Yes! Montserrat explicitly welcomes individuals of all faiths, denominations. The retreat is designed to foster spiritual growth and personal reflection to spend time with Jesus and draw closer to Him.

Catholic practices like Mass and Reconciliation are offered, but participation is entirely optional. You’re free to observe or use that time for personal meditation.  You are welcome to attend and participate, but only Catholics receive Communion.  

The retreat follows the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, which emphasize reflection, discernment, and encountering God in silence. These principles are accessible to people of many spiritual backgrounds.

Yes—retreat directors and staff are available for one-on-one conversations. They’re trained to support people from diverse backgrounds.

There are brief daily talks that explore themes like prayer, self-awareness, and spiritual discernment. These are rooted in Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola but presented in a way that encourages personal reflection and spiritual growth.

Definitely. You’ll have ample time for journaling, walking by the lake, reading, or meditating in your own way. The retreat is designed to be flexible and respectful of individual paths.

Reflect on what you hope to gain. Consider reading about Ignatian spirituality or journaling your intentions beforehand. You don’t need to know Catholic theology—just bring a willingness to be still and listen.

• What it is: The central act of Catholic worship, commemorating the Last Supper.

• Key parts:

  • Liturgy of the Word: Readings from Scripture, a homily (reflection), and prayers.

  • Liturgy of the Eucharist: The most sacred part of mass where bread and wine are consecrated and become the real presence of the Body and Blood of Christ (called transubstantiation).

• Non-Catholic note: You are welcome to attend and observe, but only Catholics receive Communion. 

• What it is: The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, that is, of the work of salvation accomplished by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, a work made present by the liturgical action.  This refers specifically to the act of receiving the consecrated bread and wine.

• Non-Catholic note: You may approach the altar with arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing instead.

• What it is: A sacrament where Catholics confess sins to a priest and receive absolution.

• Non-Catholic note: You may speak privately with a priest for spiritual guidance, but sacramental absolution is reserved for baptized Catholics.

• What they are: A series of meditations and contemplations designed to deepen one’s relationship with God.

• Non-Catholic note: These exercises are adaptable and focus on personal reflection, not doctrine.

• What it is: A locked box in the chapel that holds the consecrated Eucharist.

• Gesture: Catholics may genuflect (kneel briefly) when passing it as a sign of reverence.

• What it is: Physical gestures of reverence—kneeling or bowing before the altar or tabernacle.

• Non-Catholic note: You are not expected to do this, but it is okay to follow along respectfully.

• What it is: A gesture tracing a cross from forehead to chest and shoulders, symbolizing the Trinity.

• When used: At the beginning and end of prayers and Mass.

• Non-Catholic note: You are not expected to do this, but it is okay to follow along respectfully.

• What it is: Spiritual journey that traces the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life—from his condemnation to his crucifixion and burial. It’s a powerful reflection to walk together through the 14 stations and recite the prayers in the booklet.

• Non-Catholic note: At Montserrat, the Stations are experienced as a walking meditation along scenic driveway.  A pamphlet is provided for you to follow along.  You will stop at each station, read a short prayer, and pause a moment to pray. 

• What it is:  The Rosary is a form of meditative prayer that uses a string of beads to guide reflection on key moments in the lives of Jesus Christ and Mary, his mother. Each bead represents a prayer, and the full sequence leads the participant through a series of “mysteries” (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous).

• Non-Catholic note: At Montserrat, you are welcome to participate in the rosary, typically prayed outside.  It is guided by a volunteer retreatant, and the instructions are in the retreat booklet. 

• What they are: Sacred rituals believed to confer grace. There are seven: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders.

• Non-Catholic note: You won’t be expected to participate in these on the retreat.  If you are further interested in becoming Catholic, the spiritual director or priest can guide you to a local parish.

• What it is: The Church’s seasonal rhythm—Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.

• Non-Catholic note: Retreat themes may align with these seasons.