 560, Fredericktown, MO 63645. (573)

Franciscan Prayer Center, 2100 N. Noland Rd., Independence, MO 64050,(816) 252-1673

The Rickman Center, P.O. Box 104298,jefferson City,0848

Camp Gaea, P.O. Box 70442, Kansas City, MO 64117.Rockhurst College, 1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City,

4000

278

Boling St., Jackson, MS 39213.

Pass Christian, MS 39571. (601)

MO 65110. (573) 635-

(660) 756-071,9MO 64110. (660) e26-

O T H E R P L A C E S

St. ]ohn's Diocesan Center, 2015 E.72nd St., Kansas City, MO 641.32. (660)

363-358s

Queen of Heaven Solitude, Rte. 1, BoxI07A, Marionville, MO 65705. (477)

744-2071

Vision of Peace Hermitages, P.O. Box 69, Abbey Ln., Pevely, MO 63070.

(374) 475-3697

YMCA of the Ozarks/Trout Lodge Family and Conference Center, RR 2,

Potosi, MO 63664. (573) 438-2754

Cliff Springs Camp and Conference Center, County Rd. T.269, P.O. Box 751,

Richland, MO 65556. (417) 286-3688

Caroline Conference & Retreat Center, 320 E. Ripa Ave., St. Louis, MO

63125. (314\ 544-4756

Kenrick Pastoral Center, 7800 Kenrick Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119. (314) 967-

4320

Mercy Center,2039 N. Ceyer Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131. (314) 966-4686

St. Charles Lwanga Center,5021 Northland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113. (314)

367-7929

5t. Louis Abbey, 500 S. Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63147. (3I4) 434-2557

Seton Center, 7800 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, MO 63121. (314) 382-2800

Thompson Center, 12745 Ladue Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141. (314) 434-3633

White House Retreat, 7400 Christopher Dr., St. Louis, MO 631,29. (314) 533-

8903, (314) 845-2575

Unity Village Retreats, 1901 NW Blue Pkwy., Unity Village, MO 64065.(816) 251-3535

Ozark Retreat Center, RR 2, Box 45, Willow Springs, MO 65793. (417) 469-

2439

Montana

Sacred Heart Renewal Center, 26 Wyoming Ave., P.O. Box 20795, Billings,

MT 59104. (406) 252-0322

Ursuline Retreat Center, 2300 Central Ave., Great Falls, MT 59401. (406)

4s2-8s85Feathered Pipe Ranch, Box 1.582,Helena, MT 59624. (406) 442-8195

The Sycamore Tree, Contemplative Prayer Center, Swan Lake, MT 5991r

(406) 7s4-242e

NebraskaThe Leadership Center, 1609 E. H*y. 34, Aurora, NE 68818. (402) 694-3934House of Tiansfiguration, Box217,Bayard., NE 69334. (308) 586-1845Crosier Renewal Center, 2238.14th St., Box789, Hastings, NE 68901. (402)

463-3788

279

O T H E R P L A C E S

Niobrara Valley House of569-3433

Renewal, P.O. Box 117, Lynch, NE 68746. (402)

Nebraska Zen CenteL876S.67thSt., Omaha, NE 68106. (402) 551,-4062Notre Dame Cente4, 3501 State St., Omaha, NE 68112. (402\ 4SS-4089Columban Retreat Center, St. Columbans, NE 68056. (402) 291-IgZ0Christ the King Priory, P.O. Box 528, Schuyler, NE 68661. (402) 352-8819Good Counsel Retreat Flouse, Rte. 1, Box 110, waverly, NE 69402. (402)Tg6-

2705Benedictine Mission House, P.O. Box 528, RRL, Schuyle4 NE 68661. (402)

352-2177

Neuadawellspring Retreat F{ouse, P.o. Box 50818, 701 Park P1., Boulder city, NV

89006. (702)293-4988sierra spirit Ranch, 3000 Pinenut Rd., Gardenville, NV 89410. (702) Ts2-

7011,

Joy Lake Mountain Seminar Center, P.O. Box 1328, Reno, NV 89504. (702)323-0378

Nezu HampshireGeneva Point Center, HCR 62, P.O. Box 469, Center Harbol, NH 03226.

(603) 2s3-4366Wilmot Camp and Conference Center, P.O. Box 158, N. Wilmot Rd., Dan-

bury, NH 03230. (603) 768-3350Deering Conference Center, RFD 1, P.O. Box 138, Rte. 149, Deering NH

03244. (603) s29-23r1.La Salette Shrine and Conference Center, P.o. Box 420,Enfield, NH 02148

(603) 632-4307oblate Retreat Flouse, 200 Lowell Rd., Hudson, NH 03051. (602) 882-8147foseph House, 279 Cartier St., Manchester, NH 03102. (603) 627-9493Monastery of the Precious Blood, 700 Bridge st., Manchester, NH 03104.

(603) 623-4264Our Lady of Hope House of Prayer,400 Temple Rd., New lpswich, NH

03077. (603) 878-2346star Island, P.o. Boxl78,Isle of shoals, Portsmouth, NH 03802. (609) 964-

7252. Winter: 10 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116. (617) 426-T988

New ferseyThe Inn at the Shore, 301 4th Ave., Belmar, NJ 07719. (732) 6\l-j762St. Pius X House, P.O. Box Zll,Blackwood, NJ 08080. (856) 22T-1496The Marianist, P.O. BoxD-2, Cape May Point, NI08212. (609) 884-gBZ9

280

O T H E R P L A C E S

lizo'an (A Christian Zen Center), 1603 Highland Ave., Cinnaminson, Nj

08077. (609) 786-41s0

Xavier Conference and Retreat Center, P.O. Box 211, Convent Station, NI

07961,. (973) 292-6488

Stella Maris Retreat House, 981 Ocean Ave., Elberon, NJ 07740, (908) 229-

0602

St. Walburga Monastery 851N. Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ 07208. (908)352-4278

Cenacle Retreat House, 411 River Rd., Highland Park, Nj 08904. (732) 249-

8100

San Alfonso Retreat House, 755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740. (732)

222-2731

Villa Pauline, Hilltop Rd., Mendham, NJ 07945. (973) 543-9058

Loyola House of Retreats, 161James St., Morristown, NJ 07960. (973)539-0740

Francis House of Prayer, Box 1111, Springside Rd., Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

(609) 871"-19e9

John Woolman Memorial House, 99 Branch St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060.(609) 267-3226

The Upper Room Spiritual Center, West Bangs Ave., Rte. 33, P.O. Box 1104,

Neptune, NJ 07753. (732) 922-0550

St. Paul's Abbey, Queen of Peace Retreat House, Newton, NI 07860. (973)

383-2470 (Monastery), (973) 383-0660 (Retreat house)

Emmaus Retreat House, 101 Center St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861. (732) 442-7688

Mount St. Francis Retreat Center, 47{Sloatsburg Rd., Ringwood,NI 07456.(973) 962-9778

St. Joseph by the Sea, 400 Rte. 35 North, South Mantoloking, NJ 08738.(e73) 8e2-8494

Trinity Center, \292Long Hill Rd., P.O. Box 205, Stirlin& NJ 07080. (908)647-7772

Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat House, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247. (609) 368-3621.

Aldersgate Center, P.O. Box 122, Swartswood, NI 07877. (973) 383-5978Morning Star House of Prayer, 312 West Upper Ferry Rd., Trenton, NJ

08628. (609)882-2766Mount Eden Retreat, 56 Millpond Rd., P.O. Box 287, Washington, NJ 07882.

March-October. (908) 689-8345Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center, 93 Angen Rd., Washington, NJ 07882.

Monthly seminars only on 2nd and 4th Sundays. (908) 689-6080Mount St. Mary House of Prayer, 1651 US H-y. 22, V{atchun& I\trJ 07060.

(e08) 753-209r

O T H E R P L A C E S

New MexicoDominican Retreat House, 5825 coors Rd., sW Albuquerque, NM 82121.

(50s) 877-4211Madonna Retreat Center, 4000 St. ]oseph's Pl. NW Albuquerque, NM l

8772A. (s05) 831-8100Tres Rios Christian Center, 1159 Black River village Rd., Carlsbad, NM

88220. (s05) 785-2361The Mandala Center, P.O. Box 158, Des Moines, NM 88418. (505) Z7B-2002Sacred Heart Retreat, P.O. Box 1989, Gallup, NM 82301. (S0S)722-6755Glorieta Baptist Conference Center, P.o. Box 8, Glorieta, NM 82535. (505)

757-6167Bodhi Manda Zen Center, P.O. Box 8, Jemez Springs, NM 82025. (505) 829-

3854Rose Mountain Retreat Center, P.O. Box 355, Las Vegas, NM 82201. (505)

425-5728Lord and Precious Retreat House, P.O. Box 627, Magd,alena, NM 82825.

(s05) 854-2837Holy Cross Retreat Center, P.o. Box 158, Mesilla Park, NM 88042. (505) 524-

3688Ocamora Foundation, P.O. Box 43, Ocate, NM 87734. (505) 666-2989Thkoja Retreats,656 N. Star Rte., Questa, NM 82555. (505) 586-1086Heart Seed Retreat Cente4, P.O. Box 60'19, Santa Fe, NM 87802. (505) 477-

7026

Immaculate Heart of Mary Conference Center, Mount Carmel Rd., santaFe, NM 87501. 3-month sabbaticals only for sisters and priests. (505) 983-3494

Praza Resolana en Santa Fe,401old rhos Hwy., santa Fe, NM 82501. (505)982-8539

Sangre de Cristo Center, Rte. 4, Santa Fe, NM 82501. (505) 983-2291upaYaH Conference center, 935 Alto st., santa Fe, NM 82s01. Buddhist

study and retreat center. (505) 982-5049Mable Dodge Luhan B&B and Conference Center, P.O. Box 558, Thos, NM

87577. (505) 751-9686Vallecitos Mountain Refuge, P.o. Box 1507, Taos, NM 82s71. (505) 251-0351

Nezu YorkAbba House of Prayer, 647 western Ave., Albany, NY 12203. (518) 438-8320Ruach,230 Davis Ave., Albany, NY 12208. 1 spring weekend a year of Jew-

ish renewal. (518) 489-3983Alfred University Conference Center, 26 N. Main st., Alfred, Ny 14802.

(607) 871-2183

282

O T H E R P T A C E S

Franciscan Ritiro, 115 E. Main St., Allegany, NY 74706. (71'6) 372-0195

Camp Pioneer (Lutheran), 9324 Lakeshore Rd., Angola, NY 14006. (716)

549-7420

Jesuit Retreat House, Auriesville, NY L2016. (518) 853-4496

Camp Ma-He-Tu, Bear Mountain, NY 10911 (914) 357-4508. Mailing address:

231 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. (2I2) 696-6771'

Crystal Spring House, 49 Burnham Hollorn' Rd., Big Indian, NY 12410.(B1$ 254-5738

St. Ursula Center, Middle Rd., Blue Point, NY 11715. (631) 363-2422

Barry House, Ilte. 8, Brant Lake, NY 12815. (518) 494-3374

St. Joseph's Convent, College Bldg., Brentwood, NY 11717. (631) 273-453t

Cursillos Center, 118 Congress St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. (778) 624-5670

Discovery Jewish Heritage Seminars, 1388 Coney Isiand Ave., Brooklyn,

NY 11230. For retreats in New York and other states. (7I8) 377-8879

Neshama, 1049 E. 13th St., Brooklyn, NY 11230. Jewish retreat. (718) 338-

8442Karuna Tendai Dharma, Center & Bodhi Tree Irrn,

NY 12029. (518) 392-7963Box 323, Canaan,

Notre Dame Retreat House, P.O. Box 342, Foster Rd., Canandaigua, NY

74424. (716) 394-s700

Liiy Dale Metaphysical Assembly, 5 Melrose Park, Cassadaga, NY 14752.(716\ 595-8721

Thornfield Conference Center of the Episcopal Diocese of CNY 4668 West

Lake Rd., Cazenovia, NY 13035. (315) 655-3723

St. Iv1ary's Mission Center, 28 Oak St., Champlain, NY 72919. (518) 298-3503

Bellinger Hall, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY 74722. (7L6) 357-

6213

The Priory, P.O. Box 336, Chestertown, NY 12817. (5I8) 494-3733

North Central New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, 8422

N. Main St., P.O. Box 1515, Cicero, NY 13039. (315) 699-8775

Frost Valley YMCA, 2000 Frost Valley Rd., Claryville, NY 72725. (845) 985-

2291_

Vanderkamp, Martin Road, Cleveland, NY 13042. (315) 675-3651

Anawim House of Prayer, I22 E. First St., Corning, NY 14830. (607) 936-

4965

Pumpkin Hollow Farm, RR 1, P.O. Box 135, Craryville, NY 7252I. (518) 325-

3583

St. Columban Center,6892 Lake Shore I(d., P.O. Box 816, Derby, NY 74047 '

(776) 947-4708

New York City Mission Society, 300 Dover Furnace Rd., Dover Plains, NY

72522. (845) 832-615r

O T H E R P L A C E S

Karuna Tendai Dharma Center, 1525 l{te. 295, East Chatham, Ny 12060.(578) 3e2-7963

Dechen Choling, Box 549, East Meredith, NY L9757. (607) Z7B-5I44our Lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer, 7270 star Rd., Rte. 190,

Ellenburg Center, NY 12934. (518) 594-3253Monastery of Mary the Queen, 1310 w Church st., Elmira, Ny 14905 . (607)

734-9506

Marist Brothers Retreat House, P.o. Box 197, Esopus, Ny rz4zg. Groupretreats for high school students. (845) 384-6620

Mount st. Alphonsus Retreat Center, Rte. 9w, Esopus, Ny 12429. (845) 384-6550

Kanatsiohareke, 4934 State H*y. 5, Fonda, NYretreat center. (518) 673-5092. Mohawk B&8.

St. Francis Retreat House, Fonda Kateri Shrine,72068. (518) 853-3646

Craymoor Spiritual Life Center, Rte. 9, Garrison,Emmanuel Christian Church Retreat House. 31

mont, NY 72077. (518) 463-7296Wellsprings,93 Maple St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. (S7B) 792-3183Orgyen Cho Dzong, Rte. 81, P.O. Box 520, Greenville, Ny 120g3. (SIg) 966-

5149

St. foseph's Retreat F{ouse, 81 Lynn Ave., Hampton Bays, NY 11946. (516)7 31 -5244. Evenings (groups).

Camp Epworth,8 Epworth Ln., HighBethany Retreat House, County Rd.

10930. (845) e28-2213Presbyterian Center at Holmes, 183 Denton Lake Road, Holmes, Ny 12531.

(845) 878-6383wilbur Herrlich Retreat Center, P.o. Box 59, RFD, Holmes, Ny 12s31. (g45)

878-6662. Mailing address: 585 Townline Rd., Hauppauge, Ny LI7BZ.(631) 26s-1183

Holy Trinity Community,7200 Tobes324-7624

Greenkill Conference Center, P.O. Box4382

Bishop Molloy Passionist Retreat House, 86-45 178thNY 11432. (778) 739-1279

famaica Estates,

cenacle Retreat House, Center for Spiritual Renewal, 310 Cenacle Rd., LakeRonkonkoma, NY 77779. (631) 588-8366

Trinity Retreat, 1 Pryer Manor Rd., Larchmont, NY 10538. (9r4) 2zs-6839

284

12068. Native American

P.O. Box 627,Fonda, NY

NY 10s24. (845) 424-3300

Retreat House Rd., Glen-

Falls, NY 12440. (845) 687-0275105, Box 1003, Highland Mills, NY

Hill Rd., Hornell, NY 14843. (607)

B, Huguenot, NY 12746. (845) 856-

O T H E R P L A C E S

Monastery of Bethlehem, Grooville Rd., Livingston Mano4, NY 12758. (845)

439-4300

Beaver Camp, Star Rte., Box227, Lowville, NY 13367. (315)376-2640

Unirondack, Inc., Star Rte. 4, Lowville, NY 73367. (375) 376-6888. Mailing

address: 220 South Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 14610. (716) 473-330t

St. Ignatius Retreat House, Searingtown Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030. (516)

621-8300

Ananda Ashram, RD 3, P,O, Box 141, Monroe, NY 10950. (845) 782-5575

Casowasco Conference Center, RD 4, Box 110, Moravia, NY 13118. (315)

364-8756

House of Holy Innocents, 77l Mount Sinai Corem Rd., Mount Sinai, NY

11766. (631) 331_-1745

Little Portion Friary, P.O. Box 399, Mount Sinai, NY 11766. (631) 473-0553

Matagiri, 1218 Wittenberg Rd., Mount Tiemper, NY 12457. (845) 679-8322

Our Lady of Hope Cen ter, 434River Rd., Newburgh, NY 1 2550. (845) 56 1 -0685

St. Margaret's Flouse, Jordan Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413. (315) 724-2324

HadassahJewish Education Dept.,50 W.58th St., New York, NY 10019. For

study retreats in New York and other states. (272) 303-8767

House of the Redeemer, T E. 95th St., New York, NY 10128. (272) 289-0399

JACS (Jewish Alcoholics and Chemically Dependent Persons and Signifi-

cant Others),426 W. 58th St., New York, NY 10019. (800) 398-2630, (845)

626-01.57

TheJewish Retreat Center,50 W 77thst.,7thfl., New York, NY 10011. Finds

retreat settinp;s and helps plan. (212) 242-5985

The Leo House, 332w.23rd St., New York, NY 10011 . (212) 929-7070

St. Hilda's Ffouse, 627W.113th St., New York, NY 10025. (272)932-8098 ext.

305

St. Joseph's Cursillo Center, 523 W. 142nd St., New York, NY 10031. (212)

926-7433

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, 743W.24th St., New York, NY 10011 . (212)

255-4560

Union Theological Seminary, 3041 Broadn'ay, New York, NY 10027. (212)

280-1313

Powell House, Sz4PittHall Rd., Old Chatham, NY 12736. (518) 794-8811

Crystal Spring Flouse, Oliverea, NY. Mailing address: Susan Wadler, Star

Rte., Box 198, Phoenicia, NY 17464. (845) 688-7217

Mariandale Retreat Center, 299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining, NY 10562.(914) 941-445s

Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery, 744 Bert Washburn Rd., Otego, NY 13825.

(607) 432-377e

O T H E R P T A C E S

watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center, 9620 Dry Run Rd,.,Painted Post, NY 74870. (607) 962-0541, (800) 962-8040

G.R.O.W. III, 548 Cooley Rd., Parksville, NY 12768. (845) 295-065sHoliday Hills conference Center,2 Lakeside Dr., Pawling, Ny rzs64. (B4s)

855-953s

St. Mary's Convent and Retreat House, john St., Peekskill, Ny 10566. (914)737-0713

Phoenicia Pathwork Center, P.O. Box 66, Phoenicia, NY 12464. (845)688-2211Regina Maria Retreat F{ouse, 77 Brinkerhoff st., plattsburgh, Ny lzgar.

Groups only. (518) 561-3427Linwood Spiritual center. 139 South Mill I{d., Rhinebeek,N.y !2572. (845)

876-4178

Cardinal Spellman Retreat House,5801 Palisade Ave., Riverdale, Ny 10421(77U 549-6s00

Mercy Prayer Center, 65 Highland Ave., Rochestel, NY 14620. (716) 479-6893

Rochester Zen Center, 7 Arndo Park, Rochester, NY 14607. (T16) 473-9180Holy Family House of Prayer, 980 North Viliage Ave., Rockville Centre,

NY 11570. (516) 766-2044Yoga Asana Retreat Center (Dharma Mittra), Roscoe, NY. Mailing address:

297 ThirdAve., New York, NY 10010. (272\ 889-8160.Wainwright House, 260 Stul.vesant Ave., Rye, NY 10580. (914) 967-6A80Arrowwood, Anderson Hill Rd., Rye Brook, NY 10523. (914) 939-5500Maycroft, Sag Harbor, NY 11963. (631) 725-LLBIResurrection House, 20 River St., saranac Lake, NY 12983. (518) 891-1182Spiritearth, 43 Spaulding Ln., Saugerties,NY L2477. (845) 247-0816Dominican Retreat House, 1945 union st., schenectady, NY 12309. (518)

393-4169

St. Gabriel's Retreat House, 64 Burns Rd., P.O. Box P, Shelter Island, Ny11965. (631)749-0850

Silver Bay YMCA Christian Conference Center, Silver Bay, NY 12874. (sr8)543-8833

Stella Maris Retreat Center, 130 East Genesee St., skaneateles, NY 13152.(315) 685-6836

St. Mary's Villa, 50 Table Rock Rd., Sloatsburg, NY 10924. (845) 753-5100SYDAFoundation, P.o. Box 600, south Fallsburg NY 12779. (845) 434-2000

Jerusalem House of Prayer, Rte. 340, Sparkill, NY 10926. (845) 359-8621Rune Hill, Box 416, Spencer, NY 14883. (607) 589-6292Beaver Cross Camp, P.o. Box 218, springfield Center, NY 13468. (607) s49-

9489

286

O T H E R P L A C E S

Motrnt Manresa, 239 Fingerboard Rd., Staten Island, NY 10305. (718) 727-

3844

Center of Renewal, 4421Lower River Rd., Stella Niagara, NY 14144. (716)

754-7376

Vivekananda Retreat, P.O. Box 321, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. (845) 687-4574

Stony Point Center, Crickettown Rd., Stony Point, NY 10980. (845) 786'

3734

Bethany House,806 Court St., Syracuse, NY i3208. (31,5) 472-4638

Christ the Klng Retreat House, 500 Brookford Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224.

(37s) 446-2680

Convent of St. Helena, P.O. Box 426, Vails Gate, NY 12584. (845) 562-0592

St. Joseph Spiritual Life Center, RD 5, Box 113, Valatie, NY 72784. (518) 784-

9481

Camp De Wolfe, Northside Rd., Wading River, NY 11792. (63i) 929-4325.

Mailing address: 36 Cathedral Ave., Garden City, NY 11530

St. Andrew's Retreat House, 257 St. Andrew's Rd., Walden, NY 12586. (845)

778-2102

Deer Hill Conference and Retreat Center, Wheeler Hili Rd., RD 1, WaP-

pingers Falls, NY 12590. (845) 297-2323

Kagyu Thubten Choling, 727 Sheafe Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590'

(845) 297-2500

Mount Alvernia Retreat F{ouse, P.O. Box 858, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

(974) 297-5707

Skye Farm Camps, Schroon River Rd., Warrensburg, NY 12885. (578) 494-

2137

Mount Alverno Center, 20 Grand St., Warwick, NY 10990. (845) 986-7267

Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Kutz Camp, P.O. Box 443,

Bowen Rd., Warwick, NY 70990. (845) 987-6300

Warwick Conference Center, Inc., P.O. Box 349, Warwick, NY 10990. (845)

986-1t64

Marian Shrine, Filors Ln., West Haverstrary NY 70993. (845) 947-2200

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch, P.O. Box 195, Woodbourne, NY 12788.

(845) 434-9242

Karma Tiiyana Dharmachakra, 352 Meads Mountain Rd., Woodstock, NY

724e8.(845) 679-5906

Wise Woman Center, P.O. Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845) 246-808I

Beaver Conference Farm, Underhill Ave., RD 3, Yorktown Heights, NY

10598. (e14)962-6033

Inn of the Spirit, Washington Lake Rd., Yulan,NY 12792. Groups only. (845)

557-81.45

O T H E R P L A C E S

North CarolinaLutheridge, P.O. Box 685, Arden, NC 28204. (S2B) 684-2g6IJourney into lA4roleness, P.o. Box 16g,Balsam Grove, NC 2gz0g. (g2g) g77-

4809YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, 84 Blue Ridge Cir., Brack Mountain, NC

28711. (828) 669-8422The summit, An Episcopal Center,339 Conference Center Dr., p.o. Box 660,

Brown Summit, NC 27274. (9I9) 342-6163catholic Conference center, P.O. Box 36776, Charlotte, NC 28236. (gzg) g2T-

7441Kanuga Conferences, Inc.,. P.O. Drawer ?50, Hendersonville, NIC 2gZ9_?.

(828) 6e2-e136The Mountain, Highlands Camp and conference Center, Inc., p.o. Box

1299, 84I Hwy. 106, Highalnds, NC 2BZ4I. (82S) 526-5833Jesuit House of Prayer, P.o. Box 7,Hot springs, NC 28243. (g2g) 622-7366sunny Bank Retreat,Inn at Hot springs, Hot springs, NC 2g243. (gzg) 622-

7206Living waters, 1420 soco Rd., Maggie valley, NC 28251. (g2g) 926-3g33Montreat Conference Center/Mountain Retreat Association, p.O. Box 969,

Montreat, NC 28757. (828) 659-Z9tLtinity Center, P.O. Box 380, Salter Path, NC 28575. (glg) 247-5600The Snail's Pace, P.O. Box 593, Saluda, NC 2B7Tg. (BZ8) T4g-3SSlshort Journey Youth/Adult Center, 2323 cleveland Rd., smithfield, NC

27577. (919) 934-7463valle Crucis Conference Center, P.o. Box 614,yalle Crucis, NC 2g691. (g2g)

963-4453

North DakotaPresentation Prayer Center, 1101 32nd Ave. s., Fargo, ND 59103 . (701) zg7-

4857

Queen of Peace Retreat Center, 1310 N. Broadway, Fargo, ND 5g102. (701)293-9286

Koinonia Ecumenical Center,280l olson Dr., Grand Forks, ND 58201. (201)772-4607

sacred Heart Monastery, Po. Box 364, Richardton, ND 59652. (701) 974-2727

OhioFranciscan Renewal Center, 320 w. st., Carey, oH 43316. (4rg) 396-T6zsour Lady of Consoiation Basilica & National shrine, 315 Ctay st., Carey,

oH 43316. (419) 396-7rA7, e7q 396_3355

288

O T H E R P L A C E S

Convent of the Transfiguration, 495 Albion Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45246.

(s1.3) 777-52e7Friarhurst Retreat Flouse, 8L36 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227. (513)

561.-2270

St. Francis Center for Peace & Renewal, 10290 Mill Rd., Cincinnati, OH

4523L. (s13) 825-9300

St. Andrew Svorad Abbey, 10510 Buckeye Rd., Cleveland, OH 441'04. (276)

72r-5300

St. ]oseph Christian Life Center, 18485 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, OH

4477e. (276) s3L-7370

Loyola of the Lake jesuit Retreat House, 700 Killinger Rd., Clinton, OH

44216. (330) 896-231s

St. Mary of the Springs Conference Center, 2320 Airport Dr', Columbus,

oH 43279. (614) 252-0380

St. Therese's Retreat Center, 5277 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213. (674)

866-7677

Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning,4400 Shakertown Rd., Dayton, OH

45430. (937) 426-2363

Tii-State Yokefellow Ffouse, RR 2D, Defiance, OH 43512. (419) 428-2897

Community of the Tiansfiguration, 495 Albion Ave., Glendale, OH 45246.

(s13) 777-s338Yankee Ingenuity Programs, 623 Grant St., Kent, OH 4424A. (330) 673-

1.875

Grailville, 932O'Bannonville Rd., Loveland, OH 45740. (5I3) 683-2340

Maria Stein Center,2365 St.lohn's Rd., P.O. Box 95, Maria Stein, OH 45860.

(419) 925-7625Milford Spiritual Center,5361 S. Milford Rd., Milford, OH 45150. (513) 248-

3500Spirituality Center/Sisters of Charity, 5900 Delhi Rd., Mount St. foseph,

oH 450s1. (573) 347-s4s3Woodiand Altars, 33200 State Rte. 41, Peebles, OH 45660. (513) 588-4411

Ursulines of Brown County, 20900 State Rte. 251,, St. Martin, OH 45118.(513) 875-2054

Trinity House of Prayer, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, OH 43560' (419)

882-4617St. Joseph Renewal Center,200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin, OH 44883. (4I9) 443-

1485

Queen of Heaven Monastery, 8640 Squires Ln. NE, Warren, OH 44484. (330)

856-1813Yellow Springs Dharma Center, 502 Livermore St., Yellow Springs, OH

45387. (937) 767-e9r9

289

O T H E R P L A C E S

OklahomaCentral Christian Camp and Conference Center, 1 TWin Cedar Ln., Guthrie,

oK73044. (405) 282-2811, (800) 299-2877Red Plains Monastery, 728 Richland Rd. sw. piedmont, oK Tg0Tg. (405)

373-4565St. Gregory's Abbey, 1900 w MacArthur Dr., shawnee, oK 24g01. (405)

878-549A

OregonMonastery of Our Lady of Consolation, 23300 Walker

e7707. (s03) 835-8080Amity, OR

our Lady of Peace Retreat, 3600 sw 1z0th Ave., Beaverton, oR 92006. (503)649-7127

Cerro Gordo, P.O. Box 569, Cottage Grove, OR97424. (S4I)g4Z-7720Chagdud Gonpa, 198 N. River Rd., Cottage Grove, oR9T4z4. (s47)g4z-s6lgAlton L. Collins Retreat Center, 32967 SE Hwy. 21L, Eagle Creek, oR97022.

(503) 637-6417shalom Prayer Center, Queen of Angels Monastery, 840 s. Main st., Mount

Angel, OR97362. (503) 845-6723Nestucca Sanctuary, Pacific City, OR 9TI3SFranciscan Renewal Center,0858 SW Palatine Hill Rd., portland, oRg7z19.

(503\ 287-3774Loyola Retreat House, 3220 sE 43rd Ave., portland, oR 97206. (s03) 777-

2225Harbor Villa Retreat Center (a ministry of TWin Rocks Friends Camp and

conference center), P.o. Box 6, Rockaway Beach, oR9T136. (503) 35s-2284

Taucross Farm, 47217 Oupor Rd., Scio, OR 97274. (503) 394-3901Christian Renewal Centeq, 22444N. Fork Rd. SE, Silverton, oR 97391. (503)

873-6743Aesculapia wilderness Retreat, P.o. Box 301, wilderville, oR g7s4g. (s41)

476-0492Namast€ Retreat Center, 29500 SW Grahams Ferry Rd., wilsonville, oR

97070. (800) 893-1000Oregon House, 94288 Highway 101, yachats, OR 97498. (S4I) 547-ggZg

PennsylaaniaCommunity of Celebration, P.o. Box 309, Atiquippu, pA 15001. (724) z7s-

1510Kirkridge Retreat and Studv Center, 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor. pA 1g01.3.

(61,0) 588-1793

290

O T H E R P L A C E S

Greene Hills Methodist Camp, Box 3, Barree, PA16677. (570) 669-4212.Mai1-

ing address: 900 South Arlington Ave., Room 112, Harrisburg, PA 17109

St. Mary's House of Greater Solitude, Rte. 1, P.O. Box 276, Bedford, PA

15522. (874) 623-7796

Bethel Holy Ghost Animation Center, 6230 Brush Run Rd., Bethel Park, PA

15102. (412) 835-3510

St. Francis Center for Renewal, 395 Bridle Path Rd., Bethlehem,PA78017.

(610) 866-so3oGlendorn Executive Retreat and Conference Center, 1032 W Corydon St',

Bradford, PA7670L (8I4) 362-657ITransfiguration House, 295 W. Jefferson Rd., Butler, PA 16001. {724) 352-

1354Trinity Spiritual Center, 3609 Simpson Ferry Road, Camp Hill, PA 77077.

(717) 767-7355Spruce Lake Retreat, RD 1, P.O. Box 605, Canadensis, PA 18325. (570) 595-

7505st. Gabriel's Retreat House, 631 Griffim Pond Rd., clarks summit, PA

18411. (570)586-4957

Precious Blood Spirituality Center, St. Joseph Convent, Columbia, PA

77s1.2. (717) 285-4536Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Convent, 1500 Woodcrest Ave., Coraopolis,

PA 1s108. (412\ 264-5140Mercy Consultation center, Box 370, Lake st., Dallas, PAL8672. (570) 675-

2731.Fatima Renewal Center, 1000 Seminary Rd., Dalton, PA 18414. (570) 563-

8500Regina Mundi Priory, waterloo and Fairfield rds,, Devon, PA 19333. (610)

688-5130St. Francis Friary Retreat House, 3918 Chipman Rd., Easton, PA 18042. (610)

258-30s3Sisters of St. Ann, Mount St. Ann Retreat House, P.O. Box 328, Ebensburp

PA 15931. (814) 472-e354Dominican Retreat House, 750 Ashbourne Rd., Elkins Park, PAI9177' (21'5)

7 82-8520, (21,5) 224-09 45Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, RD 1, P.O. Box 184X, Ellwood

City, PA 76177. (724) 758-4002Mount St. Benedict Monastery, 6L0L East Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16511. (814)

899-0674Deer Valley YMCA, RD 1, Box 180, Fort Hill, PA 15540. (874) 662-4005

Cardinal Wright Vocation and Prayer Center, Babcock Blvd., P.O. Box 252,

RD 4, Gibsonia PA 15044. (472) 961-6884

291.

O T H E R P L A C E S

Ecclesia Center, 9109 Ridge Rd., Girard, pA16417. (814) 774-969rDeaconess community center, 801 Merion square Rd., Gladwyne, pA

1e035. (610) 642-8838st. Emma Retreat Flouse, 1001 Harvey Ar.e., Greensburg, pA 1s601. (224)

834-3060

Agape Ministries Bible Camp, RD 1, p.o. Box 64,Hickory,pA 15340. (31s)356-2268

The Himalayan Institute, RR 1, P.o. Box 400, Honesdale, pA 13431. (315)253-5551

sequanota Lutheran Conference Center, p.o. Box z4s, lennerstown, pA15547. (814\ 629-6627

st. vincent summer Retreat House, 300 Fraser purchase Rd., Latrobe, pA15650 (472)539-9767

Mount Assisi Monastery, st. Francis Laymen's Retreat League, p.o. Box 3g,Loretto, PA 15940. (814) 472-5224

olmsted Manor Adult Retreat Renewal center, p.o. Box g, Ludlow, pA16333. (8r4)945-6572

st. Joseph's-in-the-Hills Retreat F{ouse, 315 s. warren Ave., Malvern, pA19355. (670) 644-0400

Bethany House of Prayer, 515 Montgomery Ave., Merion station, pA 19066.(610) 6678A66

Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Rte. 5, p.O. Box 145, Mount pleasant,PA 15 666. (412) 423-2056

villa of our Lady Retreat F{ouse, HCR 1, p.o. Box 41, Mount pocono, pAL8344. (370) 839-7217

Kirby Episcopal F{ouse,381 sunset Rd., Mountaintop, pA rgr07. (570) 474-5800

White Cloud, RR 1, Box27S, Newfoundland, pA 19445. (717) 676-g162MountAsbury Methodist Center, 1310 Centerville Rd., Newville, pA r|24l.

(777) 486-3827. Mailing address: 900 south Arlington Ave., Room 112,Harrisburg,PA47709

St. Barnabas House Retreat and Conference Center, 1z430East Lake, NorthEast, PA 16428. (874) 725-4850

Fatima House, Rolling Hills Rd., ottsville, pAlgg42. (610) 7gs-2947National Havurah Committee, TirB Germantown Ave., philadelphia, pA

I97I9' HoldsJewish summer institute and regional retreats. (215)248-9T60Peace Hermitage, Medical Mission sisters,8400 pine Rd., philadelphia, pA

19111. (610) 342-0961st. Anna's convent,2016 Race st., philadelphia, pA 19103. (2rs) s67-zg4gst. Margaret's House, 5419 Germantown Ave., philact-elphia, pA r9t44.

(21s) 844-9470

292

O T H E R P L A C E S

Carlow College Campus Ministry, 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh,PA15213.

(412) 578-6065

St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

1,5203. (412\ 38r-7676

Fellowship Farm, 2488 Sanatoga Rd., Pottstown,PAI?464. (610) 326-3008

Black Rock Retreat, 1345 Kirkwood Pike, Quarryville, PA 17566. (610) 786-

1266

Maria Wald Retreat House, c/o Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood,

P.O. Box 97, Reading, PA 79607. (610) 777-7624

Comelia Connelly Center, 1359 Montgomery Ave., Rosemont, PA 19333'

(670) 527-2428

Holy Shankaracharya Center, RD 8, Box 8116, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. (570)

629-0481

Camp Penn, P.O. Box 511, Waynesboro, PA 17268. (777) 762-2693. Mailing

address: Commission on Outdoor Christian Education and Retreats,

Council Office,900 S. Arlington Ave', Rm. 112, Harrisburg, PA I7n9

wesley Forest Methodist Camp, weikert, PA 17885. (717) 922-1348. Mailing

address: Commission on Outdoor Christian Education and Retreats,

Council Office, g00 S. Arlington Ave., Rm. 112, Harrisburg, PA L7t09

Iesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, 501 N. Church Rd., Wernersville, PA

19565. (61,0) 670-3640

Temenos at Broad Run, 685 Broad Run Rd., West Chester, PA 19382. (610)

696-8145

Rhode Island

Mount St. Joseph Spiritual Life Center, 13 Monkey Wrench Ln., Bristol, RI

02809. (401) 2s3-5 434, (401) 253-4630

Mercy Lodge, P.O. Box 7651, Cumberland, R[ 02864. (401) 333-2801

Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center, Box 507, Ocean Rd., Narragansett,

Rr 02882. (401)783-2871, (401) 884-7676

Nazareth Center, T2Cllff Terrace, Newport, RI02840. (40I) 847-7654

St. Dominic Savio Youth Center, zl'l,ABroadrock Rd., Peacedale, RI 02883.

(401) 783-4055

Father Marot CYO Center, 53 Federal St., Woonsocket, RI 02895' (401) 762-

3252

South Carolina

Rose Hill, P.O. Box 3726, Aiken, SC 29802. (803) 647-7674

Center of Spirituallty, 424 Fort Johnson Rd., Box 12410, Charleston, SC

2e472. (803) 7e5-6851

Clemson University Outdoor Laboratory, PRTM Dept., 263 Lehotsky Hall,

Clemson Univ., Clemson, 5C29634. (864) 646-7542

O T H E R P L A C E S

sea of Peace House of Prayer, 59 Palmetto pointe, Edisto Island sc2g4gg.(843) 86e-0513

Emmanuel House, Monastery of st. Clare, 1916 N. pleasantburg Dr.,Greenvill e, sC 29609. For women and priests. (g64) 244-4s1,4

Meher Center, 10200 H*y. 17N, Myrtle Beach, sc zgs7z. (g4z) 272-s777The oratory Center for spirituality, p.o. Box 115g6, Rock Hill, sc zg7gr.

(803\ 327^20e7

South DakotaBlue Cloud Abbey Retreat Center, p.o. Box 9g, Marvin,sD s72sr. (60s) 4gz-

5528Beneclictine Monastery of st. Martin, zrl}C st. Martin,s Drive, Rapid City,

sD 57702. (605) 343-3011Manna Retreat Center, 27213423rd Ave., sioux Falls, sD sr7a6. (60s)74g-222gMother of God Monastery, watertown, sD 57201. (60s) gg6-6799Sacred Heart Monastery, 1005 W. 8th St., yankton, SD 57ATg. (605) d6g-1011

TennesseePenuel Ridge Retreat Center, 1440 sam's Creek Rd., Ashland City, TN

3701,5. (615)792-3734House of the Lord, 1306 Dellwood, Memphis, TN 39127. (901) 3s7-73ggIona House Retreat Center, 4s77 Billy Maher Rd., Memphis, TN 3g135.

(907) 377-9284stritch conference Center,2455 Avery Ave., Memphis, TN 38112 . (g0r)7zz-

0243Dubose conference Center, p.o. Box 339, Monteagle, TN 32356. (6rs) 924-

2353Nashville Zen Group, c/o Steven Warren, 3925 Estes Rd., Nashville, TN

3727s. (615) 298-37s4Scarritt-Bennett Center, 1008 19th Ave. s., Nashville, TN 37212 (615) 340-

7500united Methodist Church, P.o. Box 840, Nashville, TN 37202. (615) 340-

7177The Farm,34,The Farm, Summertown, TN 384g3. (991) 964-3574

TbxasBishop Defalco Retreat Center, 2100 N. Spring, Amarillo, TX79107. (g06)

383-1811Bishop Quartermain Conference Center,232 E. Cottonwood, Amarillo, TX

79708. (806) 383-6878Holy Family Retreat Centet,9920

899-5617

294

N. Major Dr., Beaumcnt, TX 7771e. {4Ag)

O T H E R P L A C E S

Cedarbrake Renewal Center, P.O. Box 58, Belton,TX76513. (254) 780-2436

Christ of the Hills Monastery, New Sarov, Blanco, TX 78606. (830) 833-5363

Convent of Holy Pasha and Blessed Pelagia, Russian Orthodox Nuns, Rte.

103, New Sarov Blanco, TX78606. (830)833-5860

Guadalupe River Ranch, P.O. Box 877,Boetne, TX 78006. (830) 537-4837

omega Retreat center, 275W. Highland, Boerne, TX 78006. (830) 249-3894

Texas 4-H Center, RR 1, Box527, Brownwood, TX 7680L. (915) 784-5482

Moye Renewal Center, 600 London St., Castroville, TX 78009. (830)931-2227

Bishop Thomas J. Drury Retreat House, 1200 Lantana, Corpus Christi, TX

78407. (s12) 28e-650rMount Tabor Retreat House, 72940 Up River Rd., Corpus Christi, TX78410.

(51.2) 241-7e55Mount Carmel Center, 4600 W. Davis St., Dallas,Tx75211. (2I4) 33I-6224

Christian Renewal Center, 1515 Hughes Rd., Box 635, Dickinson,TX77539.(281) 337-1372

Bishop Mason Retreat & Conference Centet, 4700 Wichita Trail, Flower

Mound, TX75028. (972) 539-9715Catholic Renewal Center of North Texas,4503 Bridge

76103. (8r7\ 429-2920

Glen Lake United Methodist Camp & Retreat Center,

Rose, TX76043. (25I) 897-2247

Cenacle Retreat House, 420 N. Kirkwood, Houston, Tx 77079. (713) 497-

3131Holy Name Retreat Center, 430 Bunker Hill

464-42]]'Monastery of the Four Evangelists, 3011 Roe

645-0843Mount Carmel House of Prayer, 9600 Deer Traii

(713) 445-8830

Houston, TX 77038.

Presbyterian Mo-RanchAssembly, HCI Box 158, Hunt, TX78024. (830) 238-

4455Laity Lodge, P.O. Box 670,Kerwille, TX 78029. (830) 896-2505

Mount Wesley Conference Center, 610 Methodist Encampment

ville, TX78028. (830) 895-5700

Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 501 Century Dr. S., Laredo,TX78046. (956) 726'

4352

Camp Allen Camps and Conference Center, Rte. 1, Box 426, Navasota, TX

77868. (e36) 825-7775

First United Methodist Church ,4225. Magnolia, Palestine, TX 75801

Christ the King Retreat Center, 802 Ford St., San Angelo, TX 769A5. e75)

685-3900

Fort Worth, TX

Box 928, Glen

Houston, TX 77024. (773)

Houston, TX 77087 . (7I3)

Kerr-

O T H E R P L A C E S

oblate Renewal Center, 285 oblate Renewal Center, san Antonio, TX782L6. (270) 349-4173

Benedictine Retreat Center, corpus Christi Abbey, HCR 2, Box 6300, san-dia, TX 78383. (270) 547-3257

\Arhispering Pines, 114 Pine Grove Rd., scroggins, TX 7szg0. (903) g60-3326our Lady of Mercy Catholic Center, 122sw. Division st., p.o. Box744, sla-

ton, TX 79364. (806) 825-6429spiritual Renewal Center, Rte. 3, Box238, Victoria, Tx77g0i.. (slz) s7z-0g36

UtahLast Resort, P.O. Box707, cedar city, ur 9472r. (435) 6g2-2299Desert Light, 2775Nuevo,Moab,UT 84532. (807) 259-6A56Mount Benedict Priory, 5462s.200 E., ogdery ur g4405. (g0r) 479-9707our Lady of the Mountain,7794 Lake st., ogden, ur 94401. (g07) ggz-gzzrKanzeon Zen center Utah, 12748. south Temple, salt Lake city, UT g4702.

(807) 328-8414

VermontCharterhouse of the tansfiguration, RD 2, Box24rr, Arlington, vr 0s250.

(802) 362-7775Milarepa center, Barnet Mountain, Barnet, vr 05821. (g0z) 633-4136Bishop Booth Conference Center,20 Rock point Cir., Burlington, VT 05401.

(802) 6s8-6233Mount st. Mary Convent, 100 Mansfield Ave., Burlington, vr 05401. (g02)

863-6835Mandala Buddhist Center, Quaker St., Lincoln, vr 0s462. (g02) 453-503gself-Realization Fellowship, Rte. 1, Box 519, shaftesbury vr 05257. (g02)

442-437rMonasteryof the Immaculate Heart of Mary, HCR 13, Box 11, westfield, vT

05874. (802) 744-6525. Women only.Maple Forest Monastery, P.o. Box 60, woodstock, VT 05091. (802) 4sr-22ss

Virginiavirginia united Methodist Assembly Center, 707 4th St., Blackstone, vA

23824. (804) 292-s308st. Benedict Monastery,9535 Linton Hall Rd., Bristow, vA 20136. (709) 961,-

0106Phoebe Needles Retreat Cente4 Rte. 1, Box 440, Callaway, vA24062. (s40)

483-3381Openway, RR 10, Box 205, Charlottesville, VAZZ}}Z. (804) 293-3245Mountain Light Retreat Center, Rte. 2, Box4l9, Crozet,vA22ggz. (904) g7g-

7774

296

O T H E R P L A C E S

our Lady of the Angels Monastery, Rte. 2, Box 288A, Crozet, vA 22932.(804) 823-7452

Blue Ridge Zen Group,4460 Advance Mills Rd., Earlysville, VA22936.(804\ 7e3-s43s

Nazareth House of Prayer, Rte. 2, Box 277, Gate City, VA24251. (540) 386-

7428Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference center, Rte. 4, Box 21.3, Lynchburg, vA

24503. (804) 384-2211seven oaks Pathwork Center, Rte. 1, Box 86, Madison, vA22727. (540) 948'

6544Highroad Camp and Retreat Center, 21764 Steptoe Hill Rd., Middleburg,

v A 22777 . (540) 689 -7275

shrine Mont, General Delivery, orkney Springs, vA22845. (540) 856-2747

Mary Mother of the church Abbey, 12617 River Rd., Richmond, vA 23233.(757\784-3548

The well Retreat Center, 18047 Quiet Way, Smithfield, vA23430. (757) 255'

2366Chanco Camp and Conference Center, 394 Floods Dr., P.o. Box378, Surry,

vA 23883. (7s7) 294-3126Association for Research and Enlightenment, 67th St. and Atlantic Ave.,

P.O. Box 595, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. (757) 428-3588

Washington and British Columbia

WashingtonEncouragement Lodge, 28709 115th Ave. NE, Arlington, WA 98223. (360)

403-0335washington Buddhavanaram, 4401 S. 360th St., Auburn, wA 98001. (253)

927-5408Christ Lutheran Retreat Center, NE 3701 N. Shore Rd., Belfait' WA 98528.

(360\ 275-5403st. Thomas Center, 14500 Juanita Dr. NE, Bothell, WA 98011. (425) 823-7300

Camp Don Bosco , !401.327thAve. NE, Carnation ,WA98074. (425) 382-4562

Bethlehem Farm. 508 Coal Creek Rd., Chehalis, wA 98532. (350) 748-1236

St. Peter the Apostle Retreat Center, 15880 Summit View Rd., Cowiche, WA

98e23. (509) 678-4935Soli-time Retreats, 3531 108th St. SE, Everett, WA 98208

Huston Camp and Conference Center, P.O. Box 140, Gold

(360) 7e3-0447

Loma Center for RenewaL,3607 228th Ave. SE, Issaquah,

392-187r

Bal, WA 98751.

wA98027. (425)

O T H E R P T A C E S

Lutheran Bible Institute Conference Center, 42zr zzgthAve., Issaquah, wA98027. (425) 392-0400

Priory spirituality Center, 500 College st. NE, Lacey, wA 9g516. (960) 439-2sgsMeditative Retreat Cottage, whidbey Island, p.o. Box 624, Langley, wA

98260. (360\ 730-9488Camp Field Retreat Center, P.o. Box r28, Leavenworth, wA 9gg26. (509)

548-7933

Camp Brotherhood, 2301 Legge Rd., Mount vernon, wAggzrg. (360) 445-5061

Rainbow Lodge, P.o. Box 963, North Bend, wA 98045 . @2s) ggg-41g1

Doe Bay Village Resort.. Star Rte. 86, Olga, WA}BZ7}. (360) 376-229lNorthwest vipassana Association,3022 simmons Rd. NW, olympia, wA

98502. (360\ 866-8176Pilgrim Firs Conference Center,3318 sw Lake Flora Rd., port orchard, wA

98366. (360) 876-2037seabeck Christian Conference Cente4, p.o. Box 177, seabeck, WA 9g3g0.

(360) 830-5010

Camp Don Bosco, 910 Manson st., seattle, wA 9g104 . (206) zgz-4s62our Lady of the Rock Priory, osB, p.o. Box 425, shaw Island, wAgg2g6.

(360) 468-2321. Limited facilities.Immaculate Heart Retreat House, south 6910 Ben Burr Rd., spokane, wA

99223. $09) 448-1224Padma Amrita, West 1014 7th Ave.,St. Mary's Conference and Retreat

98591. (36Ci| 864-6464Harnrony Hill, East 7362Hwy. 106, Union, wA g\Sgz (360) 89g-2363st' Andrew's House, 87550 H*y. 106, union, wA 9g592. (360) g9g-2362Burton Camp and Conference Center, 9g26 sw Bayview Dr., Vashon

Island, WA 98070. (206) 622-399s

British ColumbiaKagyu Kunkhyab Chuiing, 4939 sidley St., Burnaby, BC v5J 1T6, Canada.

(604\ 434-4920Prince of Peace Priory, 2904 Josephine St.,

1K0, Canada. (250) 246-9578Hollyhock, Box 127, Manson's Landing,

Spokane, WA99204. (509) 747-ISS9Center, 107 Spencer Rd., Toledo, WA

Box 960, Chemainus, BC VOR

Cortes Island, BC VOP 1K0,Canada. (250)935-6465

Fairburn Farm,3310 Jackson Rd., RR 7, Duncan, BC v9L 4w4, canada.(250) 746-4537

Mount st. Nicholas Priory, 4655 westside Rd., Kamloops, BC vzc rz3,Canada. (250) 579-9150

298

O T H E R P L A C E S

Seton House of Prayer, RR 4 Site 20 Box 9, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7R3, Canada.

(2s0\ 764-4333

Yasodhara Ashram, P.O. Box 9A, Kootenay Bay, BC VOB 1X0, Canada. (250)

227-9224

Westminster Abbey, 34224 Dewdney Trunk

Canada. (604) 826-8975

Mission, BC YZV 4J2,

Anawim House of Prayer, Bealby Point, Nelson, BC V1L 1T4, Canada' (250)

352-2930

The Salt Spring Centre, 355 Blackburn Rd., Salt Spring Island. Mailing

address: Box 1133, Ganges, BC VOS 1E0, Canada. (250) 537-2326

Sorrento Centre, Box 99, Sorrento, BC VQE 2W0, Canada. (250) 675-242I

Queenswood,Z4g4Arbutus Rd., Victoria, BC V8N 1V8, Canada. (250) 477-

3822

West VirginiaJohn XXIII Pastoral Center, 100 Hodges Rd., Charleston, WV 25314. (304)

342-0507The Claymont Soc., Rte. L, Box279, Charlestown, WV 25414. (304)725-4437

Priestfield, Box 133, Rte. 51, Kearneysville, WV 25430. (304) 725-L435

Good Counsel Friary,Rte. 7, Box 183, Morgantown, WV 26505. (304)594-1774

Lightstone Foundation, HC 63, Box 73,Moyers, WV 26813' (304) 249-527I

Peterkin Conference Center, P.O. Box 853, Romney, WV 26757 . (304) 822-4519

Iackson's Mill State 4-H Conference Center, P.O. Box 670, V'leston, WV

26452. (304\ 269-51.00Mount St. Joseph, Pogue Run I{d., Wheeling, WV 26003. (304) 232-8760

WisconsinMonte Alverno Retreat Center, 1000 N. Ballard

,920\733-8526Appleton, WI54911.

St. Joseph Retreat Center, 3035 O'Brien Rd., Baileys Harbor, WI54202. (920)

839-2391St. Isaac of Syria Russian Orthodox Skete, Rte. 'l., Box 168, Boscobel, WI

53805. 6108) 375-5500; 1-800-81-ICONS for icon orders.Byron Center, Rte. 1, Box 78, Brownsville, WI53006. (920) 583-3633

St. Francis Retreat Center, 503 S. Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, WI 53105.(262) 763-3600

The Convent House, Rte. 1, Box 161, Cashton, WI 54679. (608) 823-7992,(608) 823-7e06

St. Clare Center for Spirituallty, 7387 Church 5t. (Polonia), Custer, WI

54423. (77s) s92-4680House in the Wood, 3300-1 Bay Rd., Delavan, WI 53115. (262) 728-2752

O T H E R P L A C E S

The Bridge Between Retreat Center, 447r Fraherty Dr., Denmark, wI 54208.(920) 864-7230

Ministry and Life center, st. Norbert Abbey, 1016 N. Broadway, Depere, wI54115. (920) 337-4315

St. Bede Retreat & Conference Center, 1790 priory Rd., p.O. Box 66,Claire, W154702. (7I5) 534-3176

st. vincent Pallotti center, N6409 Bowers Rd., Elkhorn, wI sllzl.

Eau

(71s)723-2108

The Clearing, P.O. Box 65, Ellison,Convent of the Holy Nativitv. 101

(.920) 927-2560

Marynook Conference and Retreat Center,500 s. L2th st., Box 9, Galesville,wr 54630. (508) s82-2789, (608) 526-9550

Holy Name Retreat House, P.o. Box 2382s,1825 Riverside Dr., GreenWI 54305. (920) 437-7531 (Green Buy), (920)735-1112 (Fox Valley)

Green Lake conference center, American Baptist Assembly, w. 2511

B^y,

StateH*y. 23, Green Lake, WI 54941. (920) 294-3322

Holy Hill National shrine of Mary, 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, wI53033.(262) 628-1838

Dillman's sand Lake Lodge, Box 98, Lac du Flambeau, wI s4sgz. (900) 359-2511, (215) 588-3143

Geneva Bay Centre (Covenant Harbor),1724 Main st., Lake Geneva, wI53747. (262) 248-3600

st. Benedict Center, P.o. Box s070, Madison, wI53z0s. (60g) s36-1631st. Anthony Retreat center, 300 E. 4th st., Marathon, wr 5M4g. (71,s\ M3-2236Lasalle spiritual Formation center, 522 second st., Menasha, wr 54gs2.

(e20) 722-8e78sisters,/st. Benedict,4200 County Hwy. M, Middleton, wI s3562. (60g) g36-

7637Archdiocesan Retreat Center, 3501 S. Lake Dr., Milwaukee, WI s3i207. (474)

769-3491Cardoner Retreat Center, 1501 s. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI53215. (414)

384-2720,384-3497Lucerne Camp and Retreat Center, Rte. 1, Box 3150, Neshkoro, wI 54960.

(920) 2e3-4488Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 1800 N. Timber Trail Ln., oconomowoc, wl

s3066. (262)567-6900

Jesuit Retreat House, 4800 Fahrnwald Rd., oshkosh, wI s4901,. (920\ z3I-9060

The Tyme out Youth Center, N45 w2s338 Lindsay Rd., pewaukee, wI53072. (262) 6er-5780

300

Wl54210. May-Oct. (920) 854-4033E. Division St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

O T H E R P L A C E S

silver springs, N4683 Silver Springs Ln., Plymouth, wI 53073. (920) 893-

4969Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Rte. 1, Box 285, Audubon

54870. (77s) 635-6543

Dominican Education Center, Sinsinawa, WI53824. (608) 748-4477

schoenstatt Center, w.284 N. 698 Cherry Ln., Waukesha, wI 53188. (262)

547-7733Camp Webb, Rte.2, Box705, Wautoma, W|54982. (414)787-3872, (920)259-

9322Cedar Valley Retreat Center, 5349 Hwy. D, West Bend, WI 53095. (762) 334-

9487Christine Center for Unitive Planetary Spirituality, West 8291 Mann

Willard, Wl54493. (775) 267-7507

George Williams College/Lake Geneva Campus, P.O. Box 210, Williams

Bay, WI53191. (262) 245-5537

WyomingAlta Retreat Center, P.O. Box 4Q7, Alta,WY 83422. (307) 353-8100

wvoming Catholic Lav Ministry Retreat ,623 S. Wolcott, Casper, WY 82601.

(307) 237-2723Thomas the Apostle Center,45 Rd. 3CXS, Cody, Wy 8241.4. (307) 587-4400

San Benito Monastery, P.O. Box 520, Dayton, WY 82836. (307) 655-9013

Sarona, WI

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Retreats

A recent flyer from the New York Open Center speaks of the flowering ofa Jewish renewal movement: "Many who had left the tradition seekingspiritual shelter elsewhere are returning, bringing new practices and arenewed passion. ]ewish Renewal has, at its core, the idea of tikkun,which means to heal, repair, and transform. The twin concerns-tikkunnefesh, to heal the spirit, and tikkun olam, to heal the universe-challengeand support us as we work for both inner and outer, personal and socialchange."

Although retreats in the formal sense have not been a part of the over-all Jewish tradition, this list is included as a reference to help those look-ing for Jewish rest and renewal in various forms and a variety of places.Not all of them offer accommodation but each provides a real opportu-nity for further exploration.

ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, 7318 Germantown Ave., philadel-phia, PA 19119. (275) 247-9700. ALEPH is headquarters for a numberof interesting organizations, including p'nai or/The Shalom Centerwhere Rabbi zalman schachter-Shalomi is active. ALEPH holds abiannual "Kallah," a gathering of the Jewish Renewal Movement,(e70) 221-0327.

The Bibliodrama Tiaining Institute with peter pitzele, Mlw. CarpenterLn., Philadelphia, PA19119, (215) 4ss-6108. Rivkah walton, director.

Brandeis Bardin Institute, Alewish Educational Camp, 1101 peppertreeLn., Brandeis, CA 93064. (805) 582-4450

camp Isabella Freedman, 116 Johnson Rd., Falls village, CT 06031. (g60)824-5991. summer camp owned by United Jewish Appeal Federationfor seniors.

302

ii.i":l:

I E W I S H R E T R E A T S

Conference on Judaism in Rural New England, P.O. Box659, Montpe-

lier, VT 05601. (802) 223-2962

Congregation B'nai |eshurun, 270w.89th St., New York, NY 10024 . (212)

787-7600. Led by Rabbi Rolando Matalon, this is a very active and

dynamic congregation.

Elat Chayyim, A Center for Healing and Renewal, 99 Mill Hook Rd.,

Accord, NY 12404. (800) 398-2630, (91'4) 626-0157. A full program of

adult and children's retreats (see page 766 for more details).

Hadassah, Jewish Education Dept., 50 W 58th St., New York, NY 10019.

(212) 303-8767. Kallot (study weekends) for members of Hadassah.

Hebrew Union College, the Center for Liberal Jewish Study, 1 W. 4th St.,

New York, NY 10012. (212) 674-5300. Rabbi Joshua Salzman.

Henry S. Jacobs Camp, P.O. Drawer C, Utica,MS 39775. (601) 362-6357

IACS (Iewish Alcoholics and Chemically Dependent Persons and Sig-

nificant Others), 426W,58th St., New York, NY 10019. (800) 398-2630,(845) 626-07s7

jewish Renewal Life Center,731'8 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA

1.9119. (21,5) 843-4345. Rabbi Julie Greenberg, director.

The |ewish Retreat Center, 50 W. 17th St., 7th f1., New York, NY 10011.

(212) 242-5985. Finds settings for retreats and will help with planning.

Rachel Brodie, founder and director.

The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, 3080 Broadway, New

York, NY 10027. (212) 678-8000. Rabbi Steven Shaw is a good contact

for information on activities there.

Living Waters, 11450 S.W. 16th St., Davie, FL 33325. (954) 476-7466. A

spiritual health spa based on kabbalistic teachings.

Metivta, a Center for Jewish Wisdom, 2001 South Barrington Ave., #706,

Los Angeles, CA 90025. (370) 477-5370. Holds a yearly conference/

retreat. Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man.

Mount Eden Retreat, 56 Millpond Rd., P.O. Box 287, Washington, NJ

07882. (908) 689-8345. March-October. Healing center that holds some

Iewish retreats in the summer.

National Havurah Committe e,7318 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA

79f19. (21,5) 248-9760. HoIds an annual summer institute and regional

retreats.

J E W T S H R E T R E A T S

National )ewish Healing center, 9 E. 69thst., New York, Ny 10021. (212)969-0030

Neshama,1.049 E. 13th St., Brooklyn, Ny 11230. (218) 33g-8442. RabbiMeyer Fund.

Rose Mountain Retreat cente{, P.o. Box 355, Las Vegas, NM 82701. (505)425-5728. Andy Gold and Rabbi Shefa Gold.

Ruach, 230 Davis Ave., Albany, NY 12208. (518) 489-3983. Holds a 3-dayrenewal weekend each vear.

J

f t . - ^ - - t - T r , A . tr(uach lj.a'Aretz, c i o iviarty Poirop, 25i9 Deroy st., Berkeiey, Ca 9470s.(510) 549-0441. Jewish exploration and renewal in Northern Califor-nia.

union of American Hebrew Congregations, Kutz Camp, p.o. Box 443,Bowen Rd., Warwick, NY 70990. (845) 987-6300.

304

Buddhist Centers

For more complete listings of

nonresidential, consult:

Inquiring Mind

A Semi-annual )ournal of the Vipassana Community

P.O. Box 9999

N. Berkeley Station

Berkeley, CA94709

lnsight

Insight Meditation Society Newsletter

1230 Pleasant St.

Barre, MA 0L005(e78) 355-4378

Shambhala Sun

L585 Barrington St., Ste.300

Halifax, NS, B3I lZ8 Canada

oOD 422-8404

kicycle, The Buddhist Reoieus

92 Vandam St.

New York, NY 1001.3(212') 645-7143

centers. both residential and

Glossary

Ango (]apanese word meaning "peaceful dwelling") An intensive 90-day training period in the Zen Buddhist tradition.

Ashram A place of simple lifestyle and intense spiritual exercises, gen-erally in the Hindu or Vedanta traditions.

Canonical hours The liturgy of the hours is the official daily prayer cycleof the catholic Church, an adaptation of the liturgy of the synagoguewhich has evolved over the centuries. The "hours" consist of vigils,Lauds, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. "Seven times a day doI praise thee . . ." (Psalm 179:764)

Centering prayer Meditative prayer, using a sacred word to focus atten-tion internally. Father Thomas Keating's book open Mind, open Heartdescribes this in detail.

Charismatic retreat Christian healing retreat involving praying intongues and prophecy.

Cursillo An uplifting weekend retreat for Christian groups to experi-ence their religion from a new perspective.

Dana (Sanskrit word meaning "generosity") Used to describe adonation.

Deacon someone who has taken holy minor orders-a step on the wayto priesthood.

Dharma Used in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions to represent thelaw, the truth, or spiritual teaching.

i .l.' r j , t: ; i

306

C L O S S A R Y

Directed retreat Usually a six- to eight-day period of si lent prayer

which includes a daily meeting with a spiritual director.

Diurnum (Latin, meaning "dally") A short noon office.

Divine office Official, formal, liturgical prayer of the church.

Dojo (Japanese, meaning "hall of the way") Hall or room in which one

of the Japanese "ways" are practiced. Used as a synonym for zendo.

Engaged encounter Weekend retreats sponsored by the church for

engaged couples (or marriage encounters for married couples) to

explore and clarify their belief systems and values.

Enneagram An ancient circular diagram with nine points which can be

used to bring insight into the divine activity within each person.

Foundation A branch of the main monasterv.

Guided retreat Retreat which includes meeting with a spiritual director

from time to time, but not on a daily basis.

Hermitage A secluded residence.

Icon A representation in painting or enamel of a sacred Personage.

Kuti Another word for hermitage, or cabin.

Mantra A word or group of words originally in Sanskrit whose repeti-

tion is conducive to quieting the mind, often used during meditation.

Oblate A layperson affiliated with a particular order who adopts a

modified vow-a way of deepening lay spirituality. Each order confers

certain special privileges on oblates; for example, the Carmelites allow

their oblates to be buried in the Carmelite habit.

Poustinia (Greek, meaning "silence of God") A designated period or

place where a complete retreat, silence, fasting, and separation from

normal activities takes place.

Private retreat A time of solifude without guidance or direction.

C L O S S A R Y

Refectory Monastery dining hall.

Satsang (Sanskrit) A spiritual gathering.

Sesshin (Japanese) A period of concentrated Zen practice and teaching.

Shambhala The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogvam Trungpadescribes Shambhala practice, which is founded on the gentleness of theTibetan Buddhist tradition and directly cultivates r,l'ho and what we areas human beings. A secular rather than a religious outlook for anyoneseeking a genuine and fearless existence.

Soto Zen one of two active schools of Zen Buddhism in Japa-n. Stressesmeditation practice as a path to enlightenment. It relies on heart-to-heart transmission to stay alive, since it has no scripture.

Spiritual director A guide or advisor who helps put your spiritual jour-ney into perspective and connects it to your "dally life."

Sufism An eclectic school of mysticism with roots in Islam that hasgrown to encompass many traditions, and that includes an elaboratesymbolism much used by poets. There is scholarly disagreement on theexact origins of the name and practice, some saying it comes from aPersian word meaning "wisdom," others that it comes from the Persianword sltf ("wool") because of the coarse robes early Sufi ascetics andrenunciates wore.

T'ai chi chuan Chinese "meditation in motion," a series of flowirlg, gen-tle movements or exercises intended to quiet the mind and body.

Taiz6 A small ecumenical monastery in southern France where one ofthe brothers developed a particular form of chant that has become pop-ular throughout the world.

vipassana meditation Insight meditation practiced by nuns, monks,and laypeople in southeast Asia, and used to attain a quality of mind-fulness and understanding by looking at mind and body directly. Abelief that loving kindness, compassion, and a spirit of generosity canbe cultivated consciously.

Yurt A circular tent of felt or skins on a framework of poles used bynomads in Mongolia, which has been adapted as a dwelling, made ofvarious materials, bv others.

With tlnnks to Chhnney Sweep Religious Bookstore in Santa Cruz, CA,

for their help on many definitions.

308

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lndex ofFeafured Piaces

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Abbey of Cethsemani, Trappist, KY 88

Abbey of New Clairvaux, Vina, CA, 16

Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit,

Conyers, CA,74

Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy

Tiinity, Huntsville, UT, 228

Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, NY 154

Abbey of Regina Laudis, Bethlehem,

CT,62

Abode of the Message, New Lebanon,

NY 156

All Saints Episcopal Convent,

Catonsville. MD. 100

Annunciation Priory, Bismarck, ND,

792

Arcosanti, Mayer, AZ,6

Aryaloka, Newmarket, NH, 132

Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND,

194

Avila Retreat Center, Durham, NC,

185

Benedictine Spirituality and

Conference Center of Sacred Heart

Monastery, Cullman, AL, 2

Bhavana Society, High View, WV 250

Breitenbush Hot Springs, Detroit, OR,

200

Camp Weed and the Cerveny

Conference Center, Live Oak, FL,

66

Carmel Retreat, Mahwah, NJ, 138

Center for Action and Contemplation,Albuquerque, NM, 144

Center of Jesus the Lord, NewOrleans, LA,90

Chapel House, Hamilton, NY 158Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua,

NY 160Chinook Learning Center, Clinton,

WA,238Cloud Mountain Retreat Center,

Castle Rock, WA,240The Common, Peterborough, NH, 132Convent of St. Helena, Augusta, GA,

76Cormaria Center, Sag Harbor, NY 162Corpus Christi Abbey, Sandia, TX,226Dai Bosatsu Zendo, Livingston Manor,

NY 164Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, PA,208DeKoven Centet Racine, WI,252Desert House of Prayer, Tucson, AZ,8Dhamma Dena, Joshua Tree, CA, 18Eastern Point Retreat House,

Cloucester, MA, 104Elat Chayyim, Accord, NY i66Emery House, West Newbury, MA,

106The Florida United Methodist Life

Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park,FL,68

Chost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM, 146

I N D E X O F F E A T U R E D P L A C E S

Clastonbury Abbey, Hingham, MA,

108

Creen Gulch Farm Zen Center. Muir

Beach, CA,20

Healing Center of Arizona, Sedona,

AZ ,1 .O

The Hermitage, Three Rivers, MI, 118

Holden Mllage, Chelan, WA,242

Holy Cross Abbey, Berryville, VA,234

Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY,

t68

Holy Name Monaster,v, St. Leo, F1,,70

Holy Trinity Monastery, St. David, AZ,

1,2

Immaculate Heart Community Center

for Spiritual Renewal, Santa

Barbara, CA,22

Indralaya, Eastsound, WA, 244

Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA,

110

Jesuit Retreat House, Cleveland, OH,

196

Kairos House of Prayer, Spokane, WA,

246

Karm6-Choling, Barnet, VT, 230

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health,

Lenox, MA,12

La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara, CA,

24

Lama Foundation, San Cristobal, NM,

148

Maria Fonte Solitude, High Ridge,

MO, 130

Marie Joseph Spiritual Center,

Biddeford, ldE,96

Mary Coodwin Cuest House, St.

Mary-of-the-Woods, IN, 80

Menucha Retreat and Conference

Center, Corbett, OR, 202

Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, SC,

21,8

Monastery of Christ in the Desert,

Abiquiu, NM, 150

Monastery of Mount Tabol Redwood

Valley, CA,26

310

Monastery of the Holy Cross, Chicago,

TL,78

Mount Angel Abbey Retreat House,

St. Benedict, OR,204

Mount Calvary Monastery and Retreat

House, Santa Barbara, CA,28

Mount Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain

Retreat, West Clarksville, NY,

770

Mount Madonna Center, Watsonville,

CA,30

Morrnt Sf M2ry'5 Abbey, Wrentha-m,

MA, 114

Mount Saviour Monasterli Pine Citv

NY i72

Nada Hermitage, Crestone, CO,58

New Camaldoli Hermitage, Big Sur,

CA,32

New Melleray Abbey, Peosta, IA,84

New Orleans Zen Temple, New

Orleans, LA,92

New Skete Communities, Cambridge,

NY 174

Nyingma Institute, Berkeley, CA, 34

Orr Hot Springs, Ukiah, CA,36

OsagelMonastery Forest of Peace,

Sand Springs, OK, 198

Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist

Abbey, Lafayette, OR, 206

Our Lady of Solitude House of Prayer,

Black Canyon City, A2,74

Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey,

Dubuque,IA,86

Our Lady of the Resurrection

Monastery, La Crangeville, Nl 176

Pecos Benedictine Monasterli Pecos,

NM, 152

Pendle Hill, Wallingford, PA,210

Portsmouth Abbey, Portsmouth, R[,

214

Prince of Peace Abbey, Oceanside, CA,

3B

Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Baja

California, Mexico,40

St. Andrew's Abbey Valyermo, CA,42

St. Anselm Abbey, Manchester, NH,736

St. Augustine's House, Oxford, MI,120

St. Benedict's Monasterv Snowmass,CO,60

St. Christopher Camp and ConferenceCenter, Seabrook Island, 5C,220

St. Cuthbert's Retreat House,Brewster, NY 178

St. Gregory's Abbey, Three Rivers, MI,122

St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN,\28

St. Joseph Abbey, St. Benedict, LA,94St. Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, MA, 116St. Marguerite's Retreat House,

Mendham, NL 140St. Martin's Abbey Cuesthouse, Lacey,

WA,248St. Mary's Abbey-Delbarton,

Morristown, NJ, 142St. Mary's Dominican Conference

Center, New Orleans, LA,96St. Mary's Episcopal Retreat and

Conference Center, Sewanee, TN,224

St. Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad,iN,82

St. Paul's Priory Cuest House,Newport, RI,216

St. Raphaela Mary Retreat House,Haverford, PA,2l2

Sanctuary, Beallsville, MD, 1.02Santa Sabina Centet San Rafael, CA,

44

I N D E X O F F E A T U R E D P L A C E S

Satchidananda Ashram-Yogavil le,

Buckingham, VA, 236

Self-Realization Fellowship, Encinitas,

CA,46

Shasta Abbey, Mount Shasta, CA,48

Siena Center, Racine, WI,254

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, Santa

Rosa, CA,50

Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Hot

Springs, NC, 190

Springbank Retreat Center, Kingstree,

5C,222

Springwater Center, Springwater, NY

180

Still Point House of Praver, Stillwater,

NY 182

Thssajara Zen Mountain Center,

Carmel Valley, CA, 52

Tiansfiguration Monastery, Windsor,

NY 184

Upland Hills Ecological Awareness

Center, Oxford, MI,724

Vedanta Retreat, Olema, C4,54

Vikingsborg Guest House/Convent of

St. Birgitta, Darien, CT,64

Villa Maria del Mar, Santa Cruz, CA,

56

Visitation Monastery, Mobile, AL, 4

Wakulla Springs Lodge and

Conference Center. Wakulla

Springs, FL,72

Weston Priory, Weston, VT,232

Zen Buddhist Temple, Ann Arbor, M[,

126

Zen Mountain Monastery, Mount

Tremper, NY 186

Jack and Marcia Kelly are writers who live in New york. Over the yearsthey have chosen monasteries and retreats as stopping places in theirtravels. Their first book, Sanctuaries: The Northeast, was published :r:-7gg1.Sanctuaries: TheWest Coast and Southwesf followed :rn1gg3. Theyhave alsoedited One Hundred Graces, a collection of mealtime blessings gatheredalong the way.

372

Books that nourish the soul, illuminate the mind, and speak directly to the heart

Rob BakerPLANNING MEMORIAL CELEBRATIONS

ASourceboakA one-stop handbook for a situation more and more of

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Our Way into the FutureThe grandfather of Deep Ecology teaches us how to move from

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in calligraphy reminiscent of the manuscripts of medieval Europe.0 - 609 - 8009 3-a S oft cou er

Edited by Lorraine KislyORDINARY GRACES

Christian Teachings on the Interior LifeAn essential collection of the deepest spiritual, religious, and

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How to Lizte This Year as If It Were Your Last

An experiment in becoming fully alive'

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Experiencing the Energy and Abundance of the Dioine

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Bell Tbwer books are for sale at your local bookstore or you may carlRandom House at 1-800-7gg-BooK to order with a credit card.

376