Abbey Day Retreats - The Benedictine Day of Prayer

What is a Benedictine Day of Prayer?

It's a day to pray - a time and space set apart for spiritual renewal.

Who may participate?

We welcome men and women of all faiths who want to come and pray with us. Participants are asked to bring their Bibles.

What does it cost?

Program fee for the Day of Prayer is $50 and includes breakfast, lunch, refreshment breaks, program, facilities and materials. Pay in advance or on the day of the program. Make checks payable to "Spiritual Life Program." Gift certificates are available.

What happens on this "Day"?

At 6:45 a.m. a monk will meet you in the back of the abbey church and welcome you to Morning Prayer with the monastic community. Just park near the church and come inside.

After breakfast and check-in, one of the monks gives a spiritual conference, followed by lectio divina, a group prayer experience using a text from Scripture. The formal retreat program ends at 3:30 p.m.

Participants agree that monastic Morning Prayer is the perfect beginning of a Benedictine Day of Prayer. In terms of travel, some people prefer to drive from as far away as the Twin Cities in time for Morning Prayer. Some prefer to come the night before, which can be arranged by contacting the Guestmaster.

How do I arrange for overnight accommodation?

Contact the Guestmaster by e-mail or phone 320-363-2573 for availability and cost of a room. Room rates vary according to the size of the room in the Abbey Guesthouse.

What can I do to add to my Day of Prayer at the Abbey?

First, you may choose to stay through the afternoon and evening, visiting campus sites like the Art Center, Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, The Liturgical Press, the SJU Bookstore, the Arboretum and woods, and more. Additional opportunities:

  • 3:30 p.m. - Personal time
  • 5:00 p.m. - Mass with the monks
  • 7:00 p.m. - Monastic Evening Prayer

Meals in addition to Friday breakfast and lunch may be purchased in the Guesthouse dining room.

Second, you may extend your spiritual experience into the weekend with an individual retreat, private or directed. Just tell us when you register.

How do I register?

You may register by e-mail or phone. Specify the date you choose, and include name, postal address, phone number(s) for each participant. You can also register online by submitting the Day of Prayer Dates and Registration Form.