Brother Stephen, Archbishop Richard and Father Charles on retreat at St. Aelred's. |
Saint Aelred's Priory
and Retreat House A Priory of The Order of Saint John the Divine Br. Stephen K. Peterson, OSJD, Prior Northville, NY 12134 USA Telephone (518) 434-8861 Internet: StAelredPriory@aol.com |
 “Be still...and know that I am God.” Psalm 46 |
| The Priory of St. Aelred is a residence and retreat house in Fulton County, New York for members and guests of the Order of Saint John the Divine, an ecumenical monastic community of the National Catholic Church of America. | |||
| Founded on November 1, 1994, our priory follows in the spiritual tradition of its namesake, the 12th century abbot, Aelred of Rievaulx, patron saint of friendship. We foster an inclusive Christian spirituality and we provide all who seek a deeper relationship with God an opportunity for private or small group retreats where the pace of contemporary life can give way to spiritual renewal. From May 1 through November 1 of each year we offer both weekend retreats and days of recollection. |
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A typical weekend retreat starts with arrival at the priory on Friday between 3 and 5 P.M. and concludes on Sunday with Mass. A day of recollection begins at 9 A.M. with Morning Prayer, includes conferences, Noon Mass and concludes with Evening Prayer. Simple, wholesome meals are provided from the priory kitchen. | ||
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During
retreats, Mass is celebrated daily in the Priory
Chapel of St. Aelred by priests of our Church, and all
baptized Christians are invited to receive the Body and
Blood of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, which is both the
symbol and source of our unity.
We celebrate the diversity of God’s people and extend a special invitation to those who may feel unwelcome in other churches to share in our affirming spiritual life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and spiritual direction are available for those who desire it. |
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A
small library of spiritual reading and related topics is
available to retreatants.
Retreats may be either "directed" around a secific theme or "non-directed".
In either case, you are invited to join in the rhythm of
monastic life, including the daily round of prayer (Liturgy
of the Hours), Mass and other spiritual exercises of the
community. The 15 acres of priory land abut another 100
acres of state owned forest to which we have access. The
road in front of the priory provides an opportunity for an
easy stroll to the lakeside for quiet reflection.
There is a beautiful fieldstone fireplace to take the chill off
a cool evening and gentle lighting, provided by oil lamps,
to instill peace in the rustic Adirondack tradition.
Although there is no electric service at St. Aelred’s,
there is telephone service and full bathroom with hot shower.
A radio/CD/tape stereo player is also available.
Those
desiring to spend a day or a weekend or longer
at St. Aelred’s must register in advance. The suggested donation is $25.00
for a day of recollection or $70.00 per weekend retreat.
However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Please provide your name, mailing address, email address,
telephone number and the date or dates you would like
to spend with us. If you have special dietary needs, or if
you expect to arrive before 3 P.M. on Friday, we will need
to know that as well.
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Illustration by Connecticut artist Gladys Peterson.
The only known medieval representation of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, from a manuscript of his Mirror of Charity.
since 19Mar98.
© Copyright 1994-2023 The Most Reverend Richard G. Roy, OSJD All Rights Reserved.
