What is a hermitage?

A hermitage is a small, private, single dwelling that provides solitude and quiet in order to assist a person in listening more deeply to what the Lord is speaking in his/her heart. It is a time to encounter self, a time for deepening one's faith, hope and love in prayerful listening and reflection on Sacred Scripture.

Our Hermitage

Our newly-constructed hermitage, located in the Emmaus Garden, a short distance from the Retreat House, offers a place of solitude and silence where one can be free to meet the Lord in a deeper and more contemplative way.

As with the disciples on their way to Emmaus, we too ask the Lord to come and stay with us as He continues to reveal Himself more deeply through the Scriptures and the Breaking of the Bread.

And, as with those disciples — who then returned to Jerusalem with deepened faith and sense of mission — we too are sent forth to share the fruits of our relationship with the Lord.

Facilities

The Emmaus Hermitage consists of a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, prayer area and screened porch.

It is equipped with heat as well as air-conditioning. Bedding and towels are provided.

Retreatants ordinarily provide their own food and have use of a microwave oven, toaster oven, 2-burner stove, and refrigerator for preparing meals in the hermitage. In the event one wishes to take advantage of the noon dinner provided by the Retreat House, there will be an additional cost.

In order to protect the health of our guests and staff, we do not permit pets or smoking.

Daily Eucharist is celebrated Monday through Saturday at the Retreat House Chapel and on Sunday at the local parish. Retreatants are welcome to join us.

Although we have other programs and activities going on at the Retreat House, we respect the hermitage as a place of solitude, prayer and reflection. We request that the integrity of this purpose be maintained by those taking part in the hermitage experience. Our retreat center is located on 1200 acres of woodlands. It provides ample space for solitude to commune with nature along wooded paths bordering the Chattahoochee River.

Reservations

Priority will be given to reservations of extended periods of time. Reservations for short-term (1 or 2 days) retreats can be made a week or two in advance.

Fees

Please call for rates.

Sabbaticals

To schedule sabbaticals (one month or more) contact Sr. Gerry Whelan. Sabbaticals may include spiritual direction, as well as attendance at programs being offered at that time.

As with our Retreat House Programs, fees do not cover actual expenses. Any additional offering is gratefully appreciated.