Are you interested in experiencing a spiritual journey similar to the men on the show? Has your life become too complicated? Are you searching for inner peace? Maybe you want to explore another way of life. There are a lot of Benedictine monasteries within the United States and Canada, as well as around the world, that welcome guests to visit for the day, several days or even longer and experience living by the Rules of St. Benedict.

During your retreat, the key elements of monastic life are emphasized: charity, prayer, spiritual reading and manual labor. Retreats are self-guided journeys. Do not expect, as the men in the show, to follow the brothers’ daily schedule or to attend class. Rather, you will be invited to attend several daily events with the monks, including common prayer, meals and work time. Attendance, however, is not required. The rest of the time is yours to do as you wish.  To achieve the greatest understanding of monastic life, visitors are encouraged to spend several nights in the monks' guesthouse and to be open to silence, solitude, reading, meditating, reflecting and praying.

What else can you expect when you visit a monastery? We posed a few general questions to Brother Andre, the guestmaster for Christ in the Desert; he is in charge of attending to the day visitors as well as the resident guests. He was kind enough to use his free time (which isn't much; if you haven't done so already, read the Daily Schedule to get a sense of the brothers' day-to-day life) to answer.  Click here for further information or to plan a retreat at Christ in the Desert. (Note: by clicking you will be leaving TLC.com)

Who comes to visit?

The short answer is everybody. People from all walks of life and religious affiliations, and some with no church background, make retreats with us.  Many times more non-Catholics than Catholics come to us.  Yes, many are professionals, such as teachers and counselors, but housewives find their way to us too.  Many come from Santa Fe, Texas and California, and more and more from places like New York City.  Small town folks visit us too.

What rules can visitors expect to follow?  

Be respectful of our silence. Stay within the area assigned to guests and visitor.  No entering into the monastic cloister. No talking during meals. Be aware of the needs of their fellow guests.  Understand the brothers cannot engage in conversation with each guest all the time.  Use the time at the monastery for quiet time and reflection.

How much does a visit cost?

In accordance with the Rule of Saint Benedict, no fees are charged to guests. However there are suggested donations according to the type of room that is available. The donations are used to help our dependent monasteries in Mexico and Chicago, but mostly to help keep our own monastery going.

What kind of work is required of visitors?

Guests can volunteer their time by helping with chores like cleaning the guesthouses, weeding or
watching the gift shop.  None are required to assist in our work, but we appreciate those who do.

What kind of meal can be expected?   

Yesterday, we had fried chicken, beans, rice, corn, salad, our own homemade bread, and water to drink.  We do not eat red meat, so chicken and turkey are common, but we don't serve these every day. 

What is the most common time of day for the brothers to meet with visitors?   

The brothers are not encouraged to meet with the guests privately, as this would not be good for our life as monks.  If a monk wishes to speak with a guest, then he must receive permission from his superior.  Sunday afternoons would be the best time to do this or during our free/siesta time at about 2-3:30 p.m.

Is one-on-one time with a brother possible?  

Usually guests might be seeking spiritual direction or want to go to confession. The latter is no problem as long as the guest is a Catholic and a priest is available; the former request (spiritual direction) is handled on a one-to-one basis if a monk has the time to help the guest.

What are the most common parting remarks you receive from visitors? 

They comment on the spiritual and beautiful atmosphere of the monastery and canyon.
 
What, if anything, do visitors say that they learn during their visit?  

Usually they learn to be still and listen to their heart / Creator, God.   "Be still and know that I am God."

For a comprehensive listing of monasteries in the U.S. and Canada, click here. To find monasteries around the world, click here .  Visit the Christ in the Desert web site. (Note: by clicking you will be leaving TLC.com )