Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice do I have to give to arrange a private retreat?

It is helpful for you to arrange your private retreat in advance. Same day reservations are usually not possible. Private retreats take place Monday-Thursday (subject to availability). When you have dates in mind for your private retreat, please call or email Karen to check the availability. retreat@mtangel.edu  -  503-845-3025

Is spiritual direction available?

Spiritual direction may be available*.Please let Karen know when you arrange your private retreat and she will give you instructions and contact information. There is no charge for spiritual direction.

*Spiritual direction may not be available at very busy times.

Does the Retreat House have dorm-like rooms?

The Retreat House has private rooms with one double (full) bed and also a limited number of rooms with two twin beds. No bunk beds! 

Each guest room can accommodate a maximum of two adults.

Will I have to share a bathroom?

The Retreat House guest rooms each have a private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet.

If I'm assigned a room with two twin beds, does this mean I'll be expected to share the room?

Families and friends are welcome to share rooms with two twin beds. However, we will never ask you to share a room with someone you don't know. You may be assigned a room with twin beds when the Retreat House is busy, but will not be asked to share.

Do I need to bring my own bedding and towels?

The Retreat House provides bedding, towels and small soaps.

Are minors allowed to be overnight guests?

Minors are welcome to stay at the retreat house, provided there is an adequate number of parents or guardians who will accompany the minor(s) during the overnight stay, and that adequate rooms are available. Minors must be supervised at all times.

The Abbey and Seminary welcomes all visitors, including children. Children on the hilltop under the age of 18 are the sole responsibility of their parent or guardian and must be supervised at all times.

Is the Retreat House air-conditioned?

The Retreat House dining room and the conference level are air-conditioned. The guest rooms have small personal fans and opening windows.

What times are the meals?

All meals follow a Prayer Service, which you are encouraged to attend. If you have arranged to take meals, you will be met by one of the Monks at the main doors to the Abbey Church following the prayer service. The times below are approximate and are determined by service times:

Breakfast Meet at 6.50 a.m.
(and 7.20 a.m. Sunday)

Lunch Meet at 12:15 p.m.
Dinner Meet at 5.50 p.m.

Are all the meals in the Retreat House?

When we have a large group of guests staying in the Retreat House, meals will be served in the Retreat House dining room on the first floor.

For smaller numbers, meals will be taken in a private dining room adjacent to the Seminary dining room in Aquinas Hall (north side of the Abbey Church ). We encourage guests to have all three meals as part of their retreat experience.

I want to skip meals for part of my retreat. Do I still have to pay for meals not taken?

To enhance the Benedictine retreat experience, guests are asked to take all meals or to bring their own food. The cost per day for lodging and meals includes all meals and there is no pro-rate or credit for meals not taken.

What if I have food allergies or I'm on a diet. Can I bring my own food?

Guests are welcome to use the private guest kitchenette on the conference level of the Retreat House. There is a full-size refrigerator, microwave, crock pots and utensils available for guests' use. We ask that guests put their names and the dates of their retreat on their food items. Please notify us at the time you book your retreat that you do not require meals.

Do I get a lower rate if I don't have meals?

Yes. The lodging only costs are listed on this page.

Can we attend the prayer services with the monks?

Yes! Our guests are encouraged to attend the Liturgy of the Hours with the Monks of Mount Angel Abbey. The times are listed here.

How do I get to Mount Angel Abbey?

There is a directions link at the top of every Mount Angel Abbey website page, or click here.

Where do I park?

The parking is on the south side of the hilltop. Click here for a view of where to park.

Is there transportation from the Amtrak train station in Salem?

Arriving by Train

For guests of Mount Angel Abbey, Salem-Keizer Yellow Cab (503-362-2411) have offered a flat rate of $40 for transportation from Salem to the Abbey.

Arriving by Air

There are some flights into Salem's McNary Field, namely Delta Connection. Most will arrive at Portland International Airport (PDX). It is about an hour's drive from the Portland airport to Mount Angel. All major rental car companies are represented there. Many guests choose to take the HUT shuttle. It departs frequently, and one can disembark in Woodburn. The HUT shuttle does require reservations.

For guests of Mount Angel Abbey, the Silverton-Mt. Angel Taxi company (503-845-2222) offers a special rate of $25 (for up to three people) for transportation from Woodburn to the Abbey. They also provide transportation to and from Portland International Airport.

 

Do you accept credit cards?

You may make payment using Visa, Mastercard and Discover. When paying the deposit with credit card, the charge is made while you are on the phone. Credit card information is not kept on file and will need to be re-submitted when paying the balance. You may also pay by check, money order and travelers check.

Where is lost and found?

For lost and found items, please check with the Retreat House office at 503-845-3025. All items will be held for one week, after which time items will be donated to a local charitable organization. Mount Angel Abbey is not responsible for lost or stolen items.