The unsettleness in today's world  can leave us searching to find meaning. To dedicate some quiet time away, a peacful day, or a contemplative weekend, can bring a renewed sense of direction and purpose.

"Jesus said to them, `Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.' Mark 6:31-33

Small groups of parishioners and friends from St.Joseph's have travelled to the nearby St. Edmund's Retreat on Ender's Island in Mystic CT, and, to the Trappist monks at St. Joseph's Abbey, in Spencer MA. since the 1980s.

                                          2023 St. Joseph Retreat promo Video


                                 - See Our 2023 Retreat Schedule Below -

Ender's Island, Mystic, CT

Enders Island is an 11-acre island The grounds of Enders Island include a 360° ocean view, beautiful walking gardens, a Seaside Chapel, and iconic facilities including the Enders House, an early 20th century arts and crafts style mansion, and a peaceful Chapel.



Enders Island welcomes everyone to enjoy the grounds with family or friends whether or not they are participating in a program. The island provides all visitors the opportunity to come and enjoy the beauty of nature in a unique environment where people of all faith, or no faith  backgrounds have profoundly encountered God's presence.

                       Wed. June 28th is our one-day Retreat via Motorcoach 

                             Depart -7 a.m. - return - 4:30 p.m.

                              $100. each - Includes Deluxe Motorcoach,

                          - Coffee / and at arrival and a Hot-served Lunch

                          Please Call the Office, M-F  8:30 am -11 am 

                                        860-871-1970 for reservations.

                       **  Please make checks out to - St. Joseph Church

                                              **  Limited to 24 spots ! 

                               June 28th 2023 Ender's Retreat promo Video

                                                 Photos - Enders Island Retreat


St. Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, MA
 
50 minutes north of Rockville / Ellington CT, north of the town of Spencer, Massachusetts, among the scenic rolling hills, rests Saint Joseph’s Abbey, a cloistered monastery of monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, popularly known as Trappists.  Trappists, founded in 1098 A.D. are in the Benedictine lineage, founded by St. Benedict in 529 A.D.

The Retreat House adjoining the Abbey offers retreats for men and women for a week’s duration or for a weekend. There are eleven comfortable private rooms each with a private bath, and linens. Three full meals are provided each day.



Weekend Retreats with the Trappist monks are from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. The retreat house closely conforms to the atmosphere of the monastery. The celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours frame the structure for each day with a generous amount of time also set aside for private prayer, reading and contemplative quiet.

Photos - Small Group Abbey Retreat from our parish.

Conferences are given by one of the monks on Saturday and Sunday for the weekend retreat, with time also available for private conversation. The rerteat house also has a small chapel and library for guests.
All are welcome on these monastic contemplative retreats, you do not have to be Catholic.

St. Joseph's Parish is pleased to offer these small group retreats throughout the year for parishioners and friends.

                                Questions ? Email Marc Giaquinto for more information.

                               Please use the handy link below  to make your reservation

                     Retreat Schedule - 2023

                                    Retreats at St. Joseph's Trappist Abbey

                        Retreat #3 -   Friday May 12-14  - ** Now Filled*

                         
              Retreat  #4  -  Women's Weekend Retreat, Friday, May 19 - 21

                                                   Retreat #5 - 

            Men's & Women's mixed Weekend Retreat,  - June 16-18

                               
                                           St. Joseph's Trappist Abbey Retreat Video

 

    Please use this handy link and follow the instructions to make your reservation -

                                        St. Joseph's Abbey Weeken Retreat

         Click on "Online Reservations", and scroll down to the particular dates     

              
                      ** All retreat openings are on a first come, first served basis.

                                             Photos by Marc Giaquinto, St. Joseph Church, Rockville, CT 2023