Catholic retreats and monasteries
Catholic retreat seekers often look for Benedictine abbeys, Trappist monasteries, Camaldolese hermitages, and diocesan retreat centers. MonkMap lists Catholic, Trappist, and Benedictine communities that welcome guests for liturgy, silent retreat, and structured prayer.
Each listing links to the community's official website so you can confirm retreat schedules, guest policies, and suggested donations before you book.
Catholic retreat communities
Catholic, Benedictine, and Trappist communities with retreat programs.
New Camaldoli Hermitage
CatholicBig Sur, California, United States
A Camaldolese Benedictine hermitage perched in the Santa Lucia Mountains above the Pacific. Guests of any faith stay in simple rooms or hillside cottages for silent retreats, joining the monks for daily liturgy and the Hours.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlyretreat stayssilent retreatpublic prayerMost Holy Trinity Monastery
CatholicPetersham, Massachusetts, United States
Home to the Maronite Monks of Adoration, a Catholic monastic community in the Eastern Maronite tradition. Individual men and small groups of men are welcome for silent retreats in the guesthouse, joining the monks for the Divine Office, Mass, and adoration in a secluded setting without cell or internet access.
Visit websiteretreat stayssilent retreatpublic prayerAbbey of Gethsemani
TrappistTrappist, Kentucky, United States
The oldest working Trappist monastery in the United States, founded in 1848 and home to Thomas Merton for 27 years. Its guesthouse welcomes men and women of all faiths for silent, unstructured retreats, with hours of prayer and miles of wooded trails open to guests.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlyretreat stayssilent retreatpublic prayerMepkin Abbey
TrappistMoncks Corner, South Carolina, United States
A Trappist monastery on a former plantation along the Cooper River north of Charleston, founded in 1949 by monks from Gethsemani. Guests join the community for silent meals and seven daily prayer services, and the public gardens and grounds are open to day visitors.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlyretreat stayssilent retreatpublic prayerSt. Joseph's Abbey
TrappistSpencer, Massachusetts, United States
A Trappist community in the hills of central Massachusetts, known for its Trappist Preserves and liturgical vestments. The abbey welcomes guests for contemplative retreats shaped by its life of silence, prayer, and work.
visitor-friendlyretreat stayssilent retreatpublic prayerSaint Meinrad Archabbey
BenedictineSt. Meinrad, Indiana, United States
A Benedictine archabbey in southern Indiana, founded in 1854 from Einsiedeln in Switzerland and home to a seminary. The Archabbey Guest House offers monk led retreats year round, the public is welcome at the Liturgy of the Hours, and the monks support those discerning a monastic vocation.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlyretreat stayspublic prayerdiscernment programMount Angel Abbey
BenedictineSt. Benedict, Oregon, United States
A Benedictine abbey on a hilltop butte in Oregon's Willamette Valley, founded in 1882 by monks from Switzerland. Its Saint Benedict Guesthouse hosts individuals and groups, and visitors come for the Alvar Aalto library, the museum, and the chance to pray the Hours with the community.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlyretreat stayspublic prayer
Common questions
- What is a Catholic silent retreat?
- A Catholic silent retreat typically follows the monastic rhythm of the Liturgy of the Hours, Mass, and periods of private prayer in silence. Guests at abbeys and retreat houses join all or part of the community schedule while maintaining quiet throughout the day.