Retreats and Spiritual Guidance

The Abbey is currently accepting only young men interested in discerning a monastic vocation for vocational retreats. We hope to build a guest house in the coming years to accommodate individuals and groups.

Accomindations

Current retreat facilities consist of cells in the monastic wing. These cells are simply, but comfortably furnished, containing a bed, desk and chair, along with a private bath.

Meals

Retreat guests eat with the monks in the refectory. Meals are taken in silence with a reading. A breakfast buffet is available in the early morning hours in the refectory. Please indicate prior to arrival if you have special dietary restrictions, as well as your estimated time of arrival and departure, so that meals may be planned for.

Recreation

The Cistercian Abbey is situated on 500 acres of field and forest which are available for walks and hikes during vocational retreats. Mown and cleared trails are to be found throughout the Abbey grounds.

Local Cities

Sparta and Tomah, Wisconsin, towns of about 8,000 inhabitants, are approximately 15 minutes by auto. A hospital, drug store, discount department store, restaurants and service stations are available in both towns. The city of La Crosse is 30 minutes by auto.

Transportation to the Abbey

The Abbey is conveniently accessible by auto, bus, train, and airline.The nearest Greyhound bus and Amtrak station is Tomah, Wisconsin -- about 20 minutes by auto. The nearest full-service airport is La Crosse. (Madison airport is 1.5 hours, Minneapolis and Milwaukee are both 3 hours.) The Sparta/Ft. McCoy municipal airport is 5 minutes from the Abbey. Private planes are welcome. The Abbey will provide transportation to/from La Crosse and Tomah, as well as our local municipal airport.

Map and Directions

Fees

There are no fees for monastic vocation discernment retreats.

More Information

For more information on discerning a vocation to the monastic life and a possible retreat at the Abbey please contact: