Weekend Retreats

Arrival and Departure

Arrival - Friday Night: 7:30 PM We like to begin the program by 8:00 PM

Departure - Sunday Afternoon: 1:00 PM: Program ends by 12:30 PM

Confirmation Retreats Arrive at 2:00 PM and Depart at 7:00 PM

We ask that youth coordinators have room arrangements made before arrival. Please find below a link to the bedroom layout and floor plan. Depending on the group size, the hallway separates the males and females. If there is more than one group, we will help coordinate the sleeping arrangements.

*** Subiaco Retreat House Dorm Area Floorplan ***

A few basic rules of conduct

  • Many groups have couples in them with varying levels of outward affection. Please inform your affectionate pairs that they should avoid all the many amorous forms of touching and cuddling,

  • No roughhousing, pillow fights, or camp-style pranks

  • The bedrooms are only for sleeping; nobody should spend any time during the day in their rooms. Boys are in boys’ rooms, and girls are in girls’ rooms.

  • There is no food or beverages in the bedrooms. Snacks are to be eaten in the upper dining room.

  • Ensure that everybody in the group is included; no one should feel left out.

  • When outside, please remain in designated areas. Do not stray off the well-worn walking paths.

These are just some of the basics that should be discussed before arrival.

Confirmation and One-Day Retreats

  • We ask Confirmation and other school groups visiting for one day to follow our basic conduct policy. There is no need to bring any other materials. You will receive a small snack on arrival and a lunch or dinner unless otherwise informed by your coordinator.

Chaperone Requirements

  • All adults staying the weekend or any part of the weekend must have received “Protecting God’s Children” training and certification. as required by the Archdiocese of Detroit.

  • Adults should be present for the youth but allow them the space and freedom to relax and gather with friends to visit and play.

  • Help maintain the ground rules presented to the group on the first night of retreat and listed in the retreat booklet.

  • Help youth disconnect from their digital devices by setting an example for them.

  • The staff depends on adult chaperones to manage youth behavior during sessions and free time. It is a challenge for facilitators to present content and address conduct issues.

What to Bring

  • Sleeping bag or sheets and pillow case: we provide a blanket and pillow. Most youths also prefer to bring their own pillow.

  • Bath towels, washcloths, and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.). These items are not provided

  • A large sharable bottle of soda or juice and a pass-around snack, i.e., chips, cookies, granola bars, cookies, or other sharable eatables. These are for everyone’s enjoyment during snacks and free time. Please do not bring individual water bottles.

  • Remind students we have a gift shop in the chapel with many monastery-produced goods and religious items. Often, they are disappointed that they didn’t bring any money to purchase items.

  • Most importantly, it brings an open heart and mind.

Students should not bring the following…

  • Electronic devices, a retreat is a time away from the many technological distractions.

  • Alcohol or drugs (parents will be promptly called, and students will be sent home). This includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices. The leader should dispense prescription and over-the-counter medicine.

Cell Phone Policy

  • Parishes should establish a cell phone policy; otherwise, we require students to keep cell phones in their rooms turned off. Avoid using cell phones throughout the weekend except in an emergency. If a problem develops, the cell phone will be taken and kept till the last day of the retreat.

Location

Important Note: Subiaco Retreat House is located between Lake Orion and Oxford. Drahner is a rural road that, although maintained well during all seasons, can get rough after severe rain or snow. A word of caution when using GPS. The retreat house and monastery are located on Drahner Rd. east of Lapeer Rd. (M-24) and west of Lakeville Rd. (Rochester Rd.). If using GPS, enter the zip code and Addison Twp.

Subiaco Retreat House and St. Benedict Monastery

2711 Drahner Rd. Oxford, MI 48370