Guest Information
Holy Communion may be received by all who are baptized, who desire to receive the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and who are able to receive Holy Communion in their own church. If you have questions, please speak to Fr. John Cochran.
It is helpful to come several minutes before each service in order to find your place in the service books and to receive any assistance you may require. Please do not extinguish candles after services, since special care needs to be taken for this.
It is not necessary to have any extraordinary singing ability to participate in the liturgy; however, if you are truly unable to sing without causing marked dissonance, it may be best to participate inaudibly or nearly so. This will not usually be a problem if it is remembered that good singing begins with careful listening.
Out of courtesy to those who may wish to sleep it is necessary to keep the upper level of the guest house as free from noise as possible after Compline in the evening and in the afternoon until after None.
At all times please be sensitive to and respectful of the desire other guests may have for silence or solitude.
On ordinary weekdays we eat in silence listening to a taped lecture or book at dinner and to music at supper. Meals are served family style. Please pass all serving dishes to the end of the table after having helped yourself. Toward the end of the meal the dishes will be passed again and you may take a second helping as available.
Breakfast is eaten in silence on a self-serve basis. Bread, cereal, coffee, tea, milk, and juice will be available in the kitchen.
Ordinary Wednesdays and Fridays are observed as fast days.Dinner is not served on these days but simple foods will be available after Sext for those who wish to serve themselves. Breakfast and Supper are served as usual.
Beer and wine are often available with dinner on Sundays and on certain other occasions. Guests are asked not to bring with them any alcoholic beverages for private consumption.
Guests are encouraged to use their retreat time in any way that is profitable for them, and are not expected to do any particular work. If, however, you feel your retreat would be enhanced by a time of work, there are often simple tasks or chores with which guests can help. Please inquire with Father John Cochran.
The TV in the lower level may ordinarily be used only after supper and before Compline and Sunday afternoons. The sound equipment in the commons room should not be used by guests without permission.
Departing guests may assist by stripping their beds and leaving the linens on the floor of the room.
Weekday Schedule
-
5:10 AM
Vigils
Hymn, Psalms, two readings, Te Deum
-
6:00 AM
Lauds
Hymn, Psalms, reading, Benedictus
followed by Breakfast and Reading -
8:15 AM
Terce
Hymn, Psalms
-
8:30 AM
Holy Eucharist
followed by Little Chapter then a Work Period
-
12:00 PM
Sext
Hymn, Psalms
followed by Dinner;
Rest Period or Reading -
2:30 PM
None
Hymn, Psalms
followed by a Work Period -
6:00 PM
Vespers
Hymn, Psalms, reading, Magnificat
then Supper and Free Time -
8:30 PM
Compline
Hymn, Psalms, Nunc Dimittis
followed by Silence until Vigils
Schedule on Sundays and Holy Days
As on weekdays except as follows:
-
9:00 AM
Terce
Hymn, Psalms
-
10:00 AM
Holy Eucharist
followed by Coffee Hour and Dinner;
Sext and None prayed privately or at an appointed time.