Monk-Led Retreats

Upcoming Monk-Led Retreats

Foundations of Lectio Divina

Ancient Prayer for a Modern World: Experience Lectio Divina in a Fast-Paced Life

Many long for a deeper relationship with God but struggle to find the time, space, or guidance to grow in prayer. If you have ever yearned for a richer spiritual life but felt unsure of how to begin, this retreat is for you.

For the first time, a dedicated Lectio Divina Retreat is being offered at Prince of Peace Abbey, giving laypeople the opportunity to discover and embrace this ancient method of prayer. While monks have shared reflections with retreat groups upon request in the past, this retreat is being offered by a Prince of Peace Abbey monk’s initiative—an open invitation to all who desire a deeper communion with God. This marks the first time in over 10 years that the monastery has offered a retreat open to the public.

What to Expect:

  • A peaceful weekend immersed in the practice of Lectio Divina, a method of prayerful Scripture reading that has nourished the spiritual lives of countless saints.
  • Practical guidance for integrating prayer into a busy daily life.
  • Time for silence, reflection, and shared learning in a monastic setting.
  • A transformative experience that can strengthen your faith as a spouse, worker, student, or disciple of Christ.

Retreat Details:

  • Dates: see the schedule above.
  • Who is invited? Adults (21+) with at least a basic foundation in the faith (such as First Communion and Confirmation) and a desire to grow spiritually.  Regular Sunday Mass attendance is encouraged.
  • Why attend? This retreat is designed for individuals who want to pray but are unsure where to start, those who struggle with time constraints, and those seeking a deeper relationship with God amidst daily life.

Join us for this unique opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and into a sacred space of prayer, learning, and renewal. Discover how Lectio Divina can enrich your spiritual journey and bring you closer to God in a simple yet profound way.

For more information or to register, please refer to the section below titled  ‘Registration Instructions for Monk-Led Retreats Only’.

Basket Weaving: Beginning & Beyond

Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work) put into practice: Art as contemplation

Benedictines have a long tradition of having artisans in the monastery. This is because of how a craftsperson lives out the Benedictine motto of ‘ora et labora,’ prayer and work. Rather than thinking of prayer and work as being separate tasks that occur throughout the day, art’s contemplative nature provides an opportunity to engage with both simultaneously. Basket weaving is a way in which retreatants can encounter this monastic tradition while also being able to bring it into their contemporary lives.

Retreatants will learn the fundamentals of weaving a twined-style basket. Initial projects will be smaller in scale so that they can be used as references for later projects. After the first project is completed, retreatants will plan and create a personalized project based on the shape, color, and patterning of their choosing.

What to Expect:

  • Learn the basics for weaving a basket using jute twine, and yarn.
  • Complete at least two baskets.
  • Examine art principles such as: color theory, pattern generation, and proportions.
  • Time for silence, reflection, and shared learning in a monastic setting

Retreat Details:

  • Dates: see the schedule above.
  • Who is invited? Adults (21+) with any artistic skill level. No prior weaving experience is required. Basket weaving can be demanding on the hands; if there are any existing hand injuries or health issues, please consider whether this retreat is right for you.
  • Why attend? This retreat is designed for individuals who are interested in the craft of basket weaving and/or are looking for a way to integrate a craft into their prayer life.

For more information or to register, please refer to the section below titled  ‘Registration Instructions for Monk-Led Retreats Only’.

Note: If you are planning to book a private retreat or attend a different group retreat not led by a monk:
Follow this Link

If you’re interested in attending one of the monk-led retreats listed in the schedule above, please read the instructions below carefully.

How to Register & Submit Deposit

Step 1: Contact the Guestmaster

  • Phone: 760-967-4200 (Extension 248)
  • Email: abbeyretreat@aol.com
  • Provide the required registration information (see Section 2 below).
  • The Guestmaster will inform you if there are spaces available. If space is available, he will temporarily hold a room for you. However, your reservation will not be confirmed until the Guestmaster has received your deposit and sent you a confirmation.

Step 2: Submit Deposit (Choose One Payment Method)

Pay by Check:

  • Payable to: Prince of Peace Abbey
  • Memo: Include the name of the retreat and the dates.  See the schedule above.
  • Amount: A non-refundable deposit ($100 for a single room / $200 for a double room) is required to secure your spot.  One person is in a single room, and two are in a double room.
  • Mail to:
    Prince of Peace Abbey
    Attn: Guestmaster
    PO Box 3470
    Oceanside, CA 92051
  • Include a separate note with the required registration information (see Section 2 below).
  • Confirmation: Once received, you will get an email confirming your payment.  If the retreat is already full, your check will be returned.
  • Remaining Balance: The remaining balance of the retreat fee is due at check-in and must be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, cash, or check.
  • Limited Space: Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Your registration is only confirmed after the Guestmaster receives your deposit and provides confirmation to you.

Pay by Credit Card:

  • Go to Payment Page: Click Here
  • Enter Amount: A non-refundable deposit of $100 (single room) or $200 (double room) is required to secure your spot.
  • Choose Fund: Select the retreat you want to attend from the dropdown list.
  • Select “One-Time”
  • Enter Contact Details (full name, email address, and cellphone number).
  • Memo Section: Include the retreat name and dates (see the schedule above)
  • Email Confirmation: After submitting payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt via email.
  • Forward Confirmation Receipt: Please send it to the Guestmaster at abbeyretreat@aol.com, along with the required registration information (see Section 2 below).
  • Important: Payment alone does not guarantee a spot.  Your registration is confirmed only after the Guestmaster replies with confirmation. If the retreat is full, your payment will be refunded.
  • Remaining Balance: The remaining balance of the retreat fee is due at check-in and must be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, cash, or check.
  • Limited Space: Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Your registration will only be confirmed after the Guestmaster receives your email with proof of deposit and responds with a confirmation.

1. Retreat Room Deposit Fees

  • Single Room (one person): $100 non-refundable deposit
  • Double Room (two persons): $200 non-refundable deposit

2. Required Registration Information

When registering, provide the following:

  • Retreat Name and Dates: See the schedule above.
  • Full Name
  • City
  • Cell Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Number of attendees & room preference (single or double)

3. Deadlines & Contact Information

  • Registration Deadline: one week before the retreat starts
  • Retreat Guest Guidelines: see section on Guest Guidelines: Follow this Link
  • Contact Retreat Master: princeofpeace_retreatmaster@outlook.com
  • Retreat Master Communication: The Retreat Master will contact participants before the retreat with preparation materials and additional details.

4. Important Information for Monk-Led Retreats only

  • Retreat fees paid in full include:
    • Two nights’ lodging
    • Meals (Friday dinner; Saturday – three meals; Sunday – breakfast & lunch)
  • Ages: Adults 21+ recommended.
  • Meals: Served cafeteria-style. Due to limited resources, special dietary accommodations are not available.
  • Parking: Free parking is available near the Visitor Center.
  • NOTE: Additional important information specific to your monk-led retreat is provided below.
  • Faith Background: Basic catechetical formation (First Communion, Confirmation) is recommended; regular Sunday Mass attendance is encouraged.
  • Summary of Main Elements of the Retreat Schedule (Subject to change)
    • From Friday at 5:00 PM to Sunday at 3:00 PM, the retreat will include:
      • 7:30 AM: Breakfast
      • 8:30 AM: Conferences
      • 10:30 AM: Mass (Saturday & Sunday)
      • 12:00 PM: Lunch
      • 1:30 PM: Conferences
      • 6:00 PM: Dinner
      • 7:00 PM: Conferences
      • Personal time will be available between conferences.
  • Sacraments: Mass at 10:30 AM on Saturday & Sunday. The Sacrament of Reconciliation may be available on Saturday, to be confirmed at the start of the retreat.
  • What to Bring:
    • Comfortable clothing
    • Mass readings (suggested options):
      • Daily Roman Missal (for those who prefer a permanent missal)
      • 2025 Catholic Sunday Missal (annual missal covering Sunday readings only)
      • Monthly missals like Magnificat or Give Us This Day
      • Free digital options: Apps like iBreviary or websites like USCCB.org
    • Journal/notebook
    • Toiletries & personal items
  • Faith Background: This workshop is open to Catholics and non-Catholics; regular Sunday Mass attendance is encouraged.
  • Summary of Main Elements of the Retreat Schedule (Subject to change)
    • From Friday at 5:00 PM to Sunday at 3:00 PM, the retreat will include:

    • Friday Night

    • 5:00 PM: Introductions
    • 6:00 PM: Dinner
    • 7:30 PM-8:30 PM: Conference (How to start a basket)
    • 8:30 PM-10:00 PM: work period (optional)

    • Saturday

    • 7:30 AM: Breakfast
    • 8:30 AM-10:15 AM: Conference (Building the walls, and sewing the rim of a basket)
    • 10:30 AM: Mass or Free Time
    • 12:00 PM: Lunch
    • 1:30 PM-2:30 PM: Conference (Finish first project)
    • 2:30 PM-3:30 PM: Break
    • 3:30 PM-5:30 PM: Conference (Art principles discussion, Begin individual projects)
    • 6:00 PM: Dinner
    • 7 PM-8:30 PM: conference (How to weave patterns)
    • 8:30 PM-10:00 PM: work period (optional)

    • Sunday

    • 7:30 AM: Breakfast
    • 8:30 AM-10:15 AM: Conference (Work on individual projects)
    • 10:30 AM: Mass or Free Time
    • 12:00 PM: Lunch
    • 1:30 PM-2:15 PM: Conference (Finish projects)
    • 2:15 PM-3:00 PM: clean/pack
  • Sacraments: Mass at 10:30 AM on Saturday & Sunday. The Sacrament of Reconciliation may be available on Saturday, to be confirmed at the start of the retreat.
  • Materials that will be provided:
    • 1 lb of Ruby Italian Twine
    • 3 oz of variegated cotton yarn, gauge 4, medium worsted
    • Shears
    • Set of tapestry needles, size 16, blunt point
    • 18-inch Ruler
    • Tote Bag
  • What to Bring:
    • Any yarn, gauge 4, medium worsted. (cotton yarn preferred)
    • Comfortable clothing
    • Mass readings (suggested options):
      • Daily Roman Missal (for those who prefer a permanent missal)
      • 2025 Catholic Sunday Missal (annual missal covering Sunday readings only)
      • Monthly missals like Magnificat or Give Us This Day
      • Free digital options: Apps like iBreviary or websites like USCCB.org
    • Journal/notebook
    • Toiletries & personal items

Br. Jean Fish, OSB, who is originally from San Diego, California, made his solemn vows at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in January 2019. During his time as a monk, he has helped with various forms of Benedictine hospitality, including being guest master in the Archabbey church. Along with being an artist, he is currently involved with working with the men who wish to become members of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

In 2013, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology at Sonoma State University. In 2019, he completed a Master of Art in Theology at Saint Meinrad School of Theology. In 2024, Br. Jean completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in sculpture at the University of Birmingham. 

The primary art medium that he uses is sculptural basket weaving. The process involves making each individual stitch by hand. The rigidity of a finished basket comes from the tension of the yarn as it weaves around jute cords. While pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts, his work discussed grief and the role that contemplation can have during the search for peace.

Br. Jean currently has work on display and available for purchase at several locations. He has artwork at Arrowmont School of Art and Crafts’ Marketplace and Showcase galleries, located in Knoxville, TN, and Gatlinburg, TN. Some of his work is also available through the Saint Meinrad Books and Gifts store. Recent artwork can be viewed on his Instagram page: @brjeanfish.

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