Bethany Retreat House

These words of Jesus are an invitation to spend time with Him, both in quiet personal prayer and in company with others. Knowing exactly what they need, the Lord calls his friends apart to a lovely and peaceful atmosphere of retreat.

In a culture that is fast paced and filled with pressures of many kinds, it is not only important but necessary to be mindful of God’s presence; to take time to listen to Him, talk with Him; to come to know Him and to know ourselves. If we are to grow in our relationship with the Lord, a relationship which He Himself initiates and deeply desires, it is essential that we accept his invitation to “come away.”

In the spirit of St. Dominic, and seeking to promote the Church’s mission of the New Evangelization, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation wish to make available just such a “place apart”, through a retreat facility designed to fill the spiritual needs of those desiring to “come away for awhile” – whether laity, clergy or religious.

The sisters seek to provide an atmosphere conducive to a deepening relationship with God, so that retreatants might be more open to his grace in personal prayer, reception of the sacraments, spiritual conferences and quiet time for rest. Thus refreshed in body and soul, the faithful are better able to become a leaven within their families, in their workplaces, and in the communities where they live.

Construction of Bethany Retreat House was made possible by a gift of Gayle and Tom Benson of New Orleans, LA. The addition of Our Mother of Perpetual of Help Chapel and wing was realized through the major gift of an anonymous donor and contributions of many other generous benefactors. It is located about 40 miles west of Nashville on 112 acres of land in Dickson, Tennessee. The retreat house, completed in three phases, has 36 individual guest rooms, a large beautiful gathering space for reflection, and a new chapel that seats about 120.

Bethany Retreat House, owned and operated by St. Cecilia Congregation, plays an integral role in the community’s apostolate of Christian education and its efforts in the New Evangelization. Bethany provides an atmosphere in which retreatants are able to reflect on their faith, on the presence of God in their personal lives, and on growth in their relationship with the Lord as they seek to live their vocations in the Church. Retreats are scheduled for parents, faculty, and staff of schools where the sisters serve, as well as for other groups sponsored by parishes or Catholic organizations known to the sisters. Additionally, the sisters themselves come to Bethany for ongoing formation retreats and days of renewal.

We are told in the Gospel that the Lord Jesus Himself went apart to Bethany for times of spiritual refreshment and rest. At Bethany Retreat House his friends may do the same, meeting Him there in silence, prayer, reflection, and especially in his sacramental presence.

"Come away by yourselves,” He invites us,“ … and rest a while" (Mark 6:31).

RETREATS FOR WOMEN / MEN August 2024-May 2025
BETHANY RETREAT HOUSE
2002 GARNERS CREEK ROAD
DICKSON, TN. 37055

Below is a list of the Women’s/Men’s Retreats through May 2025. Guests are welcome.

Registration is offered through e-mail sent from Bethany Retreat House.  If you are not already on the e-mail list and wish to be added to it, please send an e-mail request to bethanyretreat@op-tn.org.

The cost for a WEEKEND RETREAT (Friday evening—4:30 p.m.—through Sunday morning—11:30 a.m.): $220/person. (For online registrations an additional $5.00 is charged for electronic transfer and administration fees.)

If an organization is sponsoring a DAY RETREAT at Bethany the cost may vary from $25-$50.  Contact the organization sponsoring the day retreat for specifics.

RETREATS FOR WOMEN/MEN

• September 20-22, 2024 Women’s Silent Retreat: “The Key to the Whole Spiritual Life: Surrender”.   This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P. will offer conferences and Father Pascal Paulter, OSB, will be the chaplain for this retreat.  Space is available for 36 retreatants.   Registration will begin August 1, 2024.

• October 25-27, 2024  Women’s Silent Retreat: "Encountering Christ". This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Mary Madeline Todd, O.P. will offer conferences and Father Linus, OSB, will be chaplain for this retreat. Space is available for 36 retreatants.   Registration will begin August 1, 2024.

• November 15-17, 2024 Women’s Silent Retreat: “Practicing the Presence of God”.  This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. will offer conferences and a Benedictine priest will be chaplain for this retreat.  Space is available for 36 retreatants.   Registration will begin August 1, 2024.

• February 14-16, 2025 Men’s Silent Retreat:  Father Wade Menezes CPM will return for this men’s retreat of 2025.  This retreat, only for men, is an opportunity for single or married men to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and confessions.  Space is available for 36 retreatants.  Registrations will begin December 3, 2024. 

• February 28 - March 2, 2025  Women’s Silent Retreat: “Practicing the Presence of God”.  This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. will offer conferences and a Benedictine priest will be chaplain for this retreat.  Space is available for 36 retreatants.  Registration will begin January 7, 2025

• March 21-23-2025  Women’s Silent Retreat: "Encountering Christ"  This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions.  Sister Mary Madeline Todd, O.P. will lead this retreat.  Space is available for 36 retreatants. Registration will begin January 7, 2025.

• April 4-6, 2025 Women’s Silent Retreat: “The Key to the Whole Spiritual Life: Surrender”.   This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P. will offer conferences and a Benedictine priest will be the chaplain for this retreat.  Space is available for 36 retreatants.   Registration will begin January 7, 2025.

• April 11-13, 2025 Men’s Silent Retreat.  This retreat, only for men, is an opportunity for single or married men to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and confessions.  Space is available for 36 retreatants.  Retreat Master: Father Luke Wilgenbusch.  Registration will begin December 3, 2024.

• May 1-4, 2025  Catholic Medical Association Men’s Retreat:  Theme TBD.  Space is limited.  Contact  -  Dr. Steve White, rswmd52@gmail.com.  Registration will begin in February, 2025.

           For more information about Bethany Retreat House or the retreats available for your consideration, contact Sister Christine at bethanyretreat@op-tn.org.