A Grace‑Filled April 2026 Monastic Experience Weekend
— A Weekend of Prayer, Community, and Discernment
“From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with so much love. I could truly feel the presence of God dwelling in the monastery and within the sisters. I felt more at home than I ever have.” – Darlen
Warm, bright Easter spring at Santa Rita Abbey welcomed five women discerning religious life, visiting from Arizona, Maryland, and Illinois. With much joy, the sisters shared their Cistercian spirit and way of life — from the history of monasticism to their personal vocation stories. Fr. Charlie, our chaplain, also joined the group, 
offering his own vocation story and celebrating Mass. A quiet atmosphere of prayerfulness and sincerity filled the weekend.
The participants expressed deep gratitude for the chance to spend time with the sisters — being welcomed wholeheartedly, praying the Liturgy of the Hours together, having one‑on‑one conversations with individual sisters, and even sharing meals with the whole community. They shared that the weekend was a true blessing: meeting other earnest companions discerning their vocation, finding rest and peace, and feeling renewed in spirit.
The memories of these days will remain with them, nurturing a desire to return to the Abbey for a longer visit and further discernment. They also hoped to encourage other women who feel drawn to contemplative monastic life to consider joining future programs.
May God continue to bless each participant on her journey, guiding her toward the home He has prepared. The sisters will hold them in prayer with affection and hope.
May God bless us all.
“From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with so much love. I could truly feel the presence of God dwelling in the monastery and within the sisters. I felt more at home than I ever have. Whether you are discerning religious life or not, I think it is an experience you should participate in to see how the Lord is calling you into a deeper relationship with Him.”– Darlen
“The Monastic Weekend Experience was abundant in consolations and deeply refreshed my soul. Spending time both in the peaceful solitude of nature and with the sisters in prayer has uplifted my heart to God and rendered it receptive to His divine inspirations. The sisters were extremely hospitable, welcoming, and enlightening. Any woman discerning a possible vocation to religious life, regardless of where she may be in that process, may gain greater clarity and interior stillness by attending this retreat. For me, it was time well spent in prayer, reflection, and learning.” — Haylee
Our Upcoming Monastic Experience Weekend:
October 2, Friday – October 4, Sunday, 2026
April 2, Friday – April 4, Sunday, 2027
To register, click here
- See our Previous Monastic Experience Weekend!
