Advent Retreat

We will begin the Advent season with our annual contemplative retreat on December 7-9 in the high desert at Saint Andrew’s Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in Valyermo. 

We’ll delve into the daily prayer and worship life of the Abbey, along with time for discussion and reflection. There will be plenty of unscheduled time for private prayer, reading, walking, and absorbing the beauty of the desert and mountains. 

The retreat costs $260, with scholarships available. 

To register, email Neila Carey at ncarey@claremontpres.org. Payments must be received by December 1 and can be done through check, paypall or zelle with the memo “Advent Retreat”. 

Retreatants are responsible for their own transportation and many will carpool from the church building. Accommodations at the Abbey are simple, but comfortable: single- or double occupancy rooms with a bed, a desk, a rocking chair, a private bath, and a semi-private patio. Meals are communal, and the Abbey observes Grand Silence- -no talking, music, etc.-- after vespers (the last communal prayer of the day) until the end of breakfast. 

The retreat begins Monday afternoon and ends after lunch Wednesday.