“This retreat was wonderful. The agenda flows well and allows time for both quiet reflection and group presentations. The guided tour of the Abbey Church and Monks’ Refectory was awe-inspiring. The accommodations were pleasant, comfortable and impeccably clean. The food was great, and the staff members are kind and hospitable - really provided a most meaningful and spirit-filled weekend of Christian fellowship. This is truly sacred ground and a gift to all of us from God for the opportunity to spend time with Him here at Saint Joseph’s Abbey.”

“This was a great retreat. Sr. Judith Gomila was a fantastic presenter! The food was the best that I ever had on retreat. Thank you for your hospitality.””

“I look forward to my retreat weekend every year. It is a time to tune out of the day to day responsibilities and noise of our world. It is a time to reconnect and make myself totally available to God. The surrounding grounds are peaceful and beautiful. The speakers are always informative. The house is very welcoming, clean and comfortable. The food is amazing. Just left on Sunday and already waiting for next year’s retreat. ”

“What an experience! This was the first time I have ever attended a retreat, and it was absolutely amazing! Your place was peaceful, beautiful and so accommodating. The bedroom was nice and spacious, the food was absolutely amazing, the chef who prepared our meals was such a wonderful man, so ready to serve us with a smile, and the agenda presented to us all was perfect. You were allowed to experience time with the monks for vigils, vespers, etc. and attend Mass. Lastly, I just can’t say enough about this wonderful place, and I will definitely recommend to each and everyone I encounter.”

“Very peaceful surroundings. I knew that I was on holy ground. The speakers were excellent and very inspirational. They helped me to move closer to God.”

“The presentations and the presenters were excellent! They gave me practical ideas to improve my prayer life. I look forward to my retreat at the Abbey every year.”

“This was my first retreat here. I felt a complete sense of calm and inner peace the entire time. Each presenter, although very different, touched a place in my heart and what they said was relevant to my personal life. There is something very special here.”

“The monks , the deacon and the sister were excellent presenters. Having Mass in the Retreat Center Chapel made me feel a personal connection with Jesus and with my fellow retreatants. The schedule allowed for personal prayer time, rest and exploring the beautiful grounds at the Abbey. The accommodations and the food are the best!”

“This was my first retreat here. Everything was amazing. The staff was excellent-kind, hospitable, professional and caring. I truly felt the peacefulness that is found in God’s presence. I thank God for those who led the presentations, offered spiritual direction, heard my Confession, prepared my delicious meals and provided me with a beautiful, comfortable and spotlessly clean room. They all helped with my spiritual growth.”

“On behalf of my family, I want to thank you and the Abbey for allowing the use of the retreat center for the reception, as many people came from out of town and state. All of us were so impressed with the renovation, the facilities, and a major change (from) when Anita and I stayed there during Hurricane Katrina. We enjoyed visiting and mingling with family and friends that we have not seen in years. Quite often after the services and burial there is not time or place to enjoy a celebration as we had.”