Retreatants are welcome all year round at our abbey to enjoy some private time in peace and solitude. Although we are Catholic monks, we welcome men and women of any and all denominations who want to escape and rest awhile with the Lord. 

We provide three houses where silent, monastic-style retreats can be made by individuals or groups. Bethlehem, our most popular retreat house, is ideal for individual retreatants, while Bethany and Nazareth will suit the needs of those who wish to schedule group retreats. Please click on the links to the left for more information on each house. 

Also, be sure to read the testimonials of our past guests, and see our photo gallery to preview our beautiful grounds, which all of our guests are free to enjoy and explore.

Continue reading to discover why you should retreat with us...

Nature

Ample grounds and wooded areas provide plenty of space for walks and quiet time alone.  Located in the picturesque and historic Genesee River Valley, we live close to the rhythms of nature. Within our monastic enclosure are some 2.400 acres of forest, ravines, rolling hills and a meandering creek. Wild life indigenous to Western New York abounds, especially deer. 

Solitude

You can guess what ambiance to expect at a retreat offered by a community of contemplative monks surrounded by 2,400 acres of rural solitude. We offer our guests the opportunity to reflect in silence without the noise and disturbance of the outside world to interfere with their thoughts. A rather serious silence is maintained throughout the retreat in order to provide all of our guests with the tranquility they seek during their stay.

Conferences & Services

Reservations

There is a minimum stay of two nights at Bethlehem House.  Reservations should be made well in advance for weekends, as they book up quickly.  Begin booking your retreat by contacting us for availability. 

Payment

Offerings for retreats are on a donation basis. As of April 1, 2008 the suggested offering is $50 per person per night. Reservations for each retreat house require a $50 non-refundable deposit per person. All are welcome regardless of their ability to give the suggested offering.  Retreat offerings are put in the envelopes provided at each house and left in the slot marked “Guest Houses” in the bookstore at the abbey.

Location
 Genesee Abbey is located 5 miles west of Geneseo, 35 miles south of Rochester, and 55 miles east of Buffalo. See our directions & travel page to learn how to get to us.

Contact

FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION

Phone: 585-243-2220 (Kathe, Retreat House Manager)

Email Father Jerome
Abbey of the Genesee
3258 River Road
Piffard, NY 14533