Monastic Experience Weekend
Come Take a closer look at cistercian monastic life
Monastic Experience Weekends are for single, Catholic women ages 21-40 who want to learn more about the life of contemplative nuns and are discerning a call to religious life. It is an opportunity to:
Pray, learn, Rest & Reflect
During Monastic Experience Weekend, participants are able to:
- Stay in our retreat house
- Take part in the prayer life of the Sisters
- Learn and discover the beauty of Cistercian spirituality and way of life
- Hear Sisters' vocation stories and share their own
There will also be:
- Opportunity for groups and individual discussion with Sisters
- Free time for personal prayer and reflection
- Our Next Monastic Experience Weekend:
Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12, 2026
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Past Participant Testimonials
“I wanted to express my gratitude for the Monastic Experience Weekend at Santa Rita Abbey. It was a deeply enriching and enlightening experience, immersing myself in prayer, reflection, and the rhythm of monastic life. I am truly thankful for the warm hospitality and support from the community. Please extend my thanks to everyone involved. I cherish the memories from this retreat as I continue to discern my path. Many blessings!” (October 2025)
- Josephine
“I had a beautiful Monastic Experience Weekend and recommend Catholic women to come with an open heart and welcome our heavenly Father’s voice because the Sisters at Santa Rita Abbey are the example of Mary in putting God first and submitting to God’s will, a model of faith we should follow. Experiencing the liturgy of the hours with the sister's was a fruitful experience that I will always carry close to my heart and continue applying to my daily life.” (October 2025)
- Susan
“If you think God is calling you to something greater, do not hesitate to give this Monastic Experience Weekend a try. No matter where you are in life, you will not regret it. Nothing is impossible for God. It was an amazing experience for me that I will always cherish.” (April 2025)
- Angela
Still have questions?
Email Sr. Bonitas at [email protected]. Be sure to note that you’re inquiring about a Monastic Experience Weekend in the subject line of your message.