Guest Services
"And Jesus said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while."
Mark 6:31
The Conception Abbey Guest Center (AGC) provides a variety of services to meet the needs of those who wish to visit Conception Abbey. As a complete retreat center, the AGC welcomes over 8,000 people to campus each year for spiritual renewal and an opportunity to witness Benedictine hospitality.
Visits to Conception Abbey take many forms, including:
- Overnight visits at a directed or private personal retreat
- Attendance at one of the AGC sponsored spiritual retreats or study days
- The use of AGC facilities for your church or parish groups (youth, ministry, adult study, etc.)
- AGC sponsored confirmation retreats held throughout the year
- Tours of the Abbey Basilica or visits to the Gift Shop
Self-Guided Retreats
The quiet setting and rural atmosphere of Conception Abbey is the ideal setting for those wishing to make a private retreat. Individuals are invited to join the monastic community for prayer and Eucharist in the Basilica, or chart their own course for days spent at Conception Abbey.
Abbey Guest Center Sponsored Retreats
Throughout the year, the Abbey Guest Center sponsors a variety of spiritual and religious-themed retreats, workshops, and Days of Recollection. These retreats are directed by Abbey Guest Center staff, monks, and visiting presenters and provide an opportunity for renewal and formation. Typical themes for sponsored retreats include vocational discernment, spirituality, Scripture, the Blessed Virgin Mary, calligraphy, and retreats based on the liturgical year. The AGC also sponsors confirmation retreats throughout the year.
Hosted Retreats
The Abbey Guest Center is happy to assist parish or church groups host a retreat at Conception Abbey. Guest can stay in one of the three AGC guest houses, take meals in the Guest Dining Room, and join the monastic community for prayer and worship. The Abbey Guest Center also features a variety of conference rooms where your group can meet. To plan a Hosted Retreat, contact the Abbey Guest Center at least two to six months in advance to check availability.
