Find Community on Retreat

Join organized group retreats with fellow seekers. Balance silence and conversation, make lasting friendships, and experience the richness of Catholic monastic life together.

Build authentic friendships
Times for silence & sharing
Shared meals & experiences

Upcoming Group Retreats

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Spring Community Retreat in Tuscany
Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Tuscany, Italy
8 spots left12-16 people
April 15-22, 2025
from $1,800

Join fellow seekers in the heart of Tuscany. Share meals, enjoy structured silence, participate in team-building activities, and explore the monastery's historic grounds together.

Retreat highlights:

Group dinners with local wineSilent morning walksTeam reflection circlesCooking class with monksFree time for friendship
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Desert Fathers Retreat - New Mexico
Monastery of Christ in the Desert
New Mexico, USA
12 spots left15-20 people
May 5-11, 2025
from $1,200

Experience the stark beauty of the desert with a community of seekers. Morning silence, afternoon adventures, evening conversations under the stars.

Retreat highlights:

Desert hikes togetherStargazing nightsGroup lectio divinaShared mealsSilent breakfast, talking dinner
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Celtic Spirituality in the Scottish Highlands
Pluscarden Abbey
Moray, Scotland
6 spots left10-14 people
June 18-25, 2025
from $2,100

Immerse in Celtic Christian tradition with new friends. Gregorian chant, highland walks, peat fires, and deep conversations about faith and life.

Retreat highlights:

Highland hiking tripsPub dinner in villageGroup chant practiceTea and conversation hoursFireside storytelling
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Young Adults Summer Intensive
St. John's Abbey
Minnesota, USA
15 spots left20-25 people (ages 22-35)
July 10-17, 2025
from $950

A week designed for young adults seeking meaning and community. Work alongside monks, share life stories, build authentic friendships, and explore vocational questions together.

Retreat highlights:

Morning work projectsAfternoon recreationEvening small groupsBonfire nightsSunday brunch together
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Contemplative Leaders Retreat
Gethsemani Abbey
Kentucky, USA
5 spots left10-12 people
September 8-14, 2025
from $1,400

For professionals seeking integration of contemplation and action. Silent mornings, group discussions on leadership and service, shared reflection on bringing monastic wisdom to daily work.

Retreat highlights:

Silence until lunchLeadership roundtablesPeer mentoringProfessional networkingClosing celebration dinner
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Advent Preparation Retreat
Subiaco Abbey
Arkansas, USA
10 spots left12-16 people
November 30 - December 6, 2025
from $1,100

Prepare for Christmas in community. Advent wreath-making, carol singing, spiritual preparation, and the joy of anticipating Christ's coming together with fellow pilgrims.

Retreat highlights:

Advent craft workshopsGroup carol practiceChristmas cookie bakingReflective conversationsFestive closing dinner

The Group Retreat Experience

Structured Balance

Mornings often include silence and individual prayer. Afternoons bring group activities, discussions, or excursions. Evenings feature shared meals and conversation.

Community Meals

Breakfast may be silent, but lunch and dinner are joyful gatherings. Share stories, laugh together, and enjoy local food and wine in community.

Authentic Connection

Small group reflections, one-on-one walks, team-building activities. Form friendships that often last well beyond the retreat week.

Guided Adventures

Explore together—hikes, monastery tours, visits to nearby sacred sites. Travel logistics coordinated by Monastayers, including group transportation.

Who Are These Retreats For?

Solo Seekers

Come alone and meet like-minded people. Perfect if you want community but don't have friends to join you.

Couples & Friends

Bring a friend, partner, or family member. Deepen your relationship while meeting new people.

The Curious

Not sure about solo silence? Group retreats offer an accessible entry to monastic life with built-in support.

Travel & Logistics

Transportation Assistance

Most group retreats include airport/train station pickup and return. We coordinate group travel from major cities to remote monastery locations. Detailed travel instructions sent upon registration.

What's Included

Accommodation, all meals, group activities, monastery tours, some excursions, and materials. International airfare not included. Payment plans available for retreats over $1,500.

Group Leaders

Each retreat led by experienced Monastayers guides who have deep relationships with the host communities. They'll facilitate discussions, coordinate activities, and ensure a smooth experience.

Your People Are Waiting

Join a community of seekers for a week that could change your life. Silence and laughter, prayer and conversation, solitude and friendship—all woven together.