Retreat House, Welcome Center reopen

Gethesemani’s Retreat House, Welcome Center and Gift Shop have reopened to the public. The Welcome Center and Gift Shop resumed normal business hours on Aug. 30 and the Retreat House began receiving guests on Sept. 3.

The abbey closed to visitors in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a year and a half, the abbey is more or less back to “normal.”

Still, certain precautions are in effect. Masks are required in the Gift Shop. Retreatants are also required to wear masks in all common areas of the Retreat House. To provide greater physical distance, the Retreat House will operate at a limited capacity until further notice.

The Rule of St. Benedict says all are to be welcomed as Christ. We are grateful to once again be able to fully welcome our guests.