About
The Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers (ABRC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and connecting individuals with retreat experiences rooted in the Benedictine monastic tradition. Through its website, visitors can search an interactive map and directory of member monasteries spread across the country—from Arizona to Wisconsin, Louisiana to Oregon—to find a retreat center near them. The platform offers educational resources explaining what a monastery retreat is like, recommended Benedictine books, and a blog titled 'Pray Like a Monk' that explores contemplative spirituality. For retreat ministry professionals and religious communities, ABRC offers a membership pathway that includes access to shared resources, a members-only portal, biennial conferences (2025 and 2027), and a collaborative core team network. The organization serves both individuals seeking spiritual renewal and institutions engaged in monastic retreat ministry, making it a central hub for the Benedictine retreat community in North America.
Key Features
- Retreat Center Directory: Browse and search a curated list of member Benedictine monastery retreat centers located across the United States.
- Interactive Map: Use an interactive map to find Benedictine retreat centers geographically near your location.
- Educational Resources: Access guides explaining what a monastery retreat is like, recommended books, and a contemplative prayer blog.
- Membership & Community: Retreat ministry professionals can join ABRC for access to shared resources, biennial conferences, and a members-only network.
- Biennial Conferences: ABRC hosts conferences every two years (2025, 2027) bringing together retreat ministry leaders from Benedictine communities.
Use Cases
- An individual seeking a quiet spiritual retreat searches the ABRC directory to find a Benedictine monastery near their home state.
- A person curious about contemplative Christianity uses the 'What's a Monastery Retreat Like?' resources to prepare for their first monastic stay.
- A retreat director at a Benedictine monastery joins ABRC membership to network with peers and attend the biennial conference.
- A student or researcher exploring Benedictine spirituality uses the blog and recommended book list as educational starting points.
- A parish or religious community coordinator uses the map to identify multiple retreat center options for a group pilgrimage or retreat.
Pros
- Free to Use: The directory and all public-facing educational resources are freely accessible to anyone seeking a retreat.
- Wide Geographic Coverage: Covers member monasteries across more than 20 US states, giving seekers many regional options.
- Community for Ministry Professionals: Provides a structured membership and conference program for those leading retreat ministries in the Benedictine tradition.
Cons
- Limited to Benedictine Tradition: Only covers retreat centers affiliated with the Benedictine monastic tradition; other contemplative or interfaith centers are not listed.
- No Online Booking: The site directs users to contact monasteries individually; there is no integrated reservation or booking system.
- US-Centric Coverage: Member retreat centers appear to be exclusively within the United States, with no international listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABRC?
The ABRC (Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers) is a membership organization that connects individuals with retreat opportunities at Benedictine monasteries and supports those involved in monastic retreat ministry.
How do I find a Benedictine retreat center near me?
Use the 'Find a Retreat Center' page or the interactive map on theabrc.org to browse member monasteries by location across the United States.
What is a monastery retreat like?
The ABRC website provides educational content explaining what to expect on a Benedictine monastery retreat, including information about the prayer schedule, silence, and daily life in the monastic tradition.
How can a retreat center join the ABRC?
Retreat centers involved in ministry within the monastic tradition can apply for membership at theabrc.org/join-abrc. Membership includes conference registration and access to shared resources.
When is the next ABRC conference?
The ABRC holds biennial conferences. The next scheduled conference is in 2027, following the 2025 conference.
