The unsettledness in today's world can leave us searching to find meaning. To dedicate some quiet time away, a peaceful 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
Questions ? Email - St. Joseph Parish Retreats to make your reservations.
Small groups of parishioners and friends from here at St. Joseph's parish 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.
St. Joseph's Abbey - Trappist Monks - 2025
Weekend Retreats - Fridays-Sundays
Schedules and Reservation link
St. Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, MA
Fifty 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. Cistercians, of which Trappists are a part, were founded in 1098 A.D. and are in the Benedictine monastic 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, arrival time between 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., to Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.. 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 discussion.
The retreat house also has a 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.
- Parish Contact Info for All Abbey & Ender's Island Retreats -
Questions ? Email - St. Joseph Parish Retreats for more information.
* Note - Some financial assistance is available, please email for details.
All requests are kept confidential.
Please use the handy link below to make your reservation
2025 Weekend Retreat Schedule
*** Please Note - All Dates are for Friday- Sunday Weekend Retreats Only
** We are currently (as of Jan.26, 20205) scheduling retreats at the Abbey for parishioners & friends for the weekends of -
March 14-16th, April 4-6th, and May 9-11th
Questions ? Email - St. Joseph Parish Retreats for more information.
2025 -
Feb. 7-9 - Men & Women - Filled
Feb. 14-16 - Women
Feb. 21-23 - Men - Filled
Feb. 28 -March 2 - Men - Filled
March 7-9 - Men & Women
March 14-16 - Women
March 21-23 - Men - Filled
April 4-6 - Men & Women
April 11-13 - Women
April 17-19 - Men & Women
April 25-27 - Men
Contact us - St. Joseph Parish Retreats for more information.
Abbey -- Small Group Retreat Photo Album
** To Make Your Own Reservation -
St. Joseph's Abbey Weekend Retreats
( Click on "Online Reservations", and scroll down to the particular dates)
** All retreat openings are on a first come, first served basis.
For help scheduling a retreat for a small group, contact us here -
St. Joseph Parish Retreats
Ender's Island, Mystic - One Day retreats
For information and schedules for Ender's Island -
St. Joseph Parish Retreats
St. Joseph's Church has been offering one-day retreats on Ender's Island for years.
Ender's Island is located across a causeway onto their beautifully landscaped 11 acre island surrounded by ocean views of Long Island Sound. Lunches are delicious in a restaurant-like setting,
Conferences rooms are spacious and comfortable, with access to a stone chapel for Mass and contemplative silence.
Please check in here throughout the year for upcoming schedules and times
Click Here for Schedule & Reservations
Photos by Marc Giaquinto, St. Joseph Church, Rockville, CT 2023