About the Abbey
We are a community of some 33 contemplative monks living according to the Rule of St. Benedict and the Constitutions of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, more commonly known as Trappists. As such we strive to seek God and follow Christ under a rule and an abbot in a stable community that is a school of brotherly love.
Nature
Lovely grounds and wooded areas provide plenty of space for walks and quiet time alone. Located in the picturesque and historic Genesee River Valley, we live close to the rhythms of nature. Within our monastic enclosure are some 2.400 acres of forest, ravines, rolling hills and a meandering creek. Wild life indigenous to Western New York abounds, especially deer. The Genesee Valley Greenway, a trail from the Southern Tier to Rochester, runs through the property and offers a beautiful place to walk along the river, through woods and beside the farm fields.
Solitude
You can guess what ambiance to expect at a retreat offered by a community of contemplative monks surrounded by 2,400 acres of rural solitude. We offer our guests the opportunity to reflect in silence without the noise and disturbance of the outside world to interfere with their thoughts. A rather serious silence is maintained at Bethlehem House throughout the retreat in order to provide all of our guests with the tranquility they seek during their stay. Groups using Bethany and Nazareth determine whether their retreat will be silent or not.
Conferences and Services
Retreatants at all of our guest houses are invited to participate in the retreat conferences and the liturgy of the abbey, though attendance is optional. (A conference is a talk given by one of the monks.) Conferences are given at 1:30 pm in the library at Bethlehem on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. A short conference is given on Friday night at 6:10 pm in Merton Hall at the abbey. The Guestmaster provides individual spiritual direction and counseling at Bethlehem after the conferences there.
Everyone is welcome to the celebration of the Eucharist, though in keeping with the teaching and practice of the Catholic Church, only Catholics may receive communion. (see The Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1398-1401.) Schedules for prayer services are provided at each house.
Reservations
There is a minimum stay of two nights at Bethlehem House. We do not take reservations for one night only. Reservations should be made well in advance for weekends, as they book up quickly. Begin booking your retreat by contacting us for availability.
Payment
Offerings for retreats are on a donation basis. As of April 1, 2008 the suggested offering is $50 per person per night. Reservations for each retreat house require a $50 non-refundable deposit per person. All are welcome regardless of their ability to give the suggested offering. Retreat offerings are put in the envelopes provided at each house and taken to the cashier in the store at the abbey. Guests may also use their credit cards.
Location
Genesee Abbey is located 5 miles west of Geneseo, 35 miles south of Rochester, and 55 miles east of Buffalo. See our directions & travel page to learn how to get to us.
Contact
For reservations or more information:
Phone: 585-243-2220 (Kathe, Retreat House Manager)
Email Father Jerome
Mailing Address:
Abbey of the Genesee
Box 159 Piffard, NY 14533
