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COME & SEE RETREAT (APRIL 3-6, 2023)
- The best way to determine if God is calling you to the monastic way of life (and Subiaco in particular) is to make a "vocation" visit. In doing so, you can immerse yourself in our life of prayer and work. A brief visit is beneficial in that you would be able to pray with our monks in choir, eat with the monks, and work alongside our monks giving you a full experience of our daily balance of prayer and work. Better yet, you can undertake this venture with other young men who are also discerning their call in life.
  
  There are many who are curious about monastic life, either stemming from media portrayals, word of mouth, or a chance discovery while exploring the history of/ministries within the Roman Catholic Church. Sharing in St. Benedict’s admonition to “welcome all as Christ” (RB 53:1), Subiaco is pleased you have found us and invites you to come to visit our monastery and the natural beauty which surrounds it to discover the riches of monastic life. Over our 140+ years of presence in the Arkansas River Valley, we have welcomed guests from around the world, many of whom were among the curious. HOWEVER, this curiosity does not necessarily mean one is called to become a monk. If you are wanting to ask questions, pray with us or just visit with us in a general sense, then we are here for you. Our Guest House, Coury House, would be pleased to reserve you a room for a very affordable price to spend some private, quiet time on our grounds. Click HERE for reservations.
  
  BUT... if you are a single Catholic man between 20-45 years of age who has thought about entering monastic life, researched different monasteries/communities, and have spoken with your pastor/spiritual director about it, then this "Come and See" vocation retreat might be just what you have been praying for.
  
  If you are interested, then review the FAQs below and then click HERE for registration. For more questions, you may contact Br. Ambrose at [email protected]
- WHO CAN ATTEND?
  Single, Roman Catholic men between the ages of 20-45 who are actively seeking their vocation in life.
- I'VE BEEN MARRIED BEFORE; MAY I STILL ATTEND?
  Sure. Just as long as you have received a decree of nullity from a Diocesan Tribunal and have fulfilled all canonical requirements for dependent children.
- I'VE BEEN IN A COMMUNITY BEFORE; MAY I STILL ATTEND?
  Sure. Just as religious orders are different, so too are Benedictine abbeys. If you spent time in another Religious community or Benedictine community but have since departed, then we would welcome you to experience our way of life if you are still discerning your vocation. This "Come and See" experience may be ideal for you. If you later felt that you might be called to our monastic way of life at Subiaco, then the application process can get a bit more time-consuming in needing to gather materials from your membership in other communities. We just need to be "up front" since our Praesidium certification requires those materials before acceptance into a community. Those are not required for this "Come and See" retreat.
  
  If you are presently under vows (temporary or perpetual) in a community, then you would need to get the permission of your religious superior in order to attend.
- I'VE BEEN IN DIOCESAN FORMATION BEFORE; MAY I STILL ATTEND?
  Sure. We have several monks who were previously in diocesan formation programs but came to realize that was not their life-long calling. Even our Abbot served in diocesan life as a priest before being led to Subiaco. Diocesan life and Monastic life are quite distinctive. It is more than merely single life versus communal life. This is why the discernment for monastic life requires you to immerse yourself in our way of life for a short period to see if it resonates with you. As mentioned in another answer, if you later felt that you might be called to our monastic way of life at Subiaco, then the application process can get be a bit more time-consuming in needing to gather materials from your previous time in diocesan formation. We just need to be "up front" since our Praesidium certification requires those materials before acceptance into a community. Those are not required for this "Come and See" retreat, so feel free to contact Brother Ambrose if you are still discerning your vocation in life.
- WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES?
  Arrival on Monday, April 3rd between 12 and 2PM
  
  Departure on Thursday, April 6th after lunch (12:30PM)
- HOW DO I GET TO SUBIACO?
  You are responsible for your own transportation and associated expenses for travel.
  
  If you are flying (Fort Smith [FSM] or Little Rock [LIT]), transportation to the Abbey can be arranged.
  
  If driving, the address is 405 N. Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, AR 72865
- WHAT IS PROVIDED?
  All your meals. You will stay in our Coury House Retreat Center in a single hotel-style room that includes toiletries and private bathroom.
- WHAT WOULD I BE DOING ON THE RETREAT?
  Participating in the Horarium (daily prayer schedule) of the Monastic Community
  
  Participating in two conferences per day on Benedictine monastic life and Discernment
  
  Visiting and assisting in some of the work/ministries that our community embraces
  
  Utilizing the natural beauty of the Abbey grounds for personal reflection, walks, and hikes.
- DOES THE RETREAT COST ANYTHING?
  An open heart to God’s call! No money will be required or expected.
- HOW DO I RESERVE A SPOT FOR THE RETREAT?
  For information or inquiries, please contact Br. Ambrose, Asst. Vocation Director, Subiaco Abbey at [email protected] or call 479-847-2719.
  
  Take the important first step in following God’s call of seeking Him with the Rule of Benedict as the guide!