Retreat Information

Information for Order of Malta Retreat/Spiritual Exercises July 10-13, 2025

WHAT

This is a time for personal reflection and growth. You are welcome to attend all liturgies, talks and community events, but you can also skip any of the sessions and enjoy time for personal reflection. Our goal is to provide opportunity, not obligation.

WHERE

All activities will be at St. Patrick’s Seminary.

WHEN

The official welcome is Friday at 9:30 a.m., but activities start Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. with vespers and a social hour in the Order of Malta offices. The retreat ends Sunday at 2:00 p.m. with a light lunch.

Your registration covers all these activities.

CHECK-IN

There will be a check-in/registration table on Friday morning inside the front door of St. Patrick’s where you can sign in on your first day of attendance.

DRESSCODE

This is a retreat, so the dress is casual. Not gym casual; more like “dinner at the neighborhood Italian restaurant” casual. You might bring something a little nicer for Sunday Mass. It is expected to be warm, but we’ll mostly be indoors; so plan accordingly. We’ll have dinner outside on Saturday evening.

ROBES/CAPES

Robes and capes will not be worn.

WIFI

Wi-Fi is available at St. Patrick’s. The network is “Guest Wireless”, and the password is v1Sit0r320 (note the second symbol is a one, and the round symbols are zeros)

PARKING

If you’re driving each day, there is parking in front of St. Patrick’s. There is additional parking on both sides of the building. Do not park in spaces marked “Reserved.” On Friday, there will also be a sacred music conference with approximately 30 people at St. Patrick’s

ACCOMMODATIONS

Click here for accommodations information.

TRANSPORTATION

There will be a passenger van that will pick up anyone staying at Menlo Park Inn or Vallombrosa. It will make a round in the morning, at noon, and before and after dinner. Details of the times will be forwarded to you.

MEALS

The cost of all meals is included in your registration. Meals will be in the refectory on campus.

ROSARY

Bring your rosary as we will be saying it in community each morning.

ADORATION

Perpetual adoration is available in the adoration chapel at St. Patrick’s

CONFESSION

Confession is available Saturday evening and by appointment at the check-in table. We will provide the locations of priests hearing confessions.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

You can sign up for spiritual direction at the registration table.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the cross are available at any time. They are outside in the “left main groves” which are located to the left of the main building if you’re looking at it from the front. As you enter the path, you’ll see the first station and you can follow the path for the remainder.

COMPLAINTS

Complaints can be directed to prayer. Waiting time varies.