The Guest Wing

About the Guest Wing

Only women may stay in the Guest Wing. However, there are a few rooms available at St. Gabriel's Retreat House for men who wish to share in the prayer and silence of the convent. See Contacts  for more information.

Guest Wing Sitting Room

Typical daily schedule

*Mandatory items for all Guests staying with the Sisters

How to arrange a visit

It is best to phone the Sisters during the times posted on the page Contacts ‌ to arrange a visit to the Guest Wing.

  How to prepare for your visit

Pray. Pray God will be with you during your time with the Sisters. Pray God will open your heart and mind to listen to His voice, as often He speaks through the silence when the noise has settled.

It's important that you allow your to set aside your personal responsibilities so that you can be fully present during your visit at the convent. Allow yourself this break to spend quality time with God.

What to bring:

• An open heart
• Bible of your choice
• Journal/writing paper/pen
• Small Walkman-type cassette player to listen to tapes from the Guest library
• Walking shoes & water bottle for walks/hikes
• Comfortable clothes (please no shorts in the Chapel)
• Possibly dressier clothes for Sunday morning Mass (not required, although is customary)
• Slippers (Guests recommend for the hardwood floors)
• Warm clothing for the winter months.
• A small fan in the summer.

What NOT to bring

• Cell phone.
• Work from home or business.
• Guitars, musical instruments of any kind
• More than one book. There is a Guest Library available if you wish to read.
• Hair dryer
• A bad attitude. The Sisters are gracious to extend their convent home to guests. Kindly return the sentiment in loving actions.

                                                                                                                                         Pond

How long should you stay for a visit?

It takes about 24 hours to settle into the cycle and atmosphere of the Convent. God also can't be rushed (He has eternity.) Three days is a comfortable time for most guest. Often the first 24 hours  is needed to winding down. Naps are a wonderful way to rest. The second may be used for walks around the convent grounds that are beautiful all year, hiking in the woods and spending time in prayer. One guest writes "By the third day I begin to listen to what God is patiently trying to reveal to me through the readings, meditations, or quiet periods in the Chapel. Each time I go to the Convent my activities vary according to my need at that time.".

When's the best time to come?

Weekend retreats are popular with guests arriving on Friday afternoon and staying until Sunday afternoon. These are also the slots that fill up the fastest. Frequently the weekends are completely booked during popular times such as Advent, Lent, and weekends with national holidays. Weekdays tend to be quieter with fewer guests and less activities in the Guest Wing. Any time can be a fruitful time to come closer to God. The peace and quiet of the convent is always inviting.

The cost is a love free-will offering. The Sisters hesitate to ask for a specific amount because it could be discouraging to individuals who want to come to the convent. The donations help with the expenses of providing guests a place to stay including utilities, staff, the cost of food and maintenance of the building and grounds. Each guest enjoys a private room, three meals a day and the care and comfort of the Guest Mistress.