Monastic Experience Weekend
Come Take a closer look at cistercian monastic life
Monastic Experience Weekends are for single, Catholic women ages 20-40 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
- There is no fee, lodging & food provided
- Our Next Monastic Experience Weekend:
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Friday, April 2- Sunday, April 4, 2027
- See our latest Monastic Experience Weekend!
Past Participant Testimonials
"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." (April 2026)
- 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." (April 2026)
- Haylee
“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
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.
