If this is your first time visiting the Monastery, please complete this permission form and have it submitted by your father of confession over email to inquiries@abbaanthony.ca. We will respond to your request within three days after receiving your permission letter.
- Visiting the monastery is prohibited for anyone with flu-like symptoms.
- Please bring one pillowcase and two bedsheets for personal use.
Taking a Retreat
“Come and see" said Philip to Nathanael.
Philip chose to introduce Nathanael to Christ rather than expounding many words and arguments about His magnificence.
Similarly, a person visiting the Monastery tastes its sweetness rather than depending on the stories of others or reading many books. This is explained by the mystical work of the Holy Spirit, who actively works in the hearts of those who come to Him while remaining completely hidden. Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness and prayed, setting an example for us to follow.
Individuals, who wish to take a retreat at St. Anthony Monastery, are required to:
1. Be at least 14 years of age 2. Follow the Retreat Centre Rules and Guidelines 3. Complete the Retreat Request form 4. Submit a permission letter to abbaanthony.ca@gmail.com from your father of confession if it is your first time visiting the monastery
Guests House
All guests are invited to meals served in the dining room. In addition, they are welcome to all the food and drinks provided in the community room of the guest house. Please keep them fresh for the other guests by putting them back in the packages and refrigerator.
While in the house, close and open the doors quietly; other guests could be resting or praying. Quiet time begins at 9:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 PM on Saturdays.
If you are alone in the room, please use only one bed and keep the other bed clean (refrain from putting your luggage on it).
Food and drinks are not allowed in the bedrooms except for water.
Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the guest house.
No smoking is allowed in any of the buildings or on the monastery property.
We ask that the children be always supervised.
Please strip your bed before leaving; take off the sheets, put them in the pillow case and put the damp towels on the rack.
Retreat Schedule & Rules
Please check our Schedule & Rules before registering for a retreat.
A permission letter is required from every individual who retreats at the monastery for the first time. Retreat requests will not be acknowledged except if you have a permission letter from your father of confession.
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By clicking “Accept All”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Retreat bookings must be made at least three days in advance of the desired date.
A maximum of seven days can be booked for a retreat reservation.
The maximum capacity of our retreat facility is 25 boys and 20 girls.
Saftey
Retreatants are responsible for their health insurance and, by accepting the reservation agreement, waive all rights of action against St. Anthony Monastery. A certificate of insurance must be presented to the Monastery once the church group arrives. All retreatants must exercise caution. No exceptions.
Individuals and church groups spending an overnight retreat at the monastery must make safety their first and highest priority.
Chaperones
All church groups must be accompanied by at least two adult chaperones (or servants). One is the Retreat Coordinator, who communicates with the Monastery for the registration process, and one (1) adult for every five (5) youth under the age of 18.
Chaperones are expected to maintain the discipline of their group to ensure a safe retreat experience for everyone using the Retreat Center.
Respect & Cleanliness
The monastery buildings and grounds are sacred. We hope you will sense this blessing throughout the monastery complex and treat it with care as if God were walking through your door.
Retreatants are expected to leave the Retreat Center facilities in the same condition (or better!) where they were found. This includes the grounds, and the rooms, including thoroughly cleaning the bathroom area and removing all trash.
All materials that can be recycled, including cans, glass, plastic bottles, and newsprint, must be cleaned and disposed of.
The Monastery and its Retreat Center are smoke-free, drug-free and alcohol-free facilities. The use of cigarettes, drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Pets are not allowed on the Monastery's premises.
Retreat Termination will occur, and a fine will incur if your group:
Damages, defaces, or removes any Monastery Center property.
Fails to comply with the rules and guidelines of the Retreat Center.
Disturbs other people during their stay.
Brings cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs on the property.
Permission Letter
A Permission Letter required for individual and church retreats. Please refer to the appropriate registration page to view the requirements.
The preferred GPS/Google Maps route cannot be taken due to a bridge that is not load rated for buses. Buses MUST come from the north side of Narrows Lock Rd to avoid the bridge. Please follow the "Bus directions below"
Bus Directions
Get onto ON-401E to ON-15N in Kingston (exit 623)
Take exit 623 for ON-15/County Road 15 toward Smiths Falls/Ottawa
Turn left onto ON-15N and continue for 75 km. (Do not take 42 W if coming by bus)
Turn left onto Rideau Ferry Rd/County Rd 1 and continue for 16 km
Turn left onto South St/Route 10 and continue for 9.6 km
Turn left onto Narrows Lock Rd/Lanark 14 and continue for 9.5 km
Turn left onto Miners Point Rd and continue for 4 km. The monastery will be on the left
By Car
Get onto ON-401E to ON-15N in Kingston (exit 623)
Take exit 623 for ON-15/County Road 15 toward Smiths Falls/Ottawa
Turn left onto ON-15N and continue for 51 km
Turn left onto County Rd 42 W and take the first right in 150 m onto Narrows Lock Rd 14 for 13.7 km
Turn right onto Miners Point Rd and continue for 4 km. The monastery will be on the left
Bus Directions
Get onto ON-417W
Continue on ON-7 to Tay Valley for 59 km
Turn left onto Glen Tay Rd (At the train tracks) and continue for 400 m
Turn left onto Christie Lake Rd, and then take first right onto Glen Tay Rd after 90 m
Turn right onto Scotch Line and drive for 4.8 km
Turn left onto Narrows Lock Rd 14 and drive for 9.5 km
Turn left onto Miners Point Rd and continue for 4 km. The monastery will be on the left
For trips arriving by bus:
The preferred GPS/Google Maps route cannot be taken due to a bridge that is not load rated for buses. Buses MUST come from the north side of Narrows Lock Rd to avoid the bridge. Please follow the "Bus directions below"
Bus Directions
Take the Top Route which cuts through Ottawa and then follow directions below.
Get onto 401 W and continue until exit 696
Take exit 696 for County Road 29 toward Brockville/Smiths Falls
Turn right onto Stewart Blvd/County Rd 29 for 13 km
Turn left onto County Road 42 W for 38.5 km
Turn right onto Narrows Lock Rd/County Rd 14 for 13.7 km
Turn right onto Miners Point Rd and continue for 4 km. The monastery will be on the left
By Car
Get onto 401 W and continue until exit 696
Take exit 696 for County Road 29 toward Brockville/Smiths Falls
Turn right onto Stewart Blvd/County Rd 29 and continue for 28.6 km
Turn left onto County Rd 1 and continue for 12.4 km
Turn right onto Anglican Church Rd/County Rd 1
Turn left onto ON-15 S for 240 m
Turn right onto Rideau Ferry Rd/County Rd 1 and continue for 15.8 km
Turn left onto South St/Route 10 and continue for 9.6 km
Turn left onto Narrows Lock Rd/Lanark 14 and continue for 9.5 km
Turn left onto Miners Point Rd and continue for 4 km. The monastery will be on the left
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