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Frequently Asked Questions - Retreat Center
How are meals served for groups visiting the Retreat Center?
Home-cooked meals are prepared by Sisters and lay staff and served cafeteria-style at a designated time. Meal times are established with the group leaders prior to the retreat. We have two Retreat Center dining rooms, one of which will be assigned to your group. Occasionally, groups may share dining space with other retreatants. We are able to accommodate most special dietary needs if notified of them in advance.
How are meals served for private retreatants?
Private retreatants usually receive their meals through the Sister’s serving line unless a group is present and the Retreat Center line is open. We do our best to accommodate special dietary needs. A silent dining space is provided within the Retreat Center. Silent meals are a time to savor God’s bountiful goodness and remain in contemplative communion with our loving Creator.
May I join the Sisters for prayer and Eucharist?
The monastic Community gathers in the chapel morning, mid-day, and evening to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and to celebrate Eucharist. Guests are always welcome. To enrich your participation in the Liturgy of the Hours, a Sister will provide a brief orientation and assist you in finding a place to sit.
Are men allowed in the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center?
We welcome men as guests of the Retreat Center, either as private retreatants, as part of a mixed retreat, or with a men’s retreat group.
What are your check-in and check-out times?
For groups, these times are established with the group leader in advance of the retreat. For private retreatants, we ask that you arrive and depart during business hours, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. Special arrangements can be made if necessary.
What conference equipment are you able to provide?
With advance notice, we are able to provide a DVD/VCR player with TV monitor, CD players, a projection screen, and a display easel for flip charts. Our larger meeting/dining space has a microphone and speaker system. For groups wishing to use Power Point presentations, we ask that you bring your own projector and laptop.
In order to maintain a more retreat-like environment away from the demands and distractions of day-to-day life, we do not offer internet connectivity in the Retreat Center.
How do I arrange for a Sister to lead our group retreat or come speak at our church?
We have a number of Sisters who are able to lead group retreats or give presentations of varying lengths to a variety of audiences. This can be done here at the Retreat Center, or they can come to your church or parish. The range of possible topics is broad and includes such areas as scripture studies, Benedictine spirituality, prayer, women saints, poetry and spirituality, and many more. Please contact the Retreat Center office for more information.
Is there a dress code?
We suggest comfortable attire, appropriate for the season. We also suggest comfortable walking shoes. Many find a light sweater helpful for the meeting rooms. If you plan to join the Sisters for the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist, we prefer that shorts not be worn in the monastic chapel.
What should I bring?
In addition to seasonal clothing and comfortable shoes, please bring all toiletries and other personal items you may need. Other suggested items include an alarm clock and an umbrella. You may also wish to bring a journal, and a book or two for spiritual reading. If attending a group retreat, there may be additional items suggested by your group leader. We provide sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, and wash cloths. 
Will I have a private room?
All private and directed retreatants have private rooms.
For Centering Prayer retreats, private rooms are required. For other retreats sponsored by the Retreat Center, you may choose a private room, or your may choose to share a room with someone you know.
For church groups and other organizations that use our facilities, you will need to check with your group leader about lodging arrangements and room assignments.
Will I have a private bath?
Our overnight accommodations are former college dormitories. We have two bedrooms with private baths. Otherwise, all bath facilities are shared hallway restrooms.
How do I arrange for spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction sessions for private retreatants must be scheduled prior to the retreat. Please contact the Retreat Center office, and we will assist you. If you live near Cullman and wish on-going spiritual direction sessions, we can assist you with getting in touch with a director.
We welcome any other questions you may have. You may reach us at:
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center
(256) 734-8302