NEW YORK CATHOLIC RETREATS

SUMMER 2018

Maybe you’re burned out, or trying to deal with a loss. Maybe you need to restore your faith – or maybe you just need a little peace. If you’re ready for a Catholic retreat, be prepared for more than you expect – it might just change your life.

NEW YORK IS NOT WIDELY ASSOCIATED WITH SPIRITUALITY OR SERENITY. To many outsiders, the name evokes constant competition, brusque impatience and, well, greed. Yet, within the Archdiocese of New York, there are numerous Catholic retreat centers run by religious orders and devoted to faith formation, meditation and a mission to guide visitors toward a deeper connection with God.

Most of the centers listed here welcome retreatants regardless of their faith affiliation, but all are run by Catholic orders, and most include specifically Catholic programs among their offerings. All provide visitors with an occasion to detach from the bustle of our secular lives and spend time contemplating the glory of God.

The listings specify location, sponsoring order and some of the types of retreats offered, along with contact information. No matter what sort of spiritual experience you are seeking, you should be able to find it in one of these safe havens. A few days of prayer might transform your relationship with God, with your loved ones and with yourself.

Editor’s Update (September 2021): In response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, most of the retreat centers listed here have continued to operate, with modifications. Follow the links for updated schedules and information concerning digital offerings as well as in-person events and visiting guidelines. 

Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center, Ossining
Dominican Sisters of Hope

Set on expansive grounds overlooking the Hudson River, offering group and individual retreats focused on faith formation, caring for nature, social justice, the arts, wellness and spiritual growth. From one to nine days.

Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Garrison
Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Nicknamed the Holy Mountain after its perch in the Hudson Highlands, with a special mission to support those recovering from substance addiction but also offering programs focused on God in nature and other subjects, including Satisfying Saturdays and Days of Grace, which afford individuals the chance to come for a day of self-directed prayer and reflection. Most organized retreats last from one to three days.

Marydell Faith and Life Center, Nyack
Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine

Cradled among the cliffs of Hook Mountain on rolling lawns and woodlands, with a mission to “create a place that by its very existence fosters a respect for the beauty and integrity of the Earth.” Mostly hosts group bookings, but welcomes private retreatants. Programs include Ignatian Silent Retreat weekends.

Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Center, Bronx

Headquartered in a charismatic center next door to San Antonio de Padua church on East 166^th Street, Spanish-language programs for baptized Catholics aimed at deepening faith formation and practice, including marriage renewal and healing both spiritual and physical.

Linwood Spiritual Center, Rhinebeck
Society of St. Ursula

Set on beautiful grounds with a nature trail and sacred spaces, offering prayer weekends, Holy Week and Advent programs, Ignatian-directed retreats, yoga instruction and private retreats. From one to eight days. 

Mount Alvernia Retreat Center, Wappingers Falls
Franciscan Friars

Set on 204 acres overlooking the Hudson Valley, conducting and hosting spiritual programs for individuals, couples and groups on subjects including spiritual and physical healing, marriage enrichment and recovery from addiction and abuse; also offering self-directed Solitude Days. One-day and weekend programs.

National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middletown
Carmelite Friars

A pilgrimage site on 60 bucolic acres in northern Orange County offering one-day group retreats focused on reconciliation, learning, meditative prayer and personal faith development. Programs can be self-guided or facilitated by a resident Carmelite leader. Individuals are welcome any day and can arrange in advance to meet with a priest or receive reconciliation.